#PositiveVibes - Make It Yours

By John R. Nocero

The VIBE: Be concrete and commit.

Nicole posted the above meme in her feed yesterday. When I saw it I wanted to write about it. According to Stenvinkel, 80 percent of new year’s resolutions fail. That is a pretty crazy statistic when you think about it. Today, so many people get up and they are focused on what they are going to do differently this year. They feel eager and excited – they think this is going to be MY year. They are ready for change, but then they fall back into old patterns in a couple weeks. What gives? Thinking it is because change is hard, and once you get right down to it, it is difficult to commit to doing something without a concrete plan.

But the things in the meme above, anyone can do at any time. There are a couple that resonate with me. Maybe they will with you too.

Do things that challenge you: Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path.”As Stenvinkel says, the first time I heard this Zen Proverb, I didn’t get it. How could obstacles be the path? This idea of obstacles not standing in the way but actually being the way sounded like alien language to me. But here is what I discovered. Your dreams and desires are powerful. Life will pull us in the direction that we want, but in that process, our fears will surface. This is good. You can see them, feel them and heal them. When you are dealing with fear, don’t run away from it. Instead, push yourself to work through it. Every obstacle you face brings you one step closer to your dreams.

Smile more: Go look at yourself in the mirror. Now, look at yourself and don’t smile. This is the face that you would show to the world every day if you don’t smile. Why would you not want to smile? Is it because you are afraid to be vulnerable, that everyone should be in the struggle? Yes, vulnerability is scary. Yet, it’s the gateway to growth, change, and connection. It’s the last thing we want to show in ourselves, but the first thing we look for in others. So, have the courage allow your deepest and most fragile parts to be seen. Allow your heart to crack right open and something beautiful will happen: you’ll be able to transform difficult feelings into love, strength, and compassion.

To get where you want to be, you have to do things you have never done. You have to start walking in that direction. Don’t see it as a sprint, but a marathon. Create and manageable and pleasurable year for yourself; don’t overwhelm it with unrealistic expectations. Pick one thing and go for it. Remember, consistency beats intensity.

#dreamteam

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