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Category: Thinking Clearly

Onion Identities

Published on March 11, 2023

We are complex, multi-layered creatures.

What everybody sees are the exposed outer layers of our onion identities.

What we feel are the deeply influential inner layers that are encoded in emotion and symbolism that take quality time to understand.

It’s only when we learn to decode the complex feelings and insights buried within that we can finally change the vibrancy and authenticity of our exposed outer layers.

Trying to upkeep the appearance of an impeccable shell with a rotting interior is futile work. What’s rotting on the inside will inevitably make its way to the outside.

It’s only once we understand that we function as an integrated whole… that we might finally commit to developing and improving our innermost—most influential—layers.

And we can begin the inner work that’ll change our daily mission from “shell upkeep” to “core cleaning” and what used to be a facade will slowly crumble and what’ll be left is a vibrant glow that was there all along. 

No Waste On Weather

Published on March 10, 2023

Dear busy person,

The weather is out of your control. So don’t spend even more than one minute complaining about it. No good will come from it. All that will come is a worsened mood, wasted time, and a rippling effect of the same into the lives of those whom you’re connected with. You’re already busy enough. Just for today, practice complete acceptance. Whatever weather comes, comes. Whatever weather goes, goes. And how you respond is: dress for the weather regardless—while sheltering your inner weather from any unnecessary skews or upsets along the way. And if today goes well, maybe you do the same tomorrow?

Sincerely,

Your inner work person

P.s. If you’re busy, you can read my other letters to you here.

Grow Your World

Published on March 9, 2023

Our world shrinks and grows in proportion to our courage.

How is courage built?

By feeling fear and acting anyway—relative to what’s just slightly outside of our comfort zone.

Try to go too far and we’ll fight, flight, or freeze. Not going far enough has no impact. It’s the mindful flex forward on the “just right” amount of fear that allows us to grow our worlds.

P.s. 35 Osho Quotes on Courage and Why Life Is Better Lived Dangerously

Custom Fit

Published on March 4, 2023

No such thing as a problem-free life.

Only a life with problems that we enjoy solving more than others.

Those who understand this stop trying to curate a utopian lifestyle and start doing the important work of exchanging/ upgrading problems for a custom-fit lifestyle instead.

P.s. This was inspired by a Mark Manson quote you’ll find on this list.

Life Drinking

Published on February 28, 2023

When outlining the tasks of your day—identify how many you’re doing for others vs how many you’re doing for yourself.

A day spent only doing tasks for others will leave you empty.

A day spent only doing tasks for yourself will leave you wastefully overflowing.

Like a cup you pour your favorite drink into on a scorching hot day, you want to carefully fill it up first… and then carefully pour out from it second.

Maintaining a mindful balance of both actions—which hold equal importance—is how we quench the thirst of our lives.

P.s. I also published: 34 Will Smith Quotes from Will on Hustle, Happiness, and Love.

Relaxed Confidence

Published on February 20, 2023

When you learn to relax inside tense moments with other people, you allow yourself to notice things you’d otherwise miss.

Things like ulterior motives (what’s the real driver behind the actions), underlying beliefs (what’s being said that’s usually being protected by formality), hidden character traits (what’s different in people’s actions when tension is present)—all while keeping a heightened sense of awareness of the environment you’re in.

Letting tension tense you up is a mistake.

When you find yourself in a tense environment, practice relaxing by slowing your breathing, dropping your shoulders, relaxing your facial muscles and tongue, and pausing before responding—right to the point where the silence is starting to feel awkward.

Then, respond with clarity; respond with patience; respond with a more complete understanding of the situation—respond with a relaxed confidence that the best leaders and speakers do when inside some of the most tense moments fathomable.

P.s. What To Do When The “Weight Of The World” Is On Your Shoulders.