Journal Prompt 232

"They wander around aimlessly looking for employment, and they do not what they intended but what they happen to run across." -Seneca

Happy Sunday Everyone.

I heard this quote ☝️ while doing my morning walk and it was one of those moments that really hit me. I immediately thought that sounds a lot like life is just happening to me and not me making my life happen the way I want too. What do you think?

I can't tell you how many times I have said " I will wake up early tomorrow and go to the gym before work, I am going to put my phone away 2 hours before bed and get a full 8 hours of sleep, 😴 just to set my phone down after a few YouTube videos and it's midnight 🕛 this viscous cycle is one that is completely preventable but feels so hard to overcome.

So what do we do to stop this cycle?

To break the cycle of passivity and take a more active role in shaping your life, I believe there three key areas to focus on: your actions, your speech, and what you consume. These are aspects of your life that you can truly have an actionable impact on.

1. Your Actions: Your behavior is a significant tool for influencing your life. Most of your actions are within your voluntary control, so making deliberate choices about how you act can significantly impact your life's direction. Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise is a practical example of using behavior to improve your health and well-being. We know we feel better after a hard workout, or after a good nights sleep. We all feel accomplished and happy after reading that book.
2. Your Speech: The way you communicate, including what you say and how you say it, is largely under your control. Adopting an assertive communication style can be very effective. Assertiveness is about being direct and respectful, allowing you to express your thoughts and feelings without being passive or aggressive. This style of communication can increase self-confidence and improve relationships.
3. What You Consume: This includes not only your diet but also what you read, watch, and listen to. Being mindful and selective about what you consume can steer you towards a healthier lifestyle both physically and mentally.

It's also important to note that while we can influence our thoughts and emotions to some extent, we have limited control over them. Techniques like mindfulness can help manage these aspects, but it's important to acknowledge their inherent unpredictability.

Change requires consistent effort and time. It's about gradually shifting from a passive approach to life to one where you're actively making choices and taking steps that align with your goals and values. If you find it challenging to make these changes on your own, consider seeking professional guidance or assertiveness training.

What I'm Listening Too

Podcast: The Iced Coffee Hour with guest Chris Williamson

Chris Williamson is a versatile individual known for his roles as a former club promoter and reality TV star. His journey from a socially awkward college student to a successful figure in the nightlife and entertainment industry is notable. Williamson has appeared on reality TV shows like Love Island and Take Me Out, experiences that have significantly influenced his life. He's also recognized for his insights on personal development topics, including dating, social media impact, and emotional vulnerability, sharing his learnings and experiences through various platforms.

In This episode of the Iced coffee Hour they get into so many topics including, embracing challenges for personal growth, the impact of social media on mental health, the dynamics of dating, and the importance of resilience. Williamson also reflects on his reality TV experiences and the effects of social media and technology on society and relationships. The episode delves into various aspects of personal development and societal issues. My favorite part of the episode came when Chris was discussing his time at a Jordan Peterson Conference and the impact one question from an audience member had on him.

Check it out here👇🏻

"The depth of my consciousness causes me to suffer, is it a blessing or a curse to feel everything so deeply?"

What a profound question and one that I feel so many of us can relate too on a deep level. This is a question I have asked myself so many times, maybe not as eloquently, but I never found an answer like the one Jordan Peterson gave to this woman.

When asked, this was his response

"The only way out is through... You take more of the thing that has poisoned you until you turn it into a tonic that girdles the world around you."

What a powerful response and one you would only get from Peterson.

I think we are all so quick to victimize ourselves. That's not to say we are never victims of wrong doing or that our feelings are invalidated but we all look at the "poison" as something wrong with us when in reality it could be our greatest strength. This quote, "The only way out is through... You take more of the thing that has poisoned you until you turn it into a tonic that girdles the world around you," speaks to a profound and transformative approach to life's challenges. It suggests that sometimes, the path to overcoming a difficulty lies not in avoiding it, but in fully embracing and even intensifying our engagement with it. This idea resonates deeply as it flips our instinctual desire to avoid pain on its head. Instead, it proposes that immersing ourselves in our struggles can lead to unexpected strength and wisdom. It's a reminder that our greatest trials can become sources of immense personal growth, transforming what once weakened us into something that empowers and encircles our entire being with resilience and understanding. This perspective is both daunting and inspiring, pushing us to confront our fears and transform them into tools of empowerment.

