Knowing Self
“ Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway”.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I’m curious the last time you felt empowered by a decision you made, a choice to say yes that made you smile, lit your soul, made your belly flop, made your heart sing. Was this today? This week? This month? This year?
Daily, I wake and remind myself that I get to choose how I feel. I choose to take care of my body, mind, spirit, and daily I grow more in love with myself. The more I get to know me and honor all parts of me, love deepens – a super cool feeling! I challenge perspectives, both my own and others, I push my body physically, and nourish with whole, clean foods, challenge myself intellectually through continued learning and inspirational practice, and take time to silence my mind and spirit.
I also want to remind you that this juicy place I live took many years to arrive. Years of asking myself tough questions and some very challenging experiences that made me dig deep into all parts of me. I found mentors and coaches to support me, took time to think about me and this life I want to play in. I continue to be challenged as I live this human experience and recognize this is simply part of daily living. Only until recently have I played at this delicious level …and I desire this for you. I desire for you to shorten your time to deep personal, self love and respect. Living the best life possible.
Yes, I am fortunate to live in this juicy place to remind myself to play, to be real, and honor all parts of me. This takes a significant amount of trust and patience. I am unwavering about who I am, my deepest desires, and becoming unapologetic along the way – all parts of me. This might sound delicious to read AND it is. AND, it can be a lonely place to live as I make decisions that are right for me, yet not always favorable, nor ones that many people can relate to. With that, I at times conform to other people’s ideals and forget about what I need to fill my soul and to nourish my body and spirit.
This summer, I was reminded of self-care when I travelled to see family as I forgot about my daily practice. Became wrapped into family attachments. Lacked sleep. Lacked exercise. Lacked personal space. I also chose not to have deep, inspirational conversations. Even though my heart was full of love for family and was honored to be with them, I struggled on all levels as I forgot to practice. Forgot about what I needed to stay grounded and nourish me, even with loved ones. As I drove back to my sweet home in Vancouver, BC, I had a great deal of time to reflect on what was working and not working for me. This is what I know to be true.
1. I know myself, to the core. I encourage you to ask yourself the tough questions about what you need to be filled, daily. What works for you on the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual level - do more of this! What areas do you struggle most?
2. The more I feed my soul and am selfish with my time, the more I have to give to others. Honor yourself more. Find what lights you up, whether physical activities, sports, serving your community, music, dance, hobbies, introspection, self-care. Discover what lights you up and do this!
3. Perfection doesn’t exist. You will ebb and flow. We are human with deep emotions and daily, we change. We discover more about ourselves as we learn more about life and what we enjoy or chose to push away. Your partner will also change – nothing is static. Your interests will also shift. It’s ok.
4. Patience. For the love of God – be gentle with yourself. See above, perfection does not exist and your sweet soul needs more love, which takes patience. Be patient with both self and others as they too have daily struggles and discovery. This life we live is all about practice.
5. Lighten up. Play more! Life is meant to be shared with others. See point #2...when you find what you love, you will naturally soften and want to play more. Life becomes a bit more easeful. Trust me. This is fun!
6. I surround myself with other cool humans, ones who share similar values, who choose to show up in all parts of their life. Some are smarter, prettier, fitter, wealthier – so that I continue to be pushed to the next level in my life.
7. Ego has no place in my life. Wait, I’m human! This can be a natural response to experiences, however, I remember that some people are just better at some things than I am, and vise versa. Get over yourself and recognize your greatness...your ego will shed. See above, point #6
You might think a couple things; 1. This is a lot of work. Yup, sure is. Just one step at a time. One foot in front of the other. Courageous conversations. This is why I do the work I do – on both a personal and professional level. I no longer choose mediocrity in my life nor do I want this for you. You deserve greatness on all levels, and only until you shed what no longer serves you, will you find freedom. 2. This girl is blowing smoke! Not really, however, for you, maybe this is your truth and doesn’t resonate. I live this human experience the best way possible, sharing what I know to be real and will continue to learn, like you.
With love,
Trina