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Category: Transforming Pain

Forever Inward

Just as the universe expands forever outwards…

So, too, does our inner universe expand forever inwards.

There is no limit to the depth we can reach through introspection.

And, just as the universe only seems to get more interesting the more we learn…

So, too, does our inner universe only get more captivating the more we choose to return.


P.s. Looking for a good read? Check out my library of books that I’ve uploaded quotes from. You might even find your next favorite read…? :)

What Are You REALLY After?

I’m on a mission to help busy people do inner work.

You know… the kind of work that most busy people skip and ignore because they prioritize outer work instead.

But, the reality is: outer work doesn’t lead to a more fulfilled life—inner work does.

Outer work might lead to money, power, fame… but, inner work is how the feelings we’re actually after are tapped into and cultivated.

Ask yourself: What feeling am I really after in wanting more money (as an example)?

…Is it security? Freedom? Recognition?

…And how can I nurture those feelings in life in spite of copious amounts of money?

There are a million different ways to answer this question and it’s not one I can answer for you. But, here are some thoughts to get you started:

  • You don’t need a million dollars to build more security in your life.
  • You might have more life freedom with a 50k per year job than a 200k per year job.
  • The need for recognition is created out of a lack of self-worth / self-love. No amount of external validation can match the fullness that comes from genuine internal validation.

Your turn…


P.s. Today I hosted a LIVE talk on Happiness and How It’s A Daily Choice with my friend Tyler Todt—it was one hour of pure gold. Tyler is the real deal and every moment of this chat was packed with insight. Enjoy.

Toxic

One thing I’m currently working on: not being so quick to label people as “toxic.”

With few exceptions, all of us are a great mix of many things—and labeling someone solely as “toxic” is not only unfair and narrow-minded, but uncompassionate.

We all make mistakes and I genuinely believe we’re all doing the best we can with what we’ve been given. By looking at people less as “poison” and more as “misguided,” maybe we can respond more mindfully to their presence and certain behaviors.

That said, if “poison” is precisely what a person feels like to you in your life, establishing a strong boundary should be done swiftly and without hesitation.

But, considering a person “poison” after a mistake or two… maybe isn’t the type of response that’ll lead to the healing we’re trying to facilitate in our lives.


P.s. In case you missed it, you can read the best of what I posted to MoveMe Quotes last week, here.

Self-Care or Distraction?

  • Self-care is more than spa days.
  • Self-care is more than bubble baths.
  • Self-care is more than scented candles, tea, and fuzzy blankets.

There’s nothing wrong with the above… after all, they each can certainly put you into a better state of mind (so you can better address what’s wrong).

The problem, of course, is that none of the above deals with what’s wrong.

Real self-care happens when you actually confront and address what’s wrong. And if what follows spa days, bubble baths, and fuzzy blankets entails addressing what’s wrong—then by all means.

But, don’t exclusively reserve “self-care time” with the above and ignore the things that are making you feel like you need “self-care time.” Because then you’re just fooling yourself into engaging in another distraction that’s no better than Netflix, night’s out, and Tik Tok.


P.s. These daily posts are a form of self-care for me. If they’ve helped you, you can buy me a coffee (or tea) here to support the ongoing effort. Thanks in advance :)

Life’s Annoying Teachers

  • Overreacting
  • Getting pissed off
  • Feeling irritated/frustrated
  • Burning with envy and jealousy
  • Incessantly needing to show off
  • Rooting for other people’s failure
  • Feeling unworthy compared to others

…Are each teachers trying to instill a valuable lesson about your inner workings.

And you’ll keep getting the same lesson over and over until you actually pay attention, study, and pass their tests.


P.s. More on this here: How To Deal With People Who Annoy, Frustrate, and/or Upset You.

Re-Racking Emotional Weight

The weight from our past can be cripplingly heavy.

What we must remember, however, is that just as we can set down the heavy weight we pick up at the gym… so, too, can we set down the emotional weight we pick up throughout life.

We simply need to give ourselves the means (writing, talking, meditating), space, and permission to do so.

Imagine having to carry weight from the gym with you for an entire day—and not getting to put it down once. This is what your mind is experiencing except on a week/ month/ year/ decade level!

Sit; settle; relax; release; unload; unpack; talk; tremble; cry; confront; let go; let it flow.

…It’s time to re-rack some of that emotional weight you’ve been carrying for too long.


P.s. I’ll be hosting a LIVE chat Thursday (10/26) at 1:30pm EST on The Art of Mastering Your Mind to Scale In Business. I’d love to have you join if you’re free/interested.

BIG Reactions From small Happenings

BIG reactions from small happenings—both positive and negative—are events worth exploring (both in yourself and others).

BIG positive reactions (from small happenings) is a sign of emotional maturity—those who have done inner work.

  • Finding awe in the mundane
  • Expressing deep gratitude for small efforts
  • Sitting joyfully for no specific reason at all

BIG negative reactions (from small happenings) is a sign of emotional immaturity—those who are avoiding inner work.

  • Having a complete meltdown over a petty comment
  • Cultivating hate/resentment over silly, honest mistakes
  • Erupting in anger over a trivial gesture

If you find yourself having a disproportionately large reaction to something small… use it as an opportunity to explore your inner workings. Challenge yourself to set the huge reaction aside (if negative) and channel your inner curiosity instead.

Remember: big reactions don’t just come from nowhere.

They must stem from some deeper rooted source. The huge reactions, in many cases, are just distractions and coverups for what’s trying to remain unseen and in the background. But, the longer you ignore it (and allow the distractions to distract you), the worse it’ll get.

Because things don’t get better until you get better, eh?

Questions worth asking yourself when a disproportionate reaction arises:

  • Where is this reaction really coming from (i.e. is this anger or grief)?
  • What emotion/experience/idea is really underneath this big reaction (i.e. is this intense present-moment gratitude coming from a near-death experience)?
  • Why is this reaction being triggered now, at this time, in this way (i.e. what can I learn from this instance that will help me better address future, similar instances)?