Words to Remember: Welcoming Change

Welcoming Change:

As the pages of one chapter end and a new one begins, take a moment to pause.

Close the eyes and inhale. Feel your lungs expand as you breathe the air surrounding you. Notice the long inhale opening your heart, creating space for all the emotions surrounding this sacred space within you. Give them a name.

Exhale and release. Soften your mind into the present moment. Between the pages of these two chapters. Maybe it's a new job, a child heading off to kindergarten or to college. Maybe you've recently moved. But where you stand today is unchartered ground. This period of transition has awakened a new chapter to open from within you.

As you pause, soak in moments from the past. They were exactly as they needed to be. Because those moments, strung together like individual beads on a necklace, are what have created the beautiful strand of your life. They are what have brought you to where you stand today. Full of heartache, loss and failure and disappointment but also full of hope, laughter, love and joy. Let the light of those moments travel through you like the warmth of the sun on the skin on a summer day.

The light within you is the source of truth.

Looking ahead, you may find yourself worrying, overwhelmed at the unknown pages ahead in the next chapter. Unsure how to navigate them or where to even begin. Yet, pause, my friend. Plant yourself firmly exactly where you stand and feel the earth beneath you. Just as that earth grows the most magnificent trees, it's taking the seed you have in this very moment and is preparing you to blossom. Let yourself grow in this very moment. Stay open.

Stay open when the rains come. Stay open when the night sky darkens. Because the light of the stars will continue to shine, and what makes the stars is also within you.

Trust the process. Welcome this season of change with courage and faith. Walk hand in hand with both and they will become your North Star.

All destinations begin with taking a single step. Yet remember, dear friend, that with each step you take, you invite the opportunity to pause. To take a breath. To remember that exactly who you are now is exactly who you are meant to be. And whatever lies ahead, you will not fear. Your light is made for this time. Your light has been gathering, ready to shine in this very moment.

With love,

Sara

Giving yourself permission this December

*Posted originally on strongandmindful

Over-thinking? Feel stuck? Overwhelmed? Let’s chat a bit about the month of December and traditions, or expectations, or commitments. First, remember that you are enough. Really. There are loads of good plans out there with ways to create memories. But guess what? every lightbulb on the tree serves a purpose greater than itself. The beauty of lights on the tree is they thrive with an abundance of light – all the bulbs shining their brightest! So if you see an idea or a plan that’s awesome light but it might not work if you are a mom with super young kiddos, or teenagers, or are empty nesters, or are single or are … Remember this: the best plan is the one that works for YOU! Not what you think you should do, but what speaks to you. Give yourself permission to make an effort. To center on LIGHT specifically to YOU!

I find the beauty of this season is the connection to Christ and often through a broader mindset of service. Yes, there are donation and project ideas which are so meaningful and amazing, but so much intention and love an go into the small every day actions or attitudes to be aware of and talk about more. I love those ideas within the #lighttheworld daily advent.

Sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves is permission. Permission to make an effort. Permission to simplify. To evolve and change. To learn and grow. To let go of expectations and focus on LIGHT.

Friends (and I write this for myself as well!), give yourself permission to feel LIGHT. Grow YOUR light. Share YOUR light. Put your light on the tree. Be that bright bulb on the tree loaded with lots of other bright bulbs. And celebrate your unique light. You are enough. And simply believing that grows more LIGHT!

Go Through

*Post originally on strongandmindful

CENTERING THOUGHT: Go through.

Not around, not over, not under, and not away.

Just like this bloom, by ‘going through’ the present moment, I embrace change.

In a recent spin class, the instructor coached us to “go through” the class fully engaged and fully present. She wanted us to really push ourselves. I took her invitation and found myself pushing harder than I typically would, but also feeling a deeper connection to myself in the workout. Really connecting both my mind and body as the pedals moved. Somewhere around the middle of the class, the clearest thought came to me: “go through change. Not around it, not over it, not under it, and not away from it. Go through it.”

It was this ah-ha moment where I realized what I was applying on the bike could absolutely be applied off the bike. I’m so grateful when the Spirit speaks from within and “coaches” in a way that I can connect to. I know that is the love of God guiding in a most specific way.

If “going through” a spin class fully present and mindful of every moment creates more connection, I know allowing myself to “go through” the changes of every day life is an opportunity to mindfully connect to the present moment as well. It doesn’t mean changing the present moment, or holding back emotions, but instead it’s about being aware. Being awake in the Now and letting it be what it is.

