This week I’m wrapping up a project that I’ve been working on for the past two years. It’s a research study of a yoga intervention in a school, and while this might sound like a dream job to some, it was filled with ups and downs for me. It was a beast of a project to manage, with many moving parts that didn’t always fall into place easily.
As the main parts of the project are coming to an end, I’ve noticed that instead of celebrating this huge achievement, my mind has been reaching toward what’s next. Instead of giving myself a pat on the back, my hands are reaching forward, trying to grasp onto the next project, the next goal, the next stressor, the next line item for my CV.
This is maddening for a few reasons. First of all, my current project isn’t completely finished. There’s still a lot of data analysis and manuscript writing to do, and I need to remain present with this project to see it through to the very end.
The real kicker, however, is that I’m amazed at how addicted I am to achievement. I’m a junkie that doesn’t know how to live without climbing the ladder of productivity – and I don’t even pause to congratulate myself for a job well done.
Well, that ends now.
Today I’m honoring myself for grabbing a difficult project by the reins and rocking it. I’m proud of myself for doing things that scared me, like being assertive, and managing a large team of people and pushing through day after day, even though sometimes I wanted to quit. I’m amazed at how resilient I was in the face of a variety of difficulties. And while I wasn’t solving world hunger or creating world peace, in my little corner of the world I was making a difference. Because of my project, a group of seventh graders were exposed to yoga during their gym class, and they learned skills that they can use throughout the rest of their lives to manage stress.
The project wasn’t always easy, and I didn’t execute every element perfectly, but I did a damn good job. And before my mind tries to trap me into focusing on what’s next.
I want to focus on what’s now. And what’s now is beautiful. @BethanyButzer
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I encourage you to do the same. Where in your life are you not giving yourself enough credit? In many ways, the fact that you got out of bed this morning, given all that I’m sure you’re going through, is a miracle. Honor that. The fact that you’re reading this blog post means that you are at least somewhat interested in personal development and self-growth. Honor that. The fact that you are a glorious human being, living on this planet at this time is a miracle. Take the time to soak that in.
Yes, you have faults. Sure, you might feel broken. We all do. And we are all doing the best we can, in our little corners of the world, to make the world a better place. It starts with you. It starts by choosing to love and honor yourself even with your scars, and faults, and debt, and moods and cellulite.
It starts by taking the time to cherish the light that exists within you – and that exists within all of us.
So, in this moment, I honor myself. And I honor you.
What can you honor about yourself today? Share with me in the comments below!
Bethany Butzer, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, researcher, and yoga teacher who helps people create a life they love. Check out her book, The Antidepressant Antidote, follow her on Facebook and Twitter, and join her whole-self health revolution.
If you’d like tips on how to create a life you love, plus some personal instruction from Bethany, check out her online course, Creating A Life You Love: Find Your Passion, Live Your Purpose and Create Financial Freedom.
Image courtesy of David Mao.
