​This Is What You Deserve
Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, months, maybe even just an hour where you feel on top of the world?  You know what you want, and you’re excited not only to get it, but to thoroughly enjoy the journey along the way?  If you haven’t, or if it’s been a while, you deserve to.  And that right there is why I do what I do.  Because that’s what I want for you!  I feel like it’s a really good time for me to share my why with you.  It’s an interesting thing having a blog that not only chronicles my journey but is still of service to you when you read it.  To walk that path of showing you that I know what it feels like to feel angry/scared/sad/depressed/anxious/resentful/etc so you know that I empathize, to know you aren’t alone, while at the same time giving you hope and inspiration by sharing what I’ve learned.  My number one priority has to be me (yours should be too!) but a very close second is you.  Because there’s something I want you to know, and I’m going to tell you and then I’m going to tell you why I want it for you.

You deserve to feel happy, to experience joy every day, to love your life, to love yourself, to be excited about the future.  You deserve to know how to handle stress and sadness and worry so that when it comes up it doesn’t derail you.  You deserve to live your best life, to be the most authentic version of yourself, and to thrive.  You deserve to know that even if you aren’t where you thought you’d be, or where you want to be, that it’s possible to get there.  You deserve to put yourself first and practice self-care guilt free knowing that by doing so you’re giving your best to the people who matter most to you.  You deserve to enjoy the journey and stop worrying about the destination.  You deserve to feel free, to feel gratitude, to feel joy, to feel love, to feel passionate about every part of your life.  You deserve to start (or continue) your journey to joyful and realize pretty quickly that it’s been yours for the taking all along! Read that paragraph again and again until it sticks.
 
This Is My Why
Ok now I’m going to tell you why I want that for you.  Spoiler Alert: This is also why I do what I do.  I want that for you because it’s your birthright.  Well-being, joy, connection, love, laughter…just by existing you deserve that.  You don’t have to earn it, there’s no reward for work put in, it simply is what you deserve.  I want that for you because I have been on the other side of joy, of love, and of accepting well-being as my birthright.  I’ve felt lost, lonely, stuck, depressed, sad, angry, anxiety ridden, resentful, worthless and unworthy, hopeless, needy, confused, adrift.  I’ve felt ready to end it all, questioning why I’m even here, knowing the people I loved would be better off without me.  I’ve wondered what’s wrong with me, why good things never come my way, what the point of it all really was, why the universe and life hated me.  I’ve gotten so low that I craved any escape I could get, any attention that would make me feel not so very alone, any relief from the suffering.  I’ve experienced that guilt that comes from feeling so horrible when I know it could be worse.  And all of those feelings, those thoughts, those experiences are devastating.  They leave you floundering and alone and desperate.  I know that pain.

But I also know that it’s possible to come back from that.  I know it’s possible to do a 180 and experience true joy.  I’ve made that journey.  I’ve felt those highs.  I know what it’s like to love your life, to have joy every day, to be excited by the future, to enjoy the ride.  I know what it’s like to learn how to love unconditionally, to nurture the relationship with self so you can’t do anything but cherish your life.  I know what it’s like to finally uncover your passions and your purpose.  I’ve been at rock bottom and I’ve climbed back up.  I know what emotional freedom feels like.  And there is nothing, NOTHING, I want more than for you than to have that too.  In sharing my journey, I inspired others and the sheer joy and almost maternal-esque love and pride for them I’d feel when they started shifting their perspective and loving their life, and coping with their troubles in a positive way, lit a spark in me that can never be extinguished.  Not because I did anything for them, but because I just offered up a different perspective that allowed them to do it themselves.  It’s become my purpose and my calling because every single person deserves that, especially you.
 
No Such Thing As Perfect
You know what you deserve, you know what I want for you, and you even know why I want it for you now.  But let me tell you what else I want you to know about this journey that I am truly excited for you to take.  It isn’t easy street, it’s a voyage.  It’s healing, it’s brutal honesty with yourself, it’s discovery, it’s trial and error, it’s trying things on for size, it’s opening your mind and your heart to unthinkable possibilities, it’s awakening, it’s remembering things you never even knew you had forgotten.  It’s not linear.  It’s backwards and forwards, it’s up and down, it’s highs and lows.  It’s eye-opening, awe inspiring, jaw dropping, heart wrenching, mystifying, clarifying, and wonderful.  It’s unearthing your authentic self, discovering your best version, and raising your vibrations to the highest level.  It’s work, but it is the most rewarding work you’ll ever experience.

