On the final day of our challenge, I am grateful; grateful for this experience amid a chaotic world, grateful for the ability to refocus my intentions and reconnect with inner most self for a new year, grateful for a community where I feel safe being vulnerable, grateful for the time I dedicated to myself each day, grateful Dani's grounding presence and wisdom, and grateful for the opportunity to grow into the most present, whole, and true version of myself I can be. This challenge was a great way to kick start new habits and get into the practice of setting aside time for myself each day to reflect, move, and find stillness.

my mantra for day 7 is I am learning. I identified with the quote from the readings - "Things you resist and don’t like are doorways to a deeper understanding of yourself; use everything. Learn to live at your edge where the most creativity and growth is available." At times in the past when moments or situations have been uncomfortable I have found it easier just to avoid them, but I am learning to see these moments as opportunities for growth and expansion. I am learning to allow myself to embrace that discomfort and identifying why I feel that way and how I can move through those feelings to learn more about myself.

My mantra today was I am patient. The mediation today was just what I needed. After an especially challenging and disheartening week, it really helped bring me back to the larger picture. When imagining my ideal day I was surprised to find it wasn't some elaborate trip or far off destination, but it was centered around spending time outside with beautiful weather and being able to see my friends in person and give them a huge hug. It reminded me that if I change my way of thinking about things, my current reality isn't too far off from my ideal day. I just need to remind myself to find joy in the small moments and remember that nothing lasts forever. I am safe and have everything I need in this moment and for that I am grateful.

I am curious. When I read the line "how do you articulate the inner most you?" I immediately felt it described exactly what I have been feeling the past few months but haven't put into words. I've had a lot more down time this past year (like most people) and it has allowed me to reflect on what I invest my time in and if those things truly bring me joy. I have been exploring what new things I could bring into my life that would help me align with my true inner self. The beauty of all this alone time is having the space to explore these questions and to reflect on how to move forward as a stronger and more loving version of myself.

My mantra today was I am forgivable. The line "when we tell ourselves that we are worthy of love, we become open to receiving it, available to giving it, and remember that we are it" spoke to me today. There are things from the past I have been holding on to and carrying with me year to year. I am realizing part of the reason why I haven't let them go is because I have not forgiven myself and shown myself the compassion and love I would have shown a friend going through a tough time. The past is the past and in order to move forward I need to accept each step for what it was and focus on fulfilling my desire to feel love through my own actions before looking for it externally.

After completing the readings today I settled on my mantra of "I am enough". I thought of all the people, activities, and things that I give my time and power to and analyzed if these things bring me joy and happiness, or if I am doing it out of obligation or guilt. I have the tendency to overextend myself sometimes, which leaves minimal time for me to give myself at the end of the day. I have been feeling more tired than normal this week as a result of many factors. Although this would normally stress me out and leave me feeling unproductive, I am allowing myself the time and space to slow down and relax without pressuring myself to do more. I am listening to my body and reminding myself I am enough even on the days when I need to take a break and focus on me.

My mantra today was I am in control. The reading today resonated with me, especially the part that discussed acknowledging feelings that come up but then sitting with them and being present without needing to change them. I often get caught up in the moment and tend to immediately react to my feelings - either by finding a way to "fix" them if they are something I perceive as negative, or hyper-focusing on them if they are positive in an attempt to make that feeling lasting longer. Instead of judging my feelings and reacting, I can sit with the temporary uncomfortableness that may come up and let myself just be. The line "you are not what you feel" was very freeing and is something I will remind myself of often.

My mantra for today was I am present. This year I want to strengthen my practice of letting go of fear and anxiety surrounding the future/the unknown. This is something I have always struggled with, but recently it has been showing up in my life more than ever before. Today presented me with a few situations that led to feelings of stress and anxiety, but focusing on being present and taking steps to ground myself helped me feel safe and at peace.