nonsense

It doesn’t make sense – the fact that the moments I feel the strongest are the ones that require the most vulnerability.

Except it does… because when you step into vulnerability and make it through alive, you find you have strength far beyond what you believed could be true.

It doesn’t make sense – the fact that I’ll use avoidance as a tactic of dealing with the things I most desire.

Except it does… because those are the very things I most deeply fear; that chance of rejection, loss, or pain already feels a little too real.

Life doesn’t make sense.

Except most of the time it does… because we have all the truth we need; it’s just our commitment to truth that needs to get a bit more clear.

lunchtime

Beauty midst the day...

[brussels sprout salad with quinoa, avocado, 

marcona almonds, dried cranberries]

self-compassion

You'd think it'd be an obvious choice - to protect ourselves via self-compassion. Yet, we sabotage ourselves with negative patterns of thought far too often.

None of us are exempt from the negative mental chatter, but we can choose whether we are diligent in our efforts to counter it. Each day, we must ask - will we let shame, fear and negativity define our story without opposition, or will we actively replace these forces with healthy conversations?

This intentionality must be a priority. For, as our thoughts weave together to shape our stories, they inform the way we interact in the world around us. When we decide to oppose the pessimism in our own minds, we're better equipped to unleash kindness and hope in the world beyond us.

movement

True - in the land of uncertainty, there's room for failure. But, don't forget - there's also room for possibility. 

Take purposeful movement precisely when the outcome is up for grabs. Regardless of what unfolds, you'll awaken opportunities for growth.

"Movement with intentionality creates possibilities."                          - John Maxwell, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

exploration

Sometimes, the greatest exploration
lies within simple acts of creative engagement.

[beet smoothie]

tomorrow

When you hear the voice that tells you to execute that idea tomorrow… instead take note, take action and make it happen today.

Why? That voice of procrastination is out to sabotage your creative work. It sees distorted beauty in tomorrow because there is a higher likelihood your brilliance won’t see the light of day.

“Since you're going to ship anyway, then, the question is: why bother indulging your fear?” – Seth Godin

Ask yourself honestly, will there truly be more time, energy or inspiration tomorrow? Or, is fear tricking you into settling for less than your potential today?

busyness

From Brene Brown's Daring Greatly 

We are a culture of people who've bought into the idea that if we stay busy enough, the truth of our lives won't catch up with us.                                                  

Yes, being "busy" is an obsession in our day and age. In our preoccupation with busyness, we lose sight of a few key truths.

#1: Busy is a choice.

It's easy to point the finger of blame at someone else and claim our bosses, clients, families or friends are at fault for our busyness. Yet, our busyness is ultimately our choice alone.

Where can I be more intentional about my schedule? 
How can I create more margin in my life?

#2: Busy is a mask.

When we are busy, we sabotage our growth by leaving no time for exploration of the real stuff - the root of our problems, the depth of our fears. We desperately need space for reflection that moves us forward.

Why is busyness the route I've chosen? 
From what emptiness am I attempting to hide?

Go ahead. Grab a notebook, and give these questions some focus. Dare to be a little less busy and a bit more meaningfully reflective with your day.