Simple Thoughts Sunday: BYOS

Let’s keep the conversation this year on what brings us to our best selves. Bringing forward an agenda of wholeness resonates with me. The world delivers up some interesting distractions for all of us that can so easily take us off the course we planned or hoped for. (Hello, crazy week one in America.) If we are going to achieve our “life plan” if you will, then it is up to us to cultivate just that.

That’s where today’s “Simple Thoughts Sunday” comes in. “Bring your own sunshine and swagger.” (Another shout out to Peloton’s Robin Arzon.) Her point: Sometimes we just have to BRING IT. My experience would prove that we have to BRING IT most of the time.

This old saying comes to mind: “If it is to be… it’s up to me.” Regardless of where it came from (lord knows I can’t remember), it’s spot on. We have to remember that energy begets energy, kindness; kindness, positivity; positivity, discipline; discipline… To me, no matter what, bringing my full self is the most important intention and action I can take. Getting the sleep, to have the focus in the morning, eating nutrient rich food to nourish my body, reading to fuel my mind and spur on creativity, etc. Every detail adds up to ensuring this is not only possible, but it’s probable. Literally setting yourself up for success.

Several years ago when I became focused on a more healthy physical lifestyle I came across this idea of “automation” of our habits to ensure success. That’s been a game changer. Here’s a great article that will give you more depth on the ideas, and of course, if you haven’t read James Clear’s book, “Atomic Habits,” that is a really important read. I just checked and it’s now only $11.98 on Amazon. That will be the best money you’ve spent in years, I assure you! (If you don’t take the time to open the article or get the book, here’s one example of automating… use smaller plates to reduce caloric intake… That’s it… It’s that easy!)

Life it short. Life is amazing and it is in our court to achieve our hopes. Let’s BRING IT this week… full sunshine… full swagger…!