As I drove home, pondering the words spoken, I (of course) related it to the children’s book/song “going on a lion hunt.” How funny to remember such a fun childhood story as such a learning lesson. Just like the lion hunt – where we must fully “go through” the different terrains to “hunt the lion” we must allow ourselves the space to “go through” change.

These questions came to mind:

In what ways do I resist change thus missing out on the present moment? In what ways do I embrace the present moment, thus embracing change?

In what ways do I make a decision out of fear in order to avoid change? In what ways can I lean into trust in order to embrace change?

I chose to ponder those questions as I studied the scriptures. I was reading in 1 Nephi 17 and  found so many connections between Nephi, who chose to ‘go through’ the change of traveling by reflecting on what he had learned, and then applied new growth in the present moment by learning the steps to build a ship. On the other hand, his brothers, Laman and Lemuel, exemplified resistance, and based their choices off of fear and doubt. They were disconnected from the Now and instead made any attempt to go ‘around’ or ‘over’ or ‘above’ the present moment. Their hearts don’t change until they begin to realize that in order to ‘go through’ the task at hand, they must place their trust in God.

I’m learning more and more that life is about ‘going through’ the present moment and living in trust over living in fear. Looking back over the last six months, I’ve learned that some of the things I feared most (but moved forward anyway), have actually become some of the greatest opportunities and have played out in ways only orchestrated by the hand of God. Likewise, some of the things I actually had expected to go a specific way, have actually turned out quite differently. And that’s where I’m learning to embrace the space of trust. The more I lean into trust, the more strength I feel in my weaknesses and the more mindful I become of the Now.

My hope is to continue this journey. To learn and grow, and bloom like this flower – fully in the Now as it is ‘going through’ the change of a seed, plant, blossom, bloom, and then falling to continue growing again.

MINDFUL CONNECTION: Practice “going through” the present moment. Try single-tasking a specific action. Practice listening to what the mind is speaking during this chosen task. No nee to change the thoughts, but ‘go through’ them. Simply being aware of your thoughts is what brings you into the present moment.

Finding your flow

*Posted originally on strongandmindful

Being ‘in flow’ is something I aspire toward. Athletes refer to ‘flow’ as being ‘in the zone’ or ‘focused.’ But I believe it’s more than that. To me, finding our flow is to connect to the present moment. Authentically. To me, flow can happen anytime, anywhere and can trickle into our lives in the smallest of moments. And because we are unique spirits having a human experience, our ‘flow’ and how we find what our flow is will speak to each of us differently. The more I strive to be mindful of those moments the more deeply I experience gratitude for the gift of the here and now.

When change encircles you – in my current chapter of moving to a new state and everything familiar now unfamiliar – it’s anything but flow. The mind is constantly working within this state of change and can turn to resistance. The more resistance, the more difficult the present moment becomes. For me, when I am in resistance, I become stuck. Feelings of peace are replaced with anger, fear, sadness, anxiousness, frustration or never enoughness (yes, that’s gotta be a word).

I can’t ‘find my flow’ alone. But we aren’t meant to. Those hard moments provide the opportunity to rely more deeply on Our Savior, who will walk right along with us, every step if we ask. It makes those moments when we do find our flow that much sweeter, that much more joyful and we can trust that He celebrates with us. I love the words of Christ when he said, “he that believeth on me…out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)

I want to flow with rivers of living water.

I want to “stand solid like a mountain and flow like a river” (Lao Tzu) in the now. I want to practice soaking in the present moment and allowing the flow of the change to unfold as it is. Not with expectation, judgement or comparison, but to practice surrendering.

Naturally, when I imagine ‘flow rivers of living water,’ I envision a fast-moving river. Floods of light, peace and joy filling every moment of every day like a gushing river softening every rock on its path down the mountain.

It wasn’t until I visited the Everglades that I had a glimpse of how different rivers can be. The Everglades wetlands is actually the SLOWEST moving river in the WORLD. It blows my mind that it truly is a river – by natural definition it seems anything but a river. But there it is, this amazing, majestic river for us to marvel (in the safety of a boat, away from the alligators!).

I believe the Creation of vast and unique rivers opens an opportunity to teach us about varying degrees of our own flow. Sure, big moments of ‘flow’ can enter our lives that compare to a strong, flowing river. I know for me, those moments accompany spiritual experiences too personal to share. They have shaped my deepest connections to God, the Father and both my heavenly parents, to Jesus Christ, and the plan and purpose for myself. They continually deepen my learning and understanding of my unique, eternal identity.

