May 2014: Choose

Download the May 2014 Mandala of the Month

How often are we aware of ourselves saying “I need to…”, “I have to…”, “I should do…” when it comes to something we know we want to do but delay doing it because of some fear or dread?

When we speak from this perspective, we actually place ourselves in the position of victim…as if someone outside of ourselves is forcing us to do something that we dread doing for whatever fear-based reasons we may have.

A Quick Exercise

• Think of task on your ‘to-do’ list that you’ve been neglecting
• With that task in mind, repeat the following, paying close attention to how it feels to say these words:
  • I have to ___________ (the task)
  • I need to ___________ (the task)
  • I should ___________ (the task)

for example:

• I have to write my newsletter
• I need to write my newsletter
• I should write my newsletter
• What did you notice about how it felt to say the task in this way? Tightness, stress, anxiety?
• Let’s change it to “I choose to…”
  • I choose to __________ (the task)

  for example:   I choose to write my newsletter

• What did you notice this time? empowered? calmer? stronger?

When we consciously choose to do something, the thoughts about avoiding it go away and become replaced with thoughts of how to move forward to make it happen.

We let go of our victim status and take back our power. Rather than feeling like someone or something is “making” us do it, we take ownership of it, putting ourselves in full control of our actions.

So the question now becomes…what do we choose to do next?

Ponder this as we color the May 2014 Mandala of the Month.

Happy Coloring!

joyfully, Maureen,
The Mandala lady

http://www.facebook.com/TheMandalaLady

Be sure to download Section 5 of the 2014 Mandala of the Year.