A steady state of faith and devotion to our Self always helps to keep the road ahead well-lit.
Love, Faith, Gratitude
Oftentimes during darkness, the best of our faculties can seem misleading. Our sense of direction falters. During such times it is our faith that helps us step into the light and keep us on track to achieve our goals.
Faith in the benevolence of the Universe that we will be taken care of. Devotion to ourselves and growth guides us through tough times and makes sure we get the direction we need for our highest purpose.
It is our Love for life that keeps us connected to the Universe!
The single most crucial difference between a person who consistently succeeds in his endeavors and the one who is constantly struggling is – their ability to handle stress.
Everybody goes through stress at some point in their lives. In today’s living conditions, stress is as much a part of the lived experience…as breathing. It’s practically unavoidable.
Then why is it that some people are better at managing stress while others still struggle?
Managing Stress – Part 1
It’s because of the body’s coping mechanism to be able to self-soothe.
Some people are just better equipped to self-soothe themselves. Maybe because of their personality, their disposition, or through the experiences they have had growing up.
But what if you fall in the other half of that demographic?
What if you practically fall prey to your stress and anxiety and turn into a molten mass every time stress triggers? Is it possible to develop and cultivate the ability to self-soothe your body and mind during times of anxiety and stress?
Certainly! With the right tools and support, one can train the mind and body to self-soothe when anxiety triggers and stress starts manifesting itself within vital faculties.
Self-soothing is indeed a valuable technique for managing stress and emotions. It involves using various strategies to comfort and calm oneself during times of distress or discomfort. This can include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, engaging in enjoyable activities, or using sensory experiences like listening to music or taking a warm bath. Finding what works best for you is key to effectively self-soothing.
One very important factor that can influence how effectively a person self-soothes is their level of self-awareness.
Understanding one’s emotions, triggers, and coping mechanisms allows for more targeted and efficient self-soothing. Additionally, having a strong support system and access to resources for managing stress can also play a significant role in enhancing one’s ability to self-soothe.
Here are some ways to develop self-awareness and cultivate self-soothing mechanisms:
1. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness meditation, yoga, or other mindful activities to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.
2. Journaling: Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writing can help you gain insights into patterns and triggers that contribute to stress.
3. Self-Reflection: Set aside time for regular self-reflection to examine your values, goals, and behaviors. Ask yourself questions about what brings you joy, what causes stress, and how you respond to challenges.
4. Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends, family members, or mentors for feedback on your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights into areas for personal growth.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during times of stress. Practice compassionate self-talk and recognize that it’s okay to struggle sometimes.
6. Explore Coping Strategies: Experiment with different self-soothing techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy.
7. Set Boundaries: Learn to identify and assert your boundaries in relationships and situations that contribute to stress. Saying no when necessary and prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout.
8. Professional Support: Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor if you’re struggling to manage stress or develop self-awareness. A trained professional can offer guidance and tools tailored to your specific needs.
By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can gradually enhance your self-awareness and develop effective self-soothing mechanisms to handle everyday stress more effectively.
Once the body is trained to self-soothe the right faculties start working on their own during times of anxiety and trigger moments. The body’s defense mechanisms kick in and self-soothing happens pretty much involuntarily.
So in a day and age where stress is the only constant in our ever-expanding lives, why run away from it?
Every stressful experience is a lesson. So why not handle stress and learn from
In a hidden valley, nestled between towering mountains, lived two families of rabbits: the Cottontails and the Burrowers. The Cottontails, led by the wizened Elder Hazel, hoarded their meager resources. They guarded their dandelion patches fiercely and viewed every mouthful as a victory snatched from the jaws of hunger. The Burrowers, under the leadership of the optimistic Pip, were a stark contrast. They shared their clover fields freely, believing there was always enough for everyone.
One particularly harsh winter, a blizzard swept through the valley, burying all edible plants under a thick blanket of snow. Despair gripped the Cottontails. Elder Hazel, his fur dull with worry, paced their dwindling stockpile. “We’ll never survive this,” he declared, his voice heavy with fear.
Across the valley, the Burrowers huddled together, their spirits surprisingly high. Pip, ever the optimist, announced, “We may not have much, but what we do have, let’s share it.” So, they pooled their dwindling carrots and turnips, each contributing what little they had. The meager feast warmed them from the inside out, and their shared laughter echoed through the valley, a beacon of hope in the desolate landscape.
One curious young Cottontail, Pipkin, drawn by the sound of merriment, ventured into the snowstorm. He stumbled upon the Burrowers, sharing their meager meal, their faces glowing with warmth. Hesitantly, Pipkin approached, his nose twitching at the unfamiliar scent of roasted carrots. Pip, noticing the young rabbit, smiled and offered him a piece.