But there is much to learn from the ‘flow’ of the slow river. The river, that to the unknowing eye, seems unchanging. Those small and simple moments of being present, of connecting and of surrendering are beautiful. They are essential. And no matter how slowly they flow, or how brief they may feel, they matter. They are seen and heard.

At this current chapter, I feel much more work than flow, and ‘finding my flow’ is happening in very small and simple moments. Much like the slow moving river of the Everglades. But I trust the process. And that fills with me with hope. I find peace and comfort knowing I don’t need to write the future story, or try to jump back to the story of the past, but I can focus on owning my story, here and now, today. In those moments, I am finding my flow. A flow of light comes into those small and simple moments. The beauty of the present moment unfolds. And it is exactly what it needs to be.

I know, as I continue to ‘believe on Christ’ and work toward strengthening both connection and trust, that I will continue to feel peace and joy within everyday moments.

The road is hard, but I’m finding my flow, and oh, the river is beautiful.

MINDFUL CONNECTION: Breathe in the present moment. Simply be aware of what it is. Finding your flow is less about thinking and doing and more about being. Practice ‘being present’ in a way that speaks to you.

Truth Shines

*Originally posted on strongandmindful

It took our youngest waking up on her birthday (she's rocking three now), proclaiming the ONLY thing she wanted was "make pioneer dresses" for me to step into the arena.
It began months ago-after leaving This is the Place Heritage Park the girls mentioned how fun it'd be to wear a pioneer dress.
And I had one of those moments where I said "oh, I bet we could make them."
I thought they'd forget. Or it'd be a phase.
Nope.
For months, they'd ask "can we make them today?" And I'd come up with a long list of reasons why it wouldn't work, needed to wait, I needed to figure out how to do it, for me to…
But her little voice that day softened me (probably because I'd just wrapped up a yoga class and was in the feel-good-be-present-live-in-peace mood), and we jumped in.
Of course, my mind went for the easy route – "let's buy some" but the $ coupled with the fact that I really did want to try to make them, we headed to the fabric store.
I had no idea how much I was going to learn from this process.
Turns out I made loads of mistakes.
But, I gave myself permission…to make mistakes, to laugh at myself and to enjoy the process (and not simply the end result). Even with permission, I had a moment one morning (I think I was on the third dress), and was ready to give up. My five year old put her hand on my shoulder and said, "oh mom, we all make mistakes. And look at what you already made! You can stop if you want, but I think they are beautiful."

YOU GUYS. TRUTH SHINES. AND HER WORDS WERE WHAT MY SOUL NEEDED TO FINISH THIS LITTLE PROJECT.

Yes, we made it up to This is the Place. And yes, I smiled ridiculously watching their little shining souls own the experience. I totally teared up a few times.

BUT YOU GUYS, THE JOURNEY TAUGHT ME SOMETHING.

THIS STORY ISN'T ABOUT SEWING. OR PIONEER DRESSES.

IT'S ABOUT LETTING GO OF "SOMEDAY" OR "WE'LL SEE" OR "PERFECT" AND EMBRACING TODAY. THIS STORY IS ABOUT THE PROCESS-COMPLETING SOMETHING THAT FEELS HARD AS A LABOR OF LOVE. NURTURING AND GROWING TOGETHER. AND BEING LIFTED THROUGH THE LIGHT OF OTHERS.

SOMETIMES OUR LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST WHEN WE STEP OUTSIDE OF OURSELF AND SIMPLY GO AND DO, TRUSTING OUR BEST WILL BE ENOUGH.

Creating Space for Disappointment

Sometimes the experiences we sign up for aren’t always about the experience itself. Sometimes opportunities to learn, grow, strengthen and connect happen in moments we would least expect.

Our daughter has been looking forward to track season for an entire year. She has ran (literally) into every practice with enthusiasm and has been looking forward to her first track meet. But, even with her personal preparation, circumstances out of her control have kept her from running the race she wants to run most at the track meets so far.

Last night, realizing this would be the second time of missing out, she was so disappointed. Bummed. Frustrated. Wondering why she even started.

As her mother, I feel my heartstrings pull wanting to ‘fix something’ to take away those little pains. My natural self wants to create a solution to help alleviate suffering. But, I seem to learn most in experiences like this when I step back from the natural self and allow myself to listen.

