Cheerleading our own lives…
I forgot! I forgot!
What did you forget?
Myself.
Well, OK, a bit more explanation would likely be helpful. I recently shared a written piece about “My life as a cheerleader.” The gist of the story is my self-appointment as a cheerleader to elevate the spirits of others. Reporting back to them the lovely rays of goodness I perceive shining in their lives. (Oh, heck go back and read the story for yourself!)
Finished composing and realized I‘d totally left myself out of the equation. Totally. Don’t I deserve to have my own spirits elevated? By me? To personally celebrate and honor the warmth of sunny actions occurring in my life? (And hey, you celebrating your own sunniness, as well.)
How did I forget to include myself among ALL those who might benefit from my cheerleading persona? Huh?
Oh wait, oh wait! Is this practice also called mindfulness? Being aware in the moment of what I’m experiencing? Gulp. I think it is. Oh, no! I have failed at the consistent practice of mindfulness time and time again over the years. I actually stopped my conscious mindfulness practice because who likes failing time and again?
Epiphany. (Don’t you just love epiphanies?) I’m a change agent (and so are you.) A catalyst for change. Among the many things I can change is language if I find it unhelpful. Ta-dah! Let’s be honest, the term mindfulness is absolutely not toxic to me, but my frustration regarding being unable to follow through with the regular practice of mindfulness, is toxic.
So…drum roll…in my own life, I’ve decided to change “mindfulness” to……cheerleading! So much more upbeat, joyous, and enticing. Why not fervently shake my cheerleader pom-poms when I experience some form of light shining in own my life (even little teeny sparks.) Personally, I can more readily notice upbeat, joyous, and enticing experiences rather than the more neutral mindfulness practices. (Hey, I’ll take what works for me.) And, of course, my practice will be imperfect on this path, too, but I’ll probably spend a good deal more time smiling which is always a bonus.
So I’m back in the game of cheerleading myself. Let’s make manifest the language that best supports us on our individual paths to wholeness. Why not? It is our life.
❤️Hey, I’d love to ask a favor of you. If your heart and funny-bone are nurtured by This Being Human Thing, please share with others. Thanks so much!
I come from a generation where women and mothers always seemed to put themselves last on the list. It was considered egotistical to show too much “me first” when I was growing up. We were always the “wind beneath the wings” of others we championed and cheerlead for. The behind the scenes ones who neither wanted nor felt deserving of recognition.
I have learned so much from my daughter’s generation on upward. And especially when I was first getting sober I had to learn to put the air mask on myself first before I could be of any help to those around me. What a revelation that was!
Thank you for this reminder. ❤️