Just be

So remember how I said my greatest learning this past year was to slow down…

I have another great learning for you – Just be

What do I mean by “just be”

I truly mean to just be.

To just be present, to be open, to just be here in the now.

Simple, right?

The truth of the matter is – it’s incredibly difficult

I’m sighing deeply as I write this as I struggle endlessly with this

I often find myself dreaming about what the future could be, upset about what the past was, and lost where I am now.

When in reality I should be bewildered by where I’ve been, who I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had. I truly have lived and continue to live a remarkable life but that doesn’t discount the struggles I’ve faced.

Like everyone else I experience depression, anxiety, longing and a heartbreaking feeling of emptiness.

Unsure of how or when I’ll ever fill the voids within me.

I’ve been having nightmares the past few days, tormented by my past and the people I have yet to make amends with.

I guess my subconscious is telling me I have some serious healing to do.

If I want to let go of the past I need to live in it and forgive.

Forgive them, forgive myself, and accept that the past is in the past and can’t torment me today unless I let it.

I think my subconscious is also urging me to apologize.

To acknowledge all the wrongs I’ve made, the people I’ve hurt, and the lives I’ve changed for better or worse.

It’s also urging me to appreciate the positive effect I’ve had on people’s lives.

I hope to be a positive force in the world, urging people to go outside, explore, be open, and ultimately heal the wounds within them.

The outdoors and travel are how I heal and grow.

Not everyone is the same but hopefully at the very least my influence will urge you to explore what is right for you.

What brings you joy, what allows you to be present – with yourself, with your surroundings, and your home.

Often times you need venture far outside of your comfort zone to find your place the world. Whenever I’m uncomfortable, edging into the unknown is when I truly find and see myself for who I am.

Your home is within you – but it takes time to find it and accept yourself as you are.

Our lifelong journey is self awareness and acceptance. It takes a long time to be comfortable with simply yourself. To be able to sit with yourself in a dark room and not seek out anything or anyone else.

You be fully content and complete all on your own.

That is an incredibly hard task we are not accustomed to.

Yet it’s possible, and it’s where true peace is found.

The key really is meditation. Meditation doesn’t look the same for everyone. You don’t need your legs crossed, your hands perched on your knees, and your eyes shut to be meditating.

All you need is to look inwards.

To give yourself the opportunity to open up, to explore your mind and heart and identity your stressors, triggers, and joys.

To really sit down and figure out what makes you YOU.

You are special.

You are one of kind.

Now let’s learn how.

Once you do, I promise your world will widen. You’ll realize the plethora of possibilities.

This is who you are today.

What can you do today to make yourself who you want to be tomorrow?

Just because we’re living in the present doesn’t mean we can’t think about the future.

If we want to grow and learn from our past – we must do both.

Let’s do an exercise.

---

Grab a piece of paper and a pen and make two columns. On the right column write who you are today. On the left column write who you want to be five years from now.

I’ll give you some time to fill that out…

Ok, now you have a list, let’s compare the two columns. First of all, I want you to congratulate you for all you have accomplished – it’s no small feat. I am sure there are at least three things on your list you’re incredibly proud of and worked hard for.

That deserves recognition!

Now – let’s look at the column to the right, who you hope to become 5 years from now.

What are three things you can do today to get you closer to your goals?

Everyday I want you to write down your five year goals and three steps you can take today to be one step closer tomorrow.

Separate these goals intro three categories – health, career, and passions. Write down one thing you will do each day for each of these three core categories. If you have a journal or a planner this is a great place for this.

Do this everyday – periodically checking in to see where you were and have been previously. If you do this everyday – progress is guaranteed. You will get stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

A little bit of pressure is good – put pressure on yourself to progress, improve, and achieve your goals. I’ve definitely been on both ends of the spectrum, applying too much and too little pressure to myself. Trust your body but don’t let yourself get lazy. You can handle and overcome far more than you believe.

If you need a day off – take it – but make sure it’s only a day

Anything more and you’ll disrupt the very fragile balance you have adopted for yourself in terms of routine and habits.

Remember your five year goals – then your daily goals

Never forget them

Don’t cheat – work hard and you’ll find success!

So, how are you going to put in the work today?