I started a 30 day blogging practice 30 days ago after finishing Jon Acuff’s latest book, “Soundtracks.” I wanted to try out the Affirmation Anthem morning and night for 30 days to see what it did for my goals and my clarity.
True story: it did a lot. It helped reveal tendencies I had been having around my goals that needed shedding and, in the thirty day cycle, I came to some really good clarification as to next steps and up-leveling.
True story: I was not one hundred percent consistant on my Anthem practice morning and night. But also, in the imperfect way in which I did practice it, I had such a return on the investment I made in intentional thinking it worked even when I didn’t.
First, I thought about the Affirmations a lot beyond just reading them to myself in the mirror every day. I thought about “I am the CEO of my life and I am the best boss.” all the time. I thought about how “Everything is always working out for me” constantly. I was looking for evidence to prove my own strength, to remember the goodness all around me and how every day and moment is an opportunity FOR my growth, not against it. And I mean everything. Negative space, boredom, conflict, stress, summer humidity, grocery shopping- they all present themselves with a choice. Hopie, you can do one of two things: you can use this circumstance FOR yourself or you can feel resistance to the moment and judge it as somehow not ideal.
Throughout the month I was thinking more about that first option. In my weight loss goal, I lost seven pounds and got really clear about certain choices and shifts that would bring me more success. Instead of judging myself for not doing enough, I started celebrating all the tiny ways I was doing things FOR my future goal.
Beyond my weight loss goal, I started really knowing what it was I wanted for my professional future. Before this I’d really been torn in multiple directions, but the great thing about living on purpose is that it brings unexpected wins you hadn’t planned on. One of my wins was allowing myself to start dreaming about a professional future where I don’t have to choose. I’m a musician, songwriter, podcaster and coach. I’m all of it. Blam-o. I’m dreaming of all the gutsy asks I’m going to do in the future around all three and have the best life ever.
And now, on vacation, with my husband, dedicating real intentional time for us to talk, walk, wonder, dream, drink fancy cocktails and sit in awesome hotel lounges like the one I’m in right now, it feels amazing. Slower, clearer, on purpose, worth celebrating. I’m thinking of my next big challenge. I’m thinking of my next 30 days in a new way. I’m having fun and recharging here in Chicago stocking up on wonder, summer, and ice cream.
There’s so much worth savoring and enjoying, my friends. The highest flyers among us who don’t burn out or fade away, are building lives of joy, wonder, ease and curiosity. They know that to do their best work requires them to live at a place where energy keeps bubbling up, where discouragement is traded in for curiosity and solutions, where open-hearted delight is practiced and put in a place of great importance in order to be clear, healthy and peaceful enough to get at that next big idea, that next big project. You can only hustle your way so far before you have to drive in a different gear that does less damage to the vehicle, saves on gas and gets you where you’re going. Think on that. Buy that book, “Soundtracks” be gentle and kind to yourself. You are a non-renewable resource that has an expiration date. Be wise, be loving, ask for help, bring others with you. High five.