I just heard this idea: life is expansive, and we can have the feeling we seek before the end goal we think will deliver that feeling. I love this idea (from @ManifestLikeMom on instagram).
It’s similar to that idea about acting your way into new thinking, versus trying to think your way into a new state of acting (I looked up the attribution on this and it’s really unclear- so many people have shared versions).
In the first idea, she talked about the feeling of hotel breakfasts as her epitome of a life goal. Not because of the bacon, she says- but because of all it represents- the openness of the day ahead, etc.
It made me think about my early mornings. For the past two years- since my diagnosis- I’ve been getting up around 5am for what I call my “CEO mornings.” I take time for a walk, stretching, hot water & lemon, journaling, coffee, planning my day, and the NYT puzzles. Basically and hour and a half to myself.
It’s always felt decadent and peaceful and sets the tone for the day. Any time I miss it, I feel rushed. And 10% crankier.
So today I thought, what is it about the mornings that I like so much? Why do I look forward to it every day?
It’s because it’s what I seek in life. Peace, calm, self care, little joys, movement, brain stimulation, and comfort. That all feels decadent. It IS decadent, by the way. I am lucky.
So as ambitious as I am (and I am!), I don’t actually need to reach any particular goal in life in order to experience this feeling. I already access nearly every morning.
How cool is that? Life can be expansive right where you are.
