Weekly newsletter
I. Prompts for motivation
Do you often wake up excited to start the day, or do you find it difficult to even get up in the morning? Can you think of any actions available to you that might help you focus your perspective on what is within your control?
What does embracing life mean to you, and in what ways do you think someone might go about doing so? Is there a person that you know well who strives to operate daily with this approach in mind?
II. Thoughts for intention
Let’s face it, we all have good days and bad days. So while it’s not always easy, embracing life helps us stay focused on what already is with a state of acceptance. As simple as it seems, the truth is that just this mental shift alone keeps us from falling into unhelpful habits like ruminating, denial, judgment, and resistance. This is why it’s empowering to do so, since it enables us to remain grounded with better clarity to understand how to effectively use our sense of agency and purpose.
Another benefit we gain from this is that it allows us to practice equanimity, which is about maintaining an “evenness of mind” in the face of stressful situations. This involves using calmness and balance to observe emotions and stay dynamically active and engaged without getting overwhelmed. While it can be challenging at times, as with many skills, this is something you can get better at the more effort you put into it in the long run.
III. Ideas for preparation
One of the best ways to put this into practice is by making time for the things that light you up, no matter what. Carve out moments throughout your day or week to do what genuinely brings you joy. This varies person to person and could mean spending time with your loved ones, playing your go-to sport with friends, watching a favorite movie, or trying something that you’ve always wanted to cross off your bucket list. There are countless ideas out there, and however you choose to define it, it’s up to you.
Another way to go about embracing life is by cultivating gratitude. Personally, I think this is a powerful tool that creates undeniable change in your life in more ways than one. From your mindset to your energy to your relationships and more, studies continue to emphasize its significance in boosting your overall well-being, increasing resilience, and promoting longevity. So, however you decide to design a gratitude ritual into your lifestyle, there’s nothing cooler than getting to see its transformative effects over time.
IV. Quotes for inspiration
“Why is it that we spend so much of our time preparing for when we can do what we want, instead of just doing what we want right now?”
― John P. Strelecky, The Why Cafe
“Long have you timidly waded / Holding a plank by the shore / Now I will you to be a bold swimmer / To jump off in the midst of the sea / Rise again, nod to me, shout / And laughingly dash with your hair.”
― Walt Whitman, Song of Myself
