If you don't want to read the rest, that's okay, but I reeeeeeally wanna know who your alter ego is! How does it show up? Have you named it? Feel free to add a GIF or a picture to represent it or a comment to expand! :) :) For more, read below! -------------------------------------------------- A lot of people think of alter egos as costumes or a masquerade....something fake, exaggerated, or a hiding of some sort. Buuuuut, psychologically, they're often not that at all. An alter ego is usually a contained expression of a real part of the self, maybe one that doesn’t always feel safe, welcome, or effective in everyday life BUT may feel VERY effective in some circumstances... Alter egos are often created because different situations demand different capacities... Beyonce was the first person that came to mind for this--her alter ego "Sasha Fierce" (bold, fierce, commanding on stage) but there are other examples as well. The idea of courage without overthinking is attractive to me this year. ha. SOoooo much thinking. If you're hesitant, like I was, here's some reassurance..the problem isn’t having an alter ego, but rather having one that runs the show unconsciously. I almost think that "alter-ego" is a misnomer. When used intentionally, the alter ego can provide psychological distance during stress, reduce emotional overlaod by narrowing focus, help bypass fear, shame and people pleasing patterns and act as a bridge between values and action. Used unconsciously, it can become armor that's rigid, isolating, or self-erasing. But here's the thing....coming from someone that appreciates the IFS (internal family systems) model, I like the idea of integrating the different parts rather than having them be polarized/hidden. Being called upon with intention rather than being reactive and causing chaos.Maybe the 'shadow' side comes out when things are more reactive but ultimately, an alter ego would be part of the whole picture. :) An integrated self is a healthy self. Being able to move between states consciously is healthy. It's really about allowing more of the self to come out...intentionally.

I know that this was brought up recently, but it's becoming a cross community challenge, and I'd like to highlight it again in a different context!! :) @Arthur Maddocks-Brown and @Maxwell Riseman and I have been talking about introducing a Cross Community Challenge. (Thank you so much, Arthur, for bringing this (back) to life and creating a course/challenge out of it!!) You can join the calls here -- JOIN HERE -- Every 15th of the month (based on Australia time) for 24 hours (this way we can connect with others in Different communities) You can also find more information on the Challenge / Activity --> HERE: Honoring Letters of Hope & Origins This is your invitation to join the Letters Of Hope Legacy Challenge! Who wants to join?

In the past few days we spoke about the first 6 principles of success as described in "The Rhythm of Life" by Matthew Kelly (more here : day-1-purpose; day-2-priorities; day-3-balance; day-4-discipline; day-5-growth;-day-6-faith). Today we delve into the seventh principle: Relationships (Just a small but important note, the term success here can be applied to many areas of life, and ultimately, it's really just about intentionally becoming the best version of yourself.) I love the Brene Brown video... PRINCIPLE 7: RELATIONSHIPS “No one becomes great on their own.” If you know me, you know how much connection/relationships matter. Connection is a top value for me and so there's an extra appreciation for this principle. In the book, we are reminded that success is incomplete if it costs us our relationships because achievement/hustling/ambition at the expense of connection and intimacy eventually ends up collapsing into loneliness, burnout or emptiness. From a psychological perspective this makes sense because we are wired for connection--our nevous systems regulate thorugh safe relationships, not throrugh accomplishments. I also want to point out that it's not just relationships with others but also the relationship that we have with ourselves!! Relationships also shape identity. The people closest to us either raise our standards or lower them. Kelly stresses that greatness is never a solo project-it is formed through encouragement, challenge, and accountability. Even when we think that we've done something on ourr own, there aer often times people that have been part of the process.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. " MLK Jr. :) I wanted to share something that @Arthur Maddocks-Brown and @Maxwell Riseman are doing in their communities and that I'd like to put out here for anyone that would also be interested and inspired to do something similar!! In a world of darkness, we can be carriers of some light! :) Be the change you wish to see in the world. Arthur used to volunteer for a charity called Letters of Hope, but unfortunately they closed due to funding issues. BUT, the mission doesn't have to stop and I think that we (and others) can continue it. THE TASK, should you choose to accept it: -Write a handwritten letter of hope as if you're writing to someone you deeply care about, knowing it will be gifted to a complete stranger. -Leave the letter somewhere for someone to find, or, if you're feeling extra brave, hand the letter to a stranger. If you want to post a photo or share about your experience in writing it , please do so in the comment section below! :)

Hello! 😀 Welcome to a community that will serve to empower you to live your most fulfilled life! Excited for us to be part of a supportive environment where we will be encouraged to explore and increase self-awareness, gain perspective, develop insight, take action and thrive through our journey in life. ♥ I believe that you have value and worth and who you are as a person matters and this will guide many of the posts that you will see. Posts will take into consideration the different dimensions of life: social, emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual, occupational, etc. 💡You are welcome and ENCOURAGED to share material, insights, inspirations, questions, and anything that you think that will be helpful towards growth.💡 ❤️Let's live wholeheartedly and with intention!!! ❤️ So honored to be part of this journey with you! Thank you for allowing me to be part of it. 🙂 🌟Please introduce yourself and also share something that brings you joy and makes you feel alive🌟 ***Feel free to self promote either here or under the life wins category***