Living the A-B-Cs of Self-Discovery
Self-discovery can be fun, rewarding, and challenging. It motivates us to learn and grow and comes down to the environments we create - internal (our attitudes, values, and feelings) and external (what we do as well as the people and things with which we surround ourselves). Use the self-discovery alphabet below to help fashion the best internal and external environments possible for your development.
Self-Discovery A-B-Cs
Paying Attention to where you are, literally and figuratively
Being yourself as often as possible
Celebrating what's great about yourself
Daring to try new things
Recognizing which activities are Energizing and doing more of them
Feeling your feelings, even if they are a little uncomfortable
Expressing Gratitude for all that's good in your life
Healing yourself by seeking people and situations that nourish you
Using your Imagination to envision changes you'd like to make
Experiencing Joy - embracing laughter wherever you find it
Showing Kindness to yourself and others
Listening to what your inner voice is telling you
Being in the Moment and enjoying its gifts
Acting Now rather than waiting for the "perfect" time
Staying Open, the best discoveries may come out of left field
Being Patient with slip-ups and missteps
Rewarding yourself for attempts made
Sharing your dreams with those that matter
Looking at the Truth even if it's a little scary
Making peace with the Unknown by choosing optimism over negativity
Celebrating personal Victories no matter how small
Seeing Wisdom, not perfection, as the ultimate goal
Putting out into the world the X-Factor that only you have and can contribute
You - taking care of yourself is the only way you can be well enough to care for others
Zeroing in on what is meaningful to you no matter how others would value it
Incorporate the A-B-Cs into your internal and external landscapes. Simply summed up, it just plain feels good to establish healthy environments loving to the self and others.
Self-Discovery Tool Number 16
How can an examination of the self-discovery alphabet enrich your life? Try this two-step process. First ask yourself what things on the list you are already doing. Now congratulate yourself on your accomplishments and celebrate by making time to do something fun, such as seeing a friend, engaging in a favorite activity, or simply allowing yourself a moment to relax and do nothing. Second ask yourself what things you have yet to try or could consider. Commit to doing something that might be a stretch for you knowing that the real success is in the attempt, not in doing it "correctly". Smile, now you have a reason to do Step 1 (the celebrating part) all over again. Keep the circle going and your self-discovery growing!
