I know who I was back then. In high school, I was just trying to survive, navigating through insecurities, fears, and that constant feeling of not being enough. I had dreams, but they felt distant.
Another sweet reflection, Jake. You raise some really important questions. I can tell you're aware of your experience, and take time to reflect. That's a gift.
The part that hit me most was the bit on celebrating yourself. I've been experimenting with this for a couple days, small sample, but very relevant. I'm noticing the awareness coupled with internal reward cues has made a visceral difference to my experience, especially in light of doing hard things.
So far, a Kobe Bryant sort of fist pump has been my jam. A visceral reminder that I'm keeping the promise I made to myself. I can't quite put into words what it does for me, but the sensation is palpable & empowering.
I must ask now, what may celebrating yourself look like for you?
Celebrating myself has actually become a song that I grew up with. I picked one that is personal to me and I go on a kick of singing and listening to it to have a little personal "party." That and I get sushi. :P
When I have wins I also like to discuss them with my business partner/best friend, and my fiancé, that has been a huge way to ground myself in it, know that I'm not alone in my celebrations if that makes sense!
My past self would be very proud of how I keep nourishing my imagination. I remember being 7 years old playing in the woods imagining there were a family of little elves living in a tree (I’m sure I was influenced by Keebler LOL but I was a kid) I would leave them little gifts like small blankets or paper boats things I thought they would need. My imagination was wild then. I am glad I never stuffed it in a box. Our society pushes us to put away our imagination and conform to culture norms - go to work, make money, get married, have a family, etc. I am positive my past self would be very proud that I still find time to take my imagination out for a magic carpet ride often.
Great article. Enjoyed the journey of your life. Shared.
Another sweet reflection, Jake. You raise some really important questions. I can tell you're aware of your experience, and take time to reflect. That's a gift.
The part that hit me most was the bit on celebrating yourself. I've been experimenting with this for a couple days, small sample, but very relevant. I'm noticing the awareness coupled with internal reward cues has made a visceral difference to my experience, especially in light of doing hard things.
So far, a Kobe Bryant sort of fist pump has been my jam. A visceral reminder that I'm keeping the promise I made to myself. I can't quite put into words what it does for me, but the sensation is palpable & empowering.
I must ask now, what may celebrating yourself look like for you?
Celebrating myself has actually become a song that I grew up with. I picked one that is personal to me and I go on a kick of singing and listening to it to have a little personal "party." That and I get sushi. :P
When I have wins I also like to discuss them with my business partner/best friend, and my fiancé, that has been a huge way to ground myself in it, know that I'm not alone in my celebrations if that makes sense!
My past self would be very proud of how I keep nourishing my imagination. I remember being 7 years old playing in the woods imagining there were a family of little elves living in a tree (I’m sure I was influenced by Keebler LOL but I was a kid) I would leave them little gifts like small blankets or paper boats things I thought they would need. My imagination was wild then. I am glad I never stuffed it in a box. Our society pushes us to put away our imagination and conform to culture norms - go to work, make money, get married, have a family, etc. I am positive my past self would be very proud that I still find time to take my imagination out for a magic carpet ride often.