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Change is a natural part of life, and people change for many reasons. Sometimes, change is forced upon us by circumstances, while other times, we actively seek it out to improve our lives. Understanding why we make changes can help us become more intentional in our decisions. Whether adopting a healthier lifestyle, switching careers, or improving relationships, knowing what motivates us can make the process smoother and more sustainable.
Motivation plays a huge role in change. Some people are driven by external rewards, like success, recognition, or financial gain, while others are motivated by internal desires, such as personal growth, helping others, happiness, or a sense of purpose. When you identify what truly drives you, it becomes easier to stay committed to your goals. Instead of relying on short-term willpower, you can create lasting habits that align with what matters most to you. To better understand your own motivations, take a moment to list the things that inspire you to make changes in your life. Some common motivations include having fun, building strong relationships, gaining popularity, achieving personal success, improving health, or feeling more fulfilled. By ranking these in order of importance, you gain insight into what will keep you committed when challenges arise. Knowing your personal priorities helps you create meaningful goals that feel rewarding rather than burdensome. Ultimately, making conscious choices about change allows you to take control of your life rather than reacting to circumstances. By identifying and prioritizing your motivations, you set yourself up for long-term success. Whether working on small daily improvements or making major life transitions, understanding what truly drives you will make the journey more fulfilling and sustainable.
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When I moved to my new house in 2018, something inside me clicked. The change in environment was exactly what I needed. It's like a switch was flipped, and I found myself painting like a mad woman. The creative energy just flooded out of me, and I couldn't stop. It was as though all the ideas and inspiration that had been waiting in the wings finally had the space to breathe.
Before making this leap, I spent about six months studying and preparing myself. I wanted to feel confident in my craft and truly understand what it means to start painting and living an artist's life (including my day job ;). That time of learning was essential, but it was only after I took the plunge that I really found my rhythm. And since then, I've fallen in love with the process. I also have a background in Fine Arts— I took a year of studies at university eons ago, which planted the seeds for my creative journey. Though it feels like a lifetime ago, those classes shaped somewhat (or not at all) the way I approach art today. Being an artist isn't just about painting—it's about expressing myself, exploring new ideas, and experiencing the world through my art. I feel more connected to who I am than ever and the magic I always crave in life. Sometimes, we hold onto emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration without even realizing it. Life throws all sorts of challenges at us, and it's natural to feel heavy emotions. But when we don't take the time to release them, they end up lingering, quietly building up inside until they start affecting us in ways we don't always see. Releasing this energy is less about forgetting what happened and more about clearing out the old to make space for something new and healing. Something new and fresh—out with the old, in with the new. One of the simplest ways to start letting go is to be honest with yourself about what you're feeling. Rather than pushing feelings aside or pretending they're not there, just sit with them for a minute. You don't have to fix everything all at once; just acknowledging that you're carrying anger or grief can start to lighten the load. Another way to release those feelings is to get them out of your head and body. Maybe that means writing down what you're feeling, letting the words flow onto the page without judgment. Or maybe it's talking to someone you trust—a friend or even a counsellor—so you can feel heard. Sometimes, we find ourselves bottling things up, but talking about it can be very freeing. Moving your body can also help you let go of stuck energy. Our bodies hold onto tension, so doing something physical—dancing, stretching, or walking in nature (of course)—can help you release what you don't need. Let your body work with you to shake off what's weighing you down. After you've created space by releasing some of those heavy feelings, take a moment to think about what kind of energy you want to bring into your life. Surround yourself with things, people, and activities that make you feel good, grounded, and open to new possibilities. It's an ongoing process of letting go and inviting new energy, one that can bring a sense of lightness and possibility back into your life. Point Break, my favourite movie, and one of its greatest scenes: It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have unlimited time to chase our dreams. We often convince ourselves that tomorrow will be just as good as today—or even better. However, the truth is that time is not infinite, and each moment is a valuable opportunity that we shouldn't take for granted.
Many of us delay pursuing our passions, waiting for the perfect moment or circumstances. We think we can press the snooze button on our ambitions and come back to them later. But this mindset can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. Life is unpredictable, and we can't always control when chances will arise. To break free from procrastination and complacency, it's important to include a sense of urgency in our lives. Remember, the best time to start pursuing your dreams is right now. Don't wait for the perfect moment, because it may never come. Embrace a sense of urgency, and take charge of your life. So, let go of hesitation and press "play" on your dreams. The time is now—do it! You can do it. Self-awareness is like having a secret superpower. It gives you the ability to stop overanalyzing every little thing that happens in your life. You don’t have to beat yourself up after a tough conversation or feel guilty about what you said. Instead, you can learn to let it go and move on. How many times have you replayed an awkward conversation in your head, picking apart every word and facial expression, wondering if you could’ve said something differently or acted better? The spiral of self-doubt can lead to feelings of guilt and regret. But with self-awareness, you can free yourself from this ongoing cycle.