I’m not offering you paradise or nirvana or heaven on earth.  I’m inviting you to love your life.  And let me tell you my beautiful friend, life is real.  I’m not an eternal optimist telling you every day is absolutely fabulous all the time.  Sorry, that’s bullshit.  It’s not.  Shit happens, life can hurt, you have no control over anything but yourself and you’re on a spinning rock with millions upon millions of other people who are helping co-create this reality.  BUT, and it’s a big BUT, you can have joy in every day, even on the “bad”days.  You can find tools that will allow you to communicate compassionately, respond instead of react, thoughtfully observe, gracefully handle stress, nurture your love of self (and others), and bounce back from the unexpected far faster than you’ve ever thought possible.  You can discover ways to shift your mindset so that the bad doesn’t seem quite as bad, the scary as nothing to truly fear, and the future as something to eagerly anticipate instead of dread.  You can enjoy your life, all of it.
 
I Believe In You
I want all of that for you!  Not only do I want it for you, but I know it’s possible.  You absolutely can have that.  And while this is about you it must be said, I know you can have that because I have it.  If you can take a depressed, anxiety ridden, suicidal woman and turn her into a beacon of joy and hope and excitement then it can happen again.  And you can be the person it can happen to.  That’s what I want for you!  And if you don’t know how to do it alone (another spoiler alert, most people don’t) then reach out for help.  If you ask me, I will give you support, a safe space to be you, encouragement, and 100% faith in the fact that I know you can do it.  I will give you all the tools and tricks and tips I have at my disposal so you can find your joy even faster than I did! Because you don’t have to suffer and barely survive life anymore.  And you absolutely don’t have to take your journey to joyful alone.  I mean, if we hire tour guides why not hire a guide for journeys of personal transformation and inner growth?  No matter what, you deserve the world.  If you choose me to help you get it, I would be honored.  And if you don’t, I’m still going to cheer you on and believe in your inevitable success.  That’s just what I do because we both deserve it.

If you want to find out more about how coaching can help you reach out here. If you want to try it alone first but would like some inspiration and general guidance, Try my 10-Minute Mini MasterClass on releasing your blocks to happiness.  If you just want a little bit of motivation and positivity, follow me on TikTok or Instagram.

You Need a Book List
One of the things that helped me the most on my journey to joyful was reading.  Yep.  I devoured book after book after book.  Then I slid into my Master of Wisdom & Meditation Teacher Certification and with a title like that you just know there was a pretty heavy reading list.  The was required, suggested, and advanced lists.  From day one of my journey I devoured books on how to heal, manifestation, meditation, present moment, etc.  Then I kicked it up a notch and started learning about Buddhism and Yoga and vibrating higher.  It was food for my mind and soul, and I loved it.  This might sound like a not so humble brag, but I promise it isn’t and I actually have a point in all this.  If you decide to start (or continue) your journey to joyful you need a book list.  Yes, finding a coach you love to support you through your journey and inspire different viewpoints is an amazing thing (btw if that sounds like something you want let’s chat about how I can be that for you)!  But diving into the wisdom of others who have been on their journey and want to share what they’ve learned can be a powerful tool that you’d be silly not to take advantage of.

It doesn’t matter what level your love for reading is at, there’s a way to get through a book.  I have one client who loves to read but uses audible for all of her self-help, spiritual, and metaphysical books.  A different client only uses audible.  Another will download them on kindle.  Yet another will only read a physical copy.  I personally devour fiction on kindle but prefer having a physical copy of all of my spiritual/metaphysical books.  There’s a way to get the knowledge without having to force yourself through it.  And doing it in small doses counts!!!  One of my aforementioned clients starts her day with 10 to 15 minutes of non-fiction reading.  If she feels inspired later on, she’ll read some more but she’s set up that time as part of her morning ritual and loves the insight and clarity it brings her.  Some people will be loathe to put a book down regardless of how long it takes them (guilty cough) and that’s ok too.  There is no right or wrong way to make reading a part of your journey as long as you do it.
 
