Category Archives: self-reflection

Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t

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“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

—Louise Hay, one of the founders of the self-help movement

Image from Amazon

How often do you follow the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?

How are you at following this alternative rule: Do to yourself as you would have others do unto you?

Although most people are aware of their tendency to criticize and feel the sting of criticism when it comes their way, they seldom grasp the magnitude and impact when it comes from within.

EXERCISE:

If self-criticism is an issue impacting your life, consider reading or rereading Taming Your Gremlins by Rick Carson to soothe this savage beast.

What new chapters do you want to write with your life

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What new chapters do you want to write with your life?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Maegan Martin

I love the idea that thoughts can become things and that what we think about can come about.

What is your relationship with the written word? Have you kept a journal, written a blog, written a letter, or perhaps even published a book? How often to you text, tweet, or use email?

Alternatively, how often do you think and speak? What are the words that you form and utter that do not necessarily make it into print but have the potential to become real?

EXERCISE:

What would you include if you wrote an autobiography?

What new adventures and engaging stories can and will you write with the rest of your days?

“Today, what did I do for my mind? My body? My spirit? My Relationships? My Creativity, Passion, and those I love?”

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“Today, what did I do for my mind? My body? My spirit? My Relationships? My Creativity, Passion, and those I love?”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Dayne Topkin

Today’s quote should probably be read twice a day for at least a month. Reviewing it at night will provide a pause for self-reflection. Reading it early in the day can help you better focus your intentions to better support and serve yourself and others.

Just like strength and resistance training works better with multiple sets, this twice-a-day reflective exercise might be a great routine to make into a daily practice.

EXERCISE:

Take out a notebook or journal to answer the questions in today’s quote every day for at least a week. Consider adding another set to this exercise by sharing your answers with a family member, friend, colleague, and perhaps your coach.

“When will you begin that long journey into yourself?”

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“When will you begin that long journey into yourself?”

—Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, 13th-century Persian poet and scholar

Image from Unsplash by Nick Fewings

Over the past seven months, I’ve filled my gas tank once, and have driven less than 500 miles. With limited ventures out for only essential resources and services and some retooling to work exclusively from my home office, my long journeys in the outer world have stopped.

With numerous shifts in my daily routine, I have added far more inner journeys through quiet walks, meditation, reading, and writing. In many ways my passion and pursuit of my own growth and development have expanded and deepened more than at any other time in my life.

Taking this time to journey further within has been more rewarding than I ever expected.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the ways you have begun to journey within?

What have you discovered about yourself and your world?

In what way do you intend to go further, to tap your own inner wisdom?

Feel free to reply to this post to share your own efforts and progress in this area.