Hello. Happy March 1. It is the beginning of a beautiful month and a perfect time to ask yourself some great personal questions. Kind of a Spring Cleaning for your Soul.
My daughter just turned 14! ahhh! Time goes by so quickly. One thing I wanted to give her for her birthday was an inspirational book that I made full of quotes, activities, questions and ideas to help give her life VALUE. When we feel we have values in our life, our life is richer with purpose and reason. I thought I would put together some ideas that you can run with, think about and incorporate into your own life.
I think understanding what your VALUES are in life is key. You may already live by certain values OR maybe you are not sure what they would be. Here is a good exercise to get you started. There are lots of value exercises out there, but here is one to get you started…I would suggest your circle the top 8-10 and then from there narrow down your top 3 or 4. Post them in a visible place to remind you.
FAITH is another good thing to have within your life. “Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.” -Sonia Ricotti I think as humans we have a very hard time letting go and allowing. Faith is a step that you take to show you believe in something bigger than yourself.
ACTION: As a little reminder: just step outside at night, look at the stars and know how truly small you are.
FOLLOW YOUR HEART Your heart is like an inner compass, connected to all things good. When you are able to learn to listen and be guided by this inner compass, then you will be led to good things for your life. Each step in the journey of life is important & the best map is held within your heart. Follow it. It is a divine treasure.
‘FEELINGS’ are a BIG indicator when following your heart. I learned this simple lesson & it was an ‘aha’ to my life. It is SO simple: If something (a decision, a conversation, an experience, etc FEELS ‘GOOD’ or ‘BAD’ then you follow that guidance. Everything you do will give you a feeling that is either good or bad. You cannot FEEL both at the same time. Follow that inner guidance at all times and your heart will make it feel so.
ACTION: Make a list of things your heart desires for your life: a bucket list if you wish. This list will be great inspiration and will help you follow your dreams. Your deepest interests and aspirations for your life will come from the guidance of your heart.
BE YOU Be yourself no matter what anyone else thinks. God made you the way you are for beautiful reasons. He has given you gifts, strengths, talents & has made you unique. Besides, an original is always worth more than a copy! “Being the best is great, you’re the number one. Being unique is greater, you’re the only one.” -unknown
ACTION: Ask yourself these questions–What are some ways you can become or discover more about yourself? [take a personality test, write down things that make you happy/sad, etc]
What unique skills, strengths and abilities do you have? Write down what you feel you are good at. What awards or certificates have your received? What motivates you to do better? What strengths do you feel are you? What do you like to share with others? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What are some characteristics you admire in others?
BE A LIGHT My favorite quote ever…speaks volumes about being a light. Love it.
ACTION: How to become someone that shines brightly from the inside out.
Have positive self-talk. How? Affirmations are a good start. Say positive things to yourself each day. “I am happy to be me.” “I am a vibrant being of love and light.” What I say to myself: “I am beautiful, healthy, fit and trim. I am love and light.” No matter what–be kind to yourself. Don’t say things you would not say to a good friend. Cultivate positive beliefs about yourself.
Self-love. Learning to love and respect yourself and your body takes practice. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Nourish your body with good foods and exercise. Have personal boundaries by surrounding yourself with positive influences, being able to say no and not allowing others to take away your power. Work really hard to not let others opinions matter so much. Be yourself.
Listen within. Follow your heart and your inner guidance. You are the only one that can feel what is right for your life. If you feel guided to do something, listen. Begin to tune in to the signals and guidance you get from within.
Know your personal values and live by them. When we violate the values that keep us in alignment, we violate the person that we truly are.
Don’t aim to please others . Don’t worry about how others view you . Learn all you can about yourself . Learn to appreciate who you are . Be confident with who you are . Forgive yourself . Stop being negative about yourself . Find and do hobbies that you love . Learn from mistakes . Set goals and strive for what you want to accomplish
REMEMBER THIS: “Be the light that helps others see.”
Those are a few spring cleaning actions for the SOUL. I will write another one to accompany this, but I figured this is a good start for today.
FEEL GOOD.
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