This is something I keep thinking about. We often try to change habits by adding more discipline. We try to push harder, we force the change, and we are stricter with ourselves. But habits are mechanisms in our brain to help it save energy. Once something is wired, it runs on autopilot so we don’t have to think every time. The tricky part is that when we’re stressed or overloaded, our system goes into conservation mode. And in that state, it will default even faster to the old pattern, not because we’re lazy, but because it’s familiar and costs less energy. So the issue when we are trying to change, isn’t that we need more willpower. It's that our system doesn’t have enough capacity to try something different. Before forcing a new behavior, it can help to ask: What’s actually draining my bandwidth right now? Sometimes removing a bit of pressure works better than adding more.

What are you going to do with what you have? Fumble forward, enthusiastically. Take positive risks. Bet on your gifts. :) Dreaming is beautiful...but dreams only move when you do! Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. Read that again....Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship!. :) (thanks Denzel) QUESTION TO PONDER: what would falling forward look like for you right now? What are you going to do with what you have? POLL: If you actually treated your dream like a goal this year, what would change first? (I'll post some ACTION ideas in the comment section). :) -------------------------------------------------

Pausing to acknowledge progress reinforces it. Reflection is part of sustainable growth. 💬 What’s one habit, boundary, or mindset shift you’re carrying into February?

In the past few days we spoke about the first 8 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; -day-7-relationships; day-8-generosity)Today we delve into the ninth principle: Generosity (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.) PRINCIPLE 9: INTEGRITY “Integrity is the alignment of values and behavior.” Integrity is when our inner values, outer actions, and private choices move in the same direction-it contributes to a sense of wholeness ratherr than disintegration. When we live divided it creates an inner tension/conflict and we use A LOT of energy managing tension, justification, and shame. The war inside. Research on cognitive dissonance shows that inconsistency erodes clarity and self-trust. And, interestingly enough, over time, small compromises don’t just change behavior, they reshape identity. When stress increases, integrity is often one of the things we negotiate away. But success that requires us to abandon our values eventually costs more than it gives. That inner erosion costs our peace.

Sharing in a little poem beeeecaaaaause I was contemplating fear and the ill effects of it (fear is the mindkiller)... I wrote it about a year ago and it was inspired by the movie WALL-E (haha) and also by some conversations that I was having at that time surrounding the world... Some questions for reflection and action steps at the end!! vulnerable moment for me here. Restore What’s been created has been met with destruction Annihilate the world, the effect of seduction Desolate world, ready to be tilled anew Fertile ground, truth ready to break through Worn down body, hopeful eyes Disguised compromise led to demise Timid first steps, courage is building Fear is present, atonement is thrilling Volte-face in the interest of progress No longer depressed by the excess we possess A collective sigh of relief ready to be heard Synergy of a few spirits are changing the world Ripple effect, we get to choose Will we restore or make another excuse? The rumbling of the quiet, contending voices Flourishing souls, the earth rejoicing Step back to move forward, the caged bird is free What is to come we cannot foresee A resting place, we’re here for now We live the effects of what we allow --Georgiana POLL: After reading Restore, which statement resonates most with where you are right now? REFLECTIONS AND ACTIONS BASED ON THE POLL: 1. “Fear is present, but courage is quietly building.” Reflection: Where am I acting bravely despite still feeling afraid? Action: Name one small step you’ve taken recently that required courage-honor it instead of minimizing it. 2. “We live the effects of what we allow.” Reflection: What have I been tolerating that’s shaping my inner or outer world? Action: Identify one boundary (internal or external) you could gently but firmly reinforce this week. 3. “Step back to move forward.” Reflection: What excess (noise, expectations, roles) am I being invited to let go of? Action: Choose one intentional “step back” (less scrolling, fewer commitments, more silence).