Over the last year I have repeated these mantras and concepts to myself relentlessly. With enough repetition, I’ve come to know each one of them as an invaluable part of my journey.
It’s been thought provoking and rewarding to take time to reflect on what these little sentences have done for me. I want to be able to look back and be reminded of what they mean (and have meant) to me… and so I’m documenting them.
I find that when repeated daily, I am able to better focus on myself and be genuinely joyous for everyone around me.
The confidence I’ve gained from truly feeling and believing these concepts has opened doors “where there were once only walls.”
They are a conglomeration of my life the last year… who I am, who I’ve become, and the basis for what I believe leads to freedom and success. They’re a look into my own deep thoughts and beliefs, and concepts I’m actively practicing.
You might find one or two that you resonate with… or maybe they are exactly what you’re needing to hear as well.
I think they’re simple truths that everyone needs to be reminded of from time to time… Or perhaps daily if they impact you the way they’ve impacted me.
#1: Know Your Intrinsic Worth.
Know and understand deeply that you are not what you do or don’t do. You are an invaluable human being simply for existing.
There is no one on this planet that has your exact genetic makeup or your specific set of gifts. That makes you invaluable. That makes you a complete badass in every sense.
You’re not your past. You’re not a failure. You are a soul who was put on this earth to shine bright and live. You are meant for greatness.
You are strong. You are enough. You are loved. And you’re sexy as hell.
We are so much more than what we do or don’t do. Don’t ever forget it.
Mantra: “I am enough.”
#2: Stay in Your Own Lane.
I believe if we’re busy focusing on our own unique gifts and talents, we won’t have time for comparison.
We can joyously look at those successfully cruising in their own lanes and be genuinely happy for them. We don’t have to care if they’re going faster or slower, or if they drive a shinier, newer or faster car than we do. Because we’re happy in our lane. And we’re happy with our car.
We were handed our lanes at birth (we don’t choose our life situations when we’re born). However, we have the opportunity to upgrade our cars and change direction in our lane at any time we wish. So can the person in the next lane.
But under no circumstances can we crossover into their lane… Nor do we want to because we’re happy in ours!
Perhaps we need to stop looking at the person next to us and comparing lanes. Their lane isn’t even going in the same direction as ours, and they probably need a different kind of car to get there anyways.
Mantra: “I am happy in my lane and can go in any direction I choose.”
#3: Don’t Take Life Too Seriously.
What’s the best sound in the world? Laughter. What’s the easiest way to break the ice and connect with others? Laughter. When do people look the most genuine and beautiful? While laughing.
There isn’t a soul in the world that isn’t impacted by laughter. It brings people together and crosses every language barrier.
Genuine laughter is the best of humanity.
It is to be shared with family, friends, strangers, and definitely animals (if you want to argue, I challenge you to meet my cats).
When I worked full time as an interpreter, I’d get home and rank my day on a scale of laughter. The days I laughed with my friends, coworkers, and students I felt fulfilled. Days I got a tummy ache from laughing while tears rolled down my face were my absolute favorite.
Luckily, there were many.
Don’t take life too seriously. In the end, I want to be able to remember more belly laughs with the people (and animals) I love more than anything else.
Mantra: “I see humor in all things.”
#4: Success is Limitless.
There’s room for everyone at the top. Competition is an illusion.
Yes, in the Olympics and other sporting events there can only be one gold medalist, but that’s not representative of life. Sports are a game. Life is not. There is no such thing as only one winner in life.
Can you imagine out of billions of incredible souls there being only one gold medalist?
We all have our gold medal waiting for us when we are ready. It’s been waiting for us since the day we were born. It’s our purpose. No one can take it from you.
The person who is seemingly getting to where you want to be quicker than you has no claim on your prize. They can’t touch it. They can claim theirs and welcome you when you’re ready for yours, or vice versa.
You’ll get there… we’ll get there. But only when the time is right for us (individually). There’s no rush. There’s space for us all to succeed at whatever endeavors may call our name!
Mantra: “I am limitless.”
#5: Be the Cheerleader.
You lose absolutely nothing by cheering others on, but gain so much.
Let’s play a game (this is not Saw #582, I swear)…
Think of someone you once felt competition towards be it in sports, life, gaming, dancing etc.
Imagine yourself watching them succeed at whatever activity it is. Like, really succeed.
Then imagine the feelings of jealousy or the thoughts of “I’m not good enough” start to take effect. But rather than letting them fester and take hold, take a deep breath and remember that there’s room for everyone to succeed!
Remember that her/his success has literally nothing to do with you. Your time is coming. Believe it.
Try thinking, “That’s so awesome they did that! That means I can do it too!” Let those feelings inspire you.
Let the success of others pave the way and light a fire within you! Cheer for others relentlessly and I bet you’ll find there are many other life-cheerleaders out there who would love nothing more than to cheer you on as well!
Mantra: “I receive far more than I give by cheering for others.”
Be bold. Be inspired. Be you.
With love, Kara