Connect To Your Best Self
OK buckle up…this is a GOOD one!
I was recently reading a book, and I had to put it down and begin journaling right then. The book was bringing up so many thoughts and creative ideas for me that I wanted to capture them right away.
Has that ever happened to you? I don’t believe in coincidence. I know the timing of this book shook loose some thoughts, ideas and beliefs that I have been mulling. It came to me at the perfect time. It’s time for me to stop the mulling and take a good look at them. Do they serve me? What’s the story behind it? What is that belief blocking for me going forward? The question I came up with is, “what do I need to let go of in order to create space for a better, more intentional connection to my best gifts?” After all it’s only from my best that I can create and contribute going forward. That’s a doozy, but maybe not.
If you’ve been reading my column for a while you know that my word for the 2022 year is FLOW. I shared a photo of a beautiful river as a visual. A simile for the momentum of life that is easily coming in and going out. Not snagged on a rock, stuck in a pool where algae grows, but free flowing, purposeful. FLOW.
Working as a life coach, I am terrifically in awe of my clients. I love every one of them. They are brave, intelligent people who took the plunge to reorder some ideas and get the way forward. That takes guts. I realize the most compelling part of our work together is their missing essential connection to themselves. Somewhere along the way, they sacrificed their unique inner yearning for growth for the external and very busy activities of daily life. I did too!
For me, too interested in managing everyone else’s happiness and priorities (like I ever could!) was a full time job. I told myself it was noble, and what a good and thoughtful person does, both at home, at work, with friendships. It was what I thought loving someone was. Then I found coaching. Nothing wrong with being concerned about the happiness and wellbeing of others. But that's THEIR job.
You’ve heard of empty-nesters or people retiring and sometimes the struggle that brings. It’s not because they don’t have hobbies (although that’s a clue.) It's because they haven't the intimate connection with what makes them come alive outside of the external labels they wear. Who are you outside of your achievements, your children’s accomplishments, your career, bank account, business? If you keep focusing on the shiny medals, you’ll miss the huge upside that your genius can bring you. Which, I am guessing, is likely far more rewarding than those busy-ness activities you tell yourself are so important (plus you’ll be really boring!)
So here’s my challenge: write down what you spent your time on in the past 48 hours. Do those things expand you or deplete you? Do they bring you closer to an aligned connection to who you are or do they numb you so you don’t have to think or feel?
You have no idea what is waiting for you when you untangle yourself from all of those labels, beliefs and even regrets. They are what is blocking you from expanding into the next fantastic version of yourself. And more importantly blocking the wonderful contributions only you are meant to make.
We are not meant to be the same person for our entire lives, we are intended for growth and contribution. It’s what makes us feel alive and participating in an important and vital way. People are noticing you, you have such an opportunity to share your talents. DO IT!
Why are you waiting for “things to get better?” When you are clear on your important connection to what makes you amazing, the world opens up. And guess what? You ARE amazing, I promise this is true. Walt Disney said, “ When your values are clear, decisions are easy.” My prayer for you is to know the real peace this work brings. Step up, claim it.
Let’s talk about how to get you more aligned with that amazing person already there and waiting for an introduction!! So fun! Click below, yup, this is the good stuff!
Let’s Go!
Anne