LiberTeeLove

I started this post with the intention of posting on New Year’s Eve.  There’s the obvious precedent set that day–the day before the beginning of a new year where resolutions are finalized and we look back at the year passed.  It didn’t quite occur to me, until I started writing this post, that the new year was probably a trigger to my asking myself “am I being my best self?”  In the three weeks since then, there have been many days where the answer was “no.”  I tend to do a lot of looking forward and backwards, planning everydays and seeing where I went wrong or right with actions and decisions made.  This made me think of how much time I spend thinking of the future and the past, and how much time it takes away from my today.

In being present, we utilize our consciousness.  Of course there is planning and seeing how far we’ve have come.  But at some point it becomes a distraction.  We miss on what we should currently be doing in our lives to make it to that visualized point in the future.  We miss on building in the now, looking back at the things we have lost; not to mention the outside distractions within reach.  But if we are truly present, we are able to see that no matter what we have lost in the past, and no matter what we aim to gain in the future, they are only apparitions of time.  We have nothing more or less than what we have today.  Are you where you want to be, currently?  If all you had was what you had today, everyday, would it be enough to the end of your days?  

Experiences in my recent past has inspired more consistent writing.  Since then, I’ve found inspiration in myself.   Though immensely flawed, anxious and at times pessimistic, I love who I am today because I am writing.  Writing helps me stay present, by documenting my consciousness and at times making the past and future a part of the present.  It helps me find peace.

These post are just thoughts, opinions; a documentation of my consciousness unveiling over time.  But I hope that maybe this would help you be more present, more conscious, more thoughtful, more hopeful and more faithful.  Hopefully you will even more successful than I am in finding and following your path towards what you truly desire.  But the first step is taking stock of today.

What methods do you use to stay present?

If at the end of every day you did a quick inventory of the actions you took, would your heart tell you you were your best self? Though you come across many people who may or may not influence you and your life throughout the day, at the end of the day the most important person you have to face is yourself. You might have a significant other, children or parents, who debatably might be more of a looking glass than your own eyes and soul, and they are needed sometimes. But ultimately you are the one who has to take responsibility for your actions; you are the one who decides what your best self is, as well as the only one who can insight change in your life.

I knew I wasn’t being my best self in some areas of my life. So throughout the day, I started asking myself the question “am I being my best self?” Change hasn’t been dramatic or instantaneous, but it’s starting to happen gradually. (I’ll set a reminder six months from now to see how well this practice goes for me).

So are you being your best self day-in and day-out? Start asking yourself at the end of the day. Once you start calling yourself out you will have the inclination to either do something about it or feel bad about it. If it’s the latter, don’t stay there for too long. Take ownership of your feelings and then take responsibility for your actions. Use the knowledge as a catalyst to move you forward into change.

Once you start changing, you’re vision will expand. You’ll see that your best self is a fluid concept. Once you’ve reached a new height, you’ll find another way to be even better. It isn’t just about doing more or others seeing you as “the best.” Everyone’s journey is different. So learn from it. Trust yourself through the process. Define yourself, and be the best at that.

“It’s not a bad idea to occasionally spend a little time thinking about things you take for granted.  Plain everyday things.” – Evan Davis  

This post was triggered by the thought of how many times we take the people in our life for granted. Our parents, siblings, children and friends. Those people closest to us, who time and time again, sacrifice and do for us.  Sometime we take for granted the “unconditional.”  I think subconsciously, we believe these people will always be around to do for us, or that they are obligated by some unwritten rule.  I’ve witnessed this, and I started to wonder about the things I personally took to granted.

Though I’d like to think I’m very conscious about myself and my surroundings (as we all would like to think), the first thing I realized I took for granted was time. I’m sure many can relate. We spend so much time doing nothing. Nothing as in, no thing which enriches our time on this planet—mind deadening activities, spirit confusing actions, or things that physically weaken us. We think that there will always be time.  We think that we will always be in the position to make up what we didn’t do with the time we had.  I’m sure each person who took their precious time to read this post, knows someone who ran out of time in one way or another.  And then there’s that terrible feeling… regret.