But Why?
Still not sold yet?  Let’s try this on for size.  Say you’re my client and we’re working together to uncover and release any blocks to joy that you have.  During our one-on-one sessions I coach you, but on occasion I’ll put on my meditation teacher or infinite possibilities trainer cap to offer some insight or a helpful tool for you to use.  Let’s say one of those tools I use really helps you and you’re so intrigued you want to know more about it.  You could pay my fee for an extra session where the focus is all about that thing, OR you could dive into a book or two or three and find out all you can about this awesome modality you’re so interested in and do it at your own pace.  Chances are I’ll even give you recommendations because as I so clearly mentioned before…I LOVE reading and I’ve read A LOT of books on everything I coach on.

You see, the books can be supplements to coaching but they can also be the coach.  There is a fountain of knowledge right there for the taking, all you have to do is reach for it.  So many people have gone through their own journeys of enlightenment, of awakening, of growth.  They have searched for purpose, for meaning, for joy.  And when they’ve found it or even started to find it, they’ve shared what they’ve learned because nobody who’s found success on their journey wants to gatekeep what they’ve discovered.  Anybody who’s truly transformed their life into one they love wants to shout it from the rooftops in hopes that it will help somebody else out who’s just starting, or even considering starting, their own journey.  Use that enthusiasm, use that wisdom, use that guidance!!  Level up your journey!  It’s like getting the insider local tips when you’re on a trip.  You get to find all the best spots and it makes the trip that much better.
 
If you Like It Keep It
So, how will you know if what you’re reading is true?  This shouldn’t be a concern for you.  As long as you cultivate and trust your intuition you’ll know if what’s being shared is bullshit or not.  There’s this inner ding (any Louise Hay fans out there?) that let’s you know when something is right and true.  And there’s this discomforting inner blaring alarm (that’s all me) that will let you know when somebody is talking just for the sake of talking.  It’s this innate knowing.  So, while you read and discover something you like you keep it and tuck it into your knowledge base, but if you don’t like something then you simply throw it back.  There’s no pressure to accept everything you read. 

Also remember, sometimes you’ll realize that maybe something you’ve read before doesn’t fit any longer.  Don’t worry about it, don’t let it confuse you.  Simply put, on your journey your perspective will shift.  It wasn’t that what you read before was wrong per se, it was exactly what you needed then at that point in your journey.  But now you’ve come further down your path and your perspective has expanded and shifted.  You’ve grown and changed and what was so important to you, so necessary to your growth then is no longer necessary.  I mean, you’re not going to judge yourself if you change up your fashion style, right?  What worked for you then, it just doesn’t fit in with your life anymore. You’re ready to level up your wardrobe to fit the life you have now.  I know, I know, it sounds like a simplified analogy, but it really is the same. 
 
A Rose By Any Other Name…
Here’s another thing to keep in mind, you will find “truths” that sound like they’re different or conflicting at first glance but are actually universal.  I remember reading something and loving it, only to then read something else that I loved that didn’t seem to fit with what that previous author said.  It was a different perspective and I liked them both but thought, well if they’re saying different things what am I supposed to do with that?  But the more I read the more I realized there are underlying themes, universal truths.  Sure, these authors have a different way of saying them, because even different spiritual beliefs have different names for things, but a rose by any other name is still a rose.  They may be looking at the rose through different colored lenses but when you take a step back you see that they’re all still talking about a rose. 

It can actually be fun, spotting these fundamental truths and themes that keep popping up.  You get to have these little aha! moments where you realize that Buddha saying this is just like Abraham saying that and they actually do fit together after all!  And before you know it these truths settle them into you and they become a part of you.  Something that you inherently know as opposed to being just a theory that you learned.  It nestles in and becomes a part of how you flow through life.  Every once in a while you’ll fondly recall when you first learned about it and chuckle at how it’s become such an innate part of you.  You’ll smile when you see somebody else who has it figured out too and feel a sort of kinship with them even if you never speak.  It’s a comfort, and to think it all came from a book!
 
So What I’m Saying Is…
Start a reading list!  There’s no time like the present to add books to your list.  Did you hear about a book that piqued your interest, put it on your list.  Do you keep seeing that one author pop up everywhere you look, put their books on your list.  Did your amazing Transformation and Empowerment Coach lovingly recommend a book that she thinks will serve you, put it on your list!  Then dive in and start reading.  Shift your perspective, expand your knowledge, level up, awaken parts of you that feel like you’re remembering not learning.  And if you have no clue where to start, please message me!  I have many, many books to share on a vast array of topics.  These were some of the most profound books on the early part of my journey and I share more over on IG and TT on occasion.

