The courage of living curiously
When you attempt to decide, or plan for, or figure out, or control a situation when you really are unable to do any of those things, you’re attempting to create a safe, predictable space for yourself where you know what will happen next.
But … that’s not actually possible. You can’t actually do that …
When, instead, you 'Allow', you voluntarily choose to loosen your grip on the reins, to let go of the fallacy that simply because you make decisions and plan and predict, that things will go consistently with that vision. And, when you set down your attempts to figure out and control, you get the gift of approaching your life with curiosity and excitement instead of fear.
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There is no secret ingredient: A golden nugget from the noodle shop (Real Life Fantasy)
Taking inspiration from Mr. Ping’s Secret Ingredient Soup, from Kung Fu Panda, we explore the notion that it is only when you accept yourself – when you stop the search for the non-existent secret ingredient – that you can truly thrive and see how special you are.
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Root to Flourish READS: ‘Four Thousand Weeks - Time Management for Mortals’ by Oliver Burkeman
‘Root to Flourish READS’ recommends ‘Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals’ by Oliver Burkeman. In this brilliant book, Burkeman explains that we must make the connection between our daily struggles to “manage time” and the ultimate time management problem, how best to use our 4,000 weeks.
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Freedom lies in embracing the finite nature of your life
It’s not enough to intellectually understand that our lives are finite; we must allow that truth to emotionally resonate … and when it does, we must then allow it to affect a change in how we view our day-to-day lives, and in how we actually live those lives.
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The Wisdom of Wizards: "What to do with the time that is given us" (Real Life Fantasy)
Gandalf the Grey, from J.R.R. Tolkein’s ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ provides wisdom regarding our use of time. What does. he mean by “so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” This Real Life Fantasy post explores how wishing can create suffering, and how we can respond to the cares of the world.
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This is as good as it gets: Accepting - and thriving - in your actual life
There are consequences to living in a future-oriented way: Doing so robs you of your very life. You prevent yourself from being fully present and engaged in the moments of your actual life, which is occurring right now, by always looking forward to the next thing. And, if you cannot be satisfied with this moment as it is, you will not be able to appreciate – or be satisfied by – any other future moments as they are.
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Thriving with Autumn Anxiety
Autumn anxiety is a real thing! Neurochemical, biological, and psychological factors all contribute to an increase in anxiety symptoms and low mood in the fall. But, we can thrive and live fully in the fall with increased awareness and intentional practices.
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How to Practice Gratitude - Even, and Most Especially, When Things Suck
Gratitude is not fluff, nor is it toxic positivity. The goal of grateful living is not to pretend that everything’s fine, or to live in a fantasy world populated by puppies and rainbows and unicorns… In fact, gratitude is most especially important at the worst times of our lives.
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‘Be Here Now’ to Reduce Anxiety
The present moment is the only moment that you actually have available to you. You spend the actual moments when you are alive anticipating future moments and remembering past moments so you never get to enjoy and thrive in the moments when everything is okay.
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