Your Magenta Monday Magic.
Here we are at the end of the month already! Wow. Where does time go?
This November has been all about the journey to uncover your authentic self and learn about the speed bumps that can get in your way. We looked at the roadblock of judgment and how it handcuffs us – whether we’re focusing it on ourselves or someone else.
Think about how many times a day you judge yourself – when you look in the mirror or miss an appointment or say the ‘wrong’ thing in conversation. And what about how we all judge others? A quick scan of the news or a few minutes on social media will show you just how divided we are: each side firmly entrenched in their own camp blocked off from each other in an echo chamber of their own opinion. 🙈
So how do we start to break free from all that judgment? Well, it takes a lot of compassion, empathy, and patience for yourself and others. It’s a practice – one that requires a simple act.
Witnessing…. without judgment.
Now if you happen to be 100% satisfied with your life as it stands, then you may not feel the need to dig deep into how judgment might be inhibiting your personal growth. But, given that you’re here reading, I’m guessing that you feel you still have room for improvement. Don’t we all? In fact, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs puts self-actualization and personal growth as the highest goal of life!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves – this will take a bit of hard work. If you continue to do what you’re doing, though, you’ll continue to get what you’re getting.
Nothing will change.
The personal growth journey takes curiosity and a willingness to ask hard questions of yourself and others. And you won’t always get it right. Our programming runs deep. So when you do screw up – and you will – take a minute, reflect, make it right, and continue moving forward.
I still have to do that kind of course correction all the time. Just the other day, my girlfriend said she couldn’t go with me to the gym because she was going to go stand up paddling instead. Rather than responding “have fun!” I replied “brrrr.” I went to my class on my own but noticed that I was cranky. Something didn’t feel right. In fact, I felt downright icky. It took a couple of minutes for me to realize that it wasn’t me who had replied to her text, it was pissy Bridget. 😠
Pissy Bridget shows up from time to time. She’s the one who felt left out as a kid, who always tried hard to fit in. Once I noticed that she had shown up, I realized that my response had come from a place of feeling left out. To make it right, I sent my friend a follow-up text saying “pissy Bridget got a hold of my phone. What I meant to say was have fun!” She had a good laugh and I felt much better. 😆
The reason I felt yucky was that I wasn't responding from my authentic self. I had automatically gone back in time to that little girl who used to feel left out. Instead of judging myself for being a bad friend though – and slamming the door to growth – I sat with the uncomfortable feeling and got curious about it. If I hadn’t, what would I have learned?
Monday Mindshift
It’s the 1° shift that makes the biggest difference over time.
Trust me, it’s not easy to acknowledge when you’re being a pill! But with compassion, curiosity, and a healthy sense of humor, you can learn a lot about yourself in the process.
Try this on for size:
Take a minute and think about a time when you may not have shown up as your best self. Maybe you snapped at a cashier or said something snotty to your husband. What was happening at that moment for you? Were you having a bad day? Had they said something that rubbed you the wrong way and if so, why?
If nothing comes to mind immediately, just keep paying attention. Continue witnessing yourself without judgment. The next time something does come up, get curious about it. And if you need to clean something up, try doing it with grace and a little bit of humor!
This work isn’t an overnight process. It takes practice – and it’s so important for you to give yourself space and compassion as you move through it, because this is hard work. What I can promise though, is that it’s worth the effort – what’s waiting on the other side is unlike anything you have felt before. 💖
Living BRIGHTer is...
B - Be Brave
R - Cultivate Relationships
I - Live with Intention
G - Practice Gratitude
H - Prioritize Health
T - Live your Truth
What is Magenta?
The color magenta is one of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life. Magenta helps to create harmony and balance in every aspect of life; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
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