Why do I write? Is it with the goal of becoming published? Why do I meditate? Is it to enter an enlightened state?

Am I doing these activities for the sake of fulfilling certain expectations, or am I doing them for the opportunity to experience the joy of putting words to paper, or to enjoy the calm and inherent stillness available to me each time I sit?

Experience has taught me that the drive to fulfill certain expectations undoubtedly puts a damper on any creations—be they tangible or not. Therefore, stopping to ask myself what feels right to me has become a practice.

Because when I make an intention to remain open and be present with whatever happens in the moment—detached from a specific outcome and the discomfort that comes along with that—I have an easier time experiencing the joy available to me in the here and now, and I’m no longer caught up with the results of a non-existent future.

Expectations have a way of hurting us regardless of the outcome. If I expect things to go a certain way and it fails, then I feel justified descending into cringeworthy states of disappointment or defeat.

If I expect things to go a certain way and I am successful, then my attachment to specific results is further fed by this win and will continue with other pursuits until one day, my expectations are not met and the sudden, crushing blow is felt even more deeply under the weight of previous successes.

This, of course, is inevitable. Even the most prolific writer, all-star athlete, or accomplished professional experiences the pain of having their expectations dashed.

Worse yet, when we place all our energy onto expectations, we can freeze ourselves in place. We deny our passion—our love for doing the thing—because we have created expectations that seem too unwieldly and undoable.

The pressure we have put on ourselves is both unrealistic and unfair, closing out on opportunities for joy, growth, and expansion. It is hard to fathom the number of passionate pursuits that never gain wings because expectations have kept them grounded.

In each of these situations, what was forgotten was the simple joy one can experience while engaging in these activities, along with the opportunity to allow the mystery of creation to unfold naturally and without unneeded pressure.

My advice? Gently put aside your expectations, and everything will feel just right, like your favorite pair of jeans or an old school sweatshirt. You will feel comfortable with any outcome, because nothing is ultimately “good” or “bad”—it simply is.

Creating for creating’s sake becomes the name of the game, and it is one you get to experience over and over, living in a space of freedom and expansion, delighted by the surprises that uncertainty and pure enjoyment deliver.

The post How to Find Joy by Creating Without Expectation appeared first on TUT.

This may involve actual physical cleaning in our space as well as clearing energetic clutter from our lives, especially since we may have residue from previous experiences within our energy field.

When considering the concept of spring cleaning for well-being, there are four aspects I plan to address—clearing the home’s energy, surpassing the past, honing healthy relationships, and clearing digital energy.

Clear the Home’s Energy

Clearing physical clutter from our home is necessary to change its energy. Removing unused items, by discarding, donating, or selling them, will instantly provide a shift in the home’s energy. Then, choosing personal décor that fits your personality will lighten and brighten the space.

In addition to clearing the physical clutter, setting the intention to clear the space energetically can be achieved by lighting a candle or burning incense, as well as saging the space.

And when we dust the furniture, sweep or mop the floor, and vacuum the carpet, or have someone do it for us, we can easily clear energy at the same time with an intention to do so. Since emotions can linger in our home, this type of clearing will alter the energy in our space very quickly.

Subsequently, opening the blinds or curtains and letting sunlight into a room as well as opening a window and letting some fresh air in will literally freshen the energy in the room, too.

As we know, music can be soothing and also energizing, which is why sound is beneficial to our environment. The same goes for smell, which is why many individuals enjoy a scented candle or diffusing essential oils.

Surpass the Past

We can also intentionally do a mental spring cleaning. One way to do that is to create a space to release ourselves from the pain, heartache, frustration, regret, guilt and shame we may have been holding on to regarding past experiences. This includes forgiving ourselves for any choices we previously made and now regret. We only know what we know when we know it.

Sometimes, we need to simply step back from an experience, observe what has happened or is happening, and then let go of our attachment to the outcome. Instead of being defined by our perceived limitations, we can decide what we choose to perceive, believe, and accept to be true for ourselves.

