Nov 28, 2014

#413: No Flex Zone (Friday, November 28)

"Be who you are say what you feel, because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter." - Dr. Seuss

We all wear facades and masks. It takes a courageous person to stand up show themselves to the world, flaws and all, and live unapologetically in spite of them. But many of us spend time putting up  facades and screens to hide what's going on underneath.

The facades can protect us from pain, hurt and bad situations. But the thing about facades is that they're not selective, so they're also keeping the good stuff - blessings, opportunities and the like - out.

This week's action: Let down your guard. Be brave, be courageous, be honest, be you.

Nov 21, 2014

#412: Gardening 101 (Friday, November 21)

"There are two types of people I am told...gardeners and flowers. Gardeners cultivate potential, they enrich the soil, and provide all the care and attention required for seeds to take root, bloom and grow. They water, make sure the sun shines just right, and create the perfect environment for life to flourish. Flowers are the beneficiaries of the gardener's toil, time, and effort...and spread their leaves and petals to receive all the glory [...] So are you a gardener, or a flower? Me....been a gardener for far too long...having raised a botanic garden full of lovely flora. It's now time for me to be a flower....a rare orchid...definitely a purple one." - Facebook status update from a friend

I agree with this sentiment, but also think that there are times and situations that call for gardening vs. blooming depending on your role. For example, as a parent or mentor, you definitely need to be a gardener - but you can be a gardener to your kids while being a flower to someone else.

This week's action: Think of your goals for this year. Consider each one individually, and decide whether in order to achieve it, you need to cultivate or to bloom.


Nov 14, 2014

#411: One Yes (Friday, November 14)

"How he move in a room full of 'no's'?" - Kanye West, Can't Tell Me Nothing

No.
You'll hear that word often. A word that indicates refusal, that what you're asking is not possible. Ignore it. All you need is one 'yes'.

This week's action: Find one 'yes'.

Nov 7, 2014

#410: Pop Your Collar (Friday, November 7)

"It's not bragging if you can back it up." -Muhammad Ali

This week's action: Don't seek validation from anyone. Don't second-guess your choices. Don't measure your greatness and accomplishments against that of others. Just accept that you're amazing and talented and that's the end of it. And this week let that perspective inform every decision you make and every action you take.

Why we're doing it: Things get easier when you're sure of yourself and embrace what you have to offer the world. Sometimes you just need to sit in your awesomeness and that's the end of it.