Sunday Weekly: surrendering to the unknown
It's ok if you don't know what the next step is. Plus, five lessons learned from slowing down, Mandy Hale quote, book recommendation and more!
Sometimes, not having an answer is the Universe's/God's way of encouraging us to slow down.
A signal to pause long enough to understand something we're not seeing when blinded by busyness.
To lean into the unknown instead of resisting it.
A lot of changes in our lives happen with clear next steps.
One job ends, and another starts.
We leave one city for another because of a relationship.
Babies become toddlers and then adults.
That's why when a change happens, but the next steps aren't clear, it can rattle us.
Why isn't it clear what I'm supposed to do next?
What can I do to change it?
Not receiving an answer isn't the Universe or God leaving us hanging.
It means staying still and becoming open is better than keeping busy.
Only good things happen to me
Right now, I'm in this unknown area.
Unsure of the next steps in a few areas of life.
This scared me initially.
Usually, I know what to do and am happy to take action.
After testing out a few different paths and still not receiving confirmation, I embraced this shift in emotion and perspective.
This has happened a few times before in my life.
Right before I joined a new church and got my first job in the music industry.
God had to clean house in my environment to make room for the bigger blessing arriving shortly after.
Everything has its purpose.
You're not alone
You're not alone if you feel like you're in the unknown.
A friend shared this phrase with me that I'd like to challenge you to repeat 3x today:
"I am FULL NAME, and only good things happen to me."
I am Francesca Phillips and only good things happen to me :)
PS. Read five lessons to learn from slowing down.
Did this spark anything for you today? Tell us in the comments. I love hearing from you, and you never know who else needs what you have to say!
Good Quote
Good Thinking
Good Action
Spend one hour less looking at a screen. Curl up to a good book, walk, or call a friend. Our brains need a rest from constant stimulation, so it's an excellent place to start.
Good Question
Move up the ladder to higher vibrations by writing at the top of a blank page:
How can I surrender to the unknown today?
and see what flows from your pen. No judgment or editing.
Good Book
After listening to a podcast about how too much screen use is structurally changing the human eye, causing peripheral vision loss, I've been looking for ways to understand the addiction technology causes and how to live with more balance.
That's when Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence caught my eye. The book's description says, "Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it . . . Lembke illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check."
There's no escaping the high-reward, high-dopamine society we live in. "The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation. As such we’ve all become vulnerable to compulsive overconsumption." But I refuse to believe we have to become victim to this kind of addiction and that knowledge is the best way to claim our power back.
Buy Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence here.
Sparks of Joy
Inspiring books: I'm feeling aligned and excited after listening to a good portion of Limitless Potential by Mike Dooley this week. It's given me the mental and spiritual tune-up I needed.
Uplifting chats: What would I do without encouraging and supportive friends?! I finally feel like I'm getting out of the emotional slump from the move, and it's in huge part to my support group. So grateful!
A child's view: My daughter teaches me how to live a better life daily. On Friday, she had me lie on a cozy blanket with her in front of our big living room window to watch the big trees in our front yard—the peak highlight of my week.
Beef stew: I made this pot roast recipe my friend Taylor shared with me (you should subscribe to her Substack), and it was DELICIOUS! A homecooked meal this tasty is a huge win.
Extra Goodies
Good Read: Nine books an author read during her year of nothing.
Good Quote: James Clear on when to be patient: "My personal rule is that it's a good idea to be patient as long as I'm in the mix. If I'm taking action, putting in my reps, and trying things out, then I should remain patient and see what opportunities arise. But if I'm not taking action consistently, then I'm not practicing patience. I'm just waiting."
Good Recipe: This pot roast is SO good!
Good Listen: Make your commute or travels more enjoyable with this audiobook.
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