I recently found myself reflecting on the lessons I have learned and how I can incorporate those into my life more. What’s to thank? My handy dandy journal. I realized that my brain is always on the go, always thinking, thinking, thinking and never in the present moment. The present is something that I don’t focus on often, my mind likes to spend its time on the things I can’t control like the past and the future. I can’t blame it though because it means well. It really does, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t consequences. There are many… I know that I have already had this epiphany (and written about it), but how many times does someone have to have the same realization before it actually sticks… that’s a question for another day. Back to what I was saying and what you’re all waiting for… my super wise words of wisdom:
1. I know I already touched on this, but being in the present moment is often overlooked in my mind. Stressing about the past or future on repeat may seem like a good idea but, I had to break it to myself, it doesn’t actually help. At all. In the slightest bit. Actually, it is counter productive because how many things, places, people, experiences have I missed out on or haven’t been fully aware of/about?! Probably more than I would like to know. With that being said, remaining in the present moment allows for more space for gratitude which brings me to my second point…
2. There is always something to be grateful for. I hate to call myself out, but I can be a little bit pessimistic at times (I’m working on it). I know I’m not the only one, but sometimes I find myself only focusing on what’s wrong or what could be better or what I don’t like. Spoiler alert: it kills the vibe. So what have I decided to do about it you ask? I am going to start focusing on the good. Which will be a lot easier because of how present and in the moment I am going to be (insert a wink here).
3. I have fallen into the trap of hyper-fixating on healing. I feel like this is a common one (or maybe not) and something that people warn others about but I still did it anyway. My overthinking tendencies teamed up with my desire to heal and the outcome was me obsessing over my growth, what I could be doing better, and over analyzing every single thought and move I make. Yes, it’s as miserable as it sounds so that behavior is getting canned.
4. Next up: control is an illusion. I have definitely mentioned this in previous posts but I have an addiction to trying to control every outcome in my life. To most, I seem like the most laid back, zen person you’ve ever met but if you saw what goes on in my mind, you would be amazed (and not in a good way). Referring back to number 3, my overthinking and perfectionist tendencies make me feel that having control is not optional. Things MUST go the way that I planned them to go and everyone must follow the script that they don’t know about that I made up in my mind. Crazy, I know, but it’s my reality. With that being said, surrender is still something that I am learning to have more of in my life.
5. Being seen does not have to send me into fight or flight. This is been something that I’ve battled with as long as I can remember. Even the thought of being seen would send shivers down my spine (dramatic but true). Now, I have come to the realization that maybe I should work on that. This affirmation has helped me to cope with the concept: “No one is better than me and I am no better than anyone.” To me, it symbolizes that we are all equal. We all have had successes, made mistakes, and are human. So when put that way, how could I fear judgement or have shame if we’re all in the same boat together?
If you’ve stuck around for all 5 reasons, you may think I’m losing my mind (I might be) or my thoughts maybe profound. Either way, I hope that my journey has provided some entertainment. Reprogramming my brain has been wild but also a truly magical experience. Remember, you are so worthy of having the life you desire! Healing is hard, but so is staying the same.
The Inexperienced Yogi 