“I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.”
– Tracee Ellis Ross
Motivations
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Wisdom • Truth • Fortitude
Wisdom • Truth • Fortitude are waiting for us.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET ACTIVITY
WTF?! moments are a signal that we have the opportunity to transform. The feeling of overwhelm in our bodies tells us something’s not right.
Step 1: First, pause.
Step 2: Start to BREATHE. Draw strength from within. Then, remember we are all Good Humans and we have everything within us already.
Step 3: Flip the two cards below to practice these motivations.
Intentional breathing is one of the simplest but most powerful tools we have as humans. A few of its many benefits are the ability to:
- reduce anxiety and release tension
- increase compassion
- shut down negative thoughts
- ground you and help clear your mind
Give it a try:
- Relax your neck and shoulders.
- Inhale through your nose for 2 counts.
- Exhale through your mouth, as if blowing out a candle, for 4 counts.
- Repeat.
Life is full of challenging moments. When we are kind in these moments, kindness is reflected on us. This brightens the world a little and impacts our lives and the lives of others.
Give it a try:
Look around and ask yourself how you can make the world a little better. Some ideas are:
- Offer your seat on the subway
- Bring in their trash can from the street
- Recycle
- Pick up trash that you pass while out walking
- Smile and say hi
- Give a sincere compliment
These are the first steps. You’re on your way to transforming WTF?! into Wisdom • Truth • Fortitude.
Step 4: Next you’ll discover what you need in this moment to transform.
Step 5: Pause. Sit in silence. Look at the motivation cards below and flip the one that connects with you most. You don’t need to overthink it; pay attention to which one feels right in your body.
Remember this is about finding your balance and taking what you feel deep down – what you need.
Step 6: Flip the card over to find activities on the back that offer transformation. If other motivations connect for you, flip those and do the activities as well.
Grace is allowing people to be a work in progress. When we give grace, we let go of judgments and forgive shortcomings. This release of negative energy creates an environment of clarity, rather than one clouded by anger, bitterness, and resentment.
Give it a try:
- What are you holding onto in this situation? Anger at yourself? Judgment toward someone else?
- Once you've identified it, replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. For example:
- I'm perfect how I am – mistakes and all.
- I don't know their situation, and their action doesn't have to bring me down.
Self-doubt can be crippling. When we question ourselves, we freeze and struggle to make the next move. Alternatively, when we believe in ourselves, we see that we can do and be anything.
Give it a try:
Positive affirmations counter the doubts in your head and affirm your worth. The more personal they are, the more effective they'll be.
- Make a list of affirmations that counter your specific doubts.
- Spend 3-5 minutes reading your affirmations out loud.
- Make them a part of your daily life and watch your doubts disappear.
Unconditional love results in better brain health, resilience, and healing, so give that gift to yourself. Self-love leads to happiness, motivation, and energy to care for others.
Give it a try:
The best way to show love is time, so spend some on yourself! True self-care isn't always glamorous. It's the little things you do for yourself that no one else can. Here are some ideas of how you can take care of yourself today:
- Go on a walk
- Eat food that makes your body feel good
- Turn on music and dance your negative energy away.
You belong in every room you walk into. Don't make yourself smaller for anyone. Live in a way that is authentically you – no matter how big or loud you need to be. Don't apologize for speaking up for what matters to you. You fill a space that's uniquely yours, so fill it to the brim.
Give it a try:
How can you be authentic in what you feel, need, or want right now? Here are a few ideas:
- Ask for help
- Say "No"
- Speak your mind
- Accept compliments
- Encourage others to take up space
You are your best cheerleader. You are the only person who has any control over your actions. No amount of inspirational podcasts and motivational books can make you do anything – that's up to you. So, cheer for yourself. Stay true to your values, know your truth, and project your voice.
Give it a try:
What's your motto?
- Take time to think about this and create a statement that will remind you why you can handle anything that's thrown at you.
- Write it down and repeat it three times.
- Make it part of your daily routine.
You can't just sit back and wait for the life of your dreams to float into your lap. Identify your dreams and goals and get to work. Each step you take matters, whether big or small.
Give it a try:
Get out your journal and start writing:
- What do you want to accomplish?
- Create a plan to get to your goals.
- Follow through! Each small task adds up, and you'll be amazed at how soon your goals are within reach.
Step 7: The last step in this transformation is to remember that You Matter and to always Be of Service.
It can be easy to forget our significance in our noisy world, with voices, opinions, and images constantly being thrown our way. When we discover our importance, we begin to walk through life with intention and change the world, one simple moment at a time.
Give it a try:
- Get a piece of paper and a marker.
- Write down five reasons that you matter.
- Hang it up somewhere you'll frequently see (a mirror, desk, or refrigerator are good options).
When we put energy into the world, it always comes back to us. Once you've transformed your WTF?! Moment, it's time to pass that positive energy along. People may not remember your name, but the feelings you leave with them won't go away.
Give it a try:
Service to others doesn't have to be monetary. Here are a few things you can try today:
- Donate clothing to a shelter.
- Smile and say hi to strangers you pass
- Leave uplifting comments on social media
- Say thank you
- Find a way to volunteer in your community
- Leave coupons near items in the store
- Post inspirational sticky notes for others to find
When we breathe through our WTF?! moments, and allow ourselves to tap into the power within and transform, the Wisdom • Truth • Fortitude that comes to us is what we can give to others.
Wisdom /ˈwizdəm/ noun
- the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.
- the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
Truth /tro͞oTH/ noun
- the quality or state of being true.
- that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.
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Fortitude /ˈfôrdəˌt(y)o͞od/ noun
- courage in pain or adversity.