Let her be.

Let her feel what disappointment is (and call it what it is) so she learns what it feels like. Share a time when I felt disappointment at her age. And remind my natural self that it is absolutely okay to create space to simply let her be.

The hope, as they feel and sometimes sit in disappointment (or other emotions) in small ways, is they can learn how to sit in and then move through these emotions when much bigger things come their way.

As I was creating space for her tears to flow, I prayed – to know what to say (and what not to say). I prayed that I wouldn’t let my want of comforting her overpower where true comfort comes for all of us.

As I realized my role at that current time was to ‘let her be’ a small, clear thought came to mind “take her to the track in the early morning.”

After tears, a family dinner and some laughter from high’s/low’s of the day, there was a natural moment to suggest an early morning track run. Immediately upon seeing this natural moment, a loud voice in my head said “she’d never want to wake up early to run. Just wait and let her go to practice with everyone else.”

But guess what? I ignored the loud voice and made the suggestion.

She lit up. Excited! Her spark was back.

I know I’ll look back someday – I’ll probably remember track meets, that we sat on the bleachers a lot, and she was excited to run. I’ll probably forget finish times, who ran what event, how many practices we attended and the work it was to get everyone there (well, actually, I’ll probably remember that last one).

But this I know…I KNOW I’ll remember the morning we woke up and ran together. How her brother jumped in for support and with high-energy excitement. How they raced to get to bed so they’d wake up. I’ll remember the morning we saw the sunrise on the track. The morning we pushed ourselves and each other to do something we didn’t know we could do. The morning I was a goof in the car – where their reactions danced between laughter and complete embarrassment.

Those are the moments I know I will cherish. It seems the less and less I label experiences as ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ the more and more I surrender expected outcomes, and can enjoy what is.

I want to remember what was. Not what didn’t happen. Those moments are often simple. They often take a little stretch for me to step outside of my planned routine or expected outcome. But, oh, how they are beautiful. And that, is a journey I’m grateful for.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

– E.M. Forster

Easter Traditions

*Posted originally on strongandmindful

I’ve been thinking how our Easter traditions change and evolve each year.

There’s a quote by a greek philosopher, Heraclitus, “the only thing that is constant is change.”

For us, the more we center our why for Easter around Christ, the more simple the traditions feel. What we do and how we do it will continue to change, but letting go of the ‘should’ (we should be doing …) and focusing on our why can help us feel filled rather than depleted.

There are so many awesome ideas of traditions that bring Christ to the central focus. It’s simply fantastic. But if our family tried to do all of them, I know I’d walk away completely overwhelmed, burnt out, exhausted and grouchy.

How do we choose what matters most? What family traditions are okay to let go of and what others do we keep?

A simple question: “does this fit in with our why?” can create simplicity and awareness. If the tradition fits in and feels doable, go for it. If it doesn’t, let it go. Guilt free!

And while the list below includes many of the whats for our family, it’s most important to be mindful of what works for you, here and now, today. Looking at this list, I realize this: these traditions did not happen overnight, and we haven’t done all of them every year. This is a culmination of trial/error, letting go of some things to add others and will continue to evolve. We’ve had new baby years where the most we could do is pull together a few stories. One year our kids were sick the whole week before Easter, and we skipped many of these and ended up doing the ones we felt were most important after Easter. Depending on the ages/stages of our kids, and the ages/stages of our personal self, the list has varied. And that’s completely okay! Learning is part of the journey life.

