Self growth is a term we hear a lot, and has become even more of a conversation throughout the last two years due to (you know). As those closest to me know I am a big believer that life really is about turning chances into choices. And by making bold choices that scare you, excite and test you…by making shifts and inviting change into your life, like you would an old friend you had not seen in a long time (embracing them with a warm hug), growth becomes inevitable.
Growth is never easy but it is the better option over staying the same. You wouldn’t eat that SAME stale piece of bread that has been sitting in the fridge for a few weeks, so why would you want to eat from the same stale choices, mindsets and opportunities that you have laid out for yourself? A great question to ask ourselves if we are feeling stuck or uninspired. I mean, there is an old saying that talks about change “being as good as a holiday”, and for the most part I can see the value and merit in that.
I originally started drafting this post with the intention to publish it early next year but I decided to take my own advice (see #5 below) and stop waiting around…rather take action and just do it. So let’s dive deep into my 5 things I think bring about great growth in each of us if we are willing to open our heart to them and give them a go…
Ask yourself the deep questions …
What do I want to feel? Where do I want to be ? Why do I feel they way that I do?…What is it going take for me to get there? How badly I want and need this? Am I willing to take a leap of faith and just JUMP? What is it going to cost me (emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally and financially?). What is the cost of NOT doing it? Am I willing to live with this choice? Does this choice serve me? Is it in my highest alignment? Is this my highest contribution and frequency in this world? If not, what can I do to reach that?
Get really real…and honest with yourself. Identify the emotions you want to feel and deserve to feel, and then identify the actions that are required to attain that. For the most part looking inward and staying true to your core and sitting in your own self awareness is crucial. That being said it is sometimes a good thing to call in some higher level support from a trusted loved one, mentor or coach. One of the best ways to have these conversations with yourself is to have your own ‘date night’. Sometimes I will cook a really nice meal for myself, put on a nice power ballad or sweet acoustic track, have a little dance around the kitchen and then find myself sitting alone at the dinner table with a glass of wine (or more often a glass of my fave kombucha). I start mentally processing and working through many of the questions above. I also find it super helpful to record these thoughts and feelings in a journal. There is something about seeing your thoughts, feelings and dreams in cold hard print…inked right there on a page in front of you. I am confident of one thing- you won’t get to a place where you feel alive, on fire, emboldened and your most joyful thriving self if you are not willing to check in with your heart regularly.
Invest in your health
Ok this is a biggie! Your body and mind are your physical vessels on this earth. They are your permanent residence on this planet. You wouldn’t be ok living in mess and dirt…so get into the habit of thinking of your body and mind as a space that needs regular cleaning and maintenance (much like your house).
This might look like:
- Buying some new cookbooks and learning new skills to make nourishing meals to fuel that body
- Hiring a personal trainer or finding a gym membership that allows you to exercise in a way that you enjoy
- Sitting down with a naturopath/nutritionist/dietician to have a consult about better dietary choices for your body
- Getting some blood tests done to check your hormone levels to see if there is anything you can do to address issues in your monthly lady cycle (this has been HUGE for me). I recently found out that I have PCOS, AKA Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and need to carefully monitor my lifestyle choices to keep my levels at a point where I feel good, look good, and my body is able to have children down the road.
- Taking any supplements that might help you current situation. Eg. Your blood test may have shown that you are low in Iron so you may need to supplement this as well as adding more leafy greens into your diet.
- Addressing stress levels before they take you over completely.
- Taking a Yoga class each week to help you connect your body with your mind and breath.
If I could sum that up in three words: Health IS wealth!
Join a new activity/group or hobby
This can be great to spice things up, meet new friends or just learn a new life skill to keep you moving forward, growing and feeling inspired in life. Personally, my goals when it comes to hobbies and life skills going into 2022 is to go back to pole dancing (I really miss it and love how empowered, sensual and confident I feel…it really unlocks something deep down inside of me that needs to come out and be fully self expressed) , go back to soccer and be a part of a team environment again, as well as trying my hand at an adult beginner ballet class.
I think the great and wonderful thing about hobbies is that it can give you a creative, physical and social outlet that we all need to feel our most happy, confident and powerful selves.
Take on new learning.
This could be in the form of a course (in person or online), a webinar, binge listening to a podcast on a particular topic, learn a new language or finally taking the time to learn how to play an instrument. Life is a journey of never ending learning and I certainly want to be someone who makes the most of each opportunity to learn…learn about people, the world around me, the way we interact with each other and learn more about myself…and the woman that I want to be.
This is also a great way to make sure you’re keeping your mind stimulated and healthy.
Take action NOW!
Don’t wait around until you ‘feel’ like it. If so, chances are you’ll probably be waiting a LONG time! You won’t GROW if you don’t DO.
What do you do to invite growth and inspiration in your life? I’d love to hear about it..drop me a comment below!
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