This was in my email today “Stop stressing over all the things that are "wrong" and start creating something extraordinary with all this precious, amazing life you've been given.

Today is the day to create joy and meaning and love on purpose. No matter what life throws at you. Say yes to creating days that are bubbling over with life. They won't just happen to you.”

How often do we let life just happen to us? The days can get busy with the have to’s and next thing you know, we are having the same days over and over. Then we begin to wonder why we are bored, overweight, unhappy, unfulfilled. It is often because we have let go of the gifts inside of us that create joy. 

Can you remember when you were 5 years old? What made you happy? What brought you joy? Where did you spend your time? Can you remember being full of laughter and play? Can you remember when it faded away? Often, we wake up one day and think “I’ve become so boring or so serious or so fill in the blank”. How often do we wake up excited for the day and what it will hold? Do we wake up expectant to see miracles, to engage in laughter, to love on someone unexpectedly?

How about finding your joy again? What if you became intentional in creating the life you want? It doesn’t mean giving up what you have, it’s choosing to be in it differently. Changing your point of view as it were. Did you answer “I don’t know” to any of the above questions? What if I told you you do know – you just have to look for the answer. And it is inside of you. 

As you begin to look for your why, what, when, consider these questions; What are you not creating and why? What do you want your life to look like? What do you want to leave behind at the end of the day? How would you like to be remembered at the end of this day? How do you want to feel at the end of this day?

What is holding you back from creating the life you want?  Can you name the emotion that comes up when you think of doing the thing that excites you? There is a wonderful tool called the Emotion Wheel that helps us articulate the emotions we are ignoring. I found it so helpful to gain clarity in what I was feeling. Instead of “I’m angry”, I could read through the wheel and realize maybe I was just frustrated about something and then I can go a step deeper to find out why. Then a step deeper to ask myself what it really means in regards to feeling frustrated. Do I have control over the emotion or does it control me? Is there a different way to look at the situation that brings up the frustration?

What thoughts come up when you think about doing the thing? Write them down. Remember, they are just thoughts, and we have thousands of them a day. Most mean nothing but some we hold onto and let them guide our steps. Make sure they are beneficial to you. Would you say those thoughts out loud as if speaking to a friend? If not, why would you say them to yourself?

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your creator gifted you with so many wonderful gifts and qualities that need to be used and showered onto the world. You really are here making a difference, having an impact, and changing the world. Can you imagine what it will be like if you decide to be more intentional in all you do?

Go be awesome!