Hone Healthy Relationships

We may also be guided to assess our present relationships and become aware of our time and energy investments. Choosing to cultivate the healthy, balanced relationships and establishing boundaries within those relationships we deem unhealthy or imbalanced is beneficial to our health and well-being.

In other words, we can choose who and what we invest more time and energy in as well as who and what we invest less time and energy in.

Relationships entail relating, and communication is a key element in all relationships and experiences. Feeling safe to speak our truth based on our own perception is essential.

We may even be called to connect more deeply to ourselves, while listening to our spirit, heart, and physical body. Intentionally devoting time to practicing self-care and self-love will create a ripple effect throughout all of our relationships.

Clear Digital Energy

Furthermore, clearing digital energy assists with energetic balance, since we tend to revisit the past and, perhaps, even dwell on previous experiences. A self-care practice may consist of removing people from the saved contacts in our phone as well as deleting text conversations and emails.

Rereading old texts and emails can sometimes hold our energy hostage rather than allowing us to move forward. Feel into if revisiting is energizing or exhausting to you. Moreover, becoming aware of how much time is invested in these actions will aid us in clearing the energetic residue more easily.

Also, choosing to unfriend or unfollow people on social media as well as unlike or unfollow pages we no longer resonate with benefits us as well. Being selective of what and who we see in our social media feed reminds us of the power of choice we behold.

A physical, mental and energetic spring cleaning helps us with clearing the energetic clutter from our body, mind, and spirit. In doing so, we will feel more balanced and energized, so that we can fully embrace our aliveness and do more of what we love.

Quick Tips to Spring Clean for Well-Being

1. Discard, donate or sell unused items
2. Clear the energetic clutter from your personal space
3. Delete phone numbers from your contact list
4. Delete text conversations from your phone
5. Cleanse your emails by unsubscribing from mailings
6. Delete emails from your email account
7. Clean up any social media accounts
8. Speak your truth and communicate clearly
9. Create conscious connections and cultivate healthy relationships
10. Embrace your aliveness and do more of what you love

The post 10 Quick Tips to Spring Clean for Well-Being appeared first on TUT.

To the casual observer, it must look like I’m engaged in an alternate version of the cha-cha—or hopscotch for the aged. I prefer the cha-cha.

I step to the right, mince a step forward, then go to the left, hop to the right, and try not to lose my balance. One sure step ahead, then I’m back to dancing around dried, semi-dried, and fresh logs and plops. I really don’t want that stuff stuck to my soles.

It doesn’t do any good to curse the poop. I could rail against the geese, but, shockingly, they don’t give a rip. So, I adapt and keep moving forward to find patches of unsullied pavement or grass upon which to step. I know where I’m going. The river view is the payoff for this labor.

Does any of this resemble a funky day where you find yourself dodging piles you don’t want to step in? Being nimble allows you to move lightly around the messes while you advance toward your goal. Wishing the crud wasn’t there is useless because it exists. Hurling invectives toward those who create it, similarly futile.

It’s common but unhelpful to focus on what we don’t like and then look around for the culprits. There are usually plenty of candidates. How well does the blame game work in taking you closer to what you want?

Focusing solely on poo diverts you away from where you want to go. So you have to be clear on your direction while avoiding the debris—otherwise it’s hard to get back on course.

If you find yourself unhappily stumbling over—or into—unbidden gunk, here are some hints to help you recalibrate:

1. Make sure you know what your true north is. Take a moment to focus on what you do want. Don’t make the assumption that the absence of what you don’t want is actually a direction.
2. Think of your progress like that of a sailboat. When a boat tacks toward the wind and fills the sails, it gains momentum. On a good, windy day, the captain tacks frequently, and has the thrill of being tipped close to the water while moving rapidly. It’s exciting!
   
