#Spaciousness

Have you ever felt torn between meticulously planning your life and just living in the moment? You're not alone. 

Planning focuses on achievement and organization: getting things done and accomplishing goals. Living in the moment is about spaciousness, spontaneity, joy, and appreciation.

Consider being the space in which actions unfold. Then you have the benefits of both worlds, achieving while pausing to breathe in the enchantment of the unplanned moment. 
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So go ahead and pursue your ambitions, but also allow yourself to experience and appreciate life's spontaneous joys. This balance won't hinder your achievements but will enrich the journey, making it happier and more fulfilling.

​#Words
 
You inhabit a world constructed by words. Every word you utter has the potential to shape the world you inhabit.
 
Let this awareness be a cautionary guide, encouraging you to select each word with care and align your words with the world you want to create.
 
In this spirit, when giving feedback, consider its impact: Will your words build understanding or barriers? When receiving feedback, reflect on your listening skills—are you open to understanding the speaker’s intent and message?
Speak not only to communicate but to inspire, to heal, and to bring forth the world you wish to live in.

​#Shift
 
Acceptance, accountability, and action: a place to operate from.
 
Acceptance doesn’t mean you agree; it's about perceiving things as they are, which is the crucial first step toward life-altering transformation.
 
Accountability means owning what shows up in your life, including every problematic situation. An internal shift away from blaming and complaining opens the doors to lifelong breakthroughs in discovery, patience, and leadership.
 
Action means not standing by and letting life pass you by. You make the necessary changes that your vision of a life worth living demands of you.

​#Unknown
 
Notice if you defend your views more often than you question them. This can be a common oversight, even among 'smart' people.
 
What you know has brought you to this moment. What you don't know will hasten into a future rich with growth and new insights.
 
Often, it's not just what you know but your openness to what you don't know that propels you forward.

#New
 
What is normal? What you do daily, from working to maintaining relationships, with little thought. What is new? When asked, most people respond, ‘Nothing. Same old, same old.’  What if you could respond, ‘Everything!’
 
It’s a matter of perspective. Imagine approaching your ‘normal’ with a different view that reveals new possibilities in who you are and what you do and have.
 
What ‘new’ have you already embraced that once felt far from normal? How did it fundamentally alter your perspective? If it expanded the boundaries of the known, pushing further into the realm of unknown possibilities, then the ‘new’ was transformative.
 
Perhaps the most significant block to progress isn’t ignorance; it’s adhering to business as usual.

#Rest
 
When you have nothing to do, are you restless or relaxed?
 
The answer to this question will reveal if you allow yourself a full recovery from work, exercise, and life’s challenges. Take a moment to observe if you rush to fill any open slot in your calendar.
 
Consider what might happen if you let that space remain open. Who might you become in the presence of nothingness? You can always fill it up if you want to, but allow yourself the space to decide consciously, carefully, and with complete recovery in mind.

#Optimist
 
Be a slightly odd optimist.
 
Dream boldly! Declare what's possible, make plans, take action, and persist. With this approach, you won't need rose-colored glasses to stay optimistic—you'll be a working optimist!
 
A working optimist acknowledges and commits to what must be done, understanding that time will pass regardless—a month, a year, or even five years.
 
So why wait? Start now.

#Engage

Take a moment to reflect on your achievements—those that emerged from your full engagement and joyful effort. Recognize that these moments were not merely tasks completed but significant milestones in your life's journey.

Consider the idea that life is not a problem to solve but a path to travel, which you initiate and shape by continually assessing and adjusting your course.

​This perspective empowers you to navigate with agility, transforming struggles into opportunities as you pursue a purposeful path.

​#Argue
 
Much of what is presented as truth is, in fact, arguable.
 
However, the effectiveness of an argument depends mainly on your approach. Do you engage with curiosity and a desire for discovery, or do you only accept ideas that align with your existing beliefs?
 
Reflect deeply on this question. Although many of us claim to value openness, real-life scenarios often reveal a different story. The next time your 'truth' is challenged, observe closely how receptive you are.
 
This is more than a simple thought exercise; it's an awareness practice that uncovers your attachments and biases. By recognizing these tendencies, you can argue constructively, creating an environment conducive to mutual learning and growth.

​#Debate
 
How do you encourage healthy debate?
 
Consistently speaking the truth with kindness invites dialogue and dissent, paradoxically strengthening the bonds within a team or relationship.
 
