My personal development is less about trying to “fix” all the things I think are wrong with me and more about recognizing that I’m imperfect, flawed, and still a beautiful and profoundly valuable human being.
I refuse to let myself become a perpetual self-improvement project, fussing over every detail, thought, and emotion I feel until I’m satisfied that everything’s perfect. I’m just a person who’s trying to do a little better every day at bringing the best of me to every moment. I’m complete but not finished.
So rather than trying to produce a specific outcome, I take full responsibility for making sure that I’m in a good position to bring the best possible version of myself into every situation … including this current one, where so much is out of my control.
My goal always is to do my part to care for myself and then meet every day with whatever resources or bandwidth I have to offer for that day. Some days I wake up feeling ready to tackle the day and everything it brings. Other days I feel anxious or a little depressed and don’t know what to say or do. And you know what, both (and all the countless options in between) are okay.
Because this practice of inner development has taught me that I don’t need to control everything to find peace. I don’t need to do it all to accomplish great things. I don’t need to tighten my grip to steady myself.
Right now, my focus is on the controllables — ensuring that I get enough sleep, meditating more, scrolling less, smiling often, eating nutritious food to fuel my body and mind rather than a bunch of junk, and moving my body in ways that help me feel connected to my inner strength and stability.
Keep it simple.
What are you doing today to ensure that you’re in a good position to be well and do well?