In Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, generativity vs. stagnation typically shows up in midlife (40-65) but psychologically, it can surface anytime we start asking: "Am I contributing anything that will outlast me? Am I contributing anything beyond myself?" (vs. feeling stuck, directionless, and self-focused) I look at the different developmental stages and I feel like I'm consistenly wrestling with all the stages to some extent (just maybe the more adult version of some of them, ha). I don't see it as a bad thing, I see it as opportunities for growth. Little callings to improve, little opportunities to revisit narratives. Today, we'll just focus on the 7th Stage: 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐯𝐬. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘 This is the desire to create, nurture, mentor, build, or guide something beyond the self. Leaving a positive mark in the world by contributing in ways that matter beyond ourselves. A lot of people think of this as parenting, but it goes beyond that and it can include: mentoring, community involvement, creative work, service, passing on of wisdom, and investing in future generations. Psychologically, generativity is linked to 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞, life satisfaction, internal locus of control, future orietnation, and identity integration. Generativity increases when people feel competent, valued, and connected. 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 Stagnation isn't just about "not having kids" or lacking hobbies...It's a kind of self-absorption that blocks meaningful contribution. Self-centered living that's focused on comfort/status/personal gain and that have boredom/emptiness and a lack of deeper meaning associated with the activities we choose to involve ourselves in. (There are a lot of judgment type terms here but there's a reason why people don't indicate feeling fulfilled even when they've achieved the comfort/status/personal gains. Our current society very much promotes these things but unless those things are tied to something 'greater' than ourselves, it can feel empty or arbitrary). --There are more things to say about what stagnation looks like, but I'd like to focus more on how to increase generativity.

I did 2 walk today and some grounding outside in the grass and I just feel like crying and don't understand why it doing this to me. Good some good vitamins D with the sun. I just feel I going more down than up

Most of the members of this community were not here when I first posted this, so, I thought I'd reshare (with some added content/resources). :) Thought it would be fitting to share because limiting beliefs really do have a tendency to impact the trajectory of our life! Okay, so here's one way of going about overcoming our limiting beliefs! :) Step 1: Choose your desired outcome! What's your goal here? -Get clear on what you actually want and are willing to change -Identify the beliefs that are holding you back from making this happen Step 2: Get curious with your beliefs--question them! -Challenge their truth : how did we actually get here? Often some of these became engraved in childhood before we even had the chance to think about them analytically -See if there is evidence that disproves them (also think about "if my friend believed this, what would I say/think" -explore different perspectives (I think that curiosity can be the best weapon when it comes to understanding/expanding/rewriting our maps) Step 3: Consider the consequences of holding on to this belief -Ask yourself how keeping this belief affects your life -Reflect on the cost emotionally, physically, and relationally -Be honest with yourself and ask "what benefit HAVE I gotten from holding on to this belief"...Often times there are secondary gains from holding on to something that's not great for us. Step 4: Create a new empowered belief -Choose a belief that supports growth and the goal that you're working towards! -Make sure it feels believable and aligned with your goals and values; When I say feels believable---sometimes things may not "feel" believable, but that doesn't mean that they're not true Step 5: Strengthen the new belief -Use quotes, affirmations, or role models for support -Build habits that reinforce the belief -Be okay with the discomfort that comes along with this--this is normal!! New neural pathways are being created and that is actual physical change happening (think about how working out can create soreness in the body--there's a similar sense that comes with this); discomfort is not always a bad thing; learn to distinguish discomfort that helps us stretch the comfort zones vs. discomfort that is trying to set a boundary

Saw this quote in another community and it was such a good reminder as it applies to soooooo many areas of life. :) "I"ll start when I'm ready" sounds responsible. Thoughtful. Maybe even wise. But often times it's more likely to be self-protection which then leads to procrastination and timidity in action. This 'waiting' for the perfect moment can actually erode self trust over time if we don't take action. And that's a disappointing feeling. We rarely feel 100% ready (but that doesn't mean that we're not ready)..Feelings, while valid, are not facts...They inform, but they don't need to drive. Motivation research shows us that action is often the thing that creates clarity and confidence (not the other way around). Growth almost always requires movement (rather than perfect preparation). Something to consider: There’s also a 𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 at play: the belief that future-you will be braver, more disciplined, or more prepared than present-you. BUT!!!! Avoidance reinforces anxiety which makes us LESS likely to engage in the behavior. This is that erosion of self trust I mentioned earlier! (Check out @Sofia Martinez 's post that very much relates to this erosion of self trust: the-agreement-you-keep-breaking-with-yourself) Sometimes “I’m not ready” is valid, but I think that we need to be honest with ourselves and identify if /when that's actually the case. (Check out @Kate Galli 's post that is related--points out to some things that may get in the way of us taking steps towards goals!!: 6-aversion-factors-that-quietly-kill-your-progress) (The video is related to how to make stress your friend. Figured it would be helpful to put us in better positions for taking on positive risks! :) )

I wanted to share some major positivity this week! feels like a big week for progress... who is winning?