This approach transforms potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and deepens mutual understanding. It reassures everyone that their perspectives and feelings are valued, even when they differ or challenge the status quo.
 
By cultivating this culture, you encourage everyone to contribute openly and authentically, enhancing individual confidence and elevating an entire group collectively.

​#Feedback
 
Before giving feedback, think about what empowers people.
 
Empowerment starts with the belief in others' abilities and acknowledging the unique gifts they bring to the table.
 
When people need help or guidance, discuss their goals to tailor your support effectively. This method not only fosters growth but also builds a foundation for a profoundly empowering relationship.
 
With such a foundation, constructive feedback can be given openly and without hesitation.

​#Presence
 
Today, practice being present. It’s easier than you might think. Start by focusing on your breath.
 
Sometimes, especially when the urge to be right overwhelms your wish to be present, you might need two breaths—or even more! Keep breathing deeply until your attachment to being right begins to dissolve. You’ll soon notice your perspective broadening and your world expanding.
 
Now, fully present, you’re ready to engage artfully with your relationships. There’s nothing to fix, just the space to listen and engage. Pay attention to the changes when you show up present and connected. Notice how the dynamics in your relationships transform.

​#TrueNorth
 
Where does your inner compass point?
 
Reflect on the true north of your innermost beliefs and values. As you traverse life's complexities, let this compass guide you toward decisions and paths that align with your most profound truths. Trust it to navigate you through turmoil, leading you to clarity and peace and, ultimately, to the harmony and purpose you seek.
 
Traveling along your true north feeds your soul. Feed it with love, beauty, goodness, gratitude, accomplishment, family, team, mission, generosity, and forgiveness.

​#Love
 
It’s easy to love who and what you’ve already decided is worth loving.

It’s hard to love who and what you’ve already decided you hate. Maybe the answer is to question your choice to hate and make a new decision.
 
The journey from hate to love is a complex change of direction. It requires the courage to dismantle the walls you’ve built and the wisdom to see the world anew. To love without conditions is to free yourself from the confines of judgment and to move forward with forgiveness.
 
The real challenge is to question the choice to hate and dare to make a new decision. To decide that every creature, every person, and every moment is worthy of love—not because they’ve earned it, but because love, in its infinite capacity, knows no other way to exist.

​#Empowerment
 
This is a universal truth, often hard-earned yet deeply liberating:
 
No one owes you anything—not your parents, not your friends, not your boss, nor the company you work for.
 
This realization isn't about fostering solitude or resentment. Rather, it’s coming home to a profound sense of personal responsibility and empowerment. You owe it to yourself to forge and commit to a path that aligns with your vision of a life worth living.
 
Understand that the canvas of your life is yours to paint upon, with colors of your choice and strokes that define your journey. It’s an awakening to realize that you are in the middle of creating your life. It didn’t just happen to you; you’re holding the brush and poised to paint your next picture.

​#Smile
 
Are you smiling right now?
 
If it seems to have slipped away, gently coax it back onto your face. Pause momentarily and cast your mind to something that warms your heart, a memory so delightful or a thought so tender that it tugs the corners of your lips upwards effortlessly.
 
A smile is more than a simple curve of the lips; it's a beacon of inner joy. And it's beautifully contagious—your smile can set off a cascade of smiles around you.
 
People might not know why, but your smile could be the very thing that brightens their day. So, why not share that gift? Let your smile be a gentle reminder that happiness, even in its simplest form, is worth spreading.

​#Posture
 
Check your posture every day.
 
Stand tall, shoulders rolled back, head held high, and arms relaxed at your sides.
Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, consciously lower and relax your shoulders. You might be surprised to find them tensed up near your ears!
 
Notice how much easier it is to breathe.
 
It only takes a minute, but the self-care you’ll experience will last much longer. Making this small but powerful adjustment every time you stand up transforms your body, mindset, and overall well-being. 

​#Strengths
 
Most businesses regularly do SWOT exercises to determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.  It's good for business, so why not use it for personal development?
 
The key is first to identify your strengths and build on them. Focus on what makes you strong, and you'll find that your weaknesses will diminish not through neglect but because the skills and confidence you develop in one area support and uplift other areas.
 
This focus not only enhances your inherent abilities but also provides a foundation of self-assurance from which you can admit that something isn't in your wheelhouse and can request the help you need.
 
Dedicate time to cultivate and amplify your talents, for they are the foundation upon which you can construct your greatest achievements.