   Maneuvering a rudder doesn’t take the boat off its ultimate course, even though it might take a bunch of zig zags to get there. Think of the adjustments you make as part of your journey—necessary and perhaps fun.
3. You might as well enjoy the trip. Grumbling doesn’t make anything go faster or better, but being more carefree could. If the image of doing a dance around flotsam gives you a sense of lightness, hum along and dodge with rhythm.

There is no perfect path. Undesirable poop or detritus may show up. So get over it and get on with it, because you’re mightier than any of those distractions. Move to the left, mince to the right, hop forward, and cha-cha-cha!

The post 3 Hints to Dance Around the Goose Poop of Life appeared first on TUT.

For my first graduate job, a long time ago, I did a lot of programming. My children find this hilarious because they’re constantly showing me how to find things on my phone or how to navigate YouTube or record something on TV. Now, I still do a lot of programming. So do you. Even if you have absolutely no interest in technology or computers.

The computer did exactly what I programmed it to do. When something didn’t result in what I expected, usually one little coding tweak was all it took to get everything back on track and flowing beautifully. And our subconscious mind responds in the same way.

Life, much like programming, is about establishing clear conditions, navigating through loops and patterns, and making decisions based on what outcome you wish to manifest.

A do … while loop is a statement that runs a block of code at least once and then continues running it for as long as a certain condition is true. You can use this to start a habit, something that you can do while something else is happening. For example: Do leg squats while waiting for your kettle to boil.

The for loop on the other hand, runs a certain number of times. Repeating an action a specific number of times helps tackle tasks efficiently. For example, you could set the alarm on your phone for 15 minutes and clear out a messy drawer or empty your handbag and really focus only on that thing until the alarm goes off.

Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing issues in code. In life, we often need to “debug” ourselves—reflecting on our habits, identifying what’s not working and finding solutions. If something isn’t working the way you want it to, identify the “bugs.” Are you trying to do too much? Are distractions getting in the way?

If something doesn’t work out how you want it to, you can spend months on end bashing away and trying to make a square peg fit a round hole, or you can reframe the “bug” as a feature.

I love this way of thinking. It’s really helped me out of many tight spots. And usually, once a bug becomes a feature, it’s not so frightening or irritating. You can look at it dispassionately. It’s no longer an insurmountable problem. It can be a riddle. An intriguing curiosity.

Code often goes through many versions as it evolves and improves. Similarly, we all go through different “versions” as we grow. You’re not the same person now as you were this time last year, for example. All of the experiences you’ve had, the lessons you’ve learned, the decisions you’ve made have led you to be the person you are in this moment.

We’re not expected to get everything right the first time. Life is an iterative process. Past “versions” of you served you in your own way. When we realize this, we can be a lot more compassionate towards ourselves.

There’s no need to berate ourselves for the decisions we’ve taken or the mistakes we’ve made. These are all part of the process that go towards building You 2.0.

Daily debugging means that you’re more likely to find things that are easier to fix, rather than saving everything up and trying to unpick a big tangle of mess later down the line.

So at the end of the day, spend a few minutes reflecting on what didn’t work out how you hoped and plan a small fix for tomorrow. Don’t dwell too much on the negative, but acknowledge it and give thanks for the lesson it’s allowed you to learn. Tiny tweaks all add up.

The post How to Debug Your Life One Fix at a Time appeared first on TUT.

It’s time to change that. Prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean neglecting others; it means ensuring that you have the energy, joy, and fulfillment needed to contribute meaningfully. When you feel whole and inspired, you bring your best self to everything and everyone around you.

Here are 5 simple yet powerful ways to help you start prioritizing yourself:

1. Reframe Guilt: It’s a Sign of Growth
Guilt often arises when we step outside societal expectations, particularly when we prioritize our own needs. But guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong! It means you’re going and growing beyond your comfort zone.

