Here in America, we wait until the start of a new year to decide our goals and aspirations. However, more times than not, we get lost in our fast-paced lifestyle and the worries of the world. Before we know it, another year has passed, and our desires remain unaccomplished. We then continue our routine with the common excuse “I just don’t have time”. In addition, most of us can recognize a constant longing for something we can’t explain, and the feeling of a void deep within us. A happiness we knew as a child, but lost as we became engulfed by responsibility and finances. Two years ago, I had decided to commit to rediscovering that child-like joy. I committed to unveiling what it is I truly desire, and how to have it every day for the rest of my life.
With time, determination, and a few giant leaps of faith, I finally found what I was looking for. I found the very thing which sets my soul on fire and keeps me booming with a playful happiness. I didn’t know what to call this thing I had found, nor could I put it into words until I heard the story of “That Something” by BJ Palmer, the founder of Chiropractic. As I listened to the story, I was overcome with an instant recognition. I know that something. I have that something. I love that something. Originally, I wrote this article with the title, A November for Change, but as I listened to BJ’s story I realized my article was never about change. It was about discovering that something.
Now that I have identified the purpose of my article, I encourage you to join me for the month of November on a journey to find that something. I encourage you to commit to yourself for thirty days, and to trust the process as we encounter a deeper understanding and love for ourselves as well as the world around us. This journey will take no more than a couple minutes every day, but once you find that something, those couple minutes will be the best decision you’ve ever made.
Three Affirmations
When it comes to adding passion and joy to our lives, the first resistance we experience are the ones created by ourselves. At first this task will seem silly, forced, and awkward. However, as we consciously change our thoughts, we create room for a positive shift in our lives. For this exercise, I recommend using “I am” statements. They can be as simple as “I am happy and I am gorgeous” or as complex as “I am connected with my higher energy and radiate joy.” It doesn’t matter. You may have different affirmations every day or you could use the same three for all thirty days. Personally, I like to choose my affirmations in the morning and dedicate them to my goals for the day. Affirmations I commonly use are “I am energetic, I am beautiful, and I am deserving of love.” Have fun with choosing yours!
Be Grateful
November is the month of every foodie’s favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! In honor of Thanksgiving I invite you to add to your affirmations by also listing three areas in your life you are thankful for. Again, this exercise can be as simple or complex as you would like. As I practice this exercise I tend to start every statement with “I am grateful for...” Many times, my statements of thanks are as simple as “I am grateful to be alive, I am grateful for my family, and I am grateful for my dog.”
Stay Aligned and Forgiving
Our reality won’t reflect our wants if our thoughts and actions aren’t in alignment. As you go through the thirty days try your best to keep your affirmations at the forefront of every decision you make. Continuously remind yourself through the day what your affirmations were, so staying in line with them will come easily. The first week this may be forced, but push through it and it will soon be second nature. It is okay if you miss a day of statements or fall out of alignment with your affirmations. Take a deep breath, and start fresh in the morning.
Accountability Partners
Before you begin the month, try to find a friend or colleague to take this journey with you. Having an accountability partner, gives you an extra push on the days you “just don’t feel like it”. If you don’t feel that you have anyone who would be willing, then use me as your partner. Every day for the month of November I will post my affirmations and statements of gratitude in the comments section of this article. Please feel free to comment yours as well or share any experiences you may have along the way.
As you participate in the exercises, you will start to see a shift in your thoughts, perspective, and attitude towards your everyday life. You will find yourself becoming more pleased with where you are today, and thus you will draw attraction to where you want to be. You will start to find that something. Not every day will be a parade of happiness, but you’ll soon find it’s easier to pick yourself back up than it has ever before. By the end of the thirty days, you’ll have had changes and experiences in your life you never expected. Don’t give up when the month is over! The thirty days of November is the perfect time to start, but to see true miracles in your own life you must continue with these exercises and keep your actions congruent with your thoughts. Love yourself and that something will always be yours.
