Communicating Responsibly

Turning my YOU statements into I statements makes a big difference.  I move from being critical of you to communicating my feelings, thoughts and needs.  I take responsibility for my reality and stop blaming others for what I perceive.  I feel more empowered and less like a victim.  I stop making you into a persecutor and create connection instead of pushing you away or secluding myself in a self imposed prison.  Today I will monitor how I express myself and when needed shift my communication pattern.  I can do this.

Taking Risks vs. Playing It Safe

Breathe and take one step at a time.  Often my fearful nature wants to see the whole pathway, obstacles I will encounter and how I’m going to get there before I move forward.  This needing to know paralyzes me and prevents me from taking risks.  I have regretfully missed out on opportunities and not taken chances when it was later shown to have been not only safe but could have been beneficial for me.  Playing it safe seems to rarely be the best policy.  There are moments when trust in myself, others, and my higher power are necessary.

 

I choose to release my controlling grasp and allow myself to take risks. Rather than seeing life through the lens of fear and potential harm, I want to see the possibility, magic, and blessing this day holds.  

 

 

Finding beginner's mind

I would like to cultivate a child-like spirit today.  Not to be childish and immature but rather have an open hearted acceptance with the ability to live in the present moment.  I’d like to feel spontaneous and free to explore; open to learning, growing, knowing, and understanding the world around me.  It would be great to let go of worry trusting that what I need will be provided and to have a belief that the supply is endless.   I want to look around and see wonder and awe in a blade of grass or an ant carrying its treasure across the ground, to dance in the rain and splash in mud puddles not worrying about catching a cold or ruining shoes or clothes.  Looking around and seeing magical moments filled with surprise and delight, savoring a piece of candy, or imagining mythical creatures and adventures; yes, this is the spirit I want to experience for just a little while before responsibility, accountability, maturity, realism, and duty set back in.   

Freedom

I am grateful for the freedom to live my life in a manner that I choose to do so.  I can believe what works for me, think thoughts without fear of being censored; feel what I feel and express myself freely, act according to my values and integrity without being told what I can and cannot do.  I feel appreciative today of these privileges and recognize that not everyone is so fortunate. 

I send a wish and prayer for those who are imprisoned by other’s unwelcome pressure and for those who are victimized by the misuse of power and influence.  May they be strengthened and supported to live this life with meaning and purpose.  I intend to not squander the opportunities I've been given today.

    

Here I Am



When I take time to listen to the whispers of my heart, I can hear what I need, what I feel and what I value.  I can comfort, nurture, and affirm my worth and value.  When I refuse to attend to these messages I abandon myself and move through the day like a robot on remote control.  I lose touch with what brings me happiness and joy and find it impossible to show up with authenticity for others.  I look for ways to avoid the discomfort I begin to feel and start to run away from my pain with addictive behaviors.  Life becomes unmanageable until I become paralyzed with depression, fear, and anxiety.

Today I choose to pause and quiet the noise around me.  I will allow my breath to bring me to presence where I can be still and know the small voice of my soul saying ‘Here I am, see me, hear me, be with me, AHHH.” 

Standing Strong

One step in front of another step, and then the next step… Perseverance and commitment in working towards goals requires moment by moment choice.  There are times when it seems as though no progress has been gained.  However, as long as I stay on the road toward my goal I am advancing.  Some days, just standing in place is enough.  At least I’m not running away or abandoning myself. 

Today, I will acknowledge my commitment to myself to remain positive in belief about being enough.  I affirm my worth and value and will challenge thinking that would tell me anything else. 

GRATITUDE FOR FRIENDS

Having friends that reach out to provide comfort, nurture and acceptance is simply one of the greatest gifts the universe has provided me.   At times, it is can be easy to believe I am in this by myself.  However, if I reflect on the multitude of times those who love me have shown their care by taking time to listen, bolstering my self-esteem, believing in me when I don’t believe in myself, keeping me grounded by reminding me that I am seen and heard, letting me know when I am in need of correction, and lending me strength when I am faltering; I remember that none of us are ever really alone.  My heart is covered with the handprints my friends have left there.

My wish today is that I can be as good a friend to others as I have been blessed to experience.