The Dictionary defines mindset as the established set of attitudes held by someone. So basically, when we talk about changing mindset, we are talking about changing how you think/view something. That's why my mindset is tricky.
Change is hard. Our minds don't like it. So what does that mean to your life? Your mindset? Should you just give up? It's too hard. Not worth the effort. Believe the old adages, "you can't teach a dog new tricks"... or "people don't change." Well. of course, you shouldn't just give up. Change is possible. It's just all about what you change and how you change it.
People Don't Change
But believe it or not, I do see some truth in the "people don't change" adage. That's why it's tricky. To the core, we are who we are. Some may argue with me on this one, but just hear me out. I am a 47 (soon to be 48) year-old white female, wife, mother, business owner, etc. These are titles given to me. Yes, some of them can change. I can get divorced. I can close my business. If I was transgender, I could transition. So yes, I can change the titles that I am given. But what about all the baggage that I have accumulated in the 47+ years that I have spent on this spinning planet we have titled earth? I can't change the past, which has shaped my current.
In essense really can't change who I am. I can change how I am. How I deal with the baggage. My thoughts and responses to it and my environment. That's where mindset comes in. My established set of attitudes. How I perceive myself, others, and situations. Think of the cup half full vs. half empty scenario on a global scale. No, it's not easy to change these attitudes. The longer we live, the more baggage we carry, and the more ingrained our beliefs/attitudes become in us...hence the "can't teach an old dog new tricks." But here's the thing, you can.
New tricks are exactly how you make the change. You don't just wake up one day and say, I'm going to completely change my life, and it happens. You can do the first. In fact, I did the first around six months ago. I woke up with a clarity I hadn't had for quite a long time. I just felt like things aren't working anymore. I can't keep this up. I am not happy. It wasn't as if I wasn't doing anything with my life; in fact, I was doing a lot. My travel agency had recently hit the one-year mark; I was booking travel and had happy clients. My happy place has always been Disney, and we had recently become Disney Vacation Club Owners. We broke ground on our forever home (more on that later). I was in full swing of a season of hockey mom/manager for my youngest son and stage/art mom for my oldest. I had also just had my first mindset client and first speaking engagement. So big things happening.
My Baggage
So with all the success, why the unhappiness? Quite honestly, I felt like crap!! Physically, mentally, and emotionally. I hit the wall. I have a few chronic health issues, some diagnosed, and others are still a work in progress. I have food issues and have had them all my life. I looked in the mirror and wasn't happy with what I saw. It wasn't like I wasn't trying to fix that as well. I had been working a great health and wellness program with an even greater friend, but just couldn't get the results. I had made some huge changes in my diet and exercise routine. But despite the changes I made, the goals I was working towards, and the amazing support I had, I was actually feeling worse instead of better.
I found myself sitting in bed crying. It was too much. Literally, that was the problem. I changed too much too fast. I didn't work my own adage, "work small/win big." I was working too big. So I had to make a change. This time though, it was going to probably be five steps back to take one step forward, but that was ok.
I dropped the weights and went back to my tried and true yoga. In the process, I started a 200hr certification program. I began to meditate. I dropped the diet and started listening to my body again and eating when I was hungry. I stopped for a moment and let my body do what it wanted to do, took notes, and gave myself permission to eat and ask why rather than shame and deny. At that moment, I had to stop looking externally at the scale and the mirror and look internally at the why and me. Some would say, I let myself go. And I did. For the first time in a long time, I let myself be free to experience the highs and lows. The funny thing is, during the whole process, even giving myself permission to eat what I wanted, when I wanted it, my weight didn't increase.
My Point
So why am I pouring my story out here and now? I know you thought you came here to learn about what mindset was. Like I said in the beginning, mindset is tricky. Sometimes the path to figuring out your mindset goals and needs is through others. It's not a straight path; it's a winding, wonderful road. A journey! What my journey so far has taught me is that I am strong (we all are). I am accomplished. My happy place is still Disney, and I will continue to send my clients to the most magical place on earth. Yoga is life, and I hope to share this with as many people as possible. Health and wellness are more than the number on the scale, and to feed the body is to feed the soul.
Throughout this process, I have taken it day-by-day, some days, minute-by-minute. Working small changes in. Year ago me would have pushed through my yoga certification, staying up to all hours of the night to get in every lesson that I could do that day. Make the numbers, and get the prize. This me has taken it slow. Some days multiple lessons, some days none. It's ok. I have a year, and I want to learn, not just achieve.
I started this project to share with you my mindset journey and hopefully help others along the way! I am always here to help. There are many ways to reach out. The easiest way to start is probably joining the happy hearts Facebook group. Looking for more one-on-one coaching? I'm happy to help. You can reach out to me anytime, right HERE!
I have also taken a step back on my travel agency expansion. It will happen, just not now. I have wonderful clients who I love and enjoy working with so much. This will not change. It is just not the time to bring on additional agents. It will continue to be just me for a little bit longer, and that's just fine. I can still plan your next magical adventure anytime through Trip a Little Light Travel!
So why is there no agency expansion? Well, the short answer is, I still need a little bit more time to work on myself. Selfish at the moment, maybe, but you can be no good to others if you are not at your best. I can't grow a team and be there for them 110% to help them grow their business, when I have some unfinished business. Just because I stepped away from my "diet" doesn't mean the underlying issue disappeared. Health and wellness are a process as well. It's time for me to learn the nutrition process. Even though I am a nurse, there is so much more about nutrition I can learn and apply to my life. I am going to become a Certified Nutrition Coach. I am going to learn what I need to increase my health and wellness. Along the way, I am going to share my journey and knowledge right here. When I'm done. I hope to show my process and progress and, through it help others who also might be struggling with food issues.
I hope you follow along my happy hearts! Please feel free to reach out anytime with comments and questions. Share your own journey and mindset tips and tricks!
Komentáre