Being self-aware isn’t about being perfect or never making mistakes. It’s about understanding how you think, feel, and act without constantly judging yourself. You notice when something doesn’t go quite right, but you don’t dwell on it or pick it apart. When you’re self-aware, you trust yourself more. You know that one awkward conversation or bad moment doesn’t define you. You stop feeling like you need to go over everything in your head, figuring out what you could’ve done better, because you get that not everything needs fixing or dissecting. A lot of us feel guilty after having a difficult conversation, especially if it didn’t go exactly as planned. But self-awareness helps you step back and ask yourself: “Did I mean to hurt anyone? Was I being honest and true to myself? Is this really something to feel guilty about?” Often, the guilt we feel is unnecessary and comes from overthinking. With self-awareness, you learn to see the situation for what it is, accept it, and let go. You stop punishing yourself for every little thing and instead focus on the bigger picture: you’re doing your best, and that’s enough. One of the biggest benefits of self-awareness is the ability to let things go. You’re not avoiding problems; you’re just choosing not to hold on to things that don’t need to weigh you down. You trust that you did your best, that you’ll learn from the experience, and that things will work out. When you let go, you’re not stuck in that cycle of replaying conversations or thinking about what you should’ve said or done. The more self-aware you become, the less you overthink. You stop stressing about every little detail and start to feel more confident in how you handle situations. You realize that not everything needs to be perfect and that you don’t have to have all the answers. You’ll still have tough conversations from time to time, but you’ll learn to reflect without getting stuck. You’ll know when it’s time to move on without carrying around unnecessary guilt or stress. Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational trauma, is a concept where the emotional wounds of one generation can be passed down to the next through behaviours, patterns, and even DNA. When we talk about trauma being passed on genetically, it refers to how stress or trauma experienced by parents can cause changes in their DNA, which might affect their children and grandchildren.
This means that the trauma your grandparents experienced could influence how you respond to stress today. It's like your body has a memory of the trauma, even if you didn't experience it yourself. However, it's important to note that while trauma can be passed down, healing can also occur and be passed to future generations. To fight generational trauma, awareness and therapeutic practices are important. Understanding this, can empower individuals to break cycles of trauma through therapy, mindfulness, and other healing practices. This understanding is important because it allows for both compassion and proactive healing, ensuring that negative cycles can be interrupted and new, positive ones created. For plus 20 years, I’ve been practicing the Sedona Method and incorporating surrendering techniques into my daily life. These practices have profoundly shaped who I am today, giving me a constant sense of peace and clarity. The Sedona Method, with its simple yet powerful approach to letting go, has become more than just a technique for me—it's a way of life. By consistently surrendering my worries, fears, and attachments, I've cultivated an inner calm that remains steady regardless of external circumstances.
One of the most significant impacts of these practices is how they’ve altered my perception of others’ opinions. There was a time when I would get caught up in what others thought about my choices or my life path. Now, I find that these thoughts rarely disturb my peace. The practice of surrender has taught me that other people’s views are just that—their views, not truths that I need to hold onto. This shift has given me the freedom to live authentically, in alignment with my values and beliefs, rather than being swayed by external judgments. This journey of surrender and letting go has been transformative, providing me with tools to navigate life in a simple and easy way. It’s not that challenges don’t arise; they do, as they do for everyone. But my approach to them has changed. Instead of resisting or getting overwhelmed, I lean into the practice, allowing myself to release what no longer serves me. This ongoing commitment to surrender has allowed me to maintain a steady sense of peace, regardless of life’s ups and downs, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Life is full of choices, and often, the most meaningful decisions are the hardest to make. There will always be reasons not to pursue something, especially when it involves stepping out of your comfort zone or facing significant challenges. These reasons might seem logical or even necessary at the time, but they often serve as barriers to personal growth and achievement. The truth is, anything worth doing comes with its own set of obstacles, and it's easy to find excuses to avoid taking action.
However, when we look back at our lives, it's not the moments where we avoided difficulty that stand out, but those where we faced it head-on. Overcoming challenges gives us a sense of accomplishment and helps build resilience. These are the moments that shape our character and define our journey. Whether it's starting a new project, pursuing a passion, or making a significant life change, the satisfaction we feel from overcoming obstacles far outweighs the comfort of staying within our limits. At the end of the day, action is a choice. It's the choice to focus on the reasons for doing something rather than avoiding it. While it's natural to have doubts and fears, the decision to move forward despite them is what makes all the difference. By choosing to act, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and affirm our commitment to growth and self-improvement. In the end, it's these choices that lead to a life of fulfillment and purpose. Just like planning another road trip, finding self-acceptance and self-love starts with setting intentions and charting your course. Take time to reflect on your values, desires, and aspirations. Consider where you want to go and what you must do to get there. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so be patient and kind to yourself along the way.
