Live Your Story | Lightbulb Moments

“You can’t skip chapters, that’s not how life works. You have to read every line, meet every character. You won’t enjoy all of it. Hell, some chapters will make you cry for weeks. You will read things you don’t want to read; you will have moments when you don’t want the pages to end. But you have to keep going. Stories keep the world revolving. Live yours; don’t miss out.” — Pillow Thoughts II

I don’t typically start a blog post with a quote, but this one really resonated with me, so I thought, “why not?”

As I sit here reflecting on last year, I am met with the desire to turn the page and start fresh on so many levels. 2020 was not a good year for the world and it is therefore tempting to be done with it – literally, figuratively, and emotionally.

However, I’ve learned over the last several years that brushing tough things under the rug isn’t the best solution. While it may be the easiest solution, it is not recommended. This is because, in order to move forward, we have to be able to let go of the past.

A Couple of Points about Letting go to Live your Story:  

1. Letting go is NOT a “one and done” kind of thing. It takes time, patience, and commitment.
2. It’s ok to break it down and process things in stages. Give yourself grace and forgiveness.
3. Negative emotions are not bad, even if that’s what you were taught as a child. Allow yourself to feel all the things – that will help you begin to process your experience and start the path to healing.

Another reason it’s important to read and experience ALL of life’s chapters (even the tough ones) is for the wisdom, insight, and lessons they provide. These life lessons are some of the key components of our stories and they help to define who we are as individuals. Even if it were possible to skip a chapter here and there, I don’t think I’d want to (although if you’d asked me this question a few months ago, I may have given you a different answer). The tough times build character and provide us with the tools and strategies we need to get through the next obstacle that is bound to come our way.

In addition, this learning has the capacity to extend far beyond us. When we learn from experience and retell it (in any format under the sun), we are passing it on to others who can also benefit, and that is a beautiful thing. These collective narratives are truly what make the world go round, so please keep sharing and encouraging those around you to do the same.

When in doubt, turn to any of these strategies to help:

1. Journal, journal, journal. I can’t stress enough the healing and clarity that come from writing down snippets of your day. It is reflective, it is calming, and it is restorative. Checkout the Lightbulb Moments Journal HERE
2. Create a powerful mantra or affirmation to repeat whenever you need it. Keep it close at hand.
3. Practice self-care. This means different things for everyone, so hone in on what it is that YOU need (more sleep, a walk in nature, meditation, etc). Take time for yourself each and every day – even a few minutes is much better than nothing.
4. Set boundaries. This is ok! Distance yourself from people and environments that no longer serve you or that bring you down.
5. Practice mindfulness. This is a process that you will not master overnight. However, changing your thoughts can change your life.

I encourage everyone reading this to take some time to reflect on the past year. Acknowledge the bad, celebrate the good, and think about how you grew as a person. Write it down. This may sound intimidating, but trust me on this – once you begin, the words will flow.

Moments are important. Experiences are important. YOUR story is important. Go out there and make an impact – on your life, and on the world.