The Six Most Powerful Words You Can Say To Yourself

"It's a good thing I'm me."

I will never forget the moment I said those words to myself. The profound effect those six simple words had on my mindset and the places it has given me the courage to go. 

I had just finished talking with my family about my plans (well, at that point they were more of a vague idea) of moving up to Napa Valley to work in hospitality. It was an uplifting and encouraging talk, but I still was overwhelmed at the prospect of doing something that involved such a radical change in my life. And the overwhelming emotions kicked my ego/mind into high-gear...and I began to tell myself I wasn't good enough to find a job in a new area, that I was making a mistake, etc. 

I went to the bathroom to pee and zen out (normal?) for a second. At that point, the thoughts swirling around my mind went something like this: You want to find out more about wine and hospitality Lindsey? Yeah, you and everyone else in that region. What makes you think you even have a chance of being successful at that? You're not any different from all those people. AND you have zero hospitality experience. LOL, REALLY? My mind continued this string of thoughts until I looked at myself in the mirror and a small, but strong voice came out of nowhere and said:

"Well, it's a good thing I'm me."

It almost felt like I had been slapped in the face or another person had said those words. But no...it was me. My inner voice and wisdom finally standing up to my mind and its bullying tendencies. 

I blinked and stared into the mirror. Rapidly feeling a sense of expansion and self-criticism being lifted from my shoulders. 

Of course I could do the move and get a job. I was me. I had the power to make it happen. As does everyone else. And if it didn't happen, then something better would come as a result of simply trying for it in the first place. What did I have to lose? 

And looking back, I have to laugh. Saying such self-empowering words to myself while looking in the mirror, when years before the mirror had been a source of such self-loathing and negativity. Using it to hate and pick apart my body, trying to fit some delusional expectation I had about the way I should look. It was my worst enemy for years, but now I looked at myself and felt empowerment, not inability and hatred. 

Since then, those 6 simple words began a profound shift in life. My mind, my ego, usually the home of self-doubt and criticism has slowly started joining the same team as my heart and inner wisdom. It's no longer a booming voice that drowns out my heart-induced feelings and inspirations. 

Now whenever I'm faced with a challenging situation or an important opportunity, I am being greeted by self-doubt less and less. Sure, it's still there and doesn't go away overnight. But by nurturing and loving that inner voice of mine, and allowing it the freedom and space to speak, it's become stronger. And that little, encouraging voice in my mind has given me the comfort and confidence to "go for it." To try for something I really want. In so many different aspects of my life.

Thoughts become things and that is certainly true when it comes to the conversations you have with yourself. Allow your inner wisdom and voice the space to speak and guide you. Greet that self-doubting ego with a big, respectful "hello!" but then gently remind it that you're going to focus on your intuitive voice instead. Because the more you fight the ego, the stronger it gets. 

Here's how I think of it: let your heart lead you and let your mind say, "Ok. Game Plan!" Because you do need both; your logical, analytical mind and your intuitive, dream-following heart...but when the two are at odds or if you are constantly led by one and not the other, life gets thrown out of balance. It's hard to move forward in a positive, inspiring way. When that happens to me, I just feel like I'm stuck. My heart is pushing on the gas pedal, but my mind still has the car in park because it's afraid and doubtful. 

Don't let you mind bully your body and inner wisdom. Begin to view your mind and intuition as being on the same team. So, the next time you're filled with self-doubt, go to the bathroom to pee and zen out, look at yourself in the mirror and say "It's a good thing I'm me." And then go conquer the world. 

Journey Through the Chakras

How Ancient Greek Wisdom Can Change Our Lives. (Like, Right Now.)

I never thought I would weave ancient Greek wisdom into my blogging. But alas, I have here for you a powerful story that could teach us a thing or two about the importance of following our own path. 

So, with no further ado: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!

(Sorry, I had to. And yes I know, Greece vs. Rome, but whatever.)

This story of Greek wisdom comes from someone I met in Denver during the Writer's Workshop weekend. But I didn't meet him at the conference. It was a much more of a chance encounter (although how much of anything is really by "chance"?) that ended up in a conversation and then a spontaneous brunch the morning before I left. He was a kindred sprit, the type of person you feel fortunate to meet.

This was an email I received from him today (he is a writer as well, thus the eloquence of his storytelling). 