Life's road trip is full of unexpected detours, and the road to self-acceptance and self-love is no exception. Welcome the detours as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Sometimes, the most scenic routes are the ones we stumble upon unexpectedly. Be open to new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities, even if they take you off the beaten path. While living life with struggles and challenges, remember to pause and appreciate the beauty around you. Finding self-acceptance and self-love means welcoming your strengths, quirks, and imperfections. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments, big and small, and acknowledge the progress you've made along the way. Remember, self-love is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the scenery as you go. Just as road trips are more enjoyable with trusted travel companions, the journey to self-acceptance and self-love is easier with support from friends, family, and mentors. Surround yourself with people who uplift and empower you, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Together, you can navigate life's road trip with courage, resilience, and compassion. Even the most exciting road trips need rest stops and refuelling breaks. Similarly, finding self-acceptance and self-love requires self-care and nourishment. Take time to recharge your batteries, both physically and emotionally. Prioritize activities that bring you joy, peace, and fulfillment, whether spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in your favourite hobbies. In our busy world, we often have to push and strive to reach our goals. While ambition and hard work are important, another path can lead us to our desires without the constant struggle: the path of non-resistance. This means going with the flow of life and trusting the process instead of trying to control everything. Doing this allows us to reach our goals more easily and feel more at peace.
Non-resistance doesn't mean doing nothing. It's about being open and present without the stress of trying to force things to happen. When we stop fighting against the natural flow of life, we make space for good things to come to us. It's about setting our intentions clearly and then letting go, allowing things to unfold in their own time. This way, we can harness the power of intention and alignment instead of sheer force. Living with a non-resistant mindset requires trust and surrendering. It means believing life will work out, even if we can't see how right now. Practices like meditation, sound therapy, mindfulness, and positive affirmations can help us stay connected to the present moment and our inner selves. These practices keep us calm and clear-headed, making it easier to notice and take advantage of opportunities when they come. This relaxed state of mind reduces stress and helps us attract positive outcomes. The benefits of non-resistance are significant. When we're not wasting energy resisting and trying to control everything, we can focus on what matters. This shift lets us enjoy life more and stay open to unexpected opportunities. By embracing non-resistance, we invite ease and flow into our lives, making room for success and happiness to come to us in ways we might not have imagined. Letting go, surrendering and trusting life's natural rhythms allows things to flow towards us effortlessly. Beliefs shape our reality in powerful ways. When we have strong beliefs about ourselves, others, or the world, we often act in ways that make these beliefs come true. This idea, known as a self-fulfilling prophecy, shows how our expectations can bring about the outcomes we anticipate, whether positive or negative.
Think about someone who believes they are always going to fail. This belief affects their actions—they might avoid taking risks, give up easily, or approach tasks with a negative attitude. These behaviours increase the chances of failure, supporting their original belief. On the other hand, a person who believes they can succeed will face challenges with confidence, persistence, and a positive mindset, increasing their chances of success and confirming their belief in themselves. Our beliefs also influence how we interact with others. If we think people are generally untrustworthy, we might approach relationships with suspicion and defensiveness. This can cause others to respond in kind, proving our belief that people can't be trusted. Conversely, if we believe people are mostly good and trustworthy, we're more likely to be open, kind, and trusting, encouraging positive interactions and relationships supporting our initial belief. In short, beliefs act like filters through which we see our experiences. They guide our thoughts, emotions, and actions, shaping our reality according to our expectations. When we understand our beliefs' power, we can adopt positive, empowering beliefs that help us grow and succeed. By believing in our potential and the goodness of others, we create a reality that reflects these positive expectations, breaking free from the limitations of negative self-fulfilling prophecies. Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of "what if" thinking? What if I fail? What if things don't go as planned? What if they change? What if, what if, what if? These what-ifs can be paralyzing, preventing us from taking steps toward our goals and dreams. The constant worry about potential negative outcomes or outrageous positive expectations in people, keeps us from moving forward, trapping us in a state of inaction. It's like being held captive by our own thoughts, unable to break free and live our lives to the fullest.