I Can’t Help But Think Why?
I have a friend who has spent the week so far being incredibly sad, and she can’t pinpoint why.  And honestly, when that happens I want to wave a magic wand around make the sadness disappear.  But as much as I wish I could, I can’t. Because the only person who can make you feel better is you.  I can tell you until the cows come home what to do.  I can give you all the steps you can take to make yourself feel better, to reclaim your power and your joy, but you have to choose it.  Yep, I say this all the time, but it really is so true.  If I teach you one thing and only one thing it’s that you are in control, you have all the power, and you have to choose how you feel.  Which isn’t to say that you can instantaneously go from feeling sad/depressed/angry/fearful/etc to happy and joyful.  But there is so much power in the choice, in the decision, that pretty soon you won’t feel that way anymore.  It’s how I got here, to a place where I get to share my knowledge with you in hopes it inspires your journey.

If you’ve been with me since the beginning of my journey, back in the days before I ever possessed a single certification, you’ll remember that my journey started with a choice.  A choice to no longer live a life I wanted to escape and to instead live a life of joyful abundance.  And while I didn’t have it immediately upon making the decision, I did notice the sexy synchronicity that started up.  Articles and opportunities falling into place, book recommendations and email offers for online challenges popping up.  Before long I was well on my way to everyday happiness, but it started with that one choice, with that one declaration to the universe that showed I was in control and I was choosing me.  And, spoiler alert, you get to do that on a lesser scale any time you’re feeling down and it will work exactly the same way.
 
You Get to Choose
This is what I’ve told my friend, but she is choosing to focus on her pain as opposed to the joy and happiness that is hers for the taking.  And I don’t for a minute judge her because we are human, and we have become conditioned to look at what is and place all our focus on it.  I mentioned last week, when I was coming out of my own bout of being knocked off center, that while you focus on your problem you’ll never find your solution.  It is so tempting to reply to that with, “But that’s what’s happening, that’s how I feel!”.  I get you, it’s there, it’s real, you’re feeling it, and it’s ok.  However, you already know it’s there.  You can’t escape it (though I used to give it the old college try by any means possible).  It is there, so what’s the point of focusing on it, of telling yourself it’s there, of putting all your energy on that problem?  I promise you, the sadness, the pain, the misery…they don’t need your help.  They have plenty of momentum so why give them more?  Why not slow that momentum down? 

You choosing to be happy is the first step in slowing down that momentum.  You shifting your focus towards a solution is how you start building the momentum in the opposite direction.  You already know what you don’t want.  It’s there.  Now focus on what you do want.  And do me a HUGE favor, don’t make your focus be on what you don’t want.  Because then your focus is still on the problem.  In my friend’s situation it isn’t “I don’t want to be sad anymore” but instead it’s “I want joy and happiness”.  Then once you know what you want choose it.  I’m a big fan of a loud and proud declaration to the universe.  I shouted mine to the sky and felt it in every fiber of my being and that’s exactly what I want you to do.  That choice is the first and most pivotal part of taking back your power.  Because you can’t get to your end result while choosing to wallow in your current position. 
 
Don’t Worry About How
You’ll need to remember something else too, you don’t have to know how you’ll get there.  You don’t need all the components neatly lined up in a row or on a list.  That part doesn’t matter, the how doesn’t matter right now.  It’s the choice that matters.  A choice and some trust.  And I know that trust can be terrifying to even contemplate but you made the choice and the universe heard you.  You shifted something on a fundamental level so irrevocably in your favor that your success is now inevitable.  I’m going to give you a mantra I used for myself (and still do to this day).  Because we like our proof before we trust things and we need to knock that off because we’ll always find proof of what our focus is on, not the end result.  Ready for it?  I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I know that I AM going to do it.  Personalize that for yourself, for your current situation.  In my friend’s case it could be “I’m going to be happy, I don’t know how I’m going to be happy but I AM going to be happy”.  I did that with depression, and your girl has not had a moment of depression since the day I made my choice. (A little social proof for those struggling with trust because I get it.)