There once was this Greek sculptor who went by the name of Polykleitos. Polykleitos was a man obsessed with math. He was a careful observer of the natural world and all of its wondrous forms. In his observations, he noticed something highly peculiar. There was this sort of mathematical proportioning which seemed present in every plant, animal, rock, mountain, shadow, energy, in everything he observed which wasn't man made.

In his quest to create the perfect sculpture of a human figure, he decided that the application of this equation was necessary. But he wanted to make a test of it. He wanted to show his fellow Greeks beyond and reasonable doubt that his discovery regarding proportion was valid. So Polykleitos made two statues. One, he applied his formula of proportioning to, and for the other he relied on the views of the average Greek citizen. By which I mean he literally opened up the doors of his work shop to Greece herself. Any one who wanted to could simply walk into his shop and tell him, "Make the arms longer." or "I think this shoulder should be higher." "The eyes should be further apart." Any change he was asked to make, he made without question.  

When he was finished he unveiled both statues to the public. While both were beautiful, no doubt, but there was clearly one which stood out as being vastly superior. All of his countryman agreed, and Ploykleitos himself beamed with pride. With a sly smile he told them, "This is the statue which I have created. That abomination you see there, was what you created."

Polykleitos changed forever the way the Greek people thought, created, and looked at art. Indeed, the ripples of his ideals are still felt to this day when we look at artistic proportioning. 

Now, the reason I am sending you this story was because I was having this conversation with a co-worker today and he was giving me all of this advice on what I should be doing with my life. I started thinking about it...doesn't everyone seem to have an opinion on what you SHOULD be doing with your life? Don't you find at just about every turn you are meeting people who want to steer you in this direction or that? I started thinking about these things as I was driving and then I remembered the story of Polykleitos. I remembered the profound effect he had on the world around him by following his own path. By believing in himself and by paving his own road. 

Wow.

Pretty snazzy, huh?

I always go to friends and family (and, let's be real, my daily/weekly/monthly/singles horoscope online) when I need opinions, thoughts and advice. I take their ideas with gratitude and respect, and weigh them in with my "gut" decision. And sometimes I even come to the right conclusion by simply talking through my situation with them.

Always feel empowered to seek advice and wisdom from others, especially those you respect. Being an independent, trail-blazing lone wolf at all times can be a burden! But use their words of advice as a part of your decision making process, not the sole reliable source. Because no one knows you better than YOU.

It's easy to fall into the habit of doing what others think you should do. It is much less scary and overwhelming to follow along with what friends/family/society expects you to do, rather than follow your own (sometimes scary-as-hell) dreams and gut feelings. But...it's your life. Not theirs. You were given your own voice for a reason; let it be heard!

So remember my dear Romans, like Polykleitos, you have the power and permission to trust your instincts. Because you never know the profound effect you will have on the world by believing in yourself and paving your own road. 

The most important moment of the Hay House Writer's Workshop (and some inspirational goodies!)

It was a week ago today that I came home from the Hay House Writer’s Workshop in Denver. It feels like just yesterday that I was there. But it also feels like this past week has lasted a year. Weird? 

Despite my time/space confusion, I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes from last weekend! And I also wanted to share the most important moment of the weekend...for me, at least. And it all happened during the last three minutes of the workshop on Sunday evening. 

For the past month or so, I’ve been telling my parents and those close to me that I feel like I’m standing on a cliff overlooking an ocean…but the ocean is covered in clouds and fog and I can’t see what’s beneath it. I hear seagulls crying and waves crashing and hissing as they wash up the shore, but I can’t see anything. I know and feel that something huge and amazing is underneath those clouds, but I don’t know what it is. The clouds are going to clear soon though, I can feel it. 

This image is coming from a more intuitive place, I’m sure, and it is constantly in my mind. 

During the last minutes of the workshop on Sunday evening, Nancy Levin (the Hay House Event Director) closed the workshop by reading a poem she had written in her book, Jump…And Your Life Will Appear. 

One of the last lines of the poem was this: 

“The clouds unveil the views when you are ready for the climb.”

I felt like I had been slapped in the face. 

“The clouds unveil the views when you are ready for the climb.”

The quote applied so perfectly to what I had been feeling for so long…and that’s when the tears started. 

I snuffled and blinked furiously as the workshop ended and then darted into the bathroom where I found a stall of safety for my tears to flow more freely. I was almost shaking. My heart swelled with some feeling that I couldn’t quite recognize.