Mindset Shift: Instead of letting guilt pull you back into old patterns, recognize it as a signpost that you’re making a change. Try this affirmation: “I see you, guilt. You’re just showing me that I’m choosing myself for once, and that’s a good thing.”

2. Say YES to Yourself: Start Small
What’s one thing you’ve been longing to do but haven’t allowed yourself? Maybe it’s reading for pleasure, starting a creative project, or setting aside quiet time in the morning.

Action Step: Choose one small way to say YES to yourself this week. Then schedule it. When you put it on your calendar, you tell yourself (and the Universe) that you and your needs, dreams, and desires matter.

3. Say NO with Confidence: Honor Your True Priorities
Many of us say YES when we mean NO out of obligation or fear of disappointing others. But saying NO when necessary allows you to say a deeper YES to what truly matters.

Action Steps:

• Identify one situation where you wanted to say NO but didn’t.
• Practice saying NO in the mirror.
• Either follow up with the person now or commit to saying NO next time a similar situation arises.

Ways to Say NO Gracefully:

• “My plans have changed, so I won’t be able to make it.”
• “After reviewing my schedule, I can complete this by [new deadline] instead.”
• “I appreciate the invite, but I already have plans.”
• “Let me think about it and get back to you.”

No justifications are needed. A simple NO is enough.

4. Celebrate Yourself: Acknowledge Small Wins
Every time you honor your YES or NO, you’re rewiring old, people-pleasing patterns. Celebrating these moments helps reinforce that prioritizing yourself is not only okay, it’s essential to creating a happy, fulfilling life.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Mirror Talk: Look at yourself and say, “I’m proud of you.”
• Share with a Friend: Say, “I want to celebrate a win! I finally set a boundary, and it felt amazing.”
• Small Treats: Savor a special drink, dessert, or moment of relaxation.

5. Get Support: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Prioritizing yourself can feel unfamiliar, and without support, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. Expert guidance and encouragement can help you stay on track and reinforce your choices.

With the right support, you can:

• Break free from self-doubt and old patterns.
• Align your priorities with what truly fulfills you.
• Develop resilience and confidence in your decisions.

Remember: You Deserve to Be in Your Own Life

Choosing yourself isn’t selfish, contrary to what we’ve been taught. Choosing yourself is the foundation of a happy, fulfilling life. When you’re energized and inspired, and prioritizing what matters most to you (including yourself), you can contribute to the world in ways that feel joyful and sustainable.

So, what’s one small YES or NO you can commit to today? Start there and watch how it transforms your life.

The post 5 Ways to Prioritize Yourself (and Unlock a More Fulfilling Life) Without Feeling Guilty appeared first on TUT.

On the journey of life, we are pushed to explore where clinging to old beliefs is causing us to be out of sync. By following resistance, we lose alignment with who we really are.

The antidote is right in front of us: Step outside of old behaviors and follow the rhythms of nature. Observe where our inner nature is resisting letting go so we can blossom and grow.

Stuck in Stories of the Past
Resistance is our mind attaching to the ways things have been in the past. They may no longer be true in the present. Resistance keeps us in repeating patterns, the old story of struggle and pain.

What lies beneath resistance is fear of the unknown. It is more comfortable to stay with what is familiar (the pain) versus venturing into the unfamiliar. By allowing ourselves to remain stuck regardless of the discomfort and pain, how can we expect to break free?

Persistence Is Not Always a Virtue

What we resist persists.
—Carl Jung

Our egos cling to survival by preventing us from letting go of the old story. We lean further into the pain. When we are in resistance, we are opposing the natural flow. We are trying to swim upstream or run back into the floods of heartbreak from the past.

The opposite of resistance is surrender. By surrendering to the flow of life, we’re able to ride the highest waves.

Let go of what’s holding you back and step into a life beyond what you imagined. A life free from the emotional, mental, or physical pain of the past.