• DECORATIONS: We keep it simple. Moving four times in six years we learned this: we don’t like to store a lot of decorations, nor do we love spending time decorating (and un-decorating). Keeping it minimal feels right for us. We use fresh cut flowers (either bulbs from our yard or will pick some up) to represent spring and new life. At this stage, the kiddos enjoy making spring/flower decorations out of construction paper for their doors.
• MORNING DEVOTIONAL: We circle up each morning for a 5-minute morning devotional (usually over breakfast). The week of Easter, we center this devotional time on Christ. Whether it’s a story from the Friend or New Era magazine, or a short bible video, or a scripture. It’s something simple, short and feels more like a conversation.
• SCRIPTURE CONNECTION: Each evening we connect through the scriptures as part of our bedtime stories. We’re actually using the word ‘connect’ with intention, as we want to teach that scriptures are how we can connect with God. For a couple weeks prior to Easter, we’ll focus on different parts of the life of Christ. We’ve done this many ways in the past – this year, we’ve enjoyed the Easter Study Guide, focusing specifically on faith through the life of Jesus Christ.
• PALM SUNDAY: We read/watch the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the kids act out laying/walking on palm branches (made out of construction paper).
• EASTER EGGS: We dye eggs sometime before Easter. I’d love to say it happens on a set day, but really it’s when I can get the whole crew together. After we dye them, we’ll put them in a jar for display.
• THURSDAY PRIOR TO EASTER: We have a simple dinner of something similar to what would have been eaten during the last supper. We keep it pretty informal, and allow space for questions and natural conversation surrounding the event.
• EGG HUNT: Sometime before Easter, we’ll do an Easter egg hunt. In the years we’ve lived away from extended family, we loved getting together as a neighborhood or with others who also live away from extended family.
• EASTER BASKETS: We focus on simplicity. The baskets typically include a book to read, something to color with for church, bubbles or chalk for outside, and a few treats.
• EASTER OUTFITS: Attending church is our most favorite part of Easter, but we don’t have a set tradition on clothing. I remember I tried one year to get everyone matching outfits, and it really stressed me out! Often they are in need of something as the season is changing – and depending on the kiddo, there is typically something there for them, but it isn’t the same for everyone.
• SUNDAY NIGHT DEVOTIONAL: For our family, circling up on the evening of Easter is our ‘finale’ to the holiday. We focus on the resurrection – our younger kiddos enjoy the Easter egg activity centered on Christ (our older kids have done it enough times that instead of watching they are now the ones doing it for their younger siblings). Last year we gave each kiddo a picture of an LDS temple for their room (something we felt was super important for them to have as a visual reminder). This year, we are giving them a simple laminated copy of the Living Christ as we will be focusing on studying it together as a family.

I have no doubt these whats will continue to change over time. I also have no doubt the center of our why will remain constant.

These words, ” and we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write…that our children may know to what source they may look…(Alma 2:26)” speak directly to a Christ-centered why.

Giving ourselves the freedom to strengthen traditions centered around Christ, however that looks or feels to us, will bring the spirit of Easter into our hearts. Trust that calm quiet voice that gives ideas and light to you as you ask! Any effort, no matter how small, is worth it!

Growth

I was out doing yard work Saturday and this word kept coming to mind: Growth.

Loved discovering the bulbs/plants with bits of green on them!

And then I thought: if I would have spent every day looking for bulbs to appear after I planted them last fall, I would have lost any joy felt by the time spring came!

And then it hit me: How often do we make a change, and then expect to see the joy/growth from it right away?

How often do we think growth in ourselves “should” look a certain way?

I feel more joy when I let go of what it “should” be. But I have to be aware of those unrealistic mental expectations that aren’t from me. I know they come from the adversary, who tries to beat us all down telling us we aren’t good enough. Or that joy has to look or be a certain way.

I’m learning that JOY comes in SO MANY ways. But if I’m listening to the negative voice, I completely miss those moments and feelings.

For me, finding joy isn’t about labeling moments all day long as joyful or not. It’s about consistently doing the things I know bring the Spirit of Christ into my life, and allowing myself to feel and listen to that calming, peaceful voice.

Learning what the voice of the Spirit sounds and feels like is something I’m always practicing. But I feel like it’s a language I’m learning and growing with just like these plants. If I’m expecting to see huge growth overnight, I’m setting unrealistic expectations and may miss out on the joy of the process.

For me, learning this language happens in such small and simple ways.

But that voice is real.
While it’s hard to hear, it is familiar, calm and peaceful.
It breathes light into my soul.
It reminds me that above all those things I worry about, or stress over, that I’m not alone.
It reminds me that I don’t have to have it all right, or all figured out and that is okay.
It reminds me that I am enough.
It is joy.

The Center of Connection

*Posted originally on strongandmindful

“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” –Tanzanian Proverb

There is a story about an expert who chooses to teach college students about time management using a jar, rocks, pebbles, sand, and water. If he began with the water, sand or pebbles, he would not have room left in the jar for the big rocks. But, if he began with the big rocks, the smaller pebbles, sand and water would fill in-between the remaining space.

What if the ‘big rocks’ in the jar represented connections that mattered most? What if we were mindful of the ‘big rocks’ in each day? What would change?

To find answers, I chose to recreate this analogy.

To me, the jar represents one day. In essence, we begin our practice of each day with an empty jar.

