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In our daily lives, we often find ourselves entangled in the web of three sneaky Cs – Comparing, Competing, and Conforming. These habits tend to sneak into our mindset, affecting our mental well-being and how we navigate the world around us. So, how can we work on breaking free from these patterns and fostering a healthier relationship with ourselves and others? Comparing: Let's be honest – we all do it. Whether it's scrolling through social media, peeking into the lives of our peers, or measuring our success against someone else's, the habit of comparison can leave us feeling inadequate. It's time to shift our focus inward and celebrate our unique journey. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, let's appreciate our progress and the individual path we're walking. Competing: The constant urge to outdo others or prove our worth through achievements can lead to burnout and unnecessary stress. Shifting our perspective from competition to collaboration can be transformative. Recognizing that success is not a finite resource opens mutual growth and support opportunities. When we collaborate, we create a space where everyone can shine, encouraging a culture of collective success. Conforming: Society often nudges us towards conformity – adhering to norms, following predefined paths, and fitting into molds. It's time to challenge these expectations and embrace our authenticity. Conforming can stifle creativity and self-expression. Let's celebrate our uniqueness, question societal norms, and pave our paths. True fulfillment comes when we dare to be unapologetically ourselves. Working on the Three C's: Mindful awareness:
By consciously working on these three C's, we pave the way for a more fulfilling and authentic existence. It's a journey of self-discovery, self-compassion, and embracing the uniqueness that sets us apart. Let's rewrite the narrative and cultivate a mindset that fosters growth, collaboration, and the celebration of individuality. 
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This subconscious resistance is like a well-meaning but overprotective guardian, tirelessly working to shield us from harm, or at least what it perceives as harm. When self-doubt creeps in, it's our mind's way of saying, "Hey, proceed with caution! We've been here before, and it didn't go well." It's the same with the fear of failure; it's a mechanism to prevent us from risking a fall when we've already experienced a stumble. And procrastination? It's often a clever diversion tactic, keeping us in our comfort zone, safe from the potential discomfort of change. Fear of success is also part of this-what if I can't handle the pressure, expectations, and imposter feelings are dormant here until it all breaks open. The real challenge lies in the fact that our subconscious can't discern between past experiences and present opportunities. It operates from a place of instinct and conditioning. So, it responds with these familiar defense mechanisms, even when they no longer serve us. In essence, it's acting out of a desire to protect us, misguided as it may be. To navigate this dance between our conscious and subconscious minds, we must first understand the root of the resistance. It's not an act of self-sabotage; it's an act of self-preservation. Recognizing this is, of course, important so we can dismantle these barriers. Empathy and self-compassion are key tools in this process. Acknowledging that our subconscious is merely trying to protect us, we can challenge these outdated beliefs and fears. It's like having a patient conversation with that overprotective guardian within, explaining that while its intentions are noble and seem nice, it's time to adapt to our current circumstances and goals. Use your awareness and observational skills and adjust the ego after your wishes.  Deep inside, there's a source of untapped energy known as the sacral chakra. This energy center in the lower abdomen is tied to our emotions and creativity. When we tap into it, something interesting happens: we can transform those moments of awkwardness or insecurity into confidence and self-assuredness. It's not about changing who we are but about discovering the strength we already have. Embracing our sacral chakra allows us to navigate any room or situation with grace and newfound confidence. This energy makes us naturally irresistible to those around us. Unlocking the potential of your sacral chakra is like venturing out on a journey of self-discovery. It begins with simple practices like mindful breathing and visualization. By having a confident posture, you give or transmit assurance to others. Positive affirmations and mantras, like 'I am confident' or 'I embrace my strength,' support this self-belief. Engaging in activities that spark your creativity helps project confidence naturally. In the end, embracing your sacral chakra is about self-acceptance and recognizing your strength. Doing this allows you to navigate different settings, showing an empowering, self-assured energy. It won't just impact you but also captivate those you interact with. Welcome your sacral chakra, tap into your inner strength, and witness how your newfound confidence shines wherever you go. As an artist, I've experienced that frustration when a painting doesn't turn out the way I envisioned. It feels like it's trying to take over my mind, and I can't stop thinking about it. It's like a shadow hanging over me until I create something that matches my vision. But you know, it's that very passion and inner drive that makes us artists. It's the constant pursuit of realizing our creativity and creating something that may touch others. Even though it can be frustrating when things don't go as planned, this process also leads to our most meaningful and innovative works. So even when you feel stuck in that frustration, remember that it's part of the journey. It's a reminder that you're an artist who cares about your work and always strives to reach higher. And when you finally find that sweet spot, that specific content feeling, the satisfaction and joy are indescribable. So keep creating, even when it's challenging because it's in those moments of striving and overcoming that true art is born.  