"Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” Kobe Bryant
I have heard over and over again that the times we are living in are like no other. And that’s true. We have never lived in this moment before. We have never experienced these EXACT experiences before. Global pandemics, yes. Racism and injustice, yes. Political unrest, yes. But there has been no moment exactly like this one before. In these “unprecedented times” we can feel overwhelmed with many challenges before us.
Every day we are faced with challenges. Some are expected. Some are unexpected. How do we overcome the current challenges we face, whatever they may be? This is a question we must ask ourselves, not only in “these times”, but every day. I believe we must first bring awareness to our thoughts. We have on average over 50,000 thoughts a day! And while we can’t notice every thought that crosses our minds we can stop from time to time and bring attention to our thoughts so that we take note of what tape we are playing.
As humans, we are wired with a “negativity bias.” Ever notice how you dwell on that one “criticism” that someone offered as feedback for growth instead of the ten positive things they said about you? Negativity bias. Ever notice how you latch on to the one thing you “failed” at versus the major accomplishments you achieved? Negativity bias. Knowing when you are focusing on negative thoughts is crucial to overcoming obstacles and challenges. And even though we are wired with a negativity bias we can rise above these limiting thoughts! As Earl Nightingale said, “You become what you think about.”
We will experience many challenges throughout our life. This is a fact. Knowing and accepting this fact can help us to find ways to bolster our strength, courage, and resilience and help us to reach deep within to find a power we did not know that we possessed.
When I look back at my 20’s I was in a failed marriage and a mother to my young son. I was miserable and felt like a failure for staying in a marriage that did not reflect who I was or my values. I was hopeless and afraid. And even though I knew that I had to leave the marriage I didn’t know how I would survive as a single mom, let alone be able to flourish. At first, all I could do was think about all of the negative thoughts that I had about getting a divorce. But then after some time of loving support and encouragement from my then sister-in-law and dear friend and family, I began to open my mind up to the possibility that I could leave my marriage and begin again. I started reading self-help books and doing work on myself. As I began working on myself my mindset shifted and I began to open up a well of personal power that I never knew existed. And one day I got the courage to leave. What happened next was not without challenge. In fact, things got worse before they got better. But with each passing day, I slowly began to focus my energy on positive thoughts, surrounded myself with people who believed in me, and started doing things that brought me joy. Looking back at this time in my life I can see all of the ways that I grew.
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." Nelson Mandela
Though we face many challenges today that are unique to this time, I have every belief that we are equipped to not only handle these challenges but to make positive changes that will help us grow individually and collectively!
Consider this:
1- Your community is a resource that is readily available to you for the asking. Do you know who can turn to for support? Who do you want on your team?
2- We must pay attention to how we care for ourselves physically and mentally. Self-care is a MUST! Our sleep, nutrition, exercise, and time spent in stillness has a direct impact on how we cope with the challenges that life throws at us!
3- Don’t underestimate the power of joy and beauty in life. We must spend time doing the things that we love! Sing, dance, play, write, garden, paint- do the things that make you laugh and smile! This belief that we must always be productive is a false notion! Shake loose this idea and reincorporate joy and “BEing” back into your life!
In two weeks we begin a new group for Self-Centered Women. This year-long journey is designed to support and encourage you in your personal growth. I invite you to join us and experience what true self-care can do to invoke the power within!
On August 1st we will begin a 30-Day Self-Care Challenge with daily inspiration, tips, and thought-provoking journal prompts to bring clarity to the limiting beliefs that are holding you back and help you design a personal vision and goals!
We cannot turn away from challenges and expect them to disappear. We must face them with curiosity and optimism. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward.”
With Love and Gratitude,
Kinda and Rachel
ความคิดเห็น