Surrendering Is an Act of Courageous Honesty
Surrendering is not an act of weakness, as is often pictured in movies or in what we’re taught. Societal norms emphasize the importance of fighting at all costs. But what if it’s costing our own freedom? If we’re living inauthentically based on what we’ve been told by caretakers and those who have had the most significant influence on our development?

In these scenarios, we tend to be fighting against our own internal desires and needs.

Beliefs are formed based on what we’ve learned and been told. We’re unworthy, will never succeed, and need to settle on whatever scraps come our way. Behaviors and unhealthy coping mechanisms develop as a way to feel safe, attract attention, or to punish ourselves for believing we’re as bad as we’ve been told.

Take a moment to explore what you really feel. Ask yourself if this is true. Is this transference of how others feel about themselves and not really about us? People often do not see out of their own eyes. It may be that we’re holding up a mirror, and they are looking at their own reflection.

Yesterday is gone, and its tale told. Today new seeds are growing.
—Rumi

Letting Go Is Surrendering
When we stop resisting what is happening and fighting against the current, we move into the flow of life. The twists and turns on the journey. How do we know what lies ahead or is even in front of us if we fixate on the past?

The amount of time it takes may feel frustrating and even disillusioning, but do not give up. Evolution will take as long as is necessary for us to grow. It is a personal choice when we are ready to let go of resistance and venture forth into the unknown.

The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.
—Voltaire

Pain to Pleasure Spectrum
The pain to pleasure spectrum involves three stages:

Resistance Acceptance Surrender

We need to move from one stage to the next to transform. We are able to find a path forward when we accept what is happening and surrender.

In the first stage of resistance, begin the process by abandoning the need to control, which is letting go of resistance. In the second stage of acceptance, acknowledge that the situation is out of your control. In the third and final stage, you’re on our way to surrendering.

A good example of this is the aging process. No amount of beauty treatments, lotions and potions, surgery, or medication can stop aging. By living a healthy lifestyle, the timing of certain aspects may be extended but not reversed. It is important to accept any physical changes, especially aesthetically. Surrender and redefine natural beauty at any age.

There are far better things than the ones we leave behind.
—C.S. Lewis

Train to be a gold medalist at surrendering and open your arms to receive a life beyond your wildest imagination!

The post How to Let Go of Resistance and Surrender appeared first on TUT.

One of my favorite sayings these last several decades is “Age is just a number.” I have a lot of credibility in this area as I am way older than I feel and act. So, my question for you today is: How old do you feel? Take a moment to think about it.

Did you come up with a specific age or range? Did you by chance think, Well it depends on what I’m doing? That’s my answer and I literally take this to heart.

When I’m dancing, I feel like I’m in my twenties. When I’m hiking, I feel like I’m in my thirties. When I see fireworks, I feel like I’m five. And when I’m writing, I like to feel like a wise old woman. So, live in the moment and be whatever age you want to be!

2. Don’t ever subscribe to your actual age.

Be careful as you think about getting older, because our society has placed so many negative stereotypes on aging. Don’t be influenced by them; keep your mind and body convinced that there are no limitations.

I’ve had a lot of wonderful chapters in my life, but the most unique one I embarked on 5 years ago was to get divorced, find a new love, and live full-time on a sailboat sailing the Caribbean. Friends think I’m crazy to give up all the comforts of land to live off the grid. But not me, even though this lifestyle is way harder than I imagined.

Recently, I was hiking in the volcanic islands of the Lesser Antilles. One hike involved forging creeks and boulder climbing. When I had to straddle a tree trunk on a 45-degree angle and crawl my way up to the next boulder, for the first time in my life I thought, You know, Carol, you may be getting too old for this.

However, the reward for this rainforest trek was a gigantic waterfall that bounded over a huge cliff through the air, hitting another cliff and crashing and cascading down the mountain ravine. It was spectacular! And I would do it all again. This also brings up the “use it or lose it” mentality.

