Wild Card: Get Out The Gutter and Into Your Gut

The last two weeks I have been talking a lot about a different aspect of self-care and, hopefully, inspiring you to think outside of the box when it comes to how you approach the day. And while changing up a routine here and there does wonders for the mind, it's like slapping lipstick on a pig unless we are addressing the root of the problems, our perspective.

What's Wrong With My Perspective?

I'm so glad you asked! It's less that there is something wrong with it and more like it's just a little stale. We go throughout the day doing what we always do, shaking it up with our meal choices and a new something or other here and there. We never really stop for fear that we will get swept up in the tidal wave of life that is right behind us. Have you ever been to the beach before? Have you ever got caught in a wave? For those of you that have not had the pleasure, it is the most disorienting feeling, especially if you get hit with three in a row. But eventually you boop your way to the surface and the sun is shining and you feel one of two ways. Either you can't swim and are so freaked out your clawing your way to the shore, never to dare into the water again OR you are vibrating with excitement like a small child and want to go again. I'm here to tell ya that neither of these things happens when we stop moving in real life. The time ticks on and the deadlines creep like the creepers they are, but the world doesn't come crashing around. It's all an illusion of our perspective.

But You Don't Understand...

I think that is my favorite phrase in the English language because it is the best way to say no without ever even giving the other side a shot. We all have our sob stories and the laundry list of reasons we can't (or shouldn't) do something. It doesn't matter if you are $5 million in debt or are just stuck in a sticky situation, if you want to get out of the gutter, you have to start tuning into your gut. What is this gut you keep talking about? Well, it is the feeling that you know something to be unshakeably true at this moment. Your gut may be broken right now and that is okay. How can you tell if it's broken? Let's Test It! Answer these from your gut:

Favorite Color

Favorite Food

Favorite Sport

Favorite Show

How'd you do? Did you answer without hesitation or did you sit there and ponder away at which shade of orange you like? We know these things deep down inside ourselves without having to dig too deep. "My favorite color is sunset orange. I love all food but tacos have to take the #1 spot. I'm not a big sports person, but if we're playing baseball watch out! I love the Vampire Diaries but the list is endless with favorites." We can sit here and do this all day, and maybe we should. If we are so worried about others understanding our point of view, we first need to understand ourselves a bit more.

What's Wrong With Me Now?

Nothing! You are perfect just the way you are but aren't you the one that's always complaining about one thing or the other? Aren't you the one that's unhappy with whatever you wish was better? We are so quick to defend our problems when we're the ones that bitch and moan about them BEING PROBLEMS! If you are unhappy with your circumstances, change them. Try out that class your friend suggested, open up that book you don't 100% trust will help, and just see what happens.

If you keep doing the same things, making the same safe choices you always do, you will never grow. Growth can only come when you have a clear goal, an open mind, and the courage to do whatever it takes to obtain it.

In order to be your best self, you gotta dig a little deeper and get a little uncomfortable! Unless you like sleeping in the gutter, there just no way around it.

But How Though?

That is the million-dollar question. How? The answer is different for everyone. True reflection is just sitting there and observing what disturbs your soul without judgment. It means letting go of the hate, the sadness, the fear. It means honing in on what makes you excited for life and going for it. It means research and effort. It means choosing yourself first before all else without harming others in the process. It means living! Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Meditate.

2. Make a collage of everything you want.

3. Ask hard questions like "Do I still want to do this? Is there something else I'd rather be doing?"

4. Write a list of all the things you see as a problem in your life.

5. Get quiet and listen to your gut when making simple decisions like "Do I want to have chicken takeout again for dinner? Maybe I'll switch it up and try that new recipe!"

It's hard to move if we are unsure. No matter how you move forward, make sure you are walking with confidence in your strides. Trust that you are moving on the right path based on what you want to achieve. The universe actually likes to answer our wishes and can often times give us the strangest solution. Just look at how Tiana started. She asked for the ability to obtain her restaurant. She ended up turning into a frog, going on this crazy adventure, got married, became a freaking princess, and, oh yeah, GOT THE RESTAURANT! The universe listens. Trust it. Be sure, be confident, be bold, be you! Everything else will follow.

This "article" was written in the spirit of play and is meant to inspire and entertain you guys! I hope your week is full of big leaps and good nums! Until next week!