Embrace Lightness: Let Go of Being So Serious to Discover Flexibility, Mindfulness and Joy

Have you ever paused to contemplate how life would be different if you took a break from being so serious? Let’s give it a try: Imagine the joy that could be possible when things don't go according to plan, or when you release the burden of chasing perfection. Life tosses us numerous curveballs, as I’m sure you’ve experienced; navigating its highs and lows often comes with unexpected surprises. How do you react in those pivotal moments throughout your day? Is frustration or resistance your common reaction, or does a change in your plan bring out your curiosity and sense of wonder? How could releasing control invite more flexibility, mindfulness and joy into your life?

I want to offer you an invitation to experiment with letting go of the stringent expectations of how things "should" be done. Reflect on those times when you've felt frustration or perceived a need for perfection. These instances often point to us being overly serious with ourselves. What would an alternative response to life’s surprises look like for you?

This week I’d like to share a journal prompt and exercise which are tools for discovering how you handle your everyday life and how you can break free from the constraints of this struggle that most of us experience often: self-imposed severity.

True joy comes when we can laugh at ourselves, forgive our imperfections, openly admit when we're struggling, and ask for help when things aren't going as planned. Perfection isn't our life's goal; growth and mutual support through the highs and lows are what we strive for to live a fulfilling existence. 

This week, give yourself the precious gift of self-reflection: what does perfection mean to you, and when has it truly uplifted you? Try exploring these ideas as you journal and notice what is revealed:

• Which moments of my day did I wish to control but couldn't? 

• How can I approach these situations with greater flexibility and agility?

• How would it feel to be honest with those around me when facing a difficult situation, inviting them to collaboratively explore alternate paths forward?

Set an intention each day to demonstrate greater flexibility and adaptability in your interactions and tasks. Tune into your internal energy and notice how it feels to lighten the grip of severity on yourself. Finally, remember the power of your breath as an anchor. In moments of tension, a simple pause and a mindful breath can help us to soften, paving the way to navigate unexpected moments with increasing ease and understanding.

Moment of Introspection & Leadership:

Realizing the extent of my own seriousness was a significant epiphany for me. Recognizing this pattern in which I feared revealing any imperfections and found myself overworking to maintain an image of perfection, was a transformative experience. The spark that ignited this awareness was while reading Dr. Wayne Dyer's book, The Power of Intention.

He narrates a story about a person visiting a priest's office, burdened with anger and frustrations regarding their circumstances. The priest's advice was simply, "Remember Rule #6." Intriguingly, this rule was the only one: stop taking yourself so seriously. This tale resonated deeply with me, illuminating my own patterns of anger and frustration stemming from taking myself too seriously. 

This self-discovery has been a crucial focus in my journaling, prompting me to set daily intentions to foster resilience and agility. Recognizing this pattern was the first step in disrupting this deeply ingrained habit. The tools that continue to facilitate this transformation include reflective journaling and nightly introspection. Although there is still much work to be done, this journey has granted me a sense of liberation.

If you find yourself relating to my story, I encourage you to make time for reflection. It's also vital to envision and clarify what you aspire to experience more of in life. If it's joy and happiness you're after, staying curious about this pattern might be worth your while.

“Not taking yourself so seriously is dancing like no one’s watching.”

— Drea

REFLECTIVE & DISCOVERY QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHTS & JOURNALING

What would you release in your life if you could lessen your trip of severity on yourself?

In this space, what could bloom in your life?

FOR YOUR TEAM DAILY HUDDLE

In what ways can we lessen our grip of severity with each other as a team?