Once again, ’tis the season to be inundated with best of and worst of lists, with the new outlets and media we consume leaning into superlatives to describe the year that has passed.

And once again, I’m here to remind you that in the midst of the best and the worst moments, often along with them, are the ordinary, everyday moments in which we live most of our lives. As I reflect on the year that has passed, I get to acknowledge and celebrate large tasks I accomplished, new learning and transitions that I have embarked upon, and a heaping boatload of personal growth than I am so proud of.

And although things like finishing writing my book (it’s in the editing & design process right now!) and expanding my scope of work by beginning life coach training are very exciting and significant, they couldn’t have happened without the decidedly unglamourous work of learning to see myself more clearly and learning to love the person I see.

Personal growth doesn’t happen through the flipping of a switch or a grand and dramatic gesture, but as a result of the choices made in the ordinary, everyday moments of life. I get to notice what I think, but I don’t need to believe it. I can choose to welcome each day as an opportunity to learn about old stories, patterns and fears, and how they bind and limit me. Then I get to decide whether or not they’re true, and how I want to respond to them. I also get to create new stories and beliefs, rooted in a deep love for myself.  

What is a story or belief you have that limits you?
It might be a feeling of “not enough” or a belief that something always or never happens to you

How does that story limit you or get in your way?

Imagine what it would look and feel like if that belief weren’t true? What would change? What would you do differently?

If you could replace your old story with a new one, what would you choose?

Now go ahead write it down – not as something you’re aspiring to in the future, but as if it’s already true – because now that you’ve created it, it is!
Instead of “I want to trust myself more often”, “I trust myself every single day.”

This is where those ordinary, everyday moments come into the picture – it is in these that you get to live your new story, one choice at a time, one day at a time. Your old story has been around for a long time and will resist being relegated to the back seat, so be prepared for it to continue to show up. Each time you notice that old story trying to sneak into the drivers’ seat, don’t get angry and judge yourself or the situation. Remember there’s a new story you’ve written that is already true – what choice can you make in that moment to give that new story deeper roots and more power in your life?

It’s because of those choices you make, day after day, week after week, that the big things happen – the things you didn’t dare dream of when you believed your old stories. The big achievements are simply the accumulation of those ordinary, everyday moments when you chose yourself over and over and over again. Now that’s worth celebrating, isn’t it?!?!

I’d love to hear what new story you’re deciding to create in your life – please comment below and let me know!