Taking notes from my own life, I realized that nothing truly changed until I made the conscious decision to change something in my daily routine. It's a revelation many of us experience at various points in our lives, but it's often the motivation for great transformation. We all have dreams, aspirations, and goals that sometimes seem difficult to catch, but what if the key to unlocking them lies in the simple act of taking a risk? Life can feel like a series of boring drills. Every day feels the same. We seek comfort in the known, in the daily habits and patterns that shape our lives. But there comes a time when we long for something more, something different. This is where taking a chance comes into play. It doesn't have to be a giant leap; even small steps can start the wheels of transformation. It's about stepping out of our comfort zones, taking risks, and finding joy again. Taking that first step can be intimidating, even scary, but as you know, the transformation often begins outside of our comfort zones. It's about embracing uncertainty, learning from failures, and slowly building the life we desire. These baby steps are the foundation of change, helping us test the waters and discover what truly resonates with our desires. The beauty of taking a risk and making changes, no matter how small, is that it has a ripple effect. It sparks a chain reaction of growth, strength, and empowerment. It forces us to confront our fears, SHATTER self-imposed limitations, and open doors to new opportunities. The transformation may not be immediate, but it's a journey of self-discovery and personal development. So, why not reflect on your own life, take that risk, and tackle small but meaningful changes? It may be time to step beyond the boundaries of comfort and embrace the adventure that change brings.  If you're aiming to let others genuinely get to know you, welcoming vulnerability is the key that unlocks the door to genuine connection. Vulnerability is about sharing your feelings, allowing your emotions to flow freely, and trusting your inner compass. When you open yourself up to your feelings, you're on the path to a deeper understanding of your own needs and desires. Trusting your emotions is a powerful journey of self-discovery. It involves tuning in to your complex feelings and allowing them to guide you. Whether it's the gentle whisper of happiness or the anger roaring in your ear/gut/head/heart, these emotions give clues to understanding what you truly need. Through this process, you'll gain insight into your emotional range and uncover a deeper understanding of who you are and what makes you tick. Trusting your emotions is like opening a window into self-reflection. You gain clarity when you permit yourself to feel, examine, and process those emotions. This clarity empowers you to navigate life's twists and turns more easily and gracefully. You become better equipped to respond to your needs and desires, making the journey of life a smoother, more authentic, and ultimately more fulfilling experience. Choosing vulnerability and embracing your emotions is a massive act of self-empowerment. It's not always easy, but the rewards are immense. Through vulnerability and self-awareness, you'll make your life easier and boost genuine connections and a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you.  Did you know that the energy we put out into the world has a way of circling back to us? Gossiping, for instance, is a behavior that can have unexpected consequences. It's a phenomenon often underrated, but it holds deep truth. Gossiping, when unchecked, can return with negativity, like a boomerang that spirals back to affect us. We all do it, but if it consumes your thoughts and mind, it has become a big problem that does not serve you. The words we speak and the thoughts we harbor carry an energetic weight that stays in our aura. Negativity, in particular, can seep into our energy field, casting a shadow over our experiences. It's like a constant (negative) vibe and frequency, affecting our emotional body and interactions with the world. What drives the compulsion to gossip? Often, it stems from feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. The very act of gossiping can remind us of the lack of confidence we seek to escape. It's a self-perpetuating cycle. Acknowledging this cycle is the first step to break free from it. By embracing positivity and kindness in our words and thoughts, we can begin to reshape our energy field and attract more positive experiences into our lives. It's a journey toward self-empowerment, where we choose to uplift ourselves and those around us.  We often face challenges and setbacks that can leave us feeling vulnerable and wounded. It's so easy to respond by building walls around our hearts to protect that inner child, shielding ourselves from further pain. Yet, what if, instead of retreating into the shadows, we chose to step into our power, embracing the radiance within us?
