Hello, beautiful souls,
For Christmas a year ago Adrian bought me a digital photo frame. I love it. It has hundreds of our pictures that we download onto it now. Maybe thousands, knowing us, we both are always taking pictures.
This morning I saw this one, I haven't seen for a while. I must have taken the picture from someone and sent it. I don't know where the original is.
I am holding a lunch bag that says sock-it-to-me. It was likely the first day of a new year at school, my parents use to like taking pictures of us. I love it.
Today, I want to share a powerful exercise that can help us step into our best selves and maintain that sense of empowerment throughout the day. I believe in the transformative power of self-reflection and visualization. Let’s embark on this journey together.
First, find a favorite picture of yourself. Look at it closely and remember how you felt in that moment. Was it a time when you felt confident, joyful, or at peace? Hold onto that feeling. Close your eyes and imagine stepping into that sense of self. Feel the warmth, the confidence, and the joy radiating from within you.
Check out the “series of Dark Matter.” This idea suggests that there are many versions of ourselves waiting to be discovered. Each version represents a different aspect of our potential, our dreams, and our strengths. Imagine these versions as doors in a long hallway. Each door leads to a different version of you, waiting to be embraced.
Today, I invite you to pick a door. Choose the version of yourself that you want to embody. Is it the bold, brave, and empowered you? Step into that version. Feel the strength and courage flowing through you. Know that you have the power to be this person every day.
Remember, the journey to becoming our best selves is ongoing. It’s about embracing our imperfections, just like the art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold. Our flaws and experiences make us unique and beautiful.
To help you overcome fear and maintain this feeling of empowerment throughout the day, here are some steps you can follow:
A. Acknowledge Your Fear: The first step to overcoming fear is to acknowledge it. Recognize what you’re afraid of and understand that it’s okay to feel this way. Fear is a signal that something important is at stake.
B. Breathe and Ground Yourself: When fear arises, take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. This simple act can help calm your mind and body. Ground yourself by feeling the earth beneath your feet and reminding yourself that you are safe.
C. Reflect and Learn: At the end of the day, take a moment to reflect on your experiences. What did you learn about yourself? How did you overcome your fears? Use these reflections to grow and strengthen your sense of self.
D. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to a friend, family member, or coach who can offer encouragement and perspective. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is there for you can make a big difference.
E. Stay Present: Fear often stems from worrying about the future. Focus on the present moment and what you can do right now. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or simply paying attention to your surroundings, can help keep you grounded.
F. Take Small Steps: Overcoming fear doesn’t mean you have to take giant leaps. Start with small, manageable steps. Each step you take towards facing your fear is a victory. Celebrate these small wins and let them build your confidence.
G. Use Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce your sense of empowerment. Repeat phrases like, “I am strong,” “I am capable,” and “I can handle this.” Write them down and place them where you can see them throughout the day.
H. Visualize Your Empowered Self: Remember the exercise we did with the favorite picture of yourself? Use that same visualization technique. Close your eyes and imagine stepping into the version of yourself that is bold, brave, and empowered. Feel the strength and confidence within you.
Let’s step into our best selves today. Let’s be bolder, braver, and more empowered. Together, we can unlock the doors to our fullest potential.