Oh baby! 9 month check in

September 4th marked exactly 9 months of travel. It feels likes I’ve just gone through the gestation period of my own personal growth…birthing new energy and a deeper understanding of myself. My experiences and relationships in Asia have taught me a lot. Here are some of the lessons I’ve gathered over the past few months.

1. Let go of what no longer serves you.

2. If you react defensively to criticism, it means there is something you haven’t accepted in yourself.

3. Surround yourself with the people you want to be like. We emanate our environment.

4. Don’t confuse affection with love.

5. Strong humans don’t seek validation from outside.

6. Don’t waste time thinking “poor me.” Shit happens that’s not our fault. Move forward.

7. You are magical when you are in tune with yourself, your vibrations, and you are actively doing what your soul desires.

8. Breathe.

9. When it comes to creativity, put your ideas into existence (i.e. Write it down. Build a model. Make it tangible). Then you can make the connections to build the real innovation…to create the full picture. Because creativity is expansive! What begins with one small original thought can grow into a much larger innovation.

10. Some of the most valuable things to us can be meaningless to others. Enjoy that.

11. Don’t expect others to give the same amount back as you can give. We all have different capacities and ways of thinking and expressing. Appreciate that difference; that way when you give, you can do it whole heartedly.

12. Know your limits and your needs. Listen to them. There is nothing wrong with positive boundaries and self care.

13. If you can’t do it better, don’t judge.

14. But also, forget comparison. We are all unique in our own ways. If you can accept yourself wholly, the habit of comparing will dissolve.

15. Careful not to care too much. If it starts to make you sad inside, you are giving too much of your heart to others and not enough to yourself.

16. You can’t pursue a passion or interest unless you have a desire to do it in the present moment.

17. Just like people are unique flowers, relationships are like flowers too. They grow, bud, bloom, and wither. But sometimes, they are stronger…like trees. And they become practically immortal.

Most of what I’ve been learning are habits or tendencies I’ve known about myself but couldn’t quite see, or accept. Now these concepts have clicked; I feel more clear minded than ever. No more chosen ignorance or denial. My energy and intuition are strong because I’m tuned in, tapped in, turned on. I reconnected with that state by being fully present and honest with myself. Moving beyond that, in order to grow in the direction of my dreams, I’ve learned I must be aware of my choices and actions, and actively engage in the lifestyle that is currently enjoyable (not just sounds like it’d be cool) and is also productive for my future self (i.e. lesson #16).

An example. I’ve always thought it’d be cool to be a yoga teacher, and I definitely see myself walking that path during my life. But it wasn’t until recently that I felt a strong desire to practice yoga consistently. Now I know I am stepping into that chapter of myself, because it’s no longer an abstract passion but one that I am craving presently, which then makes it easy to embrace and follow through.

All of these lessons have stories and people that sparked them. I’m thankful for each experience that has brought me to my current mentality. The fun stuff and the challenges have helped me evolve. I’m so happy to be constantly changing!

Best wishes to you and your own personal growth.

Xx,

Mitra