A new way of thinking: what I learned on ‘sabbatical’

After my last post, penned two months ago, the mojo I’d regained (see Change up the rules…) suddenly vanished without warning. I felt uninspired. Specifically: unmotivated to read or write. Worse yet: I feared I’d lost my love of the written word; hence, my sabbatical of sorts. But I never strayed far. I attended a writing workshop for six weeks to keep my finger on the pulse of creative plotting strategies. I also wrote an article for an online trade magazine. And, during it all, I picked the artistic minds of several writers and learned a new way to approach my writing: with permission to play. Not only does this concept eliminate the pressure to “get it right the first time” (be honest, does that ever happen, anyway?), but it also inspired a vision for one, three, five plus years down the road. Most importantly: I’m reading and writing again. As a wise yogi once said: Whatever we practice becomes greater.

What do you need to practice more?

Image source: http://www.mindylacefieldart.com.

Mojo with a twist: positive affirmations

The last day of my 30-Day Reboot Challenge came and went with very little fanfare. Maybe because I got off track at times. Regardless, one of the biggest revelations to me was that the words we speak about ourselves—whether in our own minds or while talking with others—affect not only our psyches (mental and emotional), but also our physicality. I tested the theory of positive affirmations in the hot room one afternoon during yoga: I wore a top that reads “Strong is the new skinny” and I stared at that shirt for the next 90 minutes. This affirmation of strength resonated throughout the following 90 minutes and my body responded with a strong, grounded practice. But it doesn’t end with positivity. We also limit our success with the words (and thoughts) we entertain that devalue or restrict our capabilities (see The Language of Limitation and Hate-Speak). Let’s make a pact today: to speak self-love. And then witness a powerful transformation.

What does your self-speak sound like?

Image courtesy of sattva at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Be a wo(man) on a mission: gratitude with intention

 

Since I misplaced my mojo (see “Don’t let anything dull your sparkle…”), I’ve been on a mission to get “unstuck.” For the past few posts, now, I’ve talked about how I’m rebooting my mojo—by recommitting to a mantra, challenging myself (again) and changing the rules. Here’s another tip I’ve begun to employ: gratitude with intention. On Jan. 1, I opened a brand new journal I received from my BFF, as well as a book of 365+ gratitude prompts a dear friend gifted me for my last birthday. Thus began a daily look at my life through the lens of gratefulness. Unfortunately, just like any routine, over time this practice started to become stale and simply something to check off my to-do list. However, once I took on the mission of locating my missing mojo, I began to approach my morning journaling sessions with intention vs. habit. This has also spilled into my everyday life—through tiny attitude adjustments that make a world of difference.

What’s your mission?

Change up the rules to keep your mojo in the flow: update #2

If you obey all the rules,
you miss all the fun. ~ Audrey Hepburn

Halfway into my 30-Day Reboot Challenge and following the culmination of a 30-day abs challenge (which “only” took me 33 days), I’ve learned what helps keep my mojo in the flow: 1) If I “slip” during my challenge(s)—take a day off, change the rules, etc.—that doesn’t mean I’ve failed or that I must start over. I just “reboot” the next day, if needed. 2) Some challenges in life take longer than we expect—whether real or self-imposed. For instance, your family succumbs to the flu and you simply cannot add one more thing to your overflowing inbox as you juggle between work life and caregiving. As a result, your 30-day challenge might take you: wait for it… more than 30 days. Allow yourself the space to have fun. And extend grace often. You might decide you play better by the new rules anyway. Who knew?

How can you change it up today?

Image courtesy of mrpuen at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Reboot with a swift kick to the mojo: update #1

In my post “Don’t let anything dull your sparkle…,” I talk about recommitting to memory (and now practice on the daily), a mantra that keeps my mind focused on excellence and optimism. I also promised to check in with mojo updates. Flash back to roughly two weeks ago. Long story short, a few bad habits ensued in a recipe for failure and an opportunity for me to devise a plan to restart—this year, this month, this week—with a swift kick to the mojo. I call it my 30-Day Reboot Challenge: a fun way to mindfully disengage from unhealthy patterns and habits. I mentioned it to one of my girlfriends and she wanted in. Why not? I printed two “challenge” sheets that we could post and update each day. For me, it’s a tangible way to live out the saying: Where your focus goes, your energy flows (thanks HB). An accountability partner to cheer on with high-fives simply sweetens the deal.

How do you reboot your mojo?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Don’t let anything dull your sparkle: manage your mojo with a mantra

My mojo is missing, my mood is meh and I can’t put my finger on it. When I told that to one of my sisters recently, she said: “Turn it over to the Lord. Be your sparkly self again.” This requires daily, oftentimes minute-by-minute, discipline. Yet I’m the first to admit that I frequently allow circumstances beyond my control—the mess in the world, others’ actions and reactions—to dictate my disposition. To rub me the wrong way. To dull my sparkle. But what if we were to adopt a mantra when we’re tempted to pull up an easy chair and accept mediocrity versus excellence? Or pessimism rather than optimism? Perhaps now is the time to recommit to memory the prayer of sorts I devised when I first began the practice of Bikram yoga (see “Waiting for better days”). Because I am strong, I am healthy and I am happy. And I refuse to remain stuck in a rut. Stay tuned for mojo updates.

What’s your mojo mantra?

Image source: https://fityourself.club.

Take a hike: where my mojo woke up

 

I’ve called the Southwest home for more than 16 years and, although I view the mountains daily, hike them on occasion, share the scenic panorama with visiting friends and family, this past weekend I fell in love with the rugged and mysterious desert beauty all over again. It only took two hours and 5.3 miles of exploring the Sonoran Preserve to make that happen. It was almost as if I saw the majestic outcroppings, yellow-white orb hung low in the bluest of blue cloudless skies, for the first time. As I traipsed solo over the rocky trail, while remaining alert for native desert dwellers crossing my path, I wrote a book. It’s a story I’ve chewed on for months—more of an outline than a whole book, with holes to fill. It might be a fluke, but I believe the mountains could be my new go-to place for inspiration. Now to transcribe the story from memory. Or to take another hike.

Where does your mojo wake itself up?