ONE WAY CONVERSATIONS

I want to ask you a question.  How much do you think outside influences affect your day to day life and decision making?  How much of what you do and how you move through the world is based on someone else’s beleifs and values?  Think about it.

Here’s the thing with media; it’s a one way conversation.  As a collective, we are inundated with news (real and fake), debates, conspiracies, dialogues, and opinions we may not even know the source of.  We have witnessed and possibly engaged in consensus about entire peoples, movements and organizations.  You may find yourself spinning a bit on these topics, unsure of where YOU land. You may even find yourself feeling fearful or cynical.

Let’s course correct.  Here are some tips on how to stay centered, clear, and unadulterated:

VALUES. If it’s been a while, try doing a values assessment.  I reassess my values every year on New Year’s Eve Day.  It keeps me clear on what is important to me and aligned with where I’m going and how I choose to get there.

TAKE A BREAK.  This is a no-brainer.  Limit the amount of time you spend on social media and manage the negativity you allow in.  Remember that not everything you hear/read is true, real or meant for you.  Practice self-care by logging off and living your life.  Even during the quiet and more solitary times, we can still enjoy life’s little pleasures.  Allow your curiousity and creativity to surface.

THINK FOR YOURSELF.  Remember there is a difference between taking IN and taking ON.  If it’s not yours, let it go.  More than ever, we are being called to show up with integrity and authenticity.  Who are YOU?  What do YOU believe?  Where do YOU stand?  You don’t have to scream it from the rooftops.  Knowing it in your heart will do just fine.  But if the time comes when you are called to communicate your stand on something, make sure you speak with your own voice, not someone else’s.

We tend to find dissatisfaction when we are led by other’s beliefs and expectations of how we should show up in the world.  Create a win by choosing for yourself.