Daily Inspo: Self Empowerment

In chapter five of "You Are Your Choices," Alexandra shares her thoughts on the idea that information is not inspiration. She gives the perspective that the world is full of so much information that it can become way too much for our minds to take in.

I've definitely seen this in my life.

There's a lot going on in the news right now (like usual) and I can easily get swept up in the chaos of it all if I'm not careful. There are so many different opinions and perspectives and it's just way too much. I do like to know what's going on in the world in general, but I've found that it's not healthy for me to consistently absorb too much news and too many ideas. I find that I have to make considered effort to turn it all off and do other things if I want to continue to feel peace.

Alexandra goes on to challenge us to seek for inspiration in other ways and she uses spiritual words such as "divine" and "spirit." I have to admit that this kind of language doesn't feel comfortable to me right now. After going through some very extensive spiritual manipulation in my life, I'm not a fan of spiritual language in general. So, every time she spoke of things as being "divine" or "spiritual," I just switched the word to be more grounded in reality.

It's interesting because my favorite quote in this chapter is:

"Perhaps we can try to unlearn some of the facts (or rather ideas) that are no longer true for us."

Perhaps we can try to unlearn some of the facts that are no longer true for us. - Alexandra Stoddard

This very quote is a reminder to me that we are all on our own journey and that it's okay if concepts, ideas, and beliefs change for us over time.

It's okay if I don't feel comfortable with spiritual language and it's okay if I see things differently than others, or even how I used to see them before.

It's okay that seeking inspiration for me now looks more like resting and connecting with simplicity, stillness, wisdom, and beauty, rather than connecting with something beyond what I can tangibly see or perceive.

Here's to owning our own beautiful lives and seeking inspiration in the ways that make sense to us personally!

With love,

from Julia

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A note about inspirational quotes: I've noticed that inspirational quotes don't always apply to me when I'm in survival mode or other states of being, like in times of rest or when things are out of my control. This is why I always check in with myself before taking in the messages. If a quote doesn't feel applicable to me in the moment, I simply ignore it and remind myself that not everything applies to me all the time.

A note about my social values: I recognize that not every person has access to the resources needed to be able to cultivate a life of peace, beauty, and joy, which is why I will always support systems and people who are doing the work to move toward a world that supports the basic needs and rights of all people. I believe that "the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members." - Gandhi