It’s my birthday and I’m excited! I’m always grateful to see another year of life. However, the last 12 months have had me feeling like I am in the matrix. But not in a bad way.
I’ve been pleased to see many of my dreams manifest. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people in my coaching and reiki business. My writing has been read nationally. I have had the opportunity to interview and sit at the feet of some of the most fascinating people. I have also had the opportunity to teach some great college students and hopefully make a difference in their lives. While joyful, I’ve been stretched so far out of my comfort zone that this birthday feels like a welcome home party after being “away” for 10 years.
So what have I learned over the past year? Let me tell you…
Keep it real with yourself. After I blew out my birthday candles last year, my sometimes go along to get along attitude shifted. If I didn’t feel like doing it, I didn’t. If it didn’t feel right, I bounced. No second thoughts. I decided to stop fronting in the privacy of my own head and started keeping it one hundred.
Do what you love. Real talk… Up until a good year ago, this felt like an urban myth. Sure, I heard of people living their passion and occasionally met a person doing it, but I wasn’t truly convinced that it was really attainable for me. Then… I stepped behind door #3 and it happened. I am actually doing work I truly enjoy and loving it! I am also surrounded by more people that are doing what they love. It makes the difference.
Take your personal Sabbath. There are many weeks that I can easily work all 7 days and not think twice. In order to stay energized and recharged, I have created personal Sabbath days. Self care is no joke. On these days I may do things that brings me joy or simply do nothing at all.
Cold calls aren’t just for salesmen. Whew, if I had any hidden shyness, it was put to the test this last year. I innately knew that as I entered new territory, I had to surround myself with seasoned people in that area. Since they weren’t knocking at my door, I had to reach out to them. This involved calling people I had only heard about or seen on social media. Surprisingly, I was met with warmth and found myself in the presence of people who have been instrumental on my journey. Cold calling has also allowed me to push the boundaries of my writing and has also been helpful in my personal life.
Discipline is a muscle. Juggling so many things requires discipline. Sometimes it comes naturally, and sometimes not so much. I have found that when the desire to slack off pays me a visit, it is time to tighten things up. There should be a discipline gym because like a muscle if it is not exercised it may get soft. Periodically, I find myself training for a race, stair climb, bike ride, or some other competition. Those things require focus and it usually transfers to other areas of my life.
Detoxing is necessary, but can be a b*#tch. After the snow melted, I found that my winter culinary debauchery had caught up with me and put my summer wardrobe in jeopardy. So, I decided to embark on a 20 day herbal raw diet detox. I also used it as the opportunity to rid myself of things that no longer served me. Man, was it tough. There is no manual that can prepare you for this. Your body responds accordingly and your emotions have free reign to run high and low. I did make it to the other side and am better as a result.
Sometimes you have to go at it alone. I must have been a wolf in another life cause I like to roll with a wolf pack. Nothing like crew. This year I found myself being led to do things alone. Not the basic day to day stuff that I was already doing solo (like grocery shopping, etc), but activities where rolling with your peeps is a must. It was a little scary at first, but I begin to see the value in it.
It’s my birthday and I’m thanking God for all of these blessings and for another year. What have you learned over the past year?
With love,
Courtney
Courtney Bell is a Life Coach, Reiki Master, Professor, and Writer/Blogger. Like her Facebook page – Courtney Bell Coaches and follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cbellcoaches.