​#Self-kindness
 
Have you ever paused to consider how to be genuinely kind to yourself? Self-compassion is the first step.
 
Self-compassion is the practice of treating oneself with the same kindness, concern and understanding that you would show a good friend. It encourages an attitude of care during times of difficulty or failure, rather than adopting a self-punitive stance.
 
Once you engage internal kindness, it naturally overflows into your day, enabling you to hold yourself accountable without losing warmth. Kindness isn’t a veil that obscures reality. It’s robust and grounded in a state of attention and awareness.
 
Kindness won’t cost you anything and may prove to add benefits that money can’t buy. You deal with issues more constructively and see them more clearly without the cloud of judgment.
 
Kindness is mighty; let it start with you.

#Kindness
 
It’s always possible to be kind. It just takes practice.
 
Kindness doesn’t have to be random or a special gesture; it becomes part of who you are. Start by recognizing that you can be kind and straightforward. You can be kind and disagree. You can be kind and heartbroken.
 
Some might equate kindness with weakness or fear that it might be exploited. Kindness is not wishy-washy. It’s a powerful state of connected awareness.
 
Operating with kindness doesn’t mean problems disappear, but your perspective shifts. Take a moment today to show kindness instead of irritation. The irritation will disappear, and you can resolve the situation without it. Don’t underestimate the ripple effect of your actions.
 
Kindness is a strength that can disarm conflict and build stronger connections.

​#Risk
 
Deciding to take a risk can lead to new experiences and achievements, but it also means stepping outside your comfort zone.
 
This is where a thoughtful approach to minimize risk is better than an impulsive plan.
 
Prepare by researching and understanding what you're getting into. Carefully plan the steps to reach your objective. Pay close attention to the results to discover what's working and what's not. Then, adjust the plan based on what you've learned.
 
Consider what risks in your life might be worth taking. Reflect on where you are and where you want to be. What risk could bridge that gap? Time will keep marching on, so you may as well get started by preparing. Preparation may illuminate the path and nudge you to take that first step.

​#Optimism
 
Today, flex your optimism muscle and notice if you're out of shape.
 
You don't need any special equipment to get started. You have everything you need to lift and strengthen your mindset and approach to life.
 
Start your day by stretching your mind toward positive thoughts. Imagine each observation as a rep that strengthens your optimism muscle. In the morning, find one good thing to remark on to yourself or others. And then go about your day.
 
Don't be discouraged if you find it challenging to find something good. Like any workout, some days are tougher than others. Find the tiniest glimmers of joy and beauty in your day, and you'll be able to build your optimism naturally.

#Listening
 
How do you listen?
 
Are you empathetic, judgmental, distracted, curious, investigative, or advisory? Pay attention to your listening style and recognize its impact on the speaker and the situation. Different scenarios—whether someone is sharing a problem, a leader is communicating their vision, or a friend is recounting their troubles—require different listening approaches.
 
Aim to listen as if your sole purpose is to be fully present. Actual presence means more than just being there physically; it's a commitment that says, 'I'm here. I care. I'm listening.'
 
In today's fast-paced, distraction-filled world, genuine listening has become a skill you must consciously cultivate.
 
Who will you listen to today with undivided attention?

#Love
 
Why are you doing what you're doing?
 
This is a profound question that deserves a moment of reflection. It could simply be that you love it, and that's a powerful reason. Even in challenging moments, if you dig deeper, you often find that your efforts align with something you value or love.
 
So, when you ask yourself why, it's easy to respond when you start with love.
 
Why work? 'I love accomplishing results and the fulfillment it brings.'
 
Why exercise? 'I love staying fit and the energy it gives me.'
 
Why protest? 'I love making a difference and advocating for positive change.'
 
Let your actions today be guided by what you love, and let that love inspire a deeper connection to everything you do.

​#Presence
 
Is your mind in shape for today?
 
A mind burdened with worry dwells in the past, while an anxious mind stretches into the future.
 
Neither state fosters the clarity needed for the present. Think of your mind as a muscle that thrives on exercise to stay fit. Practicing ‘presence of mind’ brings your attention to the now. You deliberately focus on what's in front of you, ready to tackle today's challenges and sidestepping unnecessary stress.
 
Take a moment to breathe deeply and then slowly breathe out worry and concern. Notice the subtle sensations of your breath. This is a simple yet profound exercise in mindfulness.
 
What is one thing you aim to achieve today? Hold that thought, and approach your day with a mind as present as the task at hand.