Creating with intention
On a normal day, you carry a certain amount of stress. Depending on the season or time in your life, you may be adding extra to that load. This weight looks different for everyone, and someone may be carrying more — or less — than you at any given time.
Have compassion.
When your arms feel tired, take time to focus on your foundation: Your basic needs for today.
Concentrate on the first next step. The rest will fall into place.
We have been taught to search for faults, to find the shortcomings not only in ourselves but in others. This is unfortunate for many reasons.
By focusing on “what’s wrong,” we lose the opportunity to turn towards ourselves and those around us with acceptance and compassion. Reflecting upon innate worth opens doors to love and learning.
Through awareness, we can identify what makes us human. This shared humanity is what is most deserving of kindness and respect. Cultivating gratitude and realistic appreciation of self and others can be challenging — but comes with big payoffs.
For today, begin by regarding yourself with kindness. Write down ten sentences that represent who you are and the gifts you provide to the world. Think about the ways in which your life is enriched by these traits and observe any feelings of gratitude that arise as you complete this exercise.
I am adventurous and enjoy challenges.
I am a creative individual who contributes thoughtfully to my world.
I am a brave leader who has tried initiatives few others have dreamed of.
I am a considerate friend and reach out to those I care about.
I am generous and give mindfully to others.
I am disciplined and complete goals I set out for myself.
I am energetic and sincere.
I am a compassionate person who is willing to consider the worldview of other people.
I am trustworthy and keep my word.
I am loving and passionate, dedicated and accepting.
After writing your sentences, take time to review each statement.
Let me know how it goes @redheadlefthand.
There is always someone to fight for.
There is always a reason to move forward.
There is always a voice that needs to be heard.
There is always a cause that demands attention.
There is always work to be done.
Give someone who needs it extra support today: a hug, a hello, a coffee, a flower, a smile, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a kind hand. We are all neighbors in this life. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”
Choose love even when you think you can’t afford to, when you can’t see light, when you feel the shadows have won. For that’s when you must fight. Fight to love. Fight to hope.