Last week, I went into storytelling mode, but not the good kind. I wasted two days of my life spiraling down the sticky web I was spinning. Life throws us challenges, but I did this to myself. I let a seed of doubt grow into an entire novel.
When we water a seed of doubt, it doesn’t grow what we really desire. I couldn't focus or get anything done, and I lost sleep. By the second day, I could barely move. I felt like my feet were planted in cement and I weighed a thousand pounds. Around noon, I prayed one of the most important prayers we can ever pray, Help.
Then I decided to let myself go back to bed. I was so tired, I could barely keep my eyes open. However, I made a deal with myself that I would empty the dishwasher first, so that would at least be one productive thing in my day.
That led to becoming willing to make myself a decent lunch.
That led to a spontaneous willingness to seek positive inspiration.
That led to hearing something that brought me back to reality.
Surrounding myself with people I draw sustenance from, I was reminded that we can tell ourselves anything and we will believe it.
We have to be very careful with this amazing gift. When used wrong, it becomes a weapon. When used well, it becomes freedom, joy and peace.
In that moment, I was transformed from despair and utter physical fatigue, to refreshing hope and zeal for the day. I wasn’t tired anymore in the least. I had sudden energy: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
One positive choice at a time, I was rescued from the downward spiral into fantasy island and reminded of the solution to get back to the real world. Words seem inadequate to describe it, but it was like a thick veil of grief was lifted and I came back into life as I know it.
What are you telling yourself today? Is it taking you where you want to go or burying you so deep that you’re unable to move?
We have a choice. We can tell ourselves bad stories or we can use the gift of encouraging self-talk and life-giving thoughts to propel us into the day we want, which turns into the life we want.
If you’re down today, consider choosing to read this email as the first step to restoring your spirit, your emotions, your outlook, and your physical well-being.
Next, ask yourself, what is the second action you can take to love yourself well? Can you become willing to move in that direction? Great, do it.
If you’re not sure what that is, then empty the dishwasher, or load it. Maybe that will help you like it did me. Or take a ten-minute walk. Movement of any kind will usually be met with guidance for the next step.
Be sure you have sources of inspiration and strength available to draw on, as needed. Pay it forward whenever possible. Next week, there might be someone who needs you to be there for them.
May your feet be planted in good soil today and may your mind be fertile with the richness of reality and presence.