I honestly believe we were all put on this Earth to get better—to grow.  With that said, I’m pretty sure we all know at least one person (or are that person), who not only take people for granted, but they take their talents/gifts/blessings for granted.  How many of us invest in ourselves and those truest to us, at an above par level?  When things are fresh and new, we put our all into it.  But what happens down the line?

What is it that you truly treasure?  When you have time, take some time to write down all of the things that you consider good in your life, whether tangible or intangible.  Be it a relationship (platonic, romantic, familial etc.), something intrinsic, or materialistic.  Then, write down next to these things, how much you invest into it.  How many times do you acknowledge it on a daily/weekly/monthly basis?  If after you’ve finished your list, you think you take any of it for granted, make a change, or get ready for regret.

It is said that the only way for us to acquire what we truly seek in our hearts, is to be grateful for what it is that we already have. It is also said that in order to receive, we must give of ourselves. So what better topic to speak on than appreciation, as we depart from the “season of thankfulness,” to enter into the “season of giving.”

As I started writing this post, my emotions were scattered. If you know me, you know that the last couple of years has been very humbling experience, so this topic actually leaves me a bit befuddled.  But as I was writing I came across the following piece of poetry:

“One day, if you’re lucky, you realize we’ve had it all backwards all along. There’s so much more to be gained by the things you give, than the things you take.”  – J.M. STORM.

I felt as if the Universe was sending me a reminder of just how blessed I am and have been.  The only way I was able to give is because of all I have in my possession, both tangible and intangible.  If I didn’t give appreciation for this abundance, I definitely wouldn’t have the faith or vision I have now.  In giving, we have expectation of the returns, or a particular outcome. Though there was disappointment for a time, what gives me peace is knowing that although things did not play out the way I expected, I was able to assisted another human being in growth and life lessons.  And ultimately, that was my intention.

I’ve been told by those that know my situation, that what I’ve done is something that few would.  I only understand this now, because the undertaking has been the biggest teacher in my life, thus far. It forced me to work at accepting that everyone’s journey is different and that it takes time to follow even a guided path.  Though it is difficult to accept on the emotional and ego-centered levels, I come to terms with this truth on a spiritual and intellectual level, even beyond this endeavor.  When I am inclined to be bitter or judgmental, I make the decision to be compassionate and understanding.

I thank the Universe for exposing my heart, mind and soul to these experiences.  I’ve realized that saying thank you for these encounters eases anxiety about any interactions that don’t turn a positive outcome.  Maybe I am delusional in my faith, because intellectually it seems backwards, but by doing this, it allows me to get in touch with my own humanity and detaches me a bit from my ego. It makes me more tender towards myself.  Somewhere along the line, I started to look at that humbled space as a revelation of my abundance of spirit. It reveals to me my strengths by showing me what I’m capable of as well as bringing to light what I still don’t give myself credit for. By and by, I am grateful.

We don’t truly learn life lessons unless we are receptive of the lessons being taught. I am pretty sure that what I’ve learned over the this span of time, were lessons that life tried to teach me before. I had to go through what I’ve been through to truly take in these lessons.  It is easy to look at the negative instances within our life and keep them in negative spaces. It is easy to say “this is the reason why I don’t,” and fill in the blank. This is what I call “lack mentality,” and this thought pattern, helps no one. By giving thanks for all experiences, good, bad or indifferent I am able to be more receptive to the lessons being taught.

Whether in light or in the shadow, I have to remind myself to be grateful for the perception that though the feeling received by acknowledging the abundance of self, and the feeling received from the destruction of my ego are two different accounts, they strengthen me on many different levels. I have been given the vision to see the blessings in the joys as well as in the sufferings. It is only in being grateful for those blessings that I am able to see the lessons and receive the gifts.

I truly believe that the cultivation of this vision through appreciation is what has reintroduced me to this passion of writing. Though there was disappointment and pain, I was able to retrieve joy and beauty through these experiences. This is not to say that life is supposed to be filled with lack, pain and disappointment in order for us to “level up.”  There are triumphs and occasions of pure joy (which we are always grateful for).  But I believe appreciation is more so needed during the times of lack, pain, disappointment and struggles. Because our ability to see the good within those moments allow us to see the path ahead of us a bit clearer, makes our steps a bit lighter and our hearts a bit fuller, if we will it.