The truth is, these what-ifs are often nothing more than air castles. They're not real; they're just scenarios we've created in our minds. We spend so much time worrying about things that might never happen, constructing elaborate mental obstacles that block our path. It's like wishing upon a star, hoping for the best but fearing the worst, without any concrete evidence that these fears will come to pass. By giving too much power to these imagined outcomes, we lose sight of what's actually possible. When we allow ourselves to be controlled by what-ifs, we limit our potential and miss out on huge opportunities for growth and success. Instead of letting these fears dictate our actions, we should focus on the present and what we can do now to move closer to our goals. Embrace the unknown and understand that uncertainty is a natural part of life. By taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves up to new experiences and possibilities. So, the next time you catch yourself falling into the trap of what-if thinking, remind yourself that these fears are just air castles. They have no real power over you unless you let them. Focus on what you can control and take bold steps toward your goals. Let go of the imaginary obstacles and look ahead with confidence and courage. By doing so, you'll find that the what-ifs will lose their hold on you, and you'll be free to create the life you've always dreamed of. In the wild world of meeting deadlines and responsibilities, it's easy to laser-focus on the daily grind. But here's the thing: constantly focusing on work and neglecting other aspects of life can hinder your creativity. Creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to step away from the hustle and bustle of work and embrace moments of rest.
Think about it this way: when you're constantly immersed in work, your mind becomes laser-focused on solving immediate problems and meeting those deadlines. There's little room for your thoughts to think of new ideas. But when you give yourself the space to step back or zoom out and engage in activities that don't include work, you open yourself up to new experiences and perspectives. Downtime, the taking a pause, will make magical things happen. Suddenly, those out-of-reach creative ideas start to flow, and you find yourself inspired by the world around you. Whether walking in nature, starting a hobby, or daydreaming, these breaks provide a productive ground for creativity to grow. They will feed your soul, but persistence is required to break the work-thought habit. But it's not just about giving your mind a break—it's also about tapping into something greater. When we take time away from work, we create space to listen to the whispers from the universe. Call it intuition, inspiration, or divine guidance—whatever it is, it's there, waiting for us to tune in and listen. So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a creative rut, take a step back and let yourself disconnect from work. Trust that you're recharging your batteries and opening yourself up to a world of new possibilities by doing so. After all, creativity knows no bounds—it's up to us to create the space for it to thrive. Picture embarking on a road trip with your ego as the co-pilot, eager to steer the journey with its urgency and craving for control. As you hit the open road, you can hear the ego's constant chatter in your mind, urging you to go faster, achieve more, and outpace the competition. With each passing mile, you feel the pressure mounting, fueled by fear of falling behind and missing out.
But as the miles stretch on, you begin to notice the toll the ego's relentless drive is taking on your well-being. The constant striving leaves you feeling exhausted and disconnected as if you're racing towards a destination that never seems to materialize. Despite the ego's opinion on speed and achievement, a quiet voice within wants a different kind of journey—one that is slower, more intentional, and rooted in the present moment. And so, you choose to turn away from the ego's frantic speed and onto a scenic road where nature calls. As you immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, surrounded by huge trees, ocean waves, and blue sky, you feel a sense of calm wash over you. The ego's grip begins to loosen, its frantic demands fading into the background as you surrender to the serenity of the journey. With each passing mile, you find yourself letting go of the need for external validation and approval, embracing instead the simple joys of being alive. You love the freedom of the open road, unburdened by the ego's constant chatter and demands. In the quiet moments of reflection, you find a sense of clarity and purpose, recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from external achievements but from an inner sense of peace and connection. As the road stretches before you, you realize that this journey is not about reaching a specific destination but finding peace within. With the ego as your unwilling passenger, you continue on, driven by the wisdom of your own heart and the beauty of the world around you. And as the sun sets on the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold, yellow, and magenta, you know that you are exactly where you need to be—right here, right now, on this winding road of self-discovery and growth. Imagine your financial journey as a road trip, with your "container" being the vehicle you're driving. This vehicle is like your mindset, beliefs, and behaviours around money, all packed into one. Just like a road trip, your financial journey can be smooth or bumpy, depending on the condition of your vehicle.
For example, suppose your vehicle (or container) has a lot of baggage from past experiences, like growing up in a financially unstable environment. In that case, it might feel like driving with a heavy load. This could lead to constant worry about running out of gas (money), making it hard to enjoy the ride or take detours to explore new opportunities. However, if your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped with positive beliefs and habits, it can make for a much smoother journey. You'll feel confident navigating twists and turns, and you'll be more open to taking scenic routes or trying out new adventures along the way. But just like any road trip, you might encounter unexpected roadblocks or detours that test your vehicle's capabilities. These could be financial setbacks, like unexpected expenses or job loss, that challenge your container's resilience and adaptability. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and learning, making your financial journey more rewarding in the long run. Ultimately, you can ensure a more enjoyable and fulfilling financial journey by being aware of your container and actively working to improve it. Whether you're cruising down the highway of financial success or navigating through different/rough roads, your container will play a huge role in determining how smoothly you can ride out the ups and downs of your financial road trip. |
Annica JohanssonMy name is Annica Johansson and I am an Artist, Art Life Coach and a Sound Healer. I am writing about personal development, daily musings, spirituality and depicting mother nature's amazing beauty. Welcome! Categories
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