“Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success.” -Richard Carlson
Reflection is defined as “serious thought or consideration” – yet it does NOT necessarily need to be revolutionary, deep or profound. It can be simple and seemingly useless as our thoughts can progress to great ideas and decisions. Therefore, I welcome you to a shift in the definition of reflection: “a thought generated by experience, new knowledge, or conversation.” With this, lets dive in using this self-generated definition of ‘reflection.’
Over the last month or so, I have once (or twice) been reminded that “what we pay attention to- grows.” If I wasn’t such a human, I would have noticed the cultivation of “seeds of thought” that I was actually “watering” rather than “uprooting.” Therefore, I want to encourage you to be self-aware today. What are you noticing? Do you find yourself drawn to certain details? Is this a “planted seed” that you are unintentionally ‘watering’? Rather, is it a “seed” that you’re TRYING to plant but the soil is not “rich” enough? Essentially- What thoughts do you want to nurture and which would you like to weed out?
A great mentor of mine and I were in a deep conversation about what brings us life. Breath. Connection. Self-talk. How we narrate our lives (the consistent scroll of thoughts in our head) is what leads us to decision making and how we perceive our self and others. Therefore, the power is within. How can we build attunement to our thoughts and self-talk? Do we have courage to truly listen to the thoughts in our head? I think there is power in journaling. As a writer, I think reading my thoughts is the purest centering to my soul.
Therefore, I propose a call to action: Take 10 minutes (or 5) and just write down the thoughts going through your head. I encourage you to do this every day at the same-ish time for the next 5 days. I can’t help but be twitterpaited to think of the discoveries you’ll make about yourself. Again, the power is within.
“Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. If you change your thinking, you change your life.” -Brian Tracy
Now- some context. The world around us is spinning. Well it’s always been rotating, but with all that is intensely circling around us, it’s also spinning. With everything that’s disrupted our lives in 2020, I would not be surprised if the earth’s speed of rotation is also impacted. #realworld2020 Though we may be in the middle of a world-wide pandemic, crazy politics, wildfire tragedy, and more, our world has seen tough sh’t before. Therefore, I can’t help but look back to some past leaders during revolutionary and challenging times and be inspired by how they overcame.
Oh my gosh. If you haven’t seen Hamilton yet. Stop reading. Watch it RIGHT now. It’s UH-MAZING. There aren’t words.
Ok, the historical author and activist I will be referring to did NOT appear in Hamilton, yet, he’s still one of the influential figures in the revolution. He authored The Common Sense and the American Crisis (influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution). He was an inspiration to the Patriots as they were fighting for independence from Great Britain. So yes, he was an influencer during hard a$$ times. Thomas Paine. Thank you for leadership and influence. Your words still resonate with current world times. Here are some of his notable words:
“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.”
How did that ‘stick’ with you? What thoughts were generated? Read it again if needed. Feel the words and let thoughts generate. You’re encouraged to jot, draw, captivate or conversate about anything that moved you.
Circling back, today is YOUR day to connect with your thoughts and make note to what they cultivate. How do your thoughts create action and interaction? As you reflect (the most powerful action you can take)- be open to how it builds you. You can only grow by looking inward. Enjoy your attunement and reflection as you navigate a new day!
“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” -Margaret J. Wheatley
What is Self-Reflection and Why it Matters for Our Wellness? Psychology Today article to support your application of these practices: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201910/what-is-self-reflection-and-why-it-matters-wellness
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