I've decided I like the idea of "accepting" much better than "surrendering." I accept my feelings, put them out in front of me and keep going. My mind is such a funny thing at times. It is clever and manipulative and even cruel at times. I accept that. There's my mind spinning around again in illusion. I wonder why. Is there a feeling that is hard for me to accept? Whatever... I accept it.

Do you keep a journal?
Do you go deep in your writing?
Do you want to?
Do you use other forms of expression in your journal?

I love it when I can get out of my head, drop down and express from my heart. The most profound insights come in those moments. Often unexpected feelings arise and lead me to questions I hadn't even considered.

I love using a "list of 100" to take me there. I love using it with my clients. It never fails to amaze me. Their words spoken out loud become a poem of sorts... a soul writing that tells me who they are... deep within... the pure, authentic self that has wisdom to share.

I'm working on "Journaling to Self Discovery II" and this technique was the first I included. I can't wait to finish and share it!

Discoveries

- Unexpected things happen... when I ask.
- Trusting the process is an ever-evolving experience.
- Trusting the outcome is an ever-evolving experience.
- Detachment... always detachment
- It feels great to complete a project!

Discoveries

- Self limiting beliefs suck!
- My self talk is very persuasive - if harnessed I can create anything, if it is allowed to run rampant I become frozen in fear/anger/indecision.
- Old beliefs can be challenged no matter how deeply entrenched they are in our psyches.
- I remembered that I believe in miracles!

The pursuit of perfection... or when life seems just too darn uncontrollable!

What would it be like if you didn't have to be perfect? How would your life be different if instead of constantly trying to control everything you could be vulnerable and feel whatever feelings washed over you? Scary right? Hard maybe? Liberating for sure!

I've spent a good portion of my life asking myself this question and helping others explore this question for themselves.

First of all we have to be willing to make mistakes and own them. I tell my clients that I make mistakes everyday. Oh, I just realized something… that may not instill the greatest confidence in me! Actually, more than that I hope it creates trust with those I work with and possibly the permission they need within themselves to be more authentic.

Second, we have to be willing to enter into life knowing that we may experience pain. If we can trust that we can live through sadness or disappointment or whatever difficult emotion we are trying to avoid then we can be totally present for joy or happiness or whatever delicious experience that we want more of.

Third… actually I can't think of a third thing right now. Maybe it will come to me later. I told you I'm not perfect!

Life is not a series of tasks to accomplish perfectly but opportunities to love more deeply, feel more completely and learn more passionately.

Something to look forward to

What keeps me getting up early on dark, Monday mornings week after week?

Sometimes that's a hard question to answer. At other times its easy… Something to look forward to! I've learned to "trick" myself with little treats during the day, week, month or year. It can be as simple as a phone conversation with someone special or as complex as a trip to a fun theme park. I've discovered that I need something to look forward to daily… and usually it's not something that’s good for me like my workout at the gym or a healthy meal. What's up with that?

What will you look forward to everyday this week?
What will you plan as a special treat at the end of the week?
Is there something you can arrange in February that will nourish and refresh you?
What have you always wanted to do but have not had enough time/money/courage? (fill in the blank) Start planning it now!

Discoveries

I'm birthing a new tradition this week.... Discoveries.

I was telling a client recently that I learn things about myself everyday. I learn through my work, through my friends, through my mentors, through my clients, through my son, through my love, through my dreams and even through strangers.

I believe that learning helps us make different choices.

Here's what I discovered (or rediscovered) this week:

- I survived the week.

- Detachment is super important.

- When I take things personally my life is a lot harder.

- I'll survive next week.

- I'd rather thrive than survive next week.

- Shoveling snow is a good upper body work out!

- Assumptions suck!

What did you discover this week?