change your mind

Don't be afraid to change your mind. It happens a lot. This is life. We only pretend to have answers. But there are always questions and opportunities to learn. Those things teach us and widen our experience of life itself.

Those who cling to their faulty beliefs far after they've been given clues to move on are the foolish ones. Consistent, perhaps. But, they never grow in wisdom. They spend life defending instead of exploring. You don't want that.

it's a choice

Woman that hustles endlessly,

You need to know -- that way in which you live is a choice. The hustling to please. The stack of work that never ends. The failure to fully breathe. The scarfing down a sandwich forcefully. Your haste in life. It's a choice.

Some days it will seem far from one. Many times it will look as though there is no other route. But, you need to know, you do have a choice.

Entertain that possibility just for a moment. It may change your life.

The thing about the choice is -- it requires courage. Courage first to recognize it there. Courage second to act counter to what is status quo.

Others will look at you as if you're crazy. They aren't too far off. You sort of are. You're stepping into a reality they can't even imagine. In fact, it won't exist unless you choose to go there.

Go ahead, keep moving in that direction... even when they think you're crazy. There is where real change happens. For you. And for them.

Muster courage, fellow traveler, and lean into this thing called choice.

wisdom

Wisdom,
like an avalanche,
I find you here now.
I do not stop to question
where you've been -
I know that anyhow.

Wisdom,
in the stillness,
you pry doors so tightly shut -
ending the reign of stagnation
by whose hands
hope itself was cut.

Wisdom,
with such grace
you come cascading down -
stirring strength, bringing peace,
awakening life,
letting truth sound.

show

The day will rise and fall.

At it's close, you'll find yourself asking - what do I have to show for this day?

But, my dear, it isn't about what you have to show.

experiment

Life is an experiment. When you embrace that notion it becomes a lot more feasible to enjoy it.

As with a scientist, there may be some things you control. But then there have to be those aspects of which you can't fully predict what's to come. That's what makes it an experiment, after all.

It's easy to become obsessed with the controlling part, but don't dwell there. Bask in the experimenting. Instead of clinging to what is known or expected, dare to venture beyond. The venturing out oddly brings life to the controlled, routine aspects too.

It makes life, as a whole, way richer, more intriguing and just plain fun. Instead of simply going through the motions again and again, you move in a more spirited way. It lifts up, not just own your soul, but so too that of those around you.

Keep experimenting. Sometimes that requires resisting the need to know it all or be in control. At the end of the day, the freedom and fun found in experimenting is an invaluable reward.

[photo: aspen]

full

You will feel full...

when you...
accept the present
acknowledge that you are precisely where you need to be
commit to being in the here and now
choose to enjoy this moment
release the quest to do more, be more, have more

Easier said than done. Yes. Pursue that route anyhow.

all you see

You may fail to see them... all those things you are doing.

You may instead see the ways you don't measure up, the things you lack and all that's beyond your grasp.

It's essential that you don't stall there, though. It's imperative that you give attention to all the things you are doing.

Choose to be kind to yourself. Choose to celebrate. Choose to see the beauty in it all. You're meant to live life dancing in grace and joy.

the race

When you’re racing through life, you don’t always realize it.

I mean, you may feel the signs – a sense of overwhelm, inability to focus, insomnia… But, you may not realize fully what’s going on… or, you may fail to see that there’s another option. If you do see an alternate route, you’ll believe it lacks validity. You may dismiss it as lazy, crazy or something similar.

But, eventually, it all catches up. Eventually, it becomes loud and clear – your body has had it and doesn’t function like it should. Your emotions get out of control. Your mind can’t focus. You can hardly function under the weight of it all.

Why wait for that? Why fail to listen until it gets extreme?

This life… it isn’t a race, dear. Listen to the voice that reminds you of that. Listen, slow down and be present. That means you can’t be everything to everyone. That means you won’t be the most “successful” by many standards. But, that also means, you’ll have truly lived.

