Engagement in Life

Navigating through life can either be a relatively smooth process or one that manifests with tension, stress, and an array of feelings that leave us exhausted and confused. We all face challenges — yet each of us copes differently when met with life's twists and turns. Much of how we navigate is learned over years. But when those patterns no longer serve us, we seek change, so we can live more comfortably with ourselves and with others.

Know Yourself

The first step toward moving smoothly through life is identifying which habits are working against you. This requires a true understanding of self — looking in the mirror and taking honest responsibility for your actions. It's a significant step. But we are capable of it.

Once you make that agreement with yourself, try to release the habit of placing blame on others. Many people have been dealt a difficult hand in life — that's real. But at some point, we have to sit with the truth that we are ultimately responsible for what we do with our lives from this point forward. We can break patterns, one day at a time, for a healthier way of living.

Get Out of Your Head

Keep that agreement close to your heart, and then step out of your head. We grind over issues daily — reviewing, distorting, creating mental havoc when life takes an unexpected turn. Stay the course. Navigate to your center with strength, love, and compassion. Revisiting where emotional upheaval lives is sometimes necessary. But don't get stuck there and become a walking victim.

Move

Literally. Keep your body moving. Walk, run, play, do jumping jacks — movement is a powerful healing vehicle. When your mind races with unsettled emotions, the best remedy is to move your body and slow down your thinking. If only the body could move as fast as our thoughts.

Create

This is a big one. So much of our day is spent spinning in our heads, grinding over life's imperfections. All of that energy could be channeled into something creative. There is untapped creative energy in each of us just waiting to blossom. Find your inspiration — it exists all around you.

Keep Good People Close

This is how we survive. People and love are the ultimate gifts in the universe. Keep solid relationships close, and allow those who bring toxic behavior to the table to stay in the background — or be left behind entirely.

If you can't leave a particular relationship behind, create a veil that protects you from the impact of their behavior. This means learning to look at them differently — recognizing their vulnerability and their limited capacity to grow. It's a sad state, and it deserves compassion. This is a hard road, but you can develop the ability to be less affected by their words or actions. It takes practice.

You have an inner light that is strong and full of love — for yourself and for others. You will touch many lives with it.