Feel The Wave

Where you begin your personal growth journey.

Tag: Mindfulness

  • 7 Reflection Statements to Consider 

    7 Reflection Statements to Consider 

    Life can become hectic and feel out of control when we don’t take time to pause and reflect. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes of honest self-reflection to regain perspective and remind ourselves of what truly matters.

    The reflection statements below are meant to do just that.

    Step Away and Work on Yourself

    Work quietly and don’t tell everyone what you’re working on. Avoid bragging or sharing every detail of your plans. Grow in silence, build yourself up, and reveal your progress when you’re ready. People can’t discourage what they don’t know, and by the time they see your progress, you’ll be much stronger than when you started.

    Find the Light

    At some point, everyone experiences difficult seasons. They may last a week, a month, or even a year. We all process hardship differently because our experiences are unique.

    Whatever you’re going through, remember that there is always light within you. Even when life feels dark, the goodness inside you still shines, often brighter than you realize.

    Change Is Possible

    If you truly commit yourself, your life can look completely different in a year.

    It won’t be easy. Sacrifices will be required, and progress may feel slow at times. But the effort is worth it. Set a goal, create a plan, and begin taking consistent action.

    Choose Your Friends Wisely

    Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Good friends encourage your growth, celebrate your successes, and support you during difficult times.

    If the people around you don’t do that, it may be time to find new ones.

    Your Happiness

    Every once in a while, ask yourself whether you’re truly happy.

    Answer honestly.

    If the answer is no, ask yourself what’s missing. Once you’ve identified it, begin working toward creating the life you truly want.

    Start Fresh

    Sometimes life becomes so overwhelming that a complete change is necessary.

    You may need to pivot. You may need to take a leap of faith and leave behind everything you’ve known.

    It will likely be uncomfortable and even frightening, but sometimes starting over is exactly what allows you to move forward.

    Use Your Time Wisely

    Everyone has the same twenty-four hours in a day, the rich and the poor, the young and the old.

    Time cannot be bought, so use it wisely. Spend it on the people, habits, and goals that matter most.

    There you have it, seven reflection points you can use to evaluate your current situation.

    Consider reflecting on one each week or whenever you feel yourself drifting away from what’s important. Reflection creates clarity, and clarity leads to better decisions, a more meaningful life, and a stronger version of yourself.

    Take care. 

  • How to Keep Your Internal Negotiator in Check

    Each of us holds an internal negotiator—the voice that whispers, urging us to choose the easier path, like staying in bed, wrapped in the warmth and comfort of our blankets. It asks you why you would ever get up and do something when you could be sleeping all morning. We must remember that as human beings, we are driven by purpose and a mission. We have a purpose and mission to contribute to society and help our fellow human beings. That’s why we get up in the morning. Marcus Aurelius said, “I have to go to work as a human being.” This illustrates how fulfilling our purpose begins with conquering the urge to remain comfortable.

    Today’s world has made it much easier for us to live effortlessly. We can eat prepared meals, take the elevator or use a calculator. There are a lot of different ways to make our lives easier. But at what cost? Technology has given us so much and has taken away so much as well. We do not need to remember anything anymore. Memories, both for children and adults, seem to be fading, as we now rely heavily on smartphones to access all information. 

    It all starts in the morning. We must establish a morning routine and avoid overthinking. Instead, we should focus on simply taking action. Arnold Swarzennegger mentioned that his rule in the morning is ‘don’t think’. This approach helps to silence the internal negotiator, or at least, lull it back to sleep. He said, “make it a rule where you say, ‘Okay, there are certain things that I would do before I start thinking… I’m going to work out before I start thinking.’ Don’t think. Just go.”

    In today’s world, the internal negotiator thrives as technology encourages convenience and instant gratification. It’s become a necessity for us, a crutch we use when we are unsure. We use it to console ourselves when we are bored or want a boost of joy. However, this reliance has a detrimental effect on both our minds and bodies. It all begins with the internal negotiator, the back and forth so many of us not only have in the mornings to wake up but throughout the day with everything else. 

    It’s about taking control of our actions. Although the internal negotiator will always be present, it’s controllable. It’s strongest when we are the weakest and weakest when we are strongest. Therefore it’s important to take care of your body. There is a connection between the body and the mind. Seneca said, “We treat the body rigorously, so that it will not be disobedient to the mind.” Seneca talks about controlling our internal negotiator, just like Arnold talks about not thinking in the morning. 

    Get moving to be strong and inspired. Get moving to be in control of your life and your actions. Do not let your internal negotiator take control. Become the maestro of both your body and mind. 

    Take care.