This post and the whole concept was inspired a Peloton class I recently took. Earth shattering and profound, right ;). But actually, it quite profound was for me. One sentence (two words, to be precise) has been with me since the day I took the class. “Pick One”, he said. I have no idea if this is a mantra of his or something spur of the moment, but it’s brilliant. And it’s the simplest way to stay focused on your true north.
Pick One:
Life is made up of a series of moments and choices. In every moment, we can choose this or that… The workout or the sleep-in, the burger or the salad, the yes or the no, the healthy option or the convenient one. You get the idea. Many times we’re on autopilot, and many times we pick the easy, not necessarily the best option.
And here’s what’s important: with each and every choice, you can pick you. It’s that simple. Pick your health, pick your wellness, pick your mental health. Prioritize how you want to feel, your health, your relationships, your wealth.. whatever it is. Pick You!
If you wake up each day and say “I pick me”, you will start to make choices like exercising when you don’t feel like it, eating healthier meals, stocking your fridge with healthy choices, prioritizing sleep, and so on. You’ll start living in alignment with your values and your priorities. Its probably the simplest way to keep yourself on track. Just pick one!
But I have so many responsibilities, so much I have to do each day, you say. Guess what, my friends, so do I. So does everyone you know. I can’t always prioritize myself, you say. Maybe not, but zoom out. Think big picture. Quit with the excuses. Are those excuses serving you? No? Then stop. Another source of inspiration came from a physician who’s book I’ve read, podcasts I’ve listened to: “You can’t out-excuse me”. Whatever it is you have to give, then you give that. Adapt to what you can do. Find a way.
But I can’t possibly think about every single choice I make all the time. Right. Maybe not. That sounds rather exhausting, but you can improve. You can start to live more consciously. Every bit helps.
But picking me isn’t always good! What about others?! Of course you need to support others, of course you need to show up to work, and of course you need to take care of your life. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… when you focus on self-betterment, it will have an immeasurable impact on the way you show up for others. I promise. Give it a try. There ain’t no shame in the self-love game. In fact, being a martyr, although seemingly noble, gets you nowhere. I know. I’ve tried it. 🙂
But... What if I still want the hamburger, the sleep in, the glass of wine, or the “easy”. Great, if that’s what you want, then do that!! But did you zoom out, did you consider what matters most to you? If in that moment, you want the joy of a great tasting (but perhaps less healthy) meal, do that. Enjoy the heck out of that chocolate. Then you did it by choice, for joy. But if you did it unconsciously, I’d ask you to reconsider.
But… Quit with the excuses. End of story.
So as you move forward into your day, your week, your month, your life. Just keep that simple phrase in mind: Pick one! And when your choices are guided with this type of conscious intention, you’ll watch the magic of your life unfold.
With love,
Sarah
Side take-home point: You never know how your words will impact another, whether intentional or unintentional. This one random person, on an app, had an immense impact on me. Choose your words and actions carefully.
Trueish Things 