Thoughtful Thursday

It can be difficult to watch other people choose differently than we want them to. Especially if it is someone we love and care about. Often times, we make it mean something about us. That we have done something wrong. Or, something is wrong with us. We argue with reality--believing things should be different than they are. It feels useful. However, when we believe that somehow our resistance to them will motivate them to change, we prevent ourselves from truly loving that person. But it doesn't have to be an either or here. We can still love that person while allowing them to travel on their own path. We don't need to control or change others in order to love them. Wanting something better for them and loving them at the same time is totally available to us.  Allowing for both to be true will serve us so much better. It is definitely worth practicing. Give it a try!

Do you find yourself facing obstacles between you and your goal? Believing that they are standing in the way of you reaching your dream result. I want to tell you something. The obstacles aren't the problem at all. They can actually be the best way for you to learn how to be more intentional in your life and in reaching your goal. These obstacles teach your brain how to think and plan ahead of time. With purpose. Developing this skill is a game changer. It allows you to face these obstacles head on with a plan instead of with a default reaction like giving up, justification, or buffering in ways that don't serve you. Here are 3 steps to help you as you work towards your dream goal. First, list everything that you can do to make this dream come true.  Include the things you need to learn, things you need to complete, and the daily activities you will need to commit to do. Second, list every reason why this won't work.  Write down every obstacle that you believe is standing i...

  Do you find yourself not being able to move forward in the goal that you have set for yourself this year? Or are you taking two steps toward your goal and then 3 steps back? Are you feeling like you will never be able to form your new habit or achieve your weight loss goal? I used to believe this myself. I would get discouraged and think that I was doing it all wrong. That I would never get there and that something was wrong with me and that I might as well give up. I see it in the people I coach too. The idea of all or nothing. Having to do it perfectly or else it isn't worth doing. But what if I told you that this isn't true? What if the goal is not the goal? What if the failures and falls are not a problem at all but part of the process? Think of what you could create in your life if you truly believed that it is all part of: The process of becoming more of who you want to be. The process of connecting with yourself and others. The process of reaching for your dreams. The ...

What do you say to yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you like what you see? Do you wish your body was different in some way? Many of us have gone throughout our lives telling ourselves stories. Stories about our bodies. How they should be different. Listing out what is wrong with them. We shame our ourselves and society has encouraged it. But our bodies are the most incredible gift! President Russell M. Nelson has said, “Your body, whatever its natural gifts, is a magnificent creation of God. … Ponder the magnificence of what you see when you look in the mirror … a child of God, created by Him in His image.” Our bodies are amazing. Here are just a few examples of some of the awesome things our bodies can do. Our brain produces enough electricity to light a small light bulb. Broken bones can heal. When we receive information through one of our senses, the signal travels from our nerves to our brain at over 100 miles per hour. Hearing is the ...

Motivation “I will never be able to lose weight.” “It is just the way I am.” “I always let myself down.” “I just don’t have self-control.” Do you have thoughts similar to these? They feel so true. However, thoughts like these are preventing you from achieving your dreams and goals. The truth is - the motivation you are looking for is an inside job.  You  are your motivator. And it starts with what you are choosing to think. As you are heading into the new year, it is the perfect time to look at some of the thoughts that are holding you back. Byron Katie developed a process of self-inquiry that includes 4 questions. 1. Is it true? 2. Can you absolutely know that it is true? 3. How do you react when you believe that thought? 4. Who would you be without that thought? After asking yourself these 4 questions, come up with a “turnaround”, a sentence that is the exact opposite of what you believe. Could it be possible the opposite is true ...

  It is almost Christmas!  Are your presents all wrapped and underneath the tree? Or are they shoved in the corner of your bedroom covered with a blanket hiding until you can wrap them on Christmas Eve? No matter when you get your presents wrapped, I think we have all spent time trying to find perfect gifts for those we love. Our kids. Our spouse. Our in-laws. Our friend. Our neighbors. We want to show the people in our lives how much they mean to us. But I think there may be someone you have overlooked on your gift-giving list for many years. No, it isn't your great-aunt or nephew. It is YOU. I invite you to consider what gift could you give yourself as you move into 2022. I am not talking about buying something for yourself at the store (even though I am all for that). What I have in mind doesn't cost you anything. I invite you to consider giving yourself a gift of self-compassion, love, grace, kindness, honesty, commitment, or un...

  Are you controlling or creating? When we spend our time trying to control the things outside of us, such as  other people's opinions, their emotions or behaviors we  limit the time we can spend creating. Creating things of beauty to share with the world. Creating opportunities to learn, grow, and serve. Creating stronger relationships and connection. Creating the life we want. A life full of love, compassion and joy.  I believe we were created by God, the ultimate Creator. That means creation is in our DNA! Our divine nature is that of creator not controller. As you approach the end of this year, I invite you to consider the following questions. Do you believe you are a creator? What would be different in your life if you believed this was true? How can creation be an expression of gratitude for the gifts, talents and abilities you have been given? Is there an area in your life where you can invite more creative expression? What would like to create in 2022? You ar...