This evening a group of us were discussing progress (or the sense of lack there of) and Emilie noted that she was able to accept where she is right now even though she had a sense of discomfort which she understood meant she needs to change.
I LOVE this! The idea that you can be accepting of where you are right now and still know in your heart of hearts that the discomfort is only a sign that it is time to grow and make positive changes.
I write a list of 10 things I am grateful for every morning, then I write a list of spontaneous affirmations - positive phrases that inspire me and then I meditate. I have done this morning ritual in various guises for a good few years now (eek more like 8!! Where does time go?!) although the regular meditation practice is new this year.
The aim of this morning ritual is to cultivate exactly what Emilie is understanding through her journey with 'acceptance' - the idea that life is pretty awesome now and actually I'd like to change this and this and this to make it even better. The best part about cultivating acceptance in this way is that we will never be done with this journey. There will always be something else to release, forgive, learn or practice. We will never be finished articles. And so accepting the discomfort and allowing it to guide us to become better versions of ourselves prevents us from spiralling into comparison ("it's alright for her") or negativity ("it will never get better").
Right now one of my big lessons is releasing making comparisons. I am learning to let go of comparing myself to others. Brené Brown says
"Comparison is the thief of joy"
It is so true. If I want to feel bad all I have to do is compare myself to someone else. As we don't know how much it took for them to get to where they are, or what goes on behind closed doors it will never be a true comparison.
Another phrase I hang onto when I'm finding something challenging is from the song 'Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)'. It goes
"Don't congratulate yourself too much. Don't berate yourself either. Sometimes you're ahead. Sometimes you are behind.
The race is long and is the only with yourself."
I relied on that during my triathlon! And I have relied on it many times since! In fact right now with everything that is going on in the groups where people are posting massive changes, I feel like I'm going so slowly. But actually this is my journey and I am making progress towards my goals and desires.
"The race is long and in the end it's only with yourself".
This is where I am...
I'm not perfect. I'm not finished. And that's ok.
This is where I want to be....
I'm not there yet and I have a journey to travel to get there.
And that's ok too.
Thank you for being here. I really appreciate your continued support.
Tomorrow my 30 day blogging and video making challenge comes to an end but I am still going to be on this weight loss journey. I will continue to blog once or twice a week and I'll still be participating in the Isabody challenge. I am going for total transformation with this company and if you'd to know more I am happy to answer your questions.
I wish you awesome health, wealth, happiness and acceptance every day on your journey.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.