The Easy Way to Try Something New
You are an amazing human, I’m so thankful that you’re reading this right now.
Feeling stuck, bored, or broken isn't a sign that anything is wrong with you, it's just a sign that you need a change.
That change doesn't have to be big or scary, it could be as simple as taking a walk around the block because every time you walk around the block even if it's the same block you will see something different.
A different car will pass by, there might be a bird or a dog that you've never seen before, something different will happen even as you walk around the exact same block that you've walked hundreds of times before.
Give yourself permission to step outside, try something new, even if it's just walking the same block.
A new perspective gives your brain space to expand so you can understand yourself better and feel more free. Sometimes you just need that little change of perspective. It doesn't have to be a crazy big thing like moving across the country or the world; those can be cool too and a small new experience can be just as life-changing.
I used to feel stuck all the time with my inner critic screaming in my ear and I felt helpless and that I wasn't allowed to ask for help, which is a pretty messed up place to be.
Part of it was the idea that I needed to be strong and do things for myself and I would look weak if I asked for help.
It's funny, looking back there were so many moments when I could have easily called or texted one of my best friends, but I didn't because I thought I needed to sort it out for myself.
I didn't want to burden them with what I was going through.
Which in hindsight is really silly and even as I write these words there's a friend I've been meaning to reach out to ask for help for over a week and I haven't done it yet because I don't want to bother her. But when I pause and think for about 30 seconds I realize she'll be stoked to help me. What was I thinking? Why did I think I’d be a bother when my friend is excited to help me? It's my inner critic not wanting me to change because inner critics think all changes are bad.
That's just what your inner critic does, it stops you from making changes or trying new things.
So how do we move through that?
One, we can try on new experiences that are less scary, like walking around the block.
That’s an experience where you know exactly where you’re going and you will see or experience something new. Music can also be a less scary new experience, listening to a new artist or album gives your brain a bit of expansion and that’s a good thing.
Two, journaling, because it gets your thoughts out of your head as you put them on the page, and then you get to be an observer of your thoughts.
Which makes it waaaaaaaay easier to understand your inner critic and decide if she’s protecting you from something that you want to be protected from or if she’s just scared of something new.
What’s your inner critic protecting you from?
Your inner critic wants to help you. When you understand its motives, it’s easier to co-exist with your inner critic.
Journaling, especially with the Thoughtful Journaling Method, gives you the tools to connect with your inner critic in a safe way.
Want to explore journaling further?
I’ve got an IN-PERSON Thoughtful Journaling Workshop on February 23rd, where you’ll learn the 5-part Thoughtful Journaling Method and get to put it into practice through guided journaling. Learn More Here
The Thoughtful Journaling Workshop at WorkBistro
Thursday February 23 | 7:00 to 8:30pm
WorkBistro | 2043 San Pablo Ave
Tickets: $15
Bring a journal and a pen
Unblock your mind and unlock your potential with the Thoughtful Journaling WorkShop w/ Kerstin Phillips, Catalyst Coach and Yoga Instructor
At this in-person workshop, we’re taking overwhelm out of the equation. I’ll teach you how connecting pen to paper can give you bliss, contentment, and confidence in yourself with the Thoughtful Journaling Process.
“I HIGHLY recommend taking this workshop!! I seriously hated journaling before, and Kerstin single-handedly changed that!”
-Elizabeth M.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
the benefits of journaling
the thing(s) stopping you from journaling and how to move past them
how to easily add journaling into your day
The 5 Step Thoughtful Journaling Process
BONUS: You’ll get the Thoughtful Journaling Guide with resources and journaling prompts!
You're an amazing human 💕
I want something different for next year. I’m not one for setting resolutions, I gave up on them years ago, I don’t really see the point of trying to make a change that won’t stick.