Daily Gratitude: Talk about a succinct way to tell us to conquer fear. For it’s fear that keeps us from doing things.

Whenever you think you can’t do something, ask yourself “Why? What is it that is keeping me from even trying this thing I want to do?”

Keep digging deep with your questions. Ask again “what am I afraid of that’s keeping me from doing this? Why am I afraid? Is there something even deeper under that fear that’s the real reason?”

“Is this something I want to do and is it something for which I have a deep passion?”

Once you’re aware of the fears keeping you held back, you’ll be ahead of the game. Now you can attack those fears and the reasons behind them. For that I recommend IFS (Internal Family Systems) because you can learn to do it yourself. But there are other modalities you can investigate.

Don’t take forever analyzing why. That is just a convenient excuse for procrastination. Make up your mind to do that thing you think you can’t. Be a Nike – just do it!

Daily Gratitude: Sometimes an affirmation will show up and I think it’s worth sharing. This is one of those times.

When we’re trying hard to change and want to see evidence of it and nothing happens, what do we usually do?

We think “nothing’s working” and frequently that’s followed by “why bother anymore?”

I know I’ve felt like that and gotten myself all depressed and discouraged. At this point in my life I usually am able to remind myself that thinking that way and allowing my emotions to get so strong is negative and will repel the growth I’m looking for.

Then I remember one of my favorite songs – the Rose. And the concept behind it. Or I can remember the bamboo story. So much is happening behind the scenes or underground but we won’t see evidence of it until gestation is complete and evidence above the surface appears.

Once you’ve planted the seed, follow up with proper watering and sunlight and whatever else is needed for its care (what parts of your growth plan fit in that category?).

Then remind yourself that we don’t have to be like everyone else and demand instant gratification. If you’re following your plan, the growth will occur and results will appear. Mothers want to have their babies “right now” so they can begin to care for them and so they aren’t miserable. But that’s just not the way it works. So think of your growth and change as your baby. It will be delivered when it’s time.

Daily Gratitude: This quote doesn’t need much explanation. But I thought it was cute and oh so true.

It’s the best way to explain why your gratitude practice needs to be consistent. There is always something, no matter how little, you can be grateful for. If you can’t think of anything at all, you can always be grateful that you’re still breathing. And go from there.

Make it a practice to write your love letter – to your life or to the universe – every day. Have fun with it. It’s not a chore.

It really is a love letter!