3. Keep your body moving, even if you have physical limitations, do whatever you can to keep your body active and in the best shape you can be.

My friend Donnie, aka Great Grannie, was one of the top amateur golfers in Georgia. At 91 years old, she still plays 18 holes of golf regularly. That is, when she is not traveling around the world with her daughter. They take several long trips every year. Donnie is an inspiration and my heroine; I want to be like her when I grow up!

Another personal recommendation is to do yoga. My mom signed us up for a beginning class when I was l9 and gave me the gift of yoga for a lifetime. I believe doing yoga is one reason I have stayed physically young.

Find classes relative to your physical level even if it’s doing chair yoga, like my friend with muscular dystrophy does. And consider getting some light to medium dumbbells and do some basic weight training. Yoga and free weights are great anti-aging exercises!

4. Think limitlessly and be ageless: What do you want to do next?

For me, the answer is my chosen tagline, “Dive into Your Next Chapter.” What you do next might be life-altering like getting divorced or it might be as simple as starting a new hobby. Whatever you desire.

Seize the day—you’re not getting any younger you know! And I bet that when you do start a new chapter, you will feel younger and more vibrant.

5. We must all strive to keep our brains active by continually learning new things.

Hand in hand with diving into your next chapter is that you will learn something totally new! Another friend, Debi Jean, taught herself how to play guitar in her early sixties. She is now a prolific song writer, produces a weekly YouTube music series, and performs locally. It brings so much joy to her life.

To stay young, studies recommend keeping active in some form of art or creativity. There are so many options out there: paint, dance, write, sew, play music, sing, act, craft, cook, etc. Be brave and try something new; take a class or join a club. Be limitless in your thinking and keep learning as a life-long goal.

What else is possible in your life? What are you doing to stay young and playful?

The post 5 Ways to Be Ageless and Limitless appeared first on TUT.

That done, they trotted through the bushes, every now and then stopping to hurl clods of soil at each other or admire a bug they came across.

A big eagle soared high above them, and they speculated how it could possibly see, from that dizzying height, the little rats and rabbits it needed to catch. Theories were explored and the conclusion was: it’s a mystery, but it works.

At last, they reached the dam after many delays, detours, and a tumble or two. First, a swim had to be had on this hot day. Then a sandwich enjoyed. Now it was time to settle down to the serious business of fishing. Rods were armed with bait and the waiting began. One little guy caught a fish but the other was not so lucky. By now it was time to go home.

When they got home, parents wanted to know how it went. They excitedly reported the strange bugs they saw, the eagle who had magic on his side, and the huge weeping willow that provided them with shade. The success, or lack thereof, of catching fish was mentioned last and clearly was not the highlight of their outing.

So, gentle readers, why am I telling a story of two little boys’ fishing expedition? Well, because we can learn so much from them.

Life is about the journey and not necessarily the destination. If you do not look for things to enjoy and get excited about along the way to your destination, life is going to be boring and hard. 

The boys admired the “magic” of the eagle and the amazing bugs, and in doing so, inadvertently acknowledged the magic of the Universe. We don’t always need a scientific explanation; sometimes we should just enjoy the moment. 

They were present every step of the way and looked for things to enjoy and appreciate. If they had rushed to the dam, cast their lines, and ended the day with only one small fish, they would most certainly have slouched home thoroughly disappointed and disillusioned.

The little guy who caught nothing would have bemoaned the unfairness of life and suspected that life was plotting against him. His “bad luck” following him like a shadow.

Decide here and now to enjoy every moment, every twist and turn. The delays and the tumbles. You, too, will find a weeping willow to provide you with shade and a place to catch your breath. You will have all of that on your journey—that I can guarantee.

Don’t give up, don’t bemoan your lot, and don’t blame your “bad luck.” Everything holds magic if you care to look for it! 

