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.