Hope

Hope lives inside of me. I get up each day looking toward new possibilities. Not to be ‘be good’ or ‘do better’ but to surrender to the amazing person I am and what I might create with a deep appreciation of all that is abundant in me. I take small movements toward my dreams and with each little step find open doors and opportunities. I believe in the power of perspective and positive outlook. I choose to live into today with hope in my heart.

Images courtesy of www.thequotepedia.com and vi.sualize.us. 

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Courage

I choose to be awake to my fears, in all their varied forms…fear of not being enough, fear of going too deep, fear of letting go or getting lost, fear of being amazing, fear of the unknown magic of my dreams coming true. From this place of awareness, I choose to gather  my strength, developed from so many life lessons lived, and move ahead with courage, trusting that with clarity of purpose and calmness of heart, right action will lead me where I want to go.

Grace

If I could choose a name for myself – one that would invite me to live into it, it would be Grace. I love the sound of it, something soft and flowing and full of love about it. It feels like a big soul hug. I used to think about grace in terms of movement of the body and rarely measured up when considered in this way, except maybe when  I was deep into a run and had lost myself in it. When I think of it as movement of the soul, then grace feels possible. I sometimes feel graceful when I’m writing. I also feel graceful when I’m really connecting with someone. Grace also finds its way to me when I am still, quiet, and open.

Definition image courtesy of www.inspiredwindow.net & Ann Lammot quote image courtesy of marioarana.blogspot.com

Focus

 

I’ve been at it now for two weeks with my “Confidence Building” series. I’ve been intentionally focusing on my beliefs (Guiding Principles) that I might take little and small actions that are in greater alignment with them, with the hope that being in integrity with who I am and what I want to be creating in this world will sustain my confidence and give me the strength to move through personal and professional challenges. Coincidentally (or not!), what I read this morning in Rolf Gate’s Meditations from the Mat, spoke of Dharma, describing it as the actions you take to live your beliefs and the state and experience of being in harmony with one’s beliefs. Yes, I believe this is about Dharma!

My friend Maureen asked me about a week ago if this focus was abetting my sense of overwhelm and helping with my confidence. I wasn’t sure then. And, even now, it seems hit or miss – certainly not the answer to all that challenges me. Some days it feels like a strong support, other days my anger, frustration or fear are just deep enough it’s hard to take in the advice or perspective. It is helping me make more conscious and aligned choices more often so…

I’m continuing my intentional focus and leaning into Dharma.

 

Images courtesy of www.environicsinstitute.org and meetyourmentor.wordpress.com.

CB – Attention

Today I focus my attention on my intentions. By tuning in to the quiet stillness inside, I gain clarity about what is important. As I go about the activities of my day with focus and resolve, I am present and tune in to the things that show up expectedly and unexpectedly. I give my devoted attention to the people whose lives I am fortunate enough to touch.

Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity. ~Simon Weil

To read about where my confidence building series originated, go HERE.

Graphic courtesy of http://www.deepakchopra.com

CB – Love

I honor all the forms that love takes in my life and the power it has to fuel meaning, connection, tenderness, and so much more. I am grateful for the deep bonds and intimacy that I have with family and friends. I allow my heart to guide me in building relationships born of something substantive and important. I open my heart and shine my light out into the world that I may make even the smallest positive mark on humanity. I remember that to give to others first requires that I care for myself.

 

To read about where my confidence building series originated, go HERE.

Art courtesy of waffichic.wordpress.com

Graphic with Rumi quote courtesy of favimages.com

CB – Flow

I am open and curious and invite new possibility into my life. I make conscious choices about the things I can shape and influence, and I let go of those that are beyond my control. I catch myself thinking ‘should have, could have, would have’ and invite the possibility of moving forward from where I am, without judgment. Going with the flow is not about lack of expectations or caring, it is about finding peace with what is.

 

To read about where my confidence building series originated, go HERE.

Graphic courtesy of szobafogsag.hu

CB – Contentment

I am grateful for what I have. I resist any urge to compare myself to others or judge myself based on other’s expectations. I have a mindset of abundance versus scarcity. I find peace in just BEing who I am and honoring her throughout the day. I realize contentment is accessible at any moment by moving within, breathing in deeply, and taking stock of all the blessings in my life including the people who touch my life and the opportunities I have to make a difference in the world.

 

To read about where my confidence building series originated, go HERE.

Graphic courtesy of www.verybestquotes.com

CB – Peace

I take time to slow down and silently observe the world and myself. I look within for peace – that is there I find calm in my heart amidst noise and distraction. I move into the day quietly with a sense of clarity and resolve that enables me to be present in the now and open to serving myself, others and the world in a powerful, positive way. When I feel rushed or out of control, I pause and return to the quiet place inside to direct my actions toward consciously chosen intentions.

 

To read about where my confidence building series originated, go HERE.

Art created by Diane Painter

CB – Joy

I am deciding to be joy-full today, filled with gratitude for the richness in my life. I look within to find happiness and peace. I let my joy rise to the surface that it may be contagious. I know that finding joy is not something that happens because of certain circumstances but rather because I am brave enough to choose it regardless of the situation.

 

To read about where my confidence building series originated, go HERE.

Photo courtesy of http://www.nithyananda.org