Breathe, Stretch, Shake, Let It Go

Hello World!

Today marks day #21 in my journey to implementing this "No Complaining Rule" in my life. When I first started I had no idea how much refocusing my thoughts would change my life for the better. It's unbelievable the amount of peace I have and how skilled I'm becoming at literally finding good in every situation. Even if I left my wallet or forgot my teaching journal at home or I missed my train or I didn't bring an umbrella and it's pouring outside, I'm able to still laugh, smile, and give thanks!!! No, life isn't perfect and it will never be but you can control how respond to what life throws at you. You can chose to pout & complain when things don't go your way or you can smile & give thanks. I personally would chose the latter but the decision is ultimately up to you.  I've realized that usually when things don't go the way we initially planned (you didn't get the job you wanted or you didn't get cast in the part you wanted) it usually means that something MUCH GREATER is coming your way. Just as a heads up it always seems to happen when you least expect it, so NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!! "Don't allow your disappointment to detour your destiny..." Sometimes the experiences you have, mistakes you make, and knowledge you gain on the way is worth more than accomplishing your actual dream or goal. So be thankful for your "bad days" because they are helping you to build character and to become the person that you were ultimately designed to be.


I came across a quote this morning by Maya Angelou that really spoke to my heart:

 “There were people who went to sleep last night,
   poor and rich and white and black
   but they will never wake again.

  And those dead folks would give anything at all
  for just five minutes of this weather
  or ten minutes of plowing.

  So you watch yourself about complaining.

 What you're supposed to do
 when you don't like a thing is change it.
 If you can't change it,
 change the way you think about it.” 


That quote pretty much sums up my entire reasoning for being so adamant about not complaining anymore, no matter the circumstances or how hard life seems. If you don't like something then try to change it,  if you can't change it then change how you look at it. You might not be able to change who your boss is or who work with or who your classmates are but you can change how you respond to their actions and words.

This leads right to Step #4:

"Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. Give it up to God and trust Him with the outcome. You’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. Surrender is the answer." -Jon Gordon

One of my favorite Bible verses to meditate on is found in Proverbs.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." -Proverbs 3:5


In the past I've been really guilty of trying to be in control over every aspect of my life and I'm glad I finally realized that it's just not possible. There is no way that you can be in control 24/7, 365 days a year. It's not even worth trying to achieve and I don't encourage anyone to go down that path. Sometimes you just have to trust and believe that things will work out in your favor. If you are on the right path they definitely will! Eventually you will find yourself at the right job interview, at the right audition, at the right school, etc. It does take a lot of patience and faith but you will learn so much about yourself along the way that it will be so so so worth it!!!


I challenge and encourage you all to stop worrying about your future or complaining about those you are surrounded by on a daily basis!! Have faith and trust that everything will work out according to the design for your life and be open to change!!! Be a positive light at the office, at school, on the stage, at the post office, at church, on the street, in rehearsal, on the bus wherever you may be!

Don't let anyone steal your light or affect your mood!!! If you feel yourself starting to give in or starting to complain just:

Stop what you are doing
Take a deep Breathe
Stretch
Shake
Let It Go
Give Thanks & Count Your Blessings
Smile :)


Have the most amazing day possible!!!!

Cierra XOXO