There are going to be moments where you think it isn’t possible, especially in the beginning.  It’s in those moments you need to repeat that mantra.  Firm up that trust.  Because you made the choice and the trust is underlying it.  Firming it up and making it a stronger choice.  Let’s face it, does it really matter how you do the thing if you get to the end result you’re seeking?  I can promise you that the temporary Band-Aids won’t work.  The escape mechanisms will start to feel empty.  So you don’t have to worry about doing it the wrong way.  You have an inner guidance system that has no problem letting you know if you’re doing the wrong thing.  It makes it easier to have that trust too.  You start listening to your gut, to your intuition.  You start gauging if what you’re doing feels right.  And the more you’re doing the right thing for you, the more excited you get and suddenly it becomes effortless.  All because you made that choice and trusted in it.
 
That’s It, That’s All
So, if you want some more proactive things you can do, go back and read last week’s post.  I’ve got steps for you.  If you want someone by your side helping you and supporting you because it feels a little too overwhelming to do it on your own…honey I’m a transformation and empowerment coach and that is EXACTLY what I do!  And if all you want is a little inspiration and motivation along the way, go follow me on IG and/or TT, I got you.  You deserve to be happy.  Well-being is your birthright! But in order for it to flow to you, you have to choose it first.  You are where you are, now it’s time to choose where you want to be. 

Let’s Face It
There will be times in your life when you are feeling less than stellar.  Yes, in a perfect world you understand everything is just temporary and it’ll be over before you know it.  But there’s no such thing as perfection, we’re human.  And honestly, our imperfections are what keep things interesting.  That being said, man can it get frustrating when things are blowing up left and right.  I’ve had a week like that.  The banks are scared and dropping credit limits, my dog decided now was the perfect time to injure himself, and (men I apologize but it’s reality) shark week kicked off and boy howdy did the bitchy switch get flipped this go round.  Let’s just say, I have been less than impeccable with my words, actions, and thoughts.  But guess what, this is life.  We will go through periods of time like that until we’re no longer here.  So how can we cope?
 
Recognize It
Now you may see that heading and laugh, because you know when life’s going a bit sideways and contrast is doing it’s thing right?  Eh…maybe not so right.  Especially if you’re like me and have a pretty good system in place to stay pretty upbeat and balanced.  Sometimes it takes being in the thick of it before you realize that you’re a little (or a lot) off center.  Honestly it took me struggling through my day yesterday, like really struggling mentally and physically, before I recognized I needed to reel it back in.  And I like to think I’m a pretty observant person!  But nope, I had stopped observing and was just reacting. 

I want to tell you something important here, as long as you’re reacting you aren’t really in a place of power.  Your focus is on the problem(s) and that’s where all of your energy is going.  But the very second you can take a beat and step back to see that you’re kind of in the middle of it, you’ve offered up a pattern interrupt.  From that moment on your focus can be on the solution.  Now don’t get me twisted, the solution might not present itself in that very moment.  But it will eventually show up and knowing that you’re looking forward feels a hell of a lot better than simply trying to keep your head above water.
 
Solution Focused
The solution to your problem is going to depend entirely on your situation right?  Mostly yes.  But even if you can’t automatically think of something that seems like a good solution you can start switching your mindset.  You can start doing little things that bring you joy, that light you up inside, that make you smile.  Let’s face it, you’ve managed to handle 100% of the stuff you’ve experienced up to now, so we know this moment isn’t going to be any different.  Honestly, even typing that melts some of the tension out of my body.  Also, the universe is conspiring on your behalf, so solutions are going to present themselves as long as you’re open to them.  The trick is that first subtle observation combined with the mindset shift.  We stop being a victim and start realizing that we’re in the captain seat.  Sure, we may be in exploration mode, but we still get to be in charge.  We can still put ourselves in observation mode so that when a solution does present itself, even if it’s in stages, we’re ready for it.

In a situation where it feels like the world is out to get you, or everything bad is happening at once, or your body’s hormones are betraying you (ok that last one might have been specific to me) anything that gives us back our power is key.  We may not control the situation but we absolutely control our reaction to it.  So, we know that we’re maybe not being our best version, we know that we’ll get through it because we always do, and we know that in a moment we felt powerless we actually do have some power.  Now we can work on thinking the next best thought about the situation (because you can’t get to feeling ok about something when you’re in the middle of loathing it, but you can get to one stage better) and following our joy in small and easily digestible ways (because as exciting as escaping to Bora Bora may sound in the moment it’s a little impractical. 
 