As if I needed any more green flashing karmic arrows, it was then when I looked up at my coffee cup which I had placed precariously on top of the toilet paper dispenser. The message written on the sleeve, facing directly at me said: “Follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose.”

OK. Ok, Universe. Ok.

Yes, I know, Oprah Winfrey’s words are on about three million other Starbucks coffee sleeves, but it still felt like another sign to me.

I regained my composure, unlocked the stall door, washed my hands and did one last loop around the conference center before heading back to my hotel. My sunglasses were pressed firmly into my face, as I was susceptible for more teary moments on the walk home. 

I relaxed at my hotel room that evening, listening to the crooning, soulful voice of Amy Winehouse, soaking up the energy of the day. Around dinner time, I filled up my water bottle with some white wine (truly the most rebellious thing I’ve ever done, other than accidentally running a red light) and walked to a small park next to my hotel. 

I laid down on the grassy hill and looked up at the blue sky, scattered with white, wispy clouds. Feeling peace and tranquility that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I sipped my wine and closed my eyes; embracing every last bit of passion, drive and excitement I had felt during the workshop. 

I am so grateful that experience. I could feel going into the weekend that there was going to be some major shift that came from it, and I was right. The workshop was exactly the fuel I needed to make the glowing embers turn into a fire. 

Here are some goodies I made from my favorite quotes at the Hay House Writer’s Workshop! Enjoy, Pin, Facebook, Instagram, Tweet, Share <3 

The Glow Stick Diaries: My New Blog!

What is leading your life, courage or fear?

Do you make decisions based on fear or empowerment? Daily decisions. Weekly decisions. Monthly and yearly decisions. Decisions about the future. Are those decisions based on fear and “what could go wrong?” or are they based on positive thinking, courage and what could be “new and great?”

It’s a powerful question if you want to take the time to think about it. 

When you allow your actions and decisions to be made from a place of fear and unease, the chances of moving forward or changing a current (possibly negative) situation are slim to none. Making decisions from a place of doubt will only keep you on the same path. It is difficult to move forward without the support of an encouraging and empowered mindset. 

Just think about it. Where do your decisions come from? Fear and doubt or positivity and power?

It can be scary to make decisions from a place of courage, faith and positive thinking. That requires a lot of trust. Trust in yourself, trust in the world, trust in  your predominant faith/belief system. It’s sometimes easier to stay inside your comfort zone, even when that comfort zone is made up of discomfort and unhappiness. 

But…change and development occur when you make decisions and act upon the idea of “what could go right,” rather than “what could go wrong.”

Powerful change, in fact. 

When you allow yourself to listen to your intuition, your gut, your body, and yours alone, you have empowered yourself with the knowledge of what is truly right for you. Once you tap into that inner guidance, that inner glow stick, making decisions from a place of empowerment and trust become much easier. 

When that inner wisdom becomes the leader in your life, it’s easier to find the courage to take action, make change and exude positive energy. 

It’s easier to take that “leap of faith” when you were too timid to do so before. 

Your “what could go wrong?” has turned into “what could go right?” and your mindset and actions are driven by empowerment. (Which, let’s be honest, makes you feel like one BAMF. Think kicking down a door and making a grand entrance into your new life that you’ve had the power and courage to create. BAM.)

And when I say “new life,” it doesn’t have to be a new job in a new city with a new group of friends…it can be as simple as cultivating a more positive mindset, a shift in attitude or a commitment to practice more self-care and self-love. 

When actions and decisions are led from a place of courage and positive energy, you become closer to discovering, creating and enjoying the life you want. When you live life from a place of fear and “settling” because it’s become comfortable, you may never realize your true potential. 

Begin to consciously shift your mindset and make more decisions based on courage, trust and empowerment. Let your faith be bigger than your fears…and a world you never knew existed will open up to you. 

Try this: the next time you are faced with a decision, and you find yourself responding based on fear or wanting to stay in your comfort zone, take a step back and pause. Take a deep breath and choose the decision/action/path that will challenge you and one that requires a little more trust and faith to carry out. You’ll feel like you just jumped off a ledge without a parachute, but don’t worry, you won’t fall too far before you begin to soar. 

(Btw, for those who have lived in a cave their entire life: “BAMF” = Bad Ass Mother Fucker)