“There is incredible power in challenging yourself instead of reacting to the challenge the world threw at you.”

I don’t remember who said that, but it’s spot on.

We’re still in this pandemic, racism is still very much present and many of us are working from home and barely seeing our loved ones.

If you feel tired, burnt out, unmotivated or lethargic, nothing is wrong with you. You are human.

We are all making the most of our lives despite the uncontrollable factors and personally, that is a win in my book.

So how do you get out of your own way and thrive?
What does that mean and why should you care about it?

You are the one thing that’s in the way of living the life you desire & dream of.

You are responsible for your life, your decisions, and your outcomes. This could be earth-shattering news for some of us who were conditioned to think that if we were dealt different cards, lived in different places, and were born into different families that our life would be perfect.

How often have we placed our power in someone else’s hands? Placed our power in other situations, jobs, friendship, circumstances... I’ve been there.

I wasted so much time wishing for a different financial situation and when I finally made the decision to live in faith and abundance, everything changed. But it took years of deep inner work, reaching out to others, and getting more clarity on what I wanted from my life. It doesn’t mean I’m never in fear or scarcity mode. The difference is I’m aware that what I put energy and focus on, will grow.

Where’s your focus? On the problem or the solution?

We say, “because they/it (insert verb), I am (insert the adjective, verb).”

We not only have given up our power but we have placed blame on other people and things. We have given up our hopes and dreams of living a life we love. We begin to believe it’s not possible.

Our minds, will, and emotions can make our lives a living hell, or heaven on earth.

As a person of faith, I know that my true heaven will be in eternity. I’m aware that life was not meant to be easy. I wasn’t put on this earth to be comfortable, settle for mediocrity, and simply survive.

You and I were put here to THRIVE. To flourish, to prosper. To live in abundance, live with health and vitality, and to love the life we live.

Our problems will not be solved by reading countless articles, listening to podcasts, and reading all the books.

The transformation comes from putting in the work. From unpacking our limiting beliefs, awakening to the truth, and choosing new beliefs that serve us and our values.

Perhaps you don’t know where to start. Perhaps you’re doing all the right things and you still feel empty, depleted, or confused.

One, you’re not alone. Two, you decide if you will let this control your life or if you’ll decide to overcome it.

Yes, do the self-care practices, maybe seek therapy, share with a trusted friend or family member, but here are some applicable steps you can take right now, and continue to practice daily.

Accept what is and take a stand
- What can you control?
- What do you stand for?

Recognize the power within
- Do an inventory of all your strengths
- What’s one action step you can take in the right direction?
Look for the good
- Mindfulness is key - pause long enough to notice what’s in front of you
- Acknowledge the good
Practice gratitude
- Gratitude is a simple way to pull yourself out of a pity party
- It’s contagious and when we share it, others are blessed in the process
Speak words of life
- Your words have power
- Are they tearing you down or building you up?
- Are they rooted in truth?
Commit to showing up for yourself and others
- Know when to rest, and know when to show up
- Comfortable doesn't mean it’s good for you. When we feel resistance, it’s often an indicator of necessary change

There is purpose in your pain. Your mess is your message. And your story gives space for others to heal and share their truth.

By: Lauren DeVera

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Go slay the day! I believe in you.