The Past

 

THE PAST

Over the span of our lifetime we experience major ups and downs. Some experiences stick with us like they happened yesterday. Twenty years can go by yet we still remember the sounds, the smells, and what we were feeling as if we were right back in the moment. These experiences were not there to make us get "stuck". They are there to help us to continue to stretch and grow as human beings. 

There are takeaways from everything we go through in life but we are not meant to carry around the burden of them, just the lesson. When we can use these ups and downs as lights along our path, we understand where we are headed. We end up with a sense of peace because we are not dragging the emotions with us, just the calm and the steadfastness we have come to learn that are at our core and are unshakable.

Let Go

Let Go
It's is time to let go - 
Let go of any anger you are holding on to from the past
Let go of any goals that do not elevate your soul
Let go of any expectations that aren't obtainable
Let go of people who don't leave you feeling better
Let go of projects that you are not going to complete
Let go of memories that are harmful to your growth
Let go of trying to control your life or other people
Let go of the criticisms in your head about yourself 
Let go of the hope that the past can be different
Let go of that which weighs you down

This is a time to free yourself in every area. Get rid of anything that is taking up space that should no longer be there be it things, situations, or even people.  It's time to unblock yourself and finally be free.

Crisis

Crisis
If you look up the latin root of crisis, it means "to separate, sift".  Sit on that for a second ... to separate, sift. Words are powerful and understanding where they came from can give us even more insight into a situation we are going through. To separate, sift.  Right now separation is what is keeping people safe. It's not what we are used to but in this time of social distancing, we have had to give up a lot. Our crazy busy daily lives of running from place to place and thing to thing suddenly stopped. Our overbooking ourselves to please other people came to an abrupt end. Our spending on things we don't need but thought would make us happy has halted. What's left? Well, what we are left with is something even greater - the truth. We have been stripped down to our core of our beliefs about the world, about ourselves and about each other. False evidence that appeared real (FEAR) has separated from the truth. We have been forced to go back to basics. We are reconnecting to what matters to us and letting everything else separate from our lives. We are sifting out the meaningful from the fake. We are letting go of any false beliefs we held about ourselves. It's time we separate anything in our lives that is not giving us life! We will never be the same but that doesn't mean we can't come out stronger, better, more grounded, and above all more real than before. Sift on that!

Integrity

Integrity
Your integrity is the one of the only things you have control over. Your integrity is at the core of your character. It's what guides you and and it's how you make decisions. In good time and in trying times, your integrity walks in front of you always. It's noticed by everyone, even when may not realize it. In a world where we are losing so much, we have much to be grateful for and our character is at the forefront of that. 

Maya Angelou once said, when people show you who they are believe them ~ the first time! May your presence ease people, may it bring comfort and calmness to those that need, and may you never waiver in choosing what's right over choosing what's convenient.

Self-care

Self-care
Your thoughts are powerful. They are so powerful that they can wreak havoc on your body if you are not careful. It's difficult to remain in a state of calm when it feels like the world is upside. You probably feel like you are upside too but if you allow your mind to be constantly in a state of fear and anxiety guess what - well then so is your body. That means your body can't get out of that fight or flight feeling and do you know what happens when you stay in that state? It can compromise your immune system. It can cause issues to your digestive system. It can cause hormone imbalance. Our mental state effects or our physical state when we allow it to overcome us. This is the time to find a way to calm your mind and your soul. Look for the good in every day things. Be grateful for what you do have and what you don't have! Enjoy the company you have in your home or through video chatting. The more you can create a normal state of being for yourself, the more you give your body a break. Self-care is crucial right now and sometimes that means turning off your brain and tuning into your heart.

Hang On

Hang On
Sometimes life is just overwhelming and you are doing all you can to just hang on. Guess what? That's ok. You will have days where you feel inspired, motivated, and ready to tackle the day. You will also have days where your stress gets a little high, your voice may tremble a bit, and it's just hard. There is no instruction book for life and certainly not during extraordinary circumstances like right now. The only tings you can be is a bit more gentle with yourself and feed your soul on both the good and the tough days ahead. Keep hanging on and before you know it you will find your balance again.

Perspective

Perspective
Life has a way of showing us perspective. What we think is okay or has become acceptable is really not until something usually big happens to change our focus. Today, well the blinders have fallen off and we are seeing things clearer than ever before. They fell off a week or two ago. What once seemed important no longer is. What we took for granted we now cherish. What we accepted has now become intolerable. Simple things have become profound. Drama has become a waste of time. Love and kindness are breaking us open to the core. Creativity is coursing through our veins. We have awaken to our life. Colors are crisper, smells are stronger, love is deeper, and compassion is palpable. Look all around you. Despite the fear and stress, there are smiles, there are neighbors taking the time to wave and say hi, there are strangers making sure others are taken care of, and there is an understanding that we can all do something to help not only each other but our world. We are in this together and that perspective is priceless. 

