We are surrounded by “artificial”. We have AI, Chat, virtual reality programs, and social media perfection. The truth, however, is that real growth is muddy. Real change leaves footprints on the floor and dust in your hair. Real growth cannot be “looked up”, it must be practiced and tried again when it fails. Real growth is for real people. Are you ready to make changes? Fabulous, I have some tips to get you started.
- Lay your ego at the door. To make real changes, we have to let go of the pride that keeps us from listening to others, anchors us to our biases, and slams the door on risk.
a. Make a list of your biases and dig into why you feel the way you do. Read up on the subjects of your biases. Don’t google. Read actual books and articles.
b. Practice listening without talking on subjects you are interested in learning more about. You can do this by downloading podcasts and by asking questions to your friends, family, or neighbors. (If you aren’t interested in anything, or think you know more than others about most everything, you haven’t left your ego at the door. Try again.)
- Show up for others. Our artificial world has done at least two things to community. It has overwhelmed us with need and given us a way to give financially or post our support without ever leaving our homes or even computers. This is harmful.
a. Spend time with real people. Help your friend move, go to their show at the community theater, and invite them over to your place.
b. Choose a cause you believe in and help. We all have skills and your cause needs the help. Share your talents and be a part of community.
- Take time to recharge yourself simply and intentionally.
a. Create a ritual that your body can count on like drinking tea and reading before starting your day. Ritual tells your body that it is safe and that you can be trusted to care for it. Ritual is calming.
b. Do self-care actions like walking in nature, journaling, soothing baths, and hobbies. You are worthy of peace.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Barack Obama