reminders from the FALL of 2023

 

My reflections:

I don’t need anything more today to practice living well.

There is always Door 3.  I am only capable of thinking of Door 1 or 2.

I am the only one who is capable of criticizing or scaring myself.

Discomfort no longer means there is something wrong or something to fear.  Discomfort is a sign of growth.

How much I earn really hasn’t changed.  HOW I EARN has completely changed.

The unlearning is the work.  With enough unlearning, becoming just happens.

I have several degrees (or certifications) in survival.  I am working towards my thriving degree.

When I am experiencing a challenge, there is something TO KNOW (not something to do)

For me, non action is the most powerful action (and the most difficult).

I need to be intentional about making spiritual deposits and refrain from making spiritual withdrawls.

There isn’t a destination.  There is only moving towards or away from our ourselves, our vision, etc.

Life can flow like a river.  I work like a bulldozer.  Choose to flow.

I also read The Genius Zone by Gay Hendricks during this time.

Read some excerpts HERE

and I read Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion

"All I knew then was what I couldn't do.  

All I knew then was what I wasn't.  

And it took me some years to discover what I was."

- Joan Didion

Anxiety exercise (source unknown)

• Visualize your mentors (or people you admire from afar, etc) sitting across from you
• Ask them (one at a time), "Do you love me?" 
• Ask them (one at a time) if they have any insight for you: "Do you have any wisdom for me?"
• Go back again and ask (each individual), "Do you love me?"

I visualize:

May Sarton.  Her wisdom says, "Stay true to yourself."

PC.  Her wisdom says, "Know you've got what it takes."

Pat Benatar.  Her wisdom says, "Be your own kind of rockstar."

CH.  Her wisdom says, "Know you've already MADE IT."

Pamela Adlon.  Her wisdom says, "You are so fucking cool."

Patti Smith.  Her wisdom says, "The work will take you where you want to go."

Alanis Morissette.  Her wisdom says, "It can be really hard.  Take it really easy.  

It will all come together."

And just for emphasis+reinforcement:

YOU CAN GO YOUR OWN WAY

36x48, acrylic on canvas

©️kari Maxwell, 2025

Thank you for reading!

Contact me anytime via email at karimaxwell@mac.com 

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