Connect with us

Life

The One Choice That Can Change Your Life Forever

Published

on

Image Credit: Unsplash

“One thing to achieve this along with five steps to overcome that and supposedly success will arrive at our front door.” We read headlines like that all the time, yet most of those claims are bogus. How many times have you tried to change a habit within 21 days only to hit the wall on day 2? Perhaps you make it all the way to day 21 and then day 22 arrives without that transformation in hand. What then?

What if I told you that there is one thing you could do that would set you apart from the pack? There are many skills needed to achieve success, but only one goes unnoticed time and time again. 

Decades ago, I was an events coordinator for a large faith based organization. I watched people come weekend after weekend to conferences and retreats. Some of them would have “life changing” experiences. Within weeks, they would be back. Something happened to that amazing moment. Somehow “it” didn’t stick. What was missing?

I do genuinely believe that individuals have experiences at events. I also know for a fact that an experience doesn’t translate into a changed life without this one element. 

As a yoga therapist, I spend one hour with clients weekly and as we get to the 45 minute mark, I round the corner. What does that mean? I step into what identifies the key to a transformational change. It starts with a variety of questions. “Reflect back, what stands out to you as important?” That question is obviously a call to begin to reflect. More than that, it is a moment to begin to integrate the experience. 

”You cannot have a meaningful life without having self-reflection.” – Oprah Winfrey

Here are the next questions I ask:

  • What was revealed to you? 
  • What about the experience that you had was life changing? 
  • How did it change you in the moment? 
  • What action can you take to bring that life altering experience into your evening, tonight? 
  • How can you bring it into your day, tomorrow? 
  • How can you make room for it throughout this week? 
  • What action are you going to take to ensure that it wasn’t a fleeting one time fluke?

Reflection and integration are the keys to incorporating experiences and making real and lasting change. Teaching my clients this one tool of integration is the game changer. Taking each of us closer from the experiences we have to the life we want to be living. 

You don’t have to wait for a life altering experience to begin. Every night, set aside 5 minutes, grab a pen and notebook and reflect back on your day. 

What were the highlights? When did you react versus respond? Why? What buttons were pushed? When did you do your best work? What made you happy? What was frustrating? Then, integrate the reflections. What stands out to you as important? What will help support you to do more of your best work? What will empower you to respond well versus react poorly?

”By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius

Take the time, reflect back upon your days and experiences, integrate the highlights and form action steps towards creating the change you want to see in your life. 

Do you self-reflect on your life by journaling? If so, what are the key benefits you’ve experienced from journaling? Share them with us below!

Elle Miller is a trauma-informed C-IAYT yoga therapist and Body Advocate working to bring transformation into the workplace. Her specialty is finding spaces that shift anxiety and burnout, zoom fatigue, and disconnection.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Life

5 Surprising Ways to Turn Imposter Syndrome into Your Greatest Ally

Imposter Syndrome can be a powerful tool that contributes to your success.

Published

on

overcoming imposter syndrome
Image Credit: Midjourney

Imposter Syndrome is a common phenomenon we all experience at some point in our lives. It is associated with feelings of self-doubt, unworthiness, and inadequacy. These feelings arise from our self-perceptions-what we believe about ourselves. (more…)

Continue Reading

Life

If Your Work/Life Balance is Out of Tune Here’s What to Do

When we don’t find a healthy work/life balance, our personal lives may fall out of tune

Published

on

work life balance
Image Credit: Midjourney

It’s easy to get stuck in the grind, especially when it comes to work. You want to get ahead, find success and can almost feel a ‘high’ or sense of ‘keeping up with everyone else’ when you work hard. And while working hard is admirable, it may not always be healthy. (more…)

Continue Reading

Life

Escaping the “Perfect” Trap: How to Find Freedom and Fulfillment

Our desire and need for perfection is a belief, not the truth. 

Published

on

Image Credit: Midjourney

The perfect trap.

“If I’m perfect, no one can ever criticize me.”  (more…)

Continue Reading

Life

Your Life, Your Ship: How to Captain Your Journey to Self-Fulfillment

Just as a ship’s captain determines its course and destination, you have the power to shape your life’s path

Published

on

Image Credit: Midjourney

Life is often compared to a journey, and in this grand expedition, you are the captain of your ship. Just as a ship’s captain determines its course and destination, you have the power to shape your life’s path and steer it towards fulfillment. (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending