Hey, All – how are you doing out there on the etherwebs? It seems like 2020 is continuing to be a blur, and we are all doing our best to maintain out there.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about present living and how to move through life vibrantly even during the chaos. Some days it feels like we carry weights on our shoulders, while hauling a 200 lb. pack full of rocks, bad news, and worries. Anyone else feeling the same?

I’ll be the first to acknowledge that times have been challenging, status quos have been cracked, and everyone is in a place of transition. Still, on a basic level, there are things we can try to do that make some of this more bearable and “lighten up” how we feel. Full disclosure: I’ve been trying to practice these myself lately, including prayer, meditation, and other modes of revival.

Try laughing more.

This one is more simple to apply, because it can feel pretty natural and laughter helps the body, mind, and soul. It can be calming and refreshing, and with everything being so serious lately, we could probably all use a dose of laughter to feel uplifted. Whether it’s looking up memes, reading a funny blurb online, watching a comedy, or laughing online with friends over coffee dates gone virtual, it could be worth trying this and see how you feel afterward.

Live unapologetically.

A little harder method, perhaps, but living as you are is another way to lighten up. It might feel like a life-long journey, but it seems like those who own who they are, while being humble and compassionate to others, have a way of being that looks truly confident. Lately, I’ve heard peers saying “no” to things so they can take better care of themselves. Others are going for their dreams despite some underlying fears. Some are reframing how they see their jobs or life, getting detached just enough to step back and look holistically at what they need as a human being. These are just a few examples off the top of my head, but how have you been “living small” yourself? Honestly, using the phrase doesn’t feel exactly right, because I believe there is so much life-giving presence and potential in you. Still, what’s that thing you want to do that makes you feel confident and truly your best self?

Accept help from others to move forward.

To be honest, it’s taken years for me to get comfortable asking for help, and I’m still pretty bad at it. But what I’ve noticed is that I would hit roadblocks because I was in my own head too often, and I wasn’t following my intuition, or there wasn’t an outsider’s perspective involved.  This is where friends, peers, mentors, and loved ones, have offered compassionate and direct conversations that helped me move forward. For instance, my friend Sam Jennings with 360 Clarity helped me for years consider new modes of thinking and self-acceptance, and that it’s possible to live life in a leading role. Also, his recent referral to one group helped me go forward and find other connections I wouldn’t have found otherwise. These connections are also supportive and encouraging for taking the next steps in the business and in life. Point is, who do you have in your circle walking with you? They might be able to be that nudge in a direction you didn’t even know existed until you have a chat. And if you’re feeling a wee bit alone right now, you have me and I believe in your brilliance.

Laughing we can do on our own, though, it’s a lot more fun with friends or connections sometimes. Living unapologetically and asking for help – or accepting it – is a little tougher depending on who you are, which is ok. Are you ready to grow, pivot, and thrive, as your beautiful self, unapologetically? Feel free to leave a comment below to let me know what you think about all this, or if you want to keep it private, contact me this way. Lightening up can begin with a laugh, self-acceptance, and by allowing help and guidance into your world – you’re not alone in this and I’m walking with you now step-by-step.