Day 25/366 days Towards Self-Mastery. Status: feeling loved
Starting with where I am, working with what I've got.
The simplicity of that appeals to me. No fuss, no worry, no striving, just get going.
The last few days in this challenge have given me the opportunity, and you too if you're following along quietly, to connect with my dreams, lean into a force greater than myself that is always supporting me, realise that I can navigate these times, that I have the resilience for them, even though I don't know where they are going to lead me.
My blessings have been counted and my misery-makers honoured for their work of which I have little foresight. It's time to get going, from where I am and with what I've got, right now.
Sarah's inspiration today is about working with what we've got:
We've probably all been guilty of waiting until we have more time, less responsibilities, when that bonus comes, when the children are older. I certainly have.
What are your dreams? What pleasures are you seeking? Perhaps it's a challenge, perhaps more fun, or maybe more progress.
Life is always moving. Think of one thing you can do today to move you closer to your dream, now. Do that thing. That's the first step.
Work with what you've got. Start there. Make that call, visit that friend, try a new idea, bake a cake, send that request, email that expert, whatever you can do that takes you one step closer to your dreams, do it today.
This year for me is about connection. My goal, if you like, is to get better at making those connections, and working to ensure they have depth, are meaningful and heart-warming. Especially important for me as we experience the harsh realities of a climate that's changing, whatever the cause.
Connection to people, places, nature, environments, climate, animals, wildlife, all of it. I'm ramping up my commitment to connection.
And I'm starting with what I've got:
my few good friends
my garden
my pet Tabasca
my community
my business networks
My group of friends are few and close. This is my starting place. To pay more attention, make time for regular and meaningful contact, share time and life together.
Today I wiled away the afternoon with one of those friends. Filled with anticipated and excitement for our time together, I kept the whole day free, not aware of her timeframe.
We shared ideas and concerns for the coming academic year, she walked me through one of her assessment tools, we shared a meal and relaxed into each other's company.
The conversation drifted into intimate stories and vulnerable places, a few tears were soothed with the balm of some energy healing. We tossed over a few new and innovative ideas, and parted with our hearts full.
My social media content and presence will be focussed on meaningful connections. Hence this blog. It's about what's real, and it's about serving my people.
Connection is my thing this year. My word, my goal, my dream for this year. What about you? What is your dream? What can you start working with?
366 days Towards Self-Mastery
When I considered my New Year's intentions for 2020 I had just one: To allow my heart to love what it loved...and let it lead me. (If not now, then when?)
I've spent months working on integrating my life. To live life more fully with my home life, my interests, my work, my responsibilities, all coming together, all connected. I want to give each the attention that they desire and need, and still have time and energy for the others. That means living and working from the heart.
As I was clearing out my bookshelf over the Christmas break I discovered Simple Abundance. I set it aside to explore it on New Year's Day as I lazed through another delicious day of nothingness. Sarah, the author, says this book is about living in grace. Living in grace I realised, is about Self-Mastery.
My thirst for understanding the human condition has driven me all my life, and hand-in-hand with self-mastery it has been a life-long goal. And seeing as I love to write, that living in grace is about self-mastery, and I love a bit of a challenge, then if I am truly going to let my heart lead, I really don't have any other choice. So scary as it feels, I'm starting out on a daily mission of leaning into the suggestions of this daybook and making a daily post to keep me accountable. If not now, then when?
I'm Josie. You can find out a little more about me here.
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy: by Sarah Ban Breathnach
This book is written for the Australian and NZ market because it refers to seasonal changes. It's available on Amazon here if you'd like to follow along.