This Ain't Texas, Ain't No Hold 'Em

One of my fondest family past times as a kid was playing cards. My sister, brother, and/or mother would gather around the table to play a game or I'd just go it alone with a classic game of solitaire. When Beyonce released her latest album, Cowboy Carter, with her single "Texas Hold 'Em", it not only reminded me of the "good ol' days", but it reminded me of something bigger... The need to play your cards.

Play Your Cards

As a kid playing a "low stakes" card game, I had no hesitation playing my hand, but as I grew up... the stakes got higher. It became harder and harder to play my hand at life. Maybe you can relate...

Are you playing it safe?

We all have our "comfort zones" where we take comfort in the predictability of possible outcomes. But often we are ignoring two key facts: 1) everything changes and the unexpected hurts harder when you aren't exercising your ability adapt 2) the sacrifices made to stay in the comfort zone often massively outweigh the benefits of playing it safe. The truth is playing it safe isn't safe at all. It creates an environment where it's impossible to grow or create. The challenges that occur when you step outside of your zone allow you to learn, build confidence, and optimize your contribution to the world.

What's stopping you from playing the cards you are dealt?

Fear of failure or judgment are the top reasons many do not act on their goals, dreams, or ideas.

Fear, a feeling that, in it's basic function, is meant to keep you safe, but, when overused, can keep you trapped. Think about when you learned something new, like swimming. There is a level of fear that helps you. You learn to swim because you don't want to drown. Then you build your skills, you start to have fun, and you may even compete. The fear served a specific purpose, but it didn't stop progress.

Judgment is the most mainstream reaction in our society. We are surrounded by judgement on social media, in the news, in our homes. It is everywhere. It can be easy to become overly focused on what judgment will come your way with any move. And because we often focus on the negative more than the positive, we neglect to consider all of the positive reactions. Think of someone you admire. Now, look them up online and see the judgment they face. Judgment must take a backseat to purpose.

Can you get in the game today?

You have a choice. Right now you are holding several cards. You can play them or just keep holding them. What would it require you to make one move?

What's Happening

The Joy Room

Ever come across a tv show, documentary, podcast, book, song, or article that inspires you to be your best self or just makes you think about lessons of life? But maybe your friends or family aren't as interested in these topics as you are. This group will be like a book club, except we will explore all types of media drawing inspiration to better our lives.

Members will have the opportunity to suggest content for the group to discuss. It could be anything from a social media post to a Netflix special, the possibilities are endless.

The purpose is to create a community that supports each other's growth by sharing experiences, learning from each other, celebrating each other's success, and even challenging each other. We will start with a small online pilot. The inaugural group will have the opportunity to help shape what this becomes.

Text @joyroom to 81010 to join!

Visit https://remind.com/join/joyroom

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