Impossible

Impossible
We are living during a time full of challenges. It's easy to throw your hands up and shout "I'm done!" but that's not what life asks of you. Life puts challenges in your way to test you, to see how much you've learned and right about now you are being challenged from every angle. How do you answer life back? Well it's simple, with creativity and love. It's time to find a new way of doing things. It's time to learn new technology that will assist you. Now is the time to take the impossible and turn it into endless possibilities. 

Change Course

Change Course
This is the time to get honest with yourself. Now that you have time to stop and think, you can also reflect on how you've been spending your time and what you have been focused on. Ask yourself this big question, "have I been truly happy in every facet of my life?" If the answer is no, then this is the time to create that change. If anything, what's happening all around us should make us realize what's important, what's not, what needs to change, what can we be doing better, and what should we not be tolerating in our space from now on. Everything that's been holding you back is now gone. So what are you going to do with this opportunity? Are you going to keep doing the same thing just because or are you finally going to live the life you were meant to? Here's your permission to reach for the stars!

Simplicity

Simplicity
During difficult times we are lead back to the basics, the things we know for sure, that bring us some sense of normalcy. It's also the things we took for granted in the hustle and bustle of our every day lives. Maybe it's dusting off that board game, or getting on the floor to play with your pets, or reading that book that you got yourself months ago, or organizing your garage, or even setting up a giant pillow fort in front of the TV to watch a movie. These are simple things yet so profound because they do not require a device in your hands nor your attention to be other than where it should - your home and your space. This is the time where we find out just how distracted we allowed ourselves to be over things that didn't matter and we couldn't control. Now is the time to engage in your life in a very basic yet life changing way. It's time to be completely present. Open the window and let the sun hit your face. Go for walk and breath in the crisp air. Watch your children play. Laugh ... like really belly laugh when something funny happens and it will because you are now paying attention. Distancing yourself from others only means engaging back with yourself and the loved ones right in front of you. So engage, and laugh, and enjoy, and LIVE!

Control

Control
There are things that are happening around you that are way out of your control right now. As much as you want to be able to fix it, avoid it, stay safe from it, you can't control it and that is making you fearful and full of anxiety. Stop. Take a look around you. You haven't lost control of everything. You are in control of yourself - you always have been and you always will be. Truthfully, that is the only thing you ever had control over to begin with! Stop focusing on everything that can happen and get locked in fear and start making decisions that will put yourself in a better state of calm and peace. Take a deep breath and ground yourself. Don't lose sight of who you are, the platform you may have to help yourself and others during this time, and the power that will happen when you let go of trying to control everything you can't. Enjoy that cup of coffee that's in your hand. Smile when your kids and pets do something that makes laugh. Appreciate what you do have that's right at your fingertips and know that you are full of strength, resilience, and resolve. Be cognizant of what you allow in your space during this time. If it's not bringing you calm and peace, stop doing it ... like reading comments on social media or watching the news 24/7. Take a break and just be present. That's when you start to focus on what's real and you allow yourself to be centered again.

Actions

Actions

Many of us like to use our words. We talk and talk and talk (or are even keyboard warriors) but what do we really do that creates positive change? It’s simple; stop talking so much and act. 

You want the world to be more kind? Go out and be kind to others. 

You want leaders who reflect certain values? Go out and run for office or get to know your government officials and participate in government.  

You want that promotion but need that degree? Enroll in classes. 

You want to be healthier? Get off that couch and start moving and eating better. 

It’s easy to say we want our lives or the world to be different. The magic can only happen when you yourself decide to fully participate in being the change.

Instant

Instant
Life can change in an instant...

• In an instant you are hired for that job
• In an instant your car breaks down
• In an instant your eyes fall upon your future spouse
• In an instant you have a retirement date
• In an instant you become a parent
• In an instant a loved one is taken from you
• In an instant your offer is accepted for that new home
• In an instant the doctor gives you a diagnosis

Life is unpredictable. That's the only thing you can truly ever count on. Somewhere between those instances the hope is that you allow yourself to experience love, gratitude, forgiveness, peace, laughter, and joy because that is what this life is really about. 

Ready

READY

2019 was a hard year in many ways for everyone. It was a year of challenges, heartache, new beginnings, rapid changes, and just a bumpy ride all around. This is not just a new year though, it’s a new decade. The shift is energy in real. This is your chance to reflect on the past year and figure out how to do it differently this time around. It's time to get honest with yourself...

What did you not do that you wished you had?

What did you run from that you need to face?

What have you blocked out that you need to allow in?

What have you allowed in your space that should not be there?

What opportunities did you miss that you will say yes when it comes around again (‘cause it will)?

What experiences did you miss because you were afraid that you will now take?

2020 is the year to make it happen. It’s the year to stop playing victim and start taking ownership of your life, your choices, your friendships, your environment, and well just everything. No more excuses. No more waiting. Time is up on just “being”. It's time to live a life full of meaning and purpose. So ready, set, let's go!