This Episode is so good and I can't recommend enough so get listening!

Honorable Mentions Podcasts:

Two Really Great listens, In episode #2091 of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe hosts Diana Walsh Pasulka, a professor of religious studies. They explore the mysteries of UFOs and abduction phenomena, requiring an open-minded perspective. The episode delves into ancient writings and quantum physics in relation to transcendent experiences, the potential of psychedelics, and the importance of discipline and passion in personal growth. Additionally, it covers the use of oral traditions in classified environments, the dark side of justice and power, and the pursuit of knowledge in understanding the complexities of the universe..

In episode #740 of the Modern Wisdom podcast, host Chris Williamson talks with Andrew Henderson, the founder of Nomad Capitalist. They discuss the concept of global citizenship and financial strategies for traveling the world while potentially reducing tax liabilities. The episode explores topics like dual citizenship, the benefits and drawbacks of different countries from a tax and financial standpoint, and strategies for international flexibility without renouncing one's citizenship.

Did you know?

Did you know that honey never spoils? Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. Honey's longevity can be attributed to its unique chemical composition. It's low in moisture and highly acidic, making it a hostile environment for bacteria and microorganisms. Plus, bees add an enzyme that creates hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct. This combination makes honey not only delicious but practically immortal!

Weekly Challenge.

In line with the quote, "The only way out is through... You take more of the thing that has poisoned you until you turn it into a tonic that girdles the world around you," this week's challenge is about transforming a negative habit or thought into a positive force in your life.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Identify a Negative Habit or Thought: Select a habit or thought pattern you feel has been detrimental to your well-being or progress. It could be something like procrastination, negative self-talk, or a tendency to avoid certain tasks.
2. Daily Intentional Practice: Instead of avoiding this habit or thought, engage with it intentionally each day. For instance, if you tend to procrastinate, set a specific time each day to face the task you usually avoid. If it's negative self-talk, catch yourself doing it and then consciously switch to a positive affirmation.
3. Track Your Transformation: Keep a daily log of your experiences. Note the challenges you face in confronting this habit or thought and any changes in your feelings or attitudes.
4. End-of-Week Reflection: At the week's end, reflect on this journey. How has repeatedly facing this negative aspect begun to transform it? Has your approach to this habit or thought changed?

This challenge is about recognizing that often, the very things that challenge us can be turned into opportunities for growth and self-improvement. By facing them head-on, we can start to transform them into positive forces in our lives.

Wrapping Things Up

And just like that, another incredible week wraps up! We journeyed through the enlightening perspectives from Chris Williamson on the Iced Coffee Hour podcast, marveled at the enduring mystery of honey in ancient Egypt, and tackled the transformative challenge of embracing our fears.

I hope this week's edition has opened new doors of thought, sparked joy, and perhaps, lit the path for continual growth and exploration within yourselves. It's all about taking those small steps, each one adding up in our personal journey towards betterment.

As we close this chapter, take a moment and ask yourself, What has inspired you? What has challenged your perceptions? These moments of reflection are priceless gems on our path of self-discovery.

And remember, your experiences and stories are what breathe life into our community. Don't hesitate to share your journey, especially your experience with the weekly challenge. Whether it's through a comment, an email, or a shout-out on social media, your contributions help fuel our collective inspiration.

I hope you are enjoying this new format for the newsletter, I would love to hear your feedback and any other suggestions you might have. Or if you have any questions for me please reach out, I would love to answer any questions you might have.

Keep that spark alive, keep reaching for those stars, and remember – every great journey starts with a single, brave step. Embrace it, and let every moment be a stride towards your dreams.

Catch you in the next issue. Keep thriving and evolving!

With all my heart,
Your Friend, Austin ❤✌

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Until Our Next Rendezvous 

With all my heart,

Your Friend, Austin ❤✌

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