Cultivate Relationships, Find Your Flow, and Energize Your Life
Cultivate Relationships, Find Your Flow, and Energize Your Life
5 Things: Issue 18
How often do you downplay your own skills and abilities? I have noticed lately that I have been doing this fairly regularly.
“I’m socially awkward” is a statement I made about myself last night while out with a friend. In reality, the truth is probably that I’m less socially awkward than I think I am. Sure, I have moments where I feel a bit uncomfortable, but most of the time, I am pretty adept at engaging people and feeling comfortable in social situations.
It fully occurred to me yesterday that the belief that I’m socially awkward is a story I’ve held on to for years. It’s time to let it go. That belief was a part of my past, but it’s no longer true.
What beliefs or stories are you telling yourself that you’re ready to let go of?
“We are all story. We are the stories we are told and we are the stories we tell ourselves. To change our circumstances, we need to change our story: edit it, modify it, or completely rewrite it.” Harold R. Johnson
What relationships have you allowed to languish? Success in your business or professional role depends on the relationships you cultivate. Reconnect with colleagues, mentors, and friends who inspire and support you. Strengthening these connections enriches your personal life and enhances your professional network, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Take the time to reach out and nurture these vital relationships.
What makes you come alive? We all need space to thrive and flourish. Life becomes more enjoyable and fulfilling when we align with our true selves. I love the pursuit of waking up each day excited and ready for what's ahead.
Malcolm Gladwell, in Outliers, quotes neurologist Daniel Levitin: "Ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world-class expert—in anything." What could you imagine dedicating that much time to? What have you already spent thousands of hours on that makes your heart come alive?
Ask yourself, "What energizes me and what exhausts me?" List the activities you've done over the past couple of weeks and label them as either "energizing" or "exhausting." Analyze your list for patterns. This reflection will help you identify what truly makes you come alive.
Once you know what energizes you, use that knowledge to enhance your life and the lives of those around you. Focus on what fulfills you, and you'll naturally meet the needs of others. As Rumi said, "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love." The world needs your heart when it is truly alive.
How will you support yourself this week? As you look ahead to the coming week, take a moment to ask yourself this question. Whether it's carving out time for a favourite hobby, ensuring you get enough rest, or setting boundaries to maintain your well-being, being intentional about self-support can make a significant difference. Prioritize what you need to stay energized and balanced, and let this guide your actions and decisions. Your well-being is the foundation for everything else you do.
Until next time,
Sue