So, have the swim, enjoy a sandwich, and watch the magic unfold. Don’t waste too much time and effort analyzing, understanding it, and getting the “formula” exactly right. Above all, don’t complain and gripe; you’ll get stuck in that mud, and you’ll miss all the fun on the way. 

After all, it’s a mystery, but it works.

The post It’s a Mystery, But It Works appeared first on TUT.

When your world feels as though it has been knocked completely off its axis, it is also normal to experience a range of emotions, many times heavy, including everything from sadness to grief, betrayal, anger, worry, or even fear.

Know that it’s a fact of life as a human being that you have an entire spectrum of emotions that may be activated at any given time in relation to a particular situation. In that respect, you’re no different than all of the other billions of human beings here on this earth, myself included.

However, what is different and is very much within your control is how you choose to respond when life throws you a curve ball or wreaks havoc on your hopes and dreams.

During those times when you find yourself suddenly catapulted into the middle of Unpleasantville, it’s easy for the rational and logical part of your brain to go offline and for the emotive and subconsciously reactive part of your brain to automatically take over. 

As such, you may notice your normally positive mindset tanking and veering toward the negative, heavy emotions starting to swirl and blanket you, and/or your behavior changing in ways that are self-sabotaging or unsupportive of creating more optimal outcomes for yourself.

When faced with disappointment, uncertainty, fear or other heavy emotions, here are some unhealthy behaviors that you’ll want to ensure that you avoid: 

• Reacting angrily or taking action without first thinking through the consequences
• Shutting down, withdrawing or otherwise isolating yourself
• Ignoring or trying to shove down your feelings
• Wallowing excessively inside a pit of negative emotions
• Neglecting your physical, mental, and/or emotional well-being
• Engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms to distract yourself
• Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances to self-medicate, numb, or check out

Always remember that nothing good is ever borne out of self-sabotaging behavior.

To help you re-empower yourself, elevate your mood and mindset, and get back on track toward more desirable outcomes, here are 8 of my professional tips that I personally use and regularly recommend to clients:

1. Regularly check in with yourself and acknowledge how you are feeling. Only when you know what is going on inside yourself mentally and emotionally are you then able to take constructive action to improve your mood, mindset, and circumstances. 
2. Calm and regulate your nervous system. Engage in deep breathing exercises. Practice yoga or meditate. Get outside and connect with nature.
3. Process the energy of your emotions and reset your emotional thermostat. Take a brisk walk, go for a run, hit a punching bag at the gym, or otherwise blow off some steam in a healthy way. Grab a pen and paper to pour out your emotions in writing then safely shred or burn what you’ve written. 
4. Engage in healthy internal dialogue. Remind yourself that in this moment you are safe. Tell yourself that you choose to focus on expansive new possibilities and viable solutions.
5. Reflect then create and implement a plan of action. Once you’ve processed your emotions fully, brainstorm ideas to move forward in an empowered and productive manner. Take consistent action toward the outcomes you desire.
6. Connect and surround yourself with positive and uplifting people. Be intentional about spending quality time with friends and loved ones as well as filtering out negativity.
7. Consistently care for all aspects of your well-being. This includes physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Provide yourself with healthy amounts of sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, inner peace, joy, and love. 
8. Tap into and unleash your warrior spirit. Tell yourself that you are the powerful creator of your reality, you are an unstoppable force, and that nothing gets in the way of the good you desire to manifest!

Bringing It All Together

While it’s a fact of life that there will be moments in time that disappoint you, cause you worry and stress, or that outright tick you off, you have far more power than you may realize.

When low points in life occur, you can either give in to the whims of fate, allow yourself to descend into a spiral of negativity and ultimately give up, or you can choose to take decisive and empowered action that will positively shift your mood and mindset as well as the trajectory of your life moving forward. My hope for you is that you choose the latter.

The post 8 Tips to Elevate Your Mindset Beyond Disappointment and Uncertainty appeared first on TUT.