Pipkin returned to his burrow, his heart full. He described the Burrowers’ generosity and shared the warmth of their roasted carrot. Elder Hazel, surprised by this turn of events, looked at his dwindling supplies with new eyes. “Perhaps,” he mused, “sharing isn’t such a bad idea after all.”
The next day, the Cottontails tentatively offered a portion of their dandelions to the Burrowers. Pip, overjoyed by this gesture, invited them to share their clover fields. Both families, hesitant at first, soon found themselves working together, their combined efforts yielding a bountiful harvest.
The harsh winter eventually passed, and spring brought a revitalized valley. The Cottontails and Burrowers, once divided by scarcity, now thrived in an abundance they created together. They learned that true prosperity came not from hoarding, but from sharing and that collaboration could turn even the harshest winter into a bountiful spring.
Going into Abundance: Embracing the Flow of Possibility
For many of us, life is a competition for a limited pool of resources. We view opportunities as scarce, success as zero-sum, and fear of missing out as a constant companion. This is the grip of the scarcity mindset, a belief that there’s never enough – not enough time, money, love, or happiness. But what if we flipped the script? What if we embraced an abundant mindset, one that sees the world as a place overflowing with possibilities?
The shift from scarcity to abundance is a transformative journey. It’s about recognizing that our potential is not limited by external factors, but fueled by our internal perspective. Instead of fearing competition, we celebrate the successes of others, believing that their wins create a ripple effect of abundance. We view challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that each obstacle overcome strengthens our resolve and opens new doors.
Cultivating this mindset requires intentional practices. Gratitude is a powerful tool. By acknowledging the blessings in our lives, big and small, we shift focus from what we lack to the abundance that already surrounds us. We can practice daily affirmations, and positive statements that rewire our negative thought patterns. Instead of “I can’t afford this,” we say “I am attracting abundance into my life.”
Furthermore, the abundant mindset thrives on collaboration, not competition. We open ourselves to learning from others, sharing resources, and working together to achieve shared goals. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, enriching our lives beyond just material gain.
Shifting to an abundant mindset doesn’t negate the realities of life. There will be setbacks, and resources will sometimes be limited. However, the difference lies in how we approach them. With an abundance mindset, we view setbacks as temporary roadblocks, not insurmountable walls. We believe in our ability to find solutions and navigate challenges because we trust in the inherent flow of possibilities.
Ultimately, going into abundance is about unlocking a deeper sense of fulfillment. It’s about recognizing the vastness of potential within ourselves and the world around us. It’s about stepping out of the fear of scarcity and into the vibrant embrace of possibility, where our dreams can flourish, and our lives can overflow with the richness we deserve.
Going into Abundance: Practical Steps for a Mindshift
The journey to abundance goes beyond theoretical understanding. Here are some practical steps to cultivate an abundant mindset in your daily life:
• Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind: Physical clutter can create a feeling of stagnation. Dedicate time to tidy your surroundings and let go of possessions that no longer serve you. This act of releasing can translate into mental decluttering, creating space for new possibilities and fostering a sense of lightness.
• Practice Generosity: Giving back, whether through volunteering your time, offering a helping hand, or simply expressing genuine appreciation, reinforces the idea of abundance. By giving freely, you tap into the universal flow of energy and open yourself to receiving even more.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Abundance thrives on growth. Invest in learning new skills, exploring different perspectives, and challenging yourself mentally. This not only expands your skillset but also reinforces the belief that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
• Celebrate Small Wins: The path to abundance is paved with small steps. Acknowledge and celebrate your daily victories, no matter how seemingly insignificant. This keeps your motivation high and reinforces the positive momentum of growth.
• Visualize Your Success: Take time to vividly imagine your desired outcomes. See yourself achieving your goals, experiencing joy, and living a life overflowing with abundance. This visualization acts as a powerful magnet, drawing your intentions closer to reality.
Remember, this shift in mindset is a continuous practice. There will be days when scarcity creeps back in. But with consistent effort and these practical tools, you can cultivate a lasting belief in abundance. As you do, you’ll not only experience a personal transformation but also inspire those around you to embrace a world of infinite possibilities.
Going into Abundance: Beyond the Individual
The transformative power of an abundance mindset extends far beyond the individual. When we operate from a place of abundance, we contribute to a more positive and collaborative world. Here’s how:
• Building a Ripple Effect: Abundance thrives on connection. By sharing our resources, knowledge, and support with others, we create a ripple effect of generosity. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential.
• Empowering Collaboration: In a scarcity mindset, collaboration can feel like a competition for limited resources. However, with an abundance mindset, we understand that working together multiplies possibilities. We can celebrate each other’s strengths, share ideas openly, and create solutions that benefit everyone involved.
