Hola! How are you feeling this morning, my love?
A few weeks ago, this quote popped up in front of me:
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.
It’s about the choice to show up and be real.
The choice to be honest.
The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
Isn't it beautiful? It's been tugging at my heart strings ever since then, and I've done a lot of thinking about what "authentic" means to me. There's the you that you show the world, to your friends, your family, your spouse, and yourself. As you go through the list, layers begin to strip away, revealing your true self, your authentic self.
Let's think about this: What if we chose to surrender instead? (In each moment?)
The word "surrender" is a tricky one, and if you take it at face value, you might begin to think that surrender means giving up. It's quite the opposite. Surrender is acceptance. Of yourself and your life situation, in this present moment. Surrender no longer needs false masks or labels to hide behind. When you choose to accept and surrender, you become simple and real.
Surrendering doesn't have to be a massive shift that completely shakes your world upside down, but instead a loving, gentle expansion of your heart. I've found myself wanting to remain positive at every waking moment. To practice what I preach. To look on the brighter side of life, express gratitude as often as I can, and go beyond my comfort zone with strength and love by my side.
Trust me when I say, by doing so, I've seen a massive shift in my life. In the way that I approach any situation, the thoughts I choose, and how I feel. Here's the truth: thinking you can remain a positive beacon at all times in life is naive and unrealistic. Emotions will come in waves, you may not know the answers to everything, and you might finding yourself asking, "What do I do next?" And that's okay. I'm learning that that's okay.
That's where surrender comes into play. It's as simple as not covering up your true feelings when somebody asks, "How are you?" by saying "I'm good, thanks." or "I'm doing okay." but allowing yourself to really feel and say, "You know what? I'm feeling a bit off today."
It's what I'm practicing in my own life, and already I'm finding that it opens the door to valuable conversation and a greater connection.
Let's give a second look at that first line up there, and be honest: how are you feeling?
Feel what your body wants you to feel. Crack yourself open. Show up and be real. Every day.
Alright! Time to express some love...
WEEKENDS BY THE WATER
Weekends spent hangin' with friends, in what will-be our new neighborhood, complete with skippin' rocks at the beach, a game of charades, and late night patio snacks. Days spent anticipating the rain by cooking up a delicious, roasted red pepper soup (my go-to), followed up by a night at the movies. Waking up good and early for a ferry ride over to the island for the butter tart I've been craving, picnics with all the fix-ins, spending time under the bi-polar sky, reading while it changes from burning-hot sun to sudden downpour. (Oh, and running for shelter in the rain.)
PINTEREST PLANNING
Seriously Pinterest obsessed over here. It might become a slight problem, but until then, I'll just keep myself on the Pinterest-Anonymous waiting list and pin away to my heart's desires.
These are just a few of what I'm drooling over lately: my new home, ram-jammed with natural light, a simple floral centrepiece on our dining table, a succy station by the window, plants next to me while I cook... sweet, sweet heaven! The homebody in me is doing backflips, cartwheels, and booty-shakes right now.
LONI JANE'S ALEVEN 11
First, if you're not already following Loni Jane on instagram, do it right now. If you're looking to overhaul your current lifestyle and swap it out for raw, healthy food that will not only energize you, but give you a rockin' glow that everyone will be lusting after - this is your girl to look to. Her food pictures and body are to die for, and the inspiration she's dishing out is out of this world.
On top of all that, she just launched her blog ALEVEN11! Now you get the inside scoop on her lifestyle and how she makes those gorgeous creations. Just check out those Raw "Cherryberry" Choc Bars, amiright?
What else is inspiring me?
+ Learning to love your sadness. As per usual, Danielle LaPorte hits the nail on the head.
+ As I mentioned last week, the Hay House World Summit is on now! So much goodness. (Almost too many to choose from!) Listen in now. Get inspired.
+ Fleetwood Mac. Rinse and Repeat.
+ Cheryl Strayed's Wild has ignited my wanderlust is a serious, epic way. (Highly recommended!)
Drop me a line in the comments and let me know: Are you being your true self? Are you showing up real in each moment? Let’s all vow to be true, valuable, and courageous together, shall we? From this point forward xx
how was I not following you on Pinterest before!? fixed :)
ReplyDelete