This week's shift with me post is about finding yourself through travel, setting your day for success, & self-validation.
How to break out of your comfort zone with travel (with Mack Moyer): Listen to podcast
In the recent episode of Shift podcast series, I sat down with a friend - a curious traveler & an education advocate - Mack Moyer. We talk about his lessons & adventures that came from his decision to quit a well paying corporate job to spend a year back packing around the world (at the time this was recorded it was 99 countries) , and as I am typing this he is in his 100th spot - Costa Rica - enjoying remote work and the sun! If anyone knows a thing or two about going out of their comfort zones, it is definitely Mack! You can follow his travels @where_is_mack
Solo travel is something I cannot wait to do again once this pandemic passes. I found myself in those solo trips - each one has a special memory. Have you tried solo travel? What has been your experience?
How your morning routine can be better - Read this article
If there was a magic wand to getting things done - it would around starting your day off right - in a way that works for you, of course. My morning routine is sacred! I mean I really make time for it, even if that means waking up 4am before I need to start my day (depends on where I am and what I am doing, some days are super early for me) - I devote at least an hour to my morning routine before I do anything else - which consists of stretching, drinking some warm water, Stoic journaling, exercise, breath work, followed by breakfast. Benefits? Here are a few - you get 'you time' before everyone else gets in your day; you prioritize mental and physical wellbeing; you have more energy and you are more productive, among many others.
If you want some great ideas to implement in your morning routine, definitely check out the article.
What morning tips do you have for others?
Self-validation is a must! Read this article
This is such a game changer! I have to admit, personally it took me years to really begin to understand my own emotions and feelings and where they come from. I think we are not always keen to really deal with some of those emotions & thoughts because you quickly realize that a big change is needed, you realized that you spent years on things, thoughts, actions, and people that simply did not deserve that energy - and that is on you, it is completely on you! No one else. I think self-awareness and acceptance is the first step. Only when we are ready to admit that we are wherever we are because of our own actions and choices (in majority of cases) - only then can we move forward consciously. Which is why it looks me years to acknowledge this. It takes courage to face your own bullshit and move past it to create a life you are truly meant for.
We seek validation from others, but it will never be enough until we find that within ourselves. It really does start with self-acceptance and self-love - no matter how overly used these terms are these days - it really is the key for most things in life. To become more aware and in tune with yourself - next time you face a negative emotion or situation ask yourself:
What is really bothering me about this? Why does this cause me pain? What is the root cause of this thought? Why this situation brings out this emotion while others do not? What are my options for reactions/behavior to move past this? Why do I feel this way? What would make this situation better?
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Which of the 3 stood out the most for you today? What are you reading these days?
Feel free to schedule a chat with me. I am always eager to meet new people and reconnect with contacts! Book with my Calendly
'See you' next week!
Elena