• Inspiring Generosity: Living a life of abundance naturally inspires others to embrace the same philosophy. When we are open-handed and supportive, it encourages a spirit of giving within our communities. This creates a more sustainable and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
• Countering Envy and Resentment: The abundance mindset fosters a sense of joy for others’ successes. We understand that someone else’s win doesn’t diminish our potential. This eliminates the destructive emotions of envy and resentment, creating a more positive and supportive social environment.
A Call to Abundance:
Shifting to an abundance mindset is not a selfish pursuit; it’s a call to create a world overflowing with opportunity for all. By embracing this philosophy, we can foster a future where collaboration thrives, generosity becomes the norm, and everyone has the resources they need to reach their full potential. Let us go forth, not with a clenched fist fearing scarcity, but with open arms, ready to receive and share the abundance that life has to offer.
Getting ready for summer is a great time to come out of our beginning-of-new-year hibernation that usually starts 8-10 days after we start working on our resolutions.
At the break of the first ray of light as we come out of the fog and start shedding our jackets we take one real look in the mirror and confront with our unfiltered versions.
While it feels good to say, “I have come to terms with my ‘lewks’..” how many of us really feel that?
I still fall in the bucket of the latter where it feels right to come to terms with my body but it just doesn’t feel right yet! Everyday feels like a constant battle between me and that image in the mirror who triggers me every morning.
So how can we handle this conversation with ourselves better?
How can we battle the darkness within when all we are constantly exposed to is a social media with glamor and filters to remind us of our warts and blemishes?
Is running away from social media the only option?
In 2018 a couple of years into my dream job, I moved into my dream apartment.
Life had seen its highs and lows in terms of money by then. There had been times when I lived paycheck to paycheck and struggled to pay my bills. The stress of a depleting account balance had a cumulative effect, in that, it kept me tied to a stressful job and added to the stress of living in an expensive city.
All that changed after I got my dream job. After getting a pay hike and a sizeable bonus I started feeling the bliss of a steadily growing bank balance. The reduced stress from my finances brought in a huge spurt of quality into my life and existence.
But my needs and wants kept growing. I was not satisfied with a stress less existence. I wanted more- more money in my bank, better apartment, better life.
So come 2018 – 1.5 years into my dream job I moved into a fancy new apartment. It was bigger, more beautiful. With a bigger apartment came bigger aspirations.
I wanted better furniture, fancier things, fancier people in my circle. With it came added bills and added frills to my existence.
And with these added bills my bank account went back to a steady depletion.
A year into a fancier life, I realized – I had gone back to living a stressful life. The stress added to my work. And what was once a dream job felt like a dreadful place again.
So did a healthy account balance reduce the stress in my life? You tell me.
The lesson I learned from this was simple – stress is pretty man-made. A bank account mostly adds to it. A healthy way to deal with stress is to deal with the intricacies of being human and learn the lessons coming from a lived experience.
For more about life and its intricacies follow me @kjgupte
It was a crisp Tuesday morning of February a week before my birthday. My weekly meeting with my boss had been converted into a layoff call.
My job of last seven years went away with a poof!
At that point, my job was my only life. I had sacrificed my family, my friendships, my hobbies and my relationships for a career that had brought me to a dead-end.
With a single blow I was left to fend for myself without a support system. Suddenly I had nothing to look forward to and nowhere to go.
The following months went into an abyss of darkness that usually comes with a painful depression when the earth beneath your feet dissappears.
Now when I look back at that moment a year later I feel that was the best thing to happen to me!!!
Why? Because that moment propelled me to take a HUGE RISK..
I realized that while a successful career had brought me far in life it was time to make amends with other parts of my life!
So I packed my bags and decided to leave my career behind to give importance to other things that mattered – family, loved ones, passions and some much needed time for myself to recuperate.
I published my first book a few months after that fulfilling one of my biggest passions – to become a writer.
I spent the last year doing everything that my career had not let me do. Makes me eternally grateful for the decision I took last year.
Yes that was a big risk that I was taking. Leaving a career of 15+ years behind for an unknown future was indeed a risk. One that I will never regret!
Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?
“I am enough”
I am not sure… I always ask myself this question!
Did I do enough? Was I enough?
Maybe that’s what’s wrong! Maybe I WAS enough always. Maybe the action I did NOT take earlier was to WALK AWAY from this feeling. This feeling of not being enough.
I wish I knew earlier that I was enough. I am enough. I always have been enough.
Today seems to be a perfect day to answer this prompt. I am going for a job interview today after a very long time, so of course… I am super nervous. About a lot of things. But in this state of nervousness I am reminding myself the following:
– I am going to interview for a dream job.
– Feeling strong feelings for this job is my subconscious propelling me towards my dream
– everytime I feel jitters I think about my dream, visualise my happy place living my dream and miraculously get transported to a future where I am already successful
– I think about “what” makes me feel nervous instead of the feeling itself
– the what helps me prepare better and give more energy to my jittery nerves to do better, work harder and be successful!
Kay’s Odyssey 