Like every year on my birthday, I become extra introspective, and I end up here on my blog! It's unbelievable that this thing is still alive. I sometimes cringe a little when I read entries from more than a decade (!) ago. I guess I have matured in my 20s and 30s.
I want to do things a little differently this year. Instead of writing a long blog post from scratch like I did two years ago, let me lift some lines off from my daily journal. The journal requires me to list one affirmation and one lesson every single day. Here's a snippet of what I have written from the past few months leading up to my birthday.
Daily Affirmations
- I have what I need to provide joy and care to those around me.
- This life is a gift. It may be broken and painful at times, but this life is good.
- In whatever profession we do, we are called to do good and do good for others.
- When it comes down to it, I really have nothing to fear.
- Whatever difficulties I face will help me build my own character, so I can fulfill whatever purpose has been set for me.
- I am called to be a cheerful giver, not out of compulsion or self-gratification... but because it is the right thing to do.
- I give delight and joy to other people.
- Whatever I do from now on will be part of what I leave for this world. I will do good and be a source of light to others.
- I will use wisdom and good judgment before I let out any word from my mouth.
- I will work heartily - with a full heart - and not only for myself.
- I choose faith, hope, and love...over fear.
- There's a lot of reason to celebrate - not only what I do, but more importantly, who I am and who I have become as a person. As a human being.
What I Learned Today
- Seeking feedback and working on it is liberating. Putting people's needs first is fulfilling.
- There's so much joy in putting others first, but I need to be intentional to create this capacity.
- I am more effective when I focus on the task at hand, the person in front of me... and less of my ego.
- Sharing others' joys and making it about them... is such a profound source of joy.
- I have a prettyyy good self-control when shopping for clothes. Today's trip to Fab India is clear evidence.
- WhatsApp is taking up too much time. I want to find connections outside of it.
- My emotions are my teachers. They're not me.
- I feel alive when I have authentic connections with people.
- I need to find a place and create the space that keeps my MIND quiet, so that I can really focus.
- Bad sleep or lack of sleep really ruins my day.
- You can better identify opportunities to help when you come from a place of curiosity, not a place of judgment.
- (One week after) It's difficult to let curiosity - not judgment - lead. But it's necessary.
- Words can kill. There's a high cost to pay for the aftermath.
- Regret or remorse are worthless if they don't lead to a change of heart and action.
- If what you will say is mainly for your ego, don't say it.
- It energizes people when you truly take their ideas and make them BIG.
- It is okay - sometimes it is better - to be vulnerable with your boss.
- I need to be kinder to myself. All my life, I've been my biggest critic. I need to start being my biggest fan.
- (One day before my birthday) Doing joyful things on my own gives me energy. Especially when they're my favorite things... and when I do them with Charlie.
As vulnerable as it gets for a 30-something me. 😍
