September carries such a particular feel. I literally salivate at the thought of new school supplies. There is a bubbling, anxious anticipation for things yet learned. While I am not in any formal schooling at the moment, my whole being responds; to the change in the air, the earlier setting sun and the crisp breeze; with excitement and bursts of creative energy. My quandary: How do I harvest this energy and put it toward forward movement, growth and manifestation, and not let it turn into guilt or feelings of lost opportunity?
So often, we start a school year, or a new cycle of any sort with the best of intentions. Many times our plans don’t pan out…we lose steam, get side tracked, self-sabotage, procrastinate. These little “failures” are often fueled by fear and negative self talk and stop us in our tracks. Here are a few tools I have found helpful and try to call upon to keep myself on track: 1) Journaling- There are many different ways to use journaling. Whether you do“Morning Pages”, use specific prompts, or simply use it as a tool to help organize your thoughts when your mind is particularly full, journaling can be a reliable and helpful tool to get things off of your already full mind. 2) Set Goals- Various studies have shown that “intention” alone does not lead to the desired outcome. Intention setting is certainly very important and the first step in achieving a goal, however, without clearly defined goals, intentions don’t necessarily go anywhere. Another way of looking at goal setting is…making a commitment. When we truly commit to something…truly, truly, truly…there is no stopping us! Remember to be specific in your goal setting. Give yourself deadlines. A big end goal, can be made up of small, more manageable goals. Have fun with it and be creative! 3) Accountability Partner- Just like any behavioral change endeavor, whether it be eating better, exercising, avoiding unhealthy relationships, or bringing a creative process to fruition, having a buddy to hold you accountable helps a lot! Meet regularly and share your goals. Check in with each other and ask for help and support when you need it. 4) Don’t Trust your Inner Critic- We all have one! And she/he can often be loud, especially when we are on the brink of a creative leap. Recognize your inner critic for what it is: FEAR. This is normal! Being creative and bringing a new project or idea to fruition takes a lot of guts. We don’t want to fail or be judged. When you hear that inner critic trying to derail you, thank it for trying to protect you from failing or looking silly, and then kindly ask it to quiet down. It is often helpful to counter-balance that critical voice with an affirmation. One of my favorites, that I learned from Julie Cameron’s Artist’s Way, “Creativity always leads me to truth and love.” Harness the creative energy that is abound and create something beautiful! I would love to hear what you have in store…
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Molly KuntzMusings from the Mind of a Massage Therapist Archives
November 2019
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