As I said in the first baby step post, this month, I want to highlight 31 ways to baby step your way into a more mindful and healthful life. Some of the tips will be advice already stated or implied in previous posts, while some will be brand new. This post provides the fifteenth and an explanation. The idea is to start at the beginning and accumulate as many mindful and healthful habits as you'd like to sustain by the conclusion of the month. It's similar to that icebreaker where you're in a circle of people and you need to repeat all of the members' names in order... it's a challenge, but you'll feel great at making progress and it'll help you see how far you've come from the 1st to the 31st!
Baby Step # 15
Let Someone Know They Inspire You
It's easy to compare yourself to others. Sometimes you do this in criticism and judgment, sometimes envy. It's natural, but it doesn't have to be an everyday occurrence. If you are inclined to constantly peek over at other people's grass, today's baby step reminder is for you. Instead of dwelling on all of the things/ characteristics/ looks/ friends/ money/ whatever someone else has (that you don't/ want), try to channel that energy into making an effort to let the person know what they do that inspires/ motivates/ invigorates you to be the person you've always wanted to be.
This is a sneaky suggestion, because it's hitting you with so many benefits all at the same time!
Benefit # 1:
You will inevitably have to be mindful while you do this. Recognizing you're having a nasty/ judgmental/ negative thought--and then deciding to stop it in its tracks--IS mindfulness. (Nice work!)
Benefit # 2:
You will feel better if you ditch the negativity and replace it with something positive. Fact. Plus, this is a beautiful experiment in gratitude.
Benefit # 3:
The very act of communicating your feelings to the other person will make you feel good at that moment AND afterwards. Check out this amazing (and short!) video on what researchers found! Consider taking the video's challenge yourself; go ahead, get talking/ writing/ calling! You won't regret it.
Benefit # 4:
The person will now know how they have inspired you and they will feel good, too! Who doesn't like to hear what a good job they've done and how they've helped someone grow?
Benefit # 5:
This whole process will get easier each time you do it, so practice, practice, practice!
One person who has helped and inspired me is Nancy Glenmore Tatum, the co-owner of Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center and instructor for my teacher training program, pictured above. She has helped me grow, expand, and love even more. My yoga practice and her instruction have changed my life. I truly appreciate her (and her husband, Kevin), and I wanted to let her know she inspires me!
Additionally, I've already told you all about the person who inspires me the very most, just in case you missed it, it's my mom. Read the full post here.
Who inspires you? Have you told that person yet?Labels: Go Ahead--Try It!, Gratitude, Life, Mindful Baby Steps, Positivity, The Power of Words
