Your Magenta Monday Magic.
“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.”
― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
This month has been all about being brave, and we can’t talk about bravery without talking about fear.
Fear is designed to keep us ‘safe’. It worked really well during the caveman days where fear would keep us from getting eaten by a saber tooth tiger.
Safe doesn’t work so well when it comes to personal growth.
Safe = stuck
Like we learned earlier this month, if you’re not growing you’re not living.
So it makes sense, then, that fear is something we need to acknowledge so that we can move past it.
So just how does fear show up?
There are many ways, of course, such as:
Not making an important phone call
Hiding things from the people who love you
Snipping at someone who calls you out
But usually what’s at the heart of these actions (or inactions) is a deep seeded fear such as:
Fear of failure.
Fear of what other people will think.
Fear of asking questions you’re not sure you want the answer to, especially when it comes to our own behavior and ways of being.
That last one is a biggie and is the kind of fear that, when faced, can lead to the biggest growth.
For example, when you ask yourself probing questions such as, ‘Why did that comment trigger me so much?’ or ‘Why did I make that nasty comment to my husband?’, the answers can sometimes shine a light on your shadow side - those parts of us we’re not super proud of.
We all have a shadow side, and, like it or not she’s part of us, so you might as well invite her in for a little chat!
For me that sometimes means ‘Baby Bridget’ comes out to play. I picture her being about 7 years old.
She shows up with a petulant pout and her arms crossed tight across her chest. I notice her when I’m feeling left out, or when I say something that doesn’t really reflect my values.
When I feel her making her appearance, I pause for a moment and ask myself what she wants. Why is she so upset? Usually pausing to ask the question is enough to calm myself down and get back into alignment with my values. Although I don't recommend saying it out loud while walking through the grocery store 😉
Digging deep and getting curious is critical to personal growth. If you’re not asking the hard questions of yourself, chances are you’ll not be able to get out of your comfort zone.
One of the best ways to know if you’re touching a nerve and asking the right questions is to pay attention to how your body reacts.
Are your palms sweating? Your heart racing? Do you feel really uncomfortable?
That means you’re onto something - stick with it!
It’s hard to look at who you are when you’re not at your best. And it takes being brave to go there. But I promise you, it’s worth it.
Monday Mindshift
It’s the 1° shift that makes the biggest difference over time.
What’s your shadow side like? This week, get curious.
Go deep and ask yourself questions when she makes an appearance. What triggers her? What have you done that you’re not proud of? What are you afraid of? Why is it hitting a nerve?
Remember to pay attention to how your body reacts.
The path we are afraid to go down is often the very one that will serve us the most. Ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen? 99% of the time that would never happen anyway, so what have you got to lose?
You’ve got this!
Love,
PS. I’d love to hear what activities you did to connect to your intentions! I invite you to share your thoughts and ideas with us in Thriving Mom’s Collective FB Group!
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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