It’s not an easy time to navigate life, and those of us who normally pride ourselves on spreading light and love might be feeling overwhelmed. If this is you, know that you are not alone.

It’s important to remember that while others are drawing on our light to find their way out of the darkness, we may be running on empty. Wanting to be there for those you love is admirable, but to continue shining your light you must also make time to fill up your own tank.

If you find yourself overcommitted or running from one crisis to another, it’s time to pause and recharge. When you move from a peaceful, calm energetic state to one in crisis mode, your impact on the world around you changes.

Energy is so palpable that it easily transfers from one soul to another, creating a ripple effect. Ask yourself, “What energetic vibration do I want to put out in the world today?”

Managing your energy can be difficult, so having tools you can easily turn to in times of need is imperative. I invite you to consider these tips when you find yourself on empty and unable to be the bright light you desire:

1. Breathe
   Isn’t it funny how many of us forget to pause and take deep breaths in stressful times? I find myself holding my breath when I’m feeling fearful or anxious. These are the moments in which our body desperately needs extra oxygen. Breathing nourishes our cells and helps us return to a grounded, calm state much quicker.
   
   Pause, close your eyes, and focus on filling your lungs with oxygen. Spend a few minutes taking deep breaths while you center yourself again.

2. Take a Break
   Remove yourself from triggers, including situations, events, and people, as needed. As much as you might want to be there for everyone, you must also be there for yourself. Self-care helps you continue to be that shining light for others, but without taking the time to honor your needs you can easily get sucked into the energy you’re trying to rise above.

3. Step Outside
   Most of us find ourselves indoors most of the day. Electronics, while helpful in our daily lives, also emit frequencies that are counterproductive to maintaining our grounded state of being. Nature helps us restore balance.
   
   If you don’t have time for a walk in the woods, by the water, or in a garden, consider taking off your shoes and allowing your bare feet to touch the earth.

4. Listen to Soothing Sounds
   The world is full of sounds bombarding us every day. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s helpful to fill our space with calming sounds. You can find many soothing nature sounds or white noise that help clear the clutter from your brain and find your center again.
   
   Another option is listening to music/songs that raise your vibration. Sing along, allow yourself to feel joy, and remember that you aren’t meant to be constantly immersed in the darkness around you.

5. Move Your Body
   Our bodies benefit from movement, whether it’s walking, yoga, stretching, dancing, team sports, bicycling, or any other activity you choose to engage in during your day. If you’re pressed for time, set aside just 15 minutes in your schedule. Honor your body and the magnificent gift it provides in supporting you through the ups and downs of life.

6. Surround Yourself with Those Who Lift You Up
   Can you recognize those people in your life who inspire versus drain you? Spend more time with those who help you remember your light, empower you to honor yourself, and love you unconditionally. These people are part of your tribe and will help you back onto your path when you’ve veered off it temporarily.

7. Be Gentle with Yourself
   It’s impossible to be everything to everyone at all times. You’re one person and can only be stretched so thin. Try to be proud of yourself for the love and light you put into the world versus beating yourself up for the things you aren’t able to accomplish. Remember that every life you touch touches many more lives, creating a ripple effect.

8. Find Your Joy
   One of the best things you can do when you’re feeling drained is to move toward joy. What is something that brings you joy? For me, spending time with my animals shifts my energy, puts a smile on my face, and opens my heart.
   
   When I want to hide from the world, I look to the unconditional love of my pets to help me find my light again, as they are a constant source of it in my life. Experiencing joy from any source automatically shifts our energy and helps fill us back up.

Those of us wanting to “be the change we wish to see in the world” must remember that our light is that which helps others find their way through the darkness. But without honoring our needs and keeping our fuel tank full, our light becomes dim and no longer lights the path.

You are an important soul here to be a guide, my friend. Remember, without you, the world would be missing a very important light. Listen to your body, honor its needs, and create time to fill your cup so that you can continue sharing your love, wisdom, and gifts with the world.

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