And that, my dear, is truly invaluable.

newport

refresh

Sometimes, we simply forget.
Forget that forever is an illusion.
Forget that everything need not last forever.
Forget that the release is essential.
Forget that it's healthy to let go.

But, it's time to remember the power of the refresh.

awe

still

It's not in the hurrying, not in the hyper-efficiency that we find our greatest value. In fact, it often shows up in ways so contrary to this mode -- instead, in patience, stillness, peace. It takes tremendous strength to choose to be still when the world is racing around you. Those choices bring health and stamina. Those choices bring wisdom and power. There's room to discern, instead of just react. There's space to question whether our steps are in alignment with our vision - whether we're acting with integrity - before we get too far ahead.

So, when you see the world racing, celebrate the opportunity to choose otherwise. Celebrate the choice to separate your self worth from your productivity. In stillness, you'll find power. In stillness, you'll see - the actions themselves no longer have to be worshiped or attributed undue importance. You can act intentionally without wrapping your self worth within those acts.

mood board

san diego

rest

Laundry, meal prep, cleaning and power yoga are not rest or play.

Nice try.

Same with running errands. That sure as hell doesn't qualify either.

Ease up, dear.

aspen

 

ruthlessly eliminate

Ruthlessly eliminate
anything that gets in the way.

In slowing down, you will see
there is so much more beauty.

Being present in the moment now,
does transform your spirit somehow.

And, all your striving
And, all your movements dear
Take all your burdens
And lay them down here.

The world around you will keep speeding.
They'll all keep racing ahead.
But, that race isn't worth running.
They'll see that in the end.

natural beauty

choice of the day

True, your circumstances may not align with your ideal vision... but that doesn't mean you must choose to have a bad day.

joy of now

Yes, there's a voice telling you that you simply cannot be happy in this moment. You cannot experience joy and gratitude. This moment isn't perfect enough. It's certainly not as perfect as that ideal future you've dreamed up.

I don't care what that voice is saying -- turn away. No matter how relentless it may be, refuse to believe. You're strong enough to resist those lies.

Come back to this moment. There's beauty here. There's joy. There's gratitude.

Even though you do not know what the future may bring, choose joy. For joy and gratitude are expansive in nature. They won't limit that future in your mind. They'll merely set you free.

deserving it / pt. 2

I know you don't feel like you deserve this moment. You haven't worked hard enough. You haven't spun your wheels fast enough.

But, the fact that this moment is here anyhow -- shouldn't that tell you something?

This moment is here proclaiming so clearly that deserving has nothing to do with it.

Beauty, rest, peace... these aren't things you earn.

deserving it

“You deserve it.”

I wish those words weren’t entrenched so deeply in our culture. 

Think about it -- you go shopping with a friend, weighing whether to buy that outfit, uncertain whether you ought to spend the money. “You deserve it,” comes the reply. You finish a meal and question whether dessert is in order. “You deserve it,” you tell yourself.

You effortlessly let that statement slip from your lips or move through your mind without considering the implications.

Later, when you desperately need a break mentally, emotionally and physically you won’t give yourself one. Why? You didn’t work hard enough yet. You don’t deserve it.

So much of life unfolds completely out of proportion with what we deserve. It’s time to accept that realization. Instead of using “deserving it” as some sort of qualifier for our actions, let’s recognize the truth. We don’t deserve any of this. So, our actions must be prompted by something beyond what we “deserve.”

suspend judgment

It's a choice.

Not right. Not wrong.

Just a choice.

peace

Perspective

the moment of deciding errand running can’t just be characterized as mundane, as something to rush through

A choice

to celebrate the ‘get to’ instead of the ‘have to’

Grace
recognition that perfection isn’t reality

Understanding
“always on” is a myth

Seeing
even the aimless moments have their own unique meaning

A pause
recognizing the steps taken instead of only the steps still to be made

Peace
accepting that you cannot do it all

Awareness
the pace of the world is indeed a lot to handle

Surrender
expectations to perform, perfect, please

Peace.

Embrace peace.

imperfect

Was this an imperfect use of today?

Probably.

Is that okay?