Sprinkle Forgiveness In
Now this part may seem like it makes absolutely no sense, but I promise it does.  Forgive yourself, forgive everybody else involved, and release let go of judgment.  I think it’s probably easier at times to forgive others over yourself.  I know when I get caught up in one of these vicious little circles, I have a tendency to judge myself hard.  To blame myself for not being more aware, less fiery, and more zen.  Some of that is habitual energy left over from when I was a very cruel person to myself.  I know I have to work on it more, and I am.  But here’s the thing, I can’t change a damn thing about what’s happened up to this point because that’s in the past.  And at the end of the day, I wouldn’t be where I am now if that hadn’t happened.  The me that I am in the now is being kind, is observing rather than reacting, is owning her power, and is sharing her experience to help other people who are feeling like I was feeling.  That’s a pretty badass person and maybe it took a bit of contrast to get me there.  So I forgive myself, I’ll do better moving forward, and I won’t judge anything because look at me now.  Can you see how forgiveness is kinda helpful when you’re trying to crawl out of a slump? 
 
To Recap
We observe that we’re in a slump, we focus on the solution, shift our mindset, and we forgive ourselves for having gotten there in the first place.  Also, make self-care a priority!!!!  There are many many ways to do that, and I will happily give you a list if you need some inspiration.  When you’re making yourself, loving yourself, a priority you’re showing the universe that that’s what you want more of.  You’d be surprised how suddenly little things here and there improve, unexpected happy treats pop up, and your mood begins to improve pretty rapidly.  So, if you’re in a slump just remember.  It’ll be better soon, life isn’t out to get you, and maybe you just needed a little contrast to shake things up and make room for magnificence.

Have You Let Your Good Habit, Routine, or Practice Slide?
So, I let my morning routine fall by the wayside.  There could be numerous reasons that this happens.  Stress, excitement, a busy schedule.  The reasons behind it are numerous.  You skip your morning meditation and say oh I’ll find some time later and then something else pops up and before you know it a few weeks have passed and your morning routine feels like a distant memory.  You realize you’re a little left of center, you’re not as eager about your days.  Anxiety, frustration, and resentment creep up a bit more often.  It’s not even this grand aha! moment, just a subtle awareness that you’re not quite as on top of the world as you were before.  If it sounds like I get it, it’s because I do.  This just happened to me.  (if you follow me on TikTok or Instagram you know)

In my case, this time, it was excitement about a project I’m working on mixed with a busy time of year for my wine industry work.  I realized it had been weeks since I had meditated, set my intention for the day, pulled a morning card or journaled.  It felt like something had been missing and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it until I did. When I realized that the unsettled, anxious, frustrated feelings I had been having correlated with the amount of time I had let my morning routine fall off I knew it was time to get started again.  The funny thing was my morning routine would have set me up for success with all my work so I’m not even sure why I slacked off.  And it was so tempting to judge myself for it.  SO TEMPTING.  But I caught myself and jumped right back into those great habits.  The effects were instantaneous and since then I’ve felt jubilant.
 
Why Do We Give Up On Stuff That Makes Us Feel Good?
For me it was my morning routine, but this honestly holds true for any good habit, routine, or practice that you have.  It could be exercising, or quality time with your loved ones, date night, volunteering, and the list goes on.  It’s so funny to me that we’ll cling to the stuff that doesn’t serve us but are so quick to let the good stuff fall by the wayside.  And I have a sneaking suspicion that part of that is because our good stuff is inherently “selfish”.  It makes us feel good but doesn’t yield a tangible output.  So, when we do the thing, it doesn’t feel like work.  It feels frivolous and self-indulgent and like we’re not taking enough action.  Especially in the case of the things I do (and recommend doing) in a morning routine.  As humans we feel like we have to work for and earn everything good that comes our way.  We treat the good stuff as a reward for hard work and diligent effort.  When that’s not actually how life works, contrary to what we’ve been taught to believe.

