And Now What?

Thank you and well done for completing the year! Now that we’ve spent this time together, I hope that you’ve opened up, recharged, created new practices that formed new habits, and learned to listen to yourself.

So, now what are you supposed to do?

Well, each exercise can be repeated as little or as often as you would like. Depending on where you are in life – it might mean that you wish to revisit these exercises every month/year to see how things have changed.

Remember, this isn’t about having completed something, it’s about a circle of life, a continuation of growth. Life to death is all about the journey in between, this is just a small part of your journey. Continue being mindful of your decisions and choices.

Keep breathing, feeling gratitude and living intentionally.

Ways that you can live intentionally:

1. Nature/the outdoors has a positive effect on our nervous systems, it boosts serotonin levels which in turn improves dopamine levels. The perfect interplay.
2. Solitude/quiet time allows you to just be and create positive internal and external conditions for yourself. It gives you time to acknowledge what activities deplete your energy. You can hear your inner voice and listen to your truth without interruptions from the outside noise.
3. Being present allows you to be aware of energy-sucking vampires versus the people who listen and make you feel valued.
4. Meaning can be an alternative or sister to “purpose” which we often feel we “should” be searching for. Instead of feeling like we don’t know what it is or trying to find it, how about living in the meaning of each day? What do you want your day to mean to you today? By living in this way you will attract other, like-minded people into your life who will enhance your way of being.
5. The now is happening at this moment. You’ve got the tool, you just need to put it to use. It is about choosing to start right now. No more putting it off until tomorrow. Now is the right time to get started and begin your journey.

Stepping back from societal pressures and norms will allow you time to discover or rediscover your passions and pursuits. Let go of what you believe you “should” be doing or buying or being part of. That might be as simple as finding peace in stopping.

Taking a moment to breathe.

We don’t need to fill each moment. Remove yourself from technology and begin to deepen your relationship with yourself and others. Make these decisions consciously. Fill each day with gratitude and embrace your journey.

As you get older, you will not remember the days that were easy, you will cherish the moments when you rose above your difficulties and conquered challenges of magnitude. Astound yourself with your own capabilities. It’s better to be exhausted from little bits of effort than to be tired of doing absolutely nothing. Effort is never wasted. Living is about learning as you go, to truly live is to know you’re getting up and taking a risk, trust yourself in that risk of living.

This is a practice just like a sport or an activity that requires your attention. It will become part of your day. Use these exercises as often as you like. Sometimes my “Pat on the back” exercise is different at the beginning of the day than the end of the day. Slow down, take a breath, and continue reading.

I hope you find inspiration and inner contentment with these tools. I hope you can live with more intention.