Weekly: You are ready
Sometimes, I think that the ways in which we try to protect ourselves from experiencing pain actually lead us to experience more pain. Our protective measures have unintended consequences.
For example, you might close yourself off from others in order to avoid being rejected, but that in turn makes you feel lonely and disconnected.
Or you don't ask for help when you really need it because you don't want to be a burden, which leads you to struggling even more.
Maybe you find yourself not doing the thing you really want to do because you're afraid you are going to fail. But, of course, not trying means that it is impossible to succeed.
Our question to ponder this week: where are your actions leading you down an unintended path?
Have a great weekend,
Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy
This Week
We stop ourselves from acting because we don't feel ready.
But ask yourself: what would make you feel ready? Often, it's something unachievable, "When I'll am certain that I'll be successful," or "When it won't disappoint my family," or "When I have everything else in my life figured out."
We're waiting for the perfect circumstances that will never arrive. Therefore, we never act.
What if you didn't wait?
What if you acknowledged that, even though you might not feel like it, you are ready for this opportunity?
What if you knew that you didn't have to get it right or be perfect, that all you had to do was try?
What joy is right here?
More Tips and Tools
1. Fully experience it — Embrace this moment.
2. Remember who you really are — You are worthy.
3. Help someone through it — A surprising tool for resilience.
4. You are the light — Guide others.
5. Be there for a lonely friend — A quick check in adds up.
Or listen to the podcast episodes (Apple, Spotify) from this week!
Community
What is something you yearn to do but don’t feel ready for?
"Dance Argentine tango for fun every week:) it brings me so much joy!"
"I garden. I start seeds, nurture them, then at the right time plant outside. More nurturing; weed, water, provide support, inspect, prune, and ultimately i pick the harvest. Then I start all over again."
“Play badminton.”
“Food photography and blogging!”
“Draw my thoughts in an abstract style.”
“I am 18 and with my friend at school we sometimes randomly say to each other “jump!” and we jump.”
Inspiration
1. When skateboarding was young (LIFE) — Some amazing photographs.
2. Has anyone seen Bruce? (MyModernMet) — If you live in Florida or know people who do, please pass this on and help support a grieving family.
3. Pep talk with the poet Maggie Smith (Creative Pep Talk) — For those who feel stuck creatively, have a listen to this lovely and inspiring conversation.
Before You Go
No spam, just joy.
