With so many things going on in the world today, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and feel like it’s just too much. There’s too many things you would need to do to make an impact, there are too many causes that cause you grief, there are too many people suffering around the globe. The “easy” thing to do would be to close your eyes and ignore it all. To live in a state of blissful unawareness.
With mounting pressure to perform, act, say, think, do, feel certain things – I actually do believe the best thing you can do for yourself is to turn off all your technology and block out the noise. Go deep within yourself and connect to who you are as a person and what matters to you most. Listen to your heart, to your intuition, to your body.
I’m not suggesting you ignore the problems or strife in the world, but merely to slow down your heartrate, reduce your own anxiety, and ground yourself in what matters to you and what actions you, personally, can take. It doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you care too much to let yourself burn out and give in to the overwhelm.
From this place of calm, centered, peace you are better equipped to feel good in a world that sometimes feels like it’s on fire.
This short exercise will help you focus on what you are grateful for in your life. It will help you recognize your own power and ability to create change and to have a positive impact on yourself, your family, your community, and the world.
Thank You Letter
Step 1: Block out 30 minutes of time in your calendar.
Step 2: Take out a piece of paper and a favorite pen.
Step 3: Take a few minutes to feel love. Think of all the people and things you love in your life right now. There’s no need to write this part down, just think about each item (or person) and allow yourself to feel truly grateful that you have them in your life.
Step 4: Now you’re ready to write a “Thank You” Letter to yourself.
Spend the next +/- 25 minutes writing a letter to show gratitude to yourself for all that you have done in your life For who you have been. Acknowledge each achievement, and every time you showed up when it felt like the hardest thing in the world to do. Every time you showed up for someone else and felt grateful you could. For every time you chose yourself. For every time you said “No” to what wasn’t working for you and said “Yes” to new opportunities. Think of what got you to where you are today and say thank you.
Step 5: Save your letter. Remember who you are and what you are proud of and grateful for. And look back on this letter each and every time you feel insecure, or uncertain about the future, or like you're unable to do something. Remember what you are capable of.
I'd love to hear from you - what did this exercise help you to uncover? What are you most grateful to yourself for?
Amanda is an Online Leadership Coach who helps leaders connect to their inner essence and purpose to do more meaningful and impactful work in the world.
Know a heart-centered leader who is struggling to take their life or career to the next level? I'm currently only taking on new clients by referral. Forward them this post, or tell them to get in touch at info@couragefactory.com.