Wise words...

Conscious action...

Find your word - the mantra you need now.

Have you ever used a mantra or short saying or maybe just one word as a reminder to do (or be) a certain way? Maybe it's a sticky note you have on your mirror, computer, or refrigerator door. I kept "Swim in your own lane" affixed to my laptop as a reminder not to get caught in the comparison trap. I have plenty of other words I say to myself when I'm running, writing, climbing steep mountains when I can barely breathe, and definitely while meditating, praying, and trying to stay centered.

You can find great words, quotes or mantras everywhere. But those are made for the masses. Try listening for your unique word, the reminder you need right now for exactly what you are dealing with.

Go outside. Take a walk. Or just look out the window. Look around and focus your attention on the trees, bushes, flowers, or whatever you see. What comes up? What does nature have to say to you? It might not come immediately. Just pay attention as you go about your day, being aware of what is around you. Something is bound to appear. A word or thought that feels right; that hits that soft spot in the heart or intuitive nudge in the gut. The word you need to hear.

Go find your word. Let it speak to you.

Purposeful reflection...

You know what you need. You just need to listen long enough to hear your answer.

I went on a long run thinking I had plenty of nature time to find my word. After six hours I had forgotten my quest and the only words coming to mind were "slow," I'm hungry," and "you're almost there." I was in the negative loop, focusing on how far I was from my intended goal and how much I wanted to stop. Realizing that kind of negative talk was not going to make the last few miles any better, I focused on the warm air on my skin after last week's cold and snowy jaunt. I thought about the amazing ability of my body to even get out here and slowly, hangrily run 20-plus miles. That little shift worked and instead of lamenting my slow pace, I took advantage and looked around at the tiny shoots of green starting to pop through the brown grass.

I thought that would reveal my word. But not even gratitude felt right for what was going on in the bigger picture of my life. I plodded along, finished my run, ate some food, massaged my sore muscles, and relaxed into the afternoon.

I forgot about my word quest and got lost in the looming to-do list and lack of progress on said list. The year had started slowly for me. I hadn't been able to get as much traction or do as much as I thought I would have done by now. Sitting in the chair looking out through the ponderosa pines I let out a big sigh. Somewhere between the trees my word appeared.

Grace.

It just sounds soothing. And definitely what I needed to hear. I don't even know where it really came from. I didn't read it somewhere or even consciously think about my critical attitude. But wherever it came from, I know it was meant for me.

Tell yourself what you need to hear