Definitely.

the greater folly

The downtime is never foolish. Again and again, keep telling yourself that.

No, it's not the norm. Yes, you might "miss out."


But, let's be clear - you aren't here to match the norms. Nor can you be present for all things. You must not get wrapped up in that.


Instead, ask yourself honestly - what's the route that truly brings you greater peace?

You'd be foolish not to respect that.

your compass

There will be times when others tell you something with the best of intentions. They will recommend a certain course of action or way of viewing things.

But, in heeding their advice, you will find dissonance within yourself. You'll find that route simply cannot be the route for you.

It'll be a confusing thing to learn. Because it will come from people you respect. And, it may even be a route that works for them or for others. 

You'll wonder how you could possibly move against the grain. But, you have to learn to trust yourself. You have to listen to the voice within you. You cannot be afraid to course correct.

Yes, it's true - we can learn so much from one another. But, also don't forget - we are each traveling life uniquely. We're crafted so incredibly distinctly. We're not meant to be mere replicas of one other. That reminder should help you realize - perhaps movement against norms or advice is actually a flag telling you - you're on track.

Start listening to your internal compass. You may not at first even know it's there. Look for it. Become more aware, and you'll notice it showing up more and more. You'll wonder how you possibly failed to notice it there.

celebrate your journey

When you expect an overnight re-haul, you set yourself up for disappointment. Unrealistic expectations define your movement instead of a genuine quest for excellence. 

The root of your problems, though you may attribute it to your inability to reach that point of perfection, is really tied to the inability to celebrate the success of each step of the journey, regardless of how small it may seem.

Those moments of celebration are essential because they strengthen you. They provide the fuel you need for the journey. So, let yourself bask in them. Free yourself of the guilt about where you still need to go. Soak up every bit of the progress you've made, and let it serve as evidence of where you still can, and will, go. 

trust yourself

Why do you assume that you must not know... enough, as much, the truth, etc?

Do you realize how harmful that is?

You're withholding from yourself opportunities to grow ever stronger. You're keeping others from having the amazing opportunity to experience the fullness of you - your spirit, your talent, your gifts, your beauty.

Do you not realize how deeply saddening that is?

Do not stall out. Do not now steal precious moments feeling guilty or wallowing in regret. Instead, choose to change starting right now. Choose to be vulnerable. Choose to be authentic. Choose to trust that you have power within you. Dare to believe in yourself.

That strength desperately needs to be released... not for your sake alone, but for so many beyond you. If only you could see that.

Trust.

create the future

The best way to create the future is to simply start living in it.

Instead of casting off your perspective as foolish, Pollyanna idealism, assess - is that vision you see a future worth creating?

If so, you're far more on track than you give yourself credit for.

your limits

Respect the fact that you simply may not be able to move as quickly as you want to.

The booklist may always be endless. The ideas may continually pour forth. The people needing love and support may remain plentiful.

Though there is much that will forever remain beyond your grasp, you can choose to do each thing within your grasp well. You can choose to pursue depth over breadth.

Spreading yourself thin is folly. So too is lamenting the limits of what you can do. Do not let that stop you. Do not let that keep you from believing you can live fully.

Act with intention. Celebrate the opportunity to do all you can. Be humbled by the plentiful beauty that surrounds you.

discomfort

Celebrate discomfort as evidence of growth.

[quote inspired by Marie Forleo]

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there will be lies

Lies will tell you... if you dare choose wrong, you're doomed.

Lies will convince you... if you step off the perfect path, you will fail.

Lies will keep you... from living the life you were intended to live.

When you hear the lies, step back for a moment and remind yourself: 

These are mere lies. And you, my friend, are born for the truth.

Peace. Joy. Gratitude. These are beckoning you.

These are the things of truth you instead must choose.

Make it tangible:

• Close your eyes, breathe and let go.
• Pause, think of one thing that brings you joy and smile.
• Jot down 5 things you are grateful for.

be present

Choose to be present, even - or especially - in the small moments.

priorities pt. 2

(1) What are those things in your life that command such importance that they ought to be seen as priorities?

