Runners run.
Investors invest.
Teachers teach.
Cooks cook.
Dancers dance.
Gardeners garden.
Painters paint.
Designers design.
Singers sing.
Photographers photograph.
Writers write.
Too often it’s easy to get caught up in the preparation that you never take action. Finding the perfect running shoes, choosing the most delicious recipe, or having the right camera or paintbrush or pen in order to begin. But really, that’s just fear, neatly packaged.
To be the noun, do the verb.
In 2015, I began a gratitude practice. It was an intentional act to train and rewire my brain to begin scanning the world for what was actually going well in my life versus focusing on everything that wasn’t going so well. This daily practice encouraged me to find the blessings tucked within each day. I wrote down at least three things that I was thankful for, folded them up, and kept them in a jar near my bed. On New Year’s Eve, I opened all of them with delight. Adventures, conversations, meals, opportunities that expanded my comfort zone, and compliments that I would had entirely forgotten about were all recorded and documented. When I reread through them, I experienced all those positive emotions again.
I’ve continued this tradition throughout the years and it has inherently changed the way I see my life and the world around me. The practice of gratitude raises our emotional states and allows us to reframe even the most difficult experiences with grace and recognize the silver linings in challenging situations.
At the end of the year when I go through my gratitude jar, I often send pictures to my friends so they too can remember the adventures and fun experiences we shared. The inside jokes. The delicious meals. The breathtaking views in nature.
I store these stacks of gratitude slips in a keepsake memory box as time capsules for the year.
Paying attention to our world, and more importantly, to the beauty in our lives, shifts our entire perspective. We become what we focus on, so turning our focus on that which is good and beautiful is one of the greatest gift we can give ourselves.
Mori Point, Pacifica
“Do you have doubts about life? Are you unsure if it’s worth the trouble? Look at the sky: that is for you. Look at each person’s face as you pass on the street: those faces are for you. And the street itself, and the ground under the street and the ball of fire underneath the ground: all these things are for you. They are as much for you as they are for other people. Remember this when you wake up in the morning and think you have nothing. Stand up and face the east. Now praise the sky and praise the light within each person under the sky. It’s okay to be unsure. But praise, praise, praise.”
We can all agree that moving our bodies helps us feel better mentally and physically. But it’s challenging to know the best movement for our bodies while also juggling the demands of daily life with fluctuating energy levels and time. Decision fatigue is real! Over the years I’ve become much better at listening to what my body needs and trusting what it tells me, versus pushing through a difficult workout because it’s “on the schedule.” Our bodies are always communicating to us, and we thrive when we listen with respect and move in ways that nourish and strengthen them.
I created this as a visual guide for movement, based on the time we have and what our bodies need (relaxation —> burn off steam). I hope that it encourages you to move in ways that nourish your body so you feel more joyful, energized, strong, peaceful, and grounded.
“Secret Love”- my latest piece. Alcohol ink on yupo.
“I love you
as certain dark things
are to be loved,
in secret,
between the shadow
and the soul.”
Today’s newspaper blackout poetry.
Some books that have been delighting me recently (and sparking meaningful and thoughtful discussions as well with friends):
Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell
The Doodle Revolution: Unlock the Power to Think Differently by Sunni Brown
What are you reading that has been inspiring and delighting you?
Psychologists I work with were asked the question, “What is a word or a phrase that best captures what you find meaningful about the work you are doing now?” I was asked to illustrate their responses. Here they are:
Their answers reflect the intersection between their job, their work, their service, mission and purpose. It is evident how these individuals have found that sweet spot where their skills, service and passion overlap, and I feel fortunate to collaborate with them as we all seek to improve the physical and mental health of the clients we serve.
Thoughts while riding today: It feels so good to spin my legs out and be outside • Wow, I’ve lost so much fitness • I feel a bit fatigued actually, is this a symptom of COVID-19 • I passed two guys and I’m feeling so strong on this climb • Oh crazy, I was in my small ring this whole time, why does it feel so hard • My strength training is definitely paying off, my legs feel solid with this turnover • Cops are totally out today pulling over cyclists who run the stop signs • I wonder if he actually got a ticket or just a warning • Gonna enjoy this free draft for awhile • Seriously, are you going to pull and do any work or just sit on my wheel for a few miles • Feeling so good • Fall is my favorite time to ride • This view is incredible • My legs feel like lead • Do I have a flat • Oh sh*t my tire is completely shot • Calm down you’re ok • You’re ok • You’re absolutely not ok • The tire is shredded • Who can I call • Stay calm • You’re ok • You’re ok • I can’t believe so many people are passing me and not asking if I need help • WTF is wrong with people • Where is the humanity • At least the tire didn’t blow out completely while I was riding • Don’t get grease on your kit • Ok you can wipe the grease on the black parts of your kit • Take a deep breath • My phone reception is horrible • But I can drop a location pin at least • Thank God for friends • I’m home • I’m ok • This was a stressful week • I need food • I have such amazing support • I am grateful for my friends • What did I learn from this • I can’t wait to shower •
What changed: Elevation. Wind. Tire pressure.
What didn’t change: Me.
Today’s lesson: YOU ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS.
Today’s art made possible by delicata squash.
Instead of ignoring or SQUASHing your fears and doubts before taking a big leap, try writing them down. Describe in detail the worst case scenario- the “absolute nightmare” that could happen if you were to make that jump. Then objectively examine it. Oftentimes our “worst fears” are actually much scarier in our heads than on paper. Usually what we fear doing most is what we most need to do.
One of the scariest things I did was quit my full-time clinical nutrition job in 2017 to branch out and harness my other passions of wellness coaching, speaking, and lifestyle medicine. I had worn a white labcoat in the hospital for 11 years (!!!). I called the doctors by their first names and was friends with the nurses and knew the tube feed formularies and the generic diabetic education by heart. I had a stable paycheck and health insurance. But I was deeply unsatisfied. At the time I knew very little about entrepreneurship, marketing, building a business, finding clients, tracking invoices, and networking on social media platforms. But I was hungry for change. I did this exact exercise of fear setting, budgeted for my decision, and then bravely took the leap.
It wasn’t like I was ephemerally coasting over clouds in a state of bliss. I worked harder than I’d ever worked before. But I’ve never looked back, and I can tell you wholeheartedly that this has been an exciting, fulfilling and remarkable ride— one that I’d almost missed— had I stayed comfortable and safe on the ground.
What will you do with your one wild and precious life?
Today’s sketch of the day using Procreate on my ipad.
“Solitude
sharpens the senses
softens the soul
awakens the yearnings
calms the nerves
eases the tension
invigorates the wonder
silences the critics
awakens the magic
amplifies the creativity
that has been longing, aching, desiring
to be
expressed.”