What I am most appreciative of is that I have rediscovered my joy and have realized the strength I have, in living my truth.  I continue to learn how to stay grounded in understanding, compassion and positivity.   What I give is me, unfiltered.  And I am grateful for that.

appreciation 

“Consistency isn’t rocket science; it’s commitment.”

-Mattie James

It has been over two years since I posted on this site, so it is a perfect topic to come back to.

Writing has always been a soothing exercise for me. And even when I’m not posting, I’m writing. Once I owned the domain of http://www.LiberTeeLove.com, I was determined to only share that which would empower. And the only way to empower is to expose my weaknesses. That way I would be able to express how I aim to overcome them. This week, it’s consistency.  Hopefully, I will also be able to get some feedback on how others tackle being consistent in their day to day lives.

Firstly, why is consistency a practice that so many people find difficult to maintain (myself included)? I want to say it is because these days instant gratification is accessible at most avenues.  I also want to say it’s because we are in a world where distractions are thrown from every avenue.  But the fact of the matter is consistency and the commitment it takes to gain anything worthwhile, is challenging.  There are many 7, 21, 28 and 30 day challenges that promise change. But 30 days is not much compared to the span of our life. These challenges are just to kick start our commitment to these goals.  Do you still want it after the appointed time is over?  If so, you have to recommit yourself.  Be consistent.  Day to day life is an exercise in consistency.  To be consistent at anything worthwhile, we have to continually set goals and with them, (hard or soft) deadlines as we improve.  Though there are a few things on my list, I recently set guidelines to increase consistency with writing. These guidelines include completion and posting of original works both on this site and through my social media accounts.  It has not been a long run thus far but I have been reaching my goals.

I am a firm believer that our thoughts create our actions and our actions create our life in the physical realm; it is a process in perpetual motion.  When we are consistent at any task, we make it known to the world/ourselves/the Universe, that this thing that we do, is priority.  We aim to make it a part of our personal legacy.

What is currently a part of your legacy, and where would you like to see a change?  Think of all of the things you say you want, but can’t seem to find the time to achieve them.  Take note and literally write down these areas.  No matter the goal, it will require you to make a commitment to the process of change.  Reevaluate how important these things are to you.  This process may even give you the extra willpower required to take the first step.  The second step is knowing it’s possible.  Step three, commit to your challenge daily and be consistent.

con·sist·ent

Definition acquired from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/consistent.

You never know what opportunities are in store. But once you’re looking for those opportunities, fear will always be a factor. Either you face it head on, or you run from it (and avoiding is running… don’t fool yourself). So if you’ve been running all this time, think about where it has gotten you thus far. Are you reaching your full potential? Are you even making it halfway? For most of us, I’d say, no.

Being comfortable is a goal for most people. But sometimes we find comfort in menial spiritual, physical and mental zones. Although we say we want more, risk is not an option we take lightly. And gambling this known, comfortable place for an imagined dream makes even wanting feel like a risk. But the key is to have Faith. The key is to step in Faith. Even though it may feel risky, with Faith we can start to see. With Faith our vision broadens from seeing just the risk to also seeing the opportunity.

Essentially, the hardest obstacle to get over is yourself. Once you’ve gotten past or over yourself, the fear turns into excitement….ambition…peace. I haven’t gotten there on a full time basis yet because sometimes I fail. Sometimes there are slumps. Sometimes I rethink my goals. Sometimes I don’t even have time to think about my goals.  Sometimes I question my abilities and whether my goals are even reachable. But I’m working. Even when Im in a slump, I know in my heart that I will reemerge. I continue to chip away at all the things that have held me back. I do my best to see my flaws and work at them. I do my best to learn from my mistakes. I do my best use the vision and gifts  I am blessed with. And I know, there is so much more I can do if I allow myself to see the opportunity in each challenge.