Standing in your light and glory doesn't mean denying your past pain or vulnerability. It's about believing that within us lies an incredible strength and resilience. This inner strength is the source of our true power. When we dare to shine, we radiate authenticity and self-assuredness. Embracing our inner light means being vulnerable, and in that vulnerability, we find connection and understanding. We invite others to do the same when we stand in our truth. We inspire them to let down their walls and join us in the dance of authenticity. So, let's make a pact with ourselves to stand in our power, embrace our inner light, and lead with our hearts. As we do, we'll not only find strength and authenticity within, but we'll also light the way for others to follow. Together, we can create a brighter, more genuine tomorrow where walls are replaced with bridges and our inner light shines for all to see. It's fascinating how we often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. It's like a never-ending race where the finish line keeps moving further away. We look at more successful people who seem to have it all figured out, and we wonder why we aren't where they are. But here's the secret: comparing ourselves to others is a sure thing to steal our own happiness. Why do we even engage in this comparison game? It may be a natural tendency, a way to measure our progress. But when we fall into this trap, we often feel like we're losing. The truth is, there will always be someone more successful, more accomplished, and seemingly happier. That's the nature of life. So, if we let go of this habit of comparison and focus on our goals, the journey takes on a new light. We instantly feel better, lighter, and more content with our path. The key is surrender, surrender to the fact that your journey is yours alone, unlike anyone else's. Those successful people we admire started somewhere, too, and they faced their own challenges. So, instead of comparing, let's get inspired by them and learn from their journeys, but remember that our path is uniquely ours. When you shift your focus from others to your own aspirations, you'll find more motivation and contentment you didn’t know existed. Your story is still unfolding, and the most exciting chapters are yet to come. So, let's make a pact to stop comparing ourselves to others and start embracing our unique narrative.  In my journey toward healing and self-discovery, I've learned that our bodies often provide a lot of wisdom, making us to pay attention to the areas in our lives that need extra care. Our chakras, those subtle energy centers within us, act as channels through which we experience life. When these chakras fall out of balance, they might express physical and emotional distress.
Our throat chakra, the gateway to our voice and self-expression, is where you can find fear festering. If we silence our voice out of anxiety or uncertainty, it's almost as if our throat chakra constricts, creating issues that manifest physically in our throat or thyroid. I've felt the weight of this connection and realized that speaking my truth and using my voice is a powerful way to balance this important chakra. Then there's the solar plexus chakra, where our self-esteem resides. When our sense of self-worth is shaky, our gut, our very core, can tighten with anxiety. Stomach issues may happen as physical manifestations of the inner struggle we face. It's been my journey to understand the complex dance between self-esteem and this chakra, finding that healthy self-esteem influences how we see ourselves and engage with the world. This exploration began in the late '90s when I embarked on dealing with my people-pleasing ways just as I was settling into life in Canada. Over the years, I've delved into countless resources on self-esteem and discovered that embracing our authentic selves is a lifelong endeavor. It's a path paved with challenges, self-reflection, and a continual search for balance and self-love. Remember, you're meant to live authentically, surrounded by those who uplift and cherish you in your most authentic way. You want to be the truest person you can be, shedding the masks you have carried for so long. Resistance to change is a deeply rooted aspect of human nature in our evolutionary history and psychological makeup. This resistance often stems from a fear of the unknown and a natural preference for keeping stability and security. Throughout our evolution, survival depended on adapting to familiar environments and routines. Change carries inherent risks, whether in the form of new surroundings, unfamiliar customs, or different ways of doing things. Thus, our brains develop a bias toward the status quo to ensure safety and predictability.
