Spring is a time of fresh beginnings, and I recently realized that I usually pen a list of things that will be off limits.
I will say no to unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits, no to late night Netflix series binges, and no to over-doing ANYTHING!
I have decided to approach this season of fresh starts by reframing my narrative. What if I said yes instead? Yes, to that move to sunny Arizona instead of spending the cold windy spring months in the mountains, yes to finally buying that Nantucket style, three-wheel bike with a basket full of silk wild flowers for a more unique health and wellness experience, and yes to clean, farm to table eating instead of challenging restrictive dieting.
As I always do when I embark on a new path or direction, I invested in a beautiful journal and high-quality writing instrument I can tuck into my bicycle basket. Somehow, these two very deliberate efforts signal the beginning of something very worthwhile.
What negative energy have you been inviting into your life? What have you been placing on your “no” list when you could easily reframe your list into a more approachable, YES list? The Universe, Spirit, God believes you deserve everything. Why not practice my go-to mode of thinking made popular by Mike Dooley’s book, Infinite Possibilities? He teaches that our “Thoughts Become Things;” make them good ones.
We think hundreds, if not thousands of random thoughts every day. Let’s make your first “yes” of spring be one of paying attention, being mindful, and choosing to hold more intentional thoughts that will create an abundance of inspiring experiences.
If you are struggling to envision this mindset, let me offer a few items from my “yes” list to jumpstart your creative juices:
No to Over-indulgent Drinking
YES to craft cocktails, intentional enjoyment, and appreciation of the art of crafting and not just absent-minded consumption.
No to Pasta
YES to quality hand-crafted Italian pasta. Yes, to less and a lighter sauce with quality shaved Pecorino Romano cheese. Yes, to learning to make my own pasta.
No to Sugar
YES to the treat of my own choosing: a chocolate-filled croissant saved for a perfect Saturday morning indulgence at my favorite coffee shop. Make it an experience! Resist the drive-thru and eating behind a steering wheel.
No to Shopping
YES to intentional shopping instead of thoughtless consumerism. Quality over quantity. Recommit to my signature look in clothing and decor and become a minimalist snob!
No to Being a Couch Potato
YES to experiential living. Say yes to fresh air. Less is more when my visual lens changes. I am amazed at what I have seen and the new friends I have met from the seat of my Nantucket bicycle. If I do not want to ride, a simple short walk can easily change my perspective.
No to a Politically Motivated Newsfeed
YES to opting instead for outside input that adds to my life experiences rather than depleting my energy. My favorite is TED Talks. The most valuable 18 minutes of my day.
No to a Messy Home & Workplace
YES to “chunking.” Pick an area, not a whole room, set a timer for a 20-minute chunk of time. Challenge myself to finish clearing, organizing, and minimizing the clutter in this one area. Do not become side-tracked. Commit to doing this once a day when my energy is highest. Chunk closets into zones: shoes one day, pants the next, shirts the next. The same formula can also be applied to the kitchen: baking area one day, utensil drawer another day, and so on.
No to Relationships That Deplete My Energy & Emotions
YES to healthy boundaries, designed to make my life easier to navigate. When I am clear about my non negotiables, I will have a healthier environment containing positive relationships in which I can thrive.
You may still be a bit skeptical, and your list may be very different but what I want to emphasize is: If you do not choose your yeses, someone or some THING will choose for you. Stay at choice!
For more ideas about how to live a passion driven life, contact Debbie at:
Debbie Nix, Relationship & Intimacy Life Coach
PassionDrivenLiving.com
(575) 937-0212