Take this project I’m working on (that I’m super excited about and can’t wait to share it with you all).  I felt like if I buckled down, gave myself a deadline to reach certain goals, and really went at it then clearly I was putting in the hard work that would produce results.  Honestly, nothing could have been further from the truth.  I’m creating a course for people who want to feel joy in their life, either again or for the very first time.  I want to make sure everybody knows that well-being is your birthright and if you let it flow to you it can be instantaneous.  That it really is that simple to tap into your joy.  And there I was forcing it.  Totally wrong energy to be putting into a project that means so much to me.  But I see why I was doing what I was doing, I see why I let the “frivolous” stuff fall off.  Because I have years (honestly generations) of programming that says you have to work hard for what you want.  That nothing worth having comes easy.  The habit energy of putting everything else above my mental health and well-being kicked in.  If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, habit energies are sneaky little bitches that can be really hard to recognize.  But when you do recognize them, oh the sense of freedom!
 
The Quick & Easy Fix
Ok so what can we do if we realize we let our good habits and routines fizzle out?  First, remember why you did those things in the first place.  I mean, the number one reason is that they made you feel good right?  You felt joy in the doing of those things and in the lingering effects from doing those things.  Make a list of those reasons, write them down.  (For those of you who know me, and my love of lists, quit laughing at me they work!)  Next, take stock of how you felt while you weren’t doing those things.  But don’t judge yourself when you’re examining everything.  Get clinical, get curious, be honest, but don’t judge.  We’re human, not perfect.  And everything we do gets us to where we are now.  And if where you are now is wanting to feel your best, to be happy, to live a joyful life…well that’s a pretty good place to be no?  Finally, remember that every single second of every single day is an opportunity to start fresh.  It’s tempting to say, oh I’ll start back up on Monday.  But why wait?  Pick that good stuff, the stuff that feels frivolous, the stuff that feels like it might even be a “waste of time”, right back up.

If it still feels difficult to you to dive back into that good stuff consider this… anything you do when you aren’t at your best isn’t going to yield the kind of results you’re looking for.  When you’re vibrating high and being your best version things click.  Think about it, when you’ve felt really on your game how does everything pan out for you?  Your loved ones feel truly loved and appreciated, your work is top notch, your health is vibrant, and everything seems to fall into place, right?  Now look back at a time when you weren’t embracing those good habits and routines.  How were your relationships?  Did you feel motivated?  What was the quality of your work?  Was your health great?  How about your mental health?  Were your emotions stable?  If you aren’t making yourself a priority, making sure that you’re at 100%, then everything else is getting less than your best.  And does it ever feel good when you know you just phoned something in?  That you were there but not present?  I don’t love that feeling so I’m guessing you don’t either.
 
Less Than Your Best Doesn’t Always = Bad
I want to make something crystal clear so I’m going to use my recent situation to help make my point.  Step One, the why.  So why did I have my morning routine? Well, it lets me know I love myself, I value myself enough to start my day deliberately, it helps me feel aligned with source, it amps up my joy, and motivates me to make the day my best day ever.  I can list tons more reasons but for the sake of not going on too long on to Step Two.  How did I feel when I wasn’t doing it?  I slogged through my day, I felt like there wasn’t enough time, I didn’t have focus, I experienced anxiety symptoms frequently, I got really ill, and my temper was quick to flare at slight inconveniences that honestly didn’t matter.  So, the second I realized I missed my meditating and setting intentions and journaling and all that good stuff I dove right back in that second (aka Step Three).  I didn’t wait until the next morning, I sat down and meditated right then. 

Here's that point I wanted to make though, I was never unhappy in all that time.  Sure, I had stress, and my motivation was lacking, my emotions were a bit heightened, but at no time did I ever feel upset or sad.  In fact, I had moments of awesome joy and productivity.  That’s because overall I’ve gotten myself to this wonderful place and I’m just not capable of feeling as unhappy as I was, which is the beautiful part of transformation, but I digress.  You don’t have to feel bad or sad or depressed to still have “negative” effects from giving up stuff that brings you joy.  It boils down to being a past version of you, one that isn’t vibrating high, one that isn’t focused on your highest good.  It doesn’t have to be a bad version to not be your best version.  And you absolutely, 100%, deserve to be your best version.  To feel the joy that comes along with allowing your authentic self to shine through all that you do.  So pick that habit back up, dive back into your routine.  It’s time to shine baby, it’s time to shine.  And if you don’t know what your best version is try giving LBL Week a shot!