Additionally, resistance to change could have psychological factors such as comfort zones and the fear of failure (or fear of success). We tend to gravitate toward what is familiar and comfortable because it requires less cognitive effort and reduces the anxiety associated with change. Stepping into the unknown can trigger fears of making mistakes or facing failure, which can deter us from embracing change. This resistance is often backed by societal and cultural norms that encourage conformity and discourage deviation from the established order. However, it's important to note that while resistance to change is a natural response, it is not impossible. With self-awareness, open-mindedness, and a willingness to adapt, individuals and organizations can navigate and even thrive in the face of change. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of resistance is an important step toward effectively managing and leveraging change for subjective and collective growth. We put on masks, not wanting to reveal our vulnerabilities or quirks. But what if I told you that your authentic self is your superpower?
Authenticity is a rare gem in today's society. We are bombarded with images of perfection, filtered lives, and carefully curated personas. But deep down, we are all starving for something real, something genuine. We long to connect with people who are unafraid to be their true, flawed selves. When you embrace your authenticity, you become magnetic. People are drawn to those who dare to be themselves, flaws and all. Your unique qualities and experiences create a tapestry unlike anyone else's. By letting your true self shine, you attract like-minded individuals who appreciate you for who you really are. Embracing your authentic self also means showing your humanity. It means allowing yourself to be vulnerable and acknowledging that you don't have all the answers. It means being open about your struggles and failures and sharing how you've grown from them. Doing so creates a safe space for others to do the same. Your authentic self can be a messy, imperfect, beautifully flawed version of you that lies beneath the surface. It's the sum of your experiences, passions, fears, and dreams. It's what makes you unique. By consciously maintaining a ‘feeling good' outlook and acknowledging the abundance of energy within ourselves, we can attract synchronicities and create more opportunities.
While exhaustion may be challenging, it should not prevent us from pursuing a life filled with opportunities and synchronicities. By consciously shifting our mindset, embracing our energy, and nurturing a sense of purpose, we can manifest a powerful transformation within ourselves. Say out loud: “I am feeling good today”. Let us seize each day with the belief that we are energized and ready to conquer any challenges that come our way. I'm sitting here, feeling trapped and longing for freedom. My mind is at war with itself, torn between taking a much-needed walk or shutting out the world and hermit. It's one of those days when rebellion shows up, saying: "Enough of the same old."
August slipped away, fast and relentless and it is September 1 already. My rational side whispers, "Go out for your daily walk now! Seize this last burst of summery goodness!" But the rebellious side, oh, that side screams, "No freaking way, go away!" It's a battle of wills, a war for control over my desires. Do I give in to the practicality of routine, or do I let loose and indulge in a wild moment of defiance? Is there a part of me that still remembers what it feels like to take risks and challenge the norm? Or have I become too complacent, too wrapped up in the monotony of everyday life? There's a nudge inside me, a tiny voice that knows which side will prevail. It's that voice that whispers seductively, pushing me towards rebellion. Because deep down, beneath the layers of conformity, I crave something unconventional, raw and unfiltered. Maybe I'm just tired of playing it safe and following the beaten path. Maybe I want to feel the rush of adrenaline that comes with breaking free from the expectations that I placed upon me. Or maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to let out the frustrations building up inside. PS. This is just a simple example.. Embracing the concept of clear boundaries is not just a passive practice but a proactive statement of self-worth. When we define and communicate our limits effectively, we draw a protective circle around our emotional, mental, and physical space. These boundaries become a sacred boundary within which our well-being takes precedence. By following our boundaries, we safeguard ourselves from potential harm and signal to others the level of respect we deserve.
The beauty of setting clear boundaries lies in its ripple effect across various aspects of life. Healthy relationships naturally blossom when boundaries are respected, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and empathy. The practice also acts as a compass for emotional equilibrium, preventing energy drain through unnecessary emotional entanglements. Personal growth becomes more evident as we invest our time and energy that are aligned with our core values. In the journey towards a fulfilled life, remember that prioritizing boundaries will open doors to a world of safety, growth, and living life on our own terms. |
Annica JohanssonMy name is Annica Johansson and I am an Art Life Coach, Certified Sound Healer and Artist. I am writing about personal development, daily musings, spirituality and depicting mother nature's amazing beauty. Welcome! Categories
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