To me, the rocks represent Christ. He is the center and the root of connection. He is the center and root of love. The ‘rocks’ are opportunities for me to strengthen my connection to Him and feel of His love.

I used colorful beads and stones to represent life. Responsibilities, tasks, urgent matters, thoughts, emotions, distractions – they include everything and anything in a day.

On my first attempt, I placed each type separately into the jar to create a day where tasks in life are viewed unrelated to one another. The colorful beads came first, then the stones. I found myself trying to make the rocks fit because they ‘should’ go in the jar. With some effort, I fit many rocks, but never all of the rocks I wanted. The second attempt, I chose what ‘must’ go in the jar first. I fit all of the rocks, then added most of the beads and stones.

What I learned:

• When I choose to view life as individual, unconnected actions, I find myself trying to fit in rocks because I ‘should.’ They are an afterthought as I lose sight of the bigger picture. It is a constant struggle to try to ‘fit it all in.’ I feel as if I am never doing enough. I feel like I am never enough.
• When I choose to focus on what I ‘must’ do to strengthen my connection with Christ, I place the rocks in first. This both grounds me and shifts my perspective. I see how the beads and stones of life connect to the rocks. Likewise, I see how the rocks support the stones and beads. Everything is connected. I am enough.
• Separating ‘should’ from ‘must’ is essential.
• When I place the rocks in first, I am unable to fit ALL of the colorful stones and beads. It actually feels okay to let go of smaller thoughts/actions/behaviors to create space for what matters most.
• To me, the colorful beads and stones represent that often, the smaller things seem more fun. They are bold, full of variety, and stimulate my mind. They feel exciting. They are man made.
• To me, at first glance, the rocks seem less glamorous. But with deeper reflection, they are truly beautiful and full of joy. They have been created by God.
• While the rocks comprise a large amount of space in the jar, they took less time place in the jar. To me, while the ‘rocks’ of life must be placed with intention, they are often small and simple.
• The process from the first to the second attempt is messy. To me, this represents that each day is imperfect. Sometimes the ‘rocks’ will fit with simplicity. Other days, it is much harder. But the real beauty is in the attempts. The awareness. The trying. The failing. The learning. The growing.
• Adding water to the jar represents the Living Water. As we turn our focus toward the ‘big rocks’, we see and feel Christ filling the gaps and making us whole. He loves ALL of us. He has atoned for us. It is our choice to use His Living Water.

Asking myself not only what the rocks represent, but asking how and why creating space for them each day increases awareness. It doesn’t mean everything must fit perfectly for connections to strengthen. Instead, it’s the journey of practice. As each ‘jar’ is imperfect and unique, I am grateful for the journey of practice each day –  to fail, learn, grow and try again toward strengthening connection to what matters most.

“We are what we repeatedly do.” -Aristotle

Create Space for Love

*Posted originally on strongandmindful

How do we create space to strengthen connection? With love. Below are five mindful thoughts with simple invitations to apply.

IF…

The heart is the hardest working muscle in our body,

THEN…

Love is the hardest working action we experience.

“Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the the wind, the stronger the trees.” –Thomas S. Monson

INVITATION: What is one small way I can strengthen a connection today (with myself or others)?

IF…

The heart was designed to be at the center of our chest,

THEN…

Love is designed to be at the center of our lives.

“Great leaders may be found at the top of a mountain looking back upon their challenges, but the greatest leaders ore often found at the foot of that mountain still helping others reach that summit.” –Robert Clancy

INVITATION: DO one small thing that centers and grounds you.

IF…

The heart is a pump for oxygen and nutrients for our body,

THEN…

Love is a pump for light and nutrients for our soul.

“To love is to know we are immersed not in darkness, but in light.” –Mother Teresa

INVITATION: What is one small action of love I can do (for myself or for others) that will bring light into my day?

IF…

The heart MUST both give AND gather blood/oxygen to function,

THEN…

The action of love MUST be to both give and gather.

“The heart that gives, gathers.” Tao Te Ching

INVITATION: What is one small action of love can I give today? What is one small action of love can I gather today?

IF…

The heart is the most protected organ,

THEN…

Leading with our heart is the most vulnerable place to be.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…” –Theodore Roosevelt (and thanks to Brené Brown for shedding such light on this quote in her book Daring Greatly)

INVITATION: What is one small way I can embrace vulnerability and recognize that failure means I truly stepped into the arena?