Tag: personal growth

A Lesson in Joy and Possibility

I attended a cookout over the weekend with great people, good food and lots of line dancing.

We enjoyed ourselves, with fans in hands, boots on the ground, and joyful laughter as we moved to the music. 

And then, before the evening ended, a beautiful little girl I did not know, perhaps 6 or 7 years old, joined the adults who had carved out space for themselves in front of the DJ.

She danced like no one was watching (although dozens of us were). 

She twisted and swayed, put a hand on her hip and even fit in a few squats and dips, all under the watchful eyes of her parents, while surrounded by a group fellow dancers – “aunties” who cheered her on with smiles and claps, over several songs. 

Even the DJ felt inspired by her freedom of spirit and movement.

“Dance doll baby!” he finally declared, then deadpanned to all of us watching: “She’s gonna fall asleep the minute she gets in the car for the ride home!”

We chuckled at the likelihood of that truth, but what struck me even more was the truth of possibilities her impromptu performance inspired. 

To witness this little brown princess own her right to be herself, enjoy herself and embrace the support that surrounded her was a beautiful gift on the day known as Independence Day.

Who knows what she’ll grow up to do or who she’ll become, but if she holds onto the confidence and love that is clearly already instilled within her, and if a community of support continues to surround her (loved ones and strangers alike), her heart’s dreams can transition into her lived purpose.

She was a dancing, smiling, twinkle-eyed representation of who we all can be – regardless of age or stage – with just the right elements feeding our souls and with our willingness to give the best of ourselves to others.

Perhaps we can be more intentional these days about filling our inner wells in this way – and becoming that gift to others?? 

You Be the GOAT

This week, pay attention to how you enter, serve while there, and exit a space or place.

Regardless of the energy you encounter from others, keep your joy and your essence of grace in tact. 

Instead of letting someone’s not-so-great attitude shift yours, you stir the atmosphere. 

May your presence…. 

offer light, 

heal hearts,

model integrity,

embody love,

foster peace,

inspire hope,

ignite laughter,

exemplify courage,

gift some grace. 

You be the GOAT (greatest of all time) in the lives of those you touch in ways that simply require you to be authentically you.

Surrender to Your Leap

Sometimes our dreams are so big that we tiptoe to the edge of them, then shrink away. 

But what if we had the courage to actually follow where they lead? 

To consider how leaning into them and falling forward allows the wind to buoy us and keep us afloat?

To trust the lessons we’ll learn, the people we’ll form bonds with and the experiences that will shape us as our divine birthright?

What if we loved ourselves- and those in our care – enough to surrender to this way of being and to taking the leap?

Wow…just wow. Wouldn’t our lives be a wonder?

Photo credit: Emily Abrams

Be Good to You

In the week ahead, make room for some of life’s simplest treasures – 

the kind that offer you lasting value (like time spent with friends & loved ones or devoted to your passion or to serving others)

– the kind that bake hope into your soul (like a long hug or beautiful art or stirring music)

–  and the kind of things that, in your seasoned years, become the memories that make your heart smile with gratitude and gladness.

You’re worth what it takes to make room for all of this. Be good to you.

You are a Worthy Ripple

This week, be intentional about not only treating others with value, but also with valuing who you are. 

Respect what you bring to the table, while respecting others and their gifts, too. 

Hold onto the truth that no matter what, you are a ripple who helps create waves. 

Make sure your impact is the best kind – waves of difference-making, positivity, resilience, integrity and hope.  

Reasons to Say Thank You

Take some time throughout this day to pay attention to the simple things….

The sound of a bird chirping or a baby laughing;

that funny meme that landed in your text thread 

or the brief check-in call from a friend;

The hug from your teenager or toddler, 

or email from your mentor;

the wind gently swaying in the trees,

and the taste of your favorite ice cream.

The thoughtful compliment,

the genuine smile, 

the words of encouragement arriving at just the time you need them. 

Nothing is as random as we may think; 

yet even when it feels that way, 

we get to say thank you.

10 Rules for Joyful Living

Here’s some common wisdom to live by, on your path to purpose, peace and inner joy:

  1. Listen to others’ words, but pay attention to their actions.
  2. Notice silence, for that speaks volumes, too. 
  3. Trust yourself. Your heart knows.
  4. Love others without condition and let them grow into their best selves.
  5. Energy is real. Surround yourself with positive vibes.
  6. Be a bearer of truth, delivered with kindness and acceptance.
  7. Be a receiver of truth, honored with humility and gratitude. 
  8. Love yourself deeply. For only from a fulsome well can one fully pour. 
  9. Seek joy. When you welcome it, it will habitually flow toward you.
  10. Bring joy. Always. It is the ultimate illuminator in darkness.

Human Connections

We might enter this world alone, but we don’t live in it, and certaintly can’t love in it, on an island. 

To get to your island, 

you may have to walk through my forest

or cross her river

or climb his hill. 

So keeping my forest fire-free,

and her river waters clean,

and his hill easy to navigate

helps you safely reach your island – and enjoy the journey there all the more. 

We are connected, and we must remember that.

Choose It and Mean It

Today, choose a few things to check off your list that you’ve been delaying.

Open that stack of mail. You’ll feel better by simply reducing the pile.

Send a text to say hello, I miss you or I wish you well.

Better yet, make time for a 10-minute  phone call and put a smile on two faces – yours and the recipient’s. 

Push past comfort and make a move that stretches you.

Whether it’s writing a first chapter, speaking up in a meeting or trying something else new, just do it. You’ll see – Instead of breaking, you’ll grow.

Tell yourself “I love you” and really mean it. If necessary, keep practicing this exercise until it’s your truth.

Because whatever is swirling in the world around us, love is always the best and wisest foundation from which to launch and where to land.

Intentionally Thrive

Make this week special

by intentionally spotting rainbows in life’s clouds;

listening more than you speak;

caring more and judging less;

and being open to learning from those you lead.

You’ll find yourself growing over these next few days, and your purpose and personal goals will prosper.