(2) Does this understanding align with your current time and resource investments?

Note: This will likely make you uncomfortable. Don't continue on as if you didn't read this. Stop. Now. Chew on it for a moment. Take one action that brings greater alignment. 

priorities

Do you ever stop to evaluate your to-do list and recognize that you've attributed false importance to things that lack meaning?

Be honest, are each of those things worth the worry? If not, stop feigning priority.

sights: color

choose

Indecision has a lot of costs.

You may tell yourself you can't decide. Too many options - you can't kill one off. Too many options - you need more data.

When you fall into that pattern, recognize - the only thing you have too much of is excuses. The longer you allow yourself to stay trapped there, the more you lose.

So, choose, even if by the flip of a coin. Choice, even if wrong, has a lot of payoffs. It moves you closer to the best path and presents opportunity to learn and move forward.

Choose.

a fraud

Some days, you'll feel like a fraud because you don't feel strong enough to travel the path ahead. You need to know that this is normal. Notice, normal is not the same as true.

You're not a fraud. You are strong. The road ahead of you will indeed be full of challenge, but you are more capable than you know. You were created to grow ever more resilient.

Lean into that path ahead, and you'll find yourself becoming far more powerful than you imagined could be true.

bakeshop

[millet granola loosely adapted 

from a myriad of sources including vegetarianventures]

call the bluff

When you see it, stop responding with pleasantries you don't even believe.

When you see another fleeing, hiding, making prudence a facade for the fear at the core of their being, call the bluff. Do it respectfully.

You might just make them pause and think. You might just awaken the perspective they're needing.

white space

Our culture is so obsessed with what's next. We're so uncomfortable with the thought of white space.

That's a tragedy because it bears direct relationship to a widespread lack of intentionality in our lives.

Have you ever left a job and found the immediate question you received from others was "what's next?" That question, though often asked in good spirit, deprives the white space of it's value. 

Perhaps the wandering moments in between are of much greater value than we are led to believe. In those moments, we can explore personal values and desires more deeply than when entrenched in other expectations. We can hone in on next steps with greater intentionality. 

When you explore the white space, your next move isn't dictated by what's easiest, fastest, or most widely-praised. Instead, your next move is based upon what's most meaningful and intentional for you. 

So go ahead, bask in the white space. Dig in and discover it's profound value. Those less-definable periods awaken immense perspective.

gray days

Even on the gray days, there's color to be found.

the door

Sometimes, the door doesn’t open because that door isn’t in your control. It’s tough to swallow that truth, I know. You so crave that control.

But, you must accept the fact that no additional scheming or regret of action is necessary. The door didn’t open because it's simply not the right door. The faster you admit that, the sooner you get to see – beyond your control you can find a heck of a lot more beauty.

[photo: Copenhagen]

fear

You're not immune to fear. 

There will be days of tremendous high. On those days, life will be full of possibility. Inexplicably, the very next day, you will find that fear is hunting you, relentlessly.

Perhaps, fear saw that you were getting too confident, too powerful. It knew this moment was the time to strike - time to convince you that you've been either far too cocky or far too crazy. 

Whatever the case, when you feel the fear settling in, you'll be tempted to run away or grab at anything to distract yourself. You may pretend fear's not there. This path, while tempting, isn't recommended. For the weight will still exist, and it will drive you insane.

Better to confront fear head on. Better to look fear in the face and acknowledge it. I see you. What are you trying to sell me today?

Peel back the layers, and you'll begin to see -- fear is carrying a batch of lies.

This day lacks value because of it's imperfection.

You are not enough.

The future is full of gloom.

Instead of buying into the lies, however, you can embrace the truth.

This day is beautiful and powerful despite its imperfection.

You are enough.

The future is full of hope.

Fear will keep knocking, often when you least expect it. Do not run. Do not hide. Face the fear head on. Through that act of courage and determination, you will find a sense of freedom and peace.

Yes, fear, I see your lies, but I'm not buying them. 
You won't stand in my way today.