Shannon Simone Miller - Growth https://shannonmiller.me/tags/growth en Don't let a hard time in life get in the way of your dreams and impact your health https://shannonmiller.me/2017/06/21/dont-let-a-hard-time-in-life-get-in-the-way-of-your-dreams-and-impact-your-health <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Sometimes in life, we can experience an epiphany or change so profound that it changes the very essence of who we are. While we have the ability to improve with purposeful action daily, it is often in the storms of life, that change is thrust upon us in a way imagined. It can be treacherous and painful, a feeling of hundreds of dark nights woven together eclipsing even the faintest spark of light. Then it occurs, the parting of the clouds and streams of light begin to fill our world. The lens of shiftlessness or complacency have been washed clean and a new lens of clarity appears in its place. It is only after enduring the journey does the change appear before us, it is the change that is creating a new shape with our life, sending us into new territory. It is the change that was so brutal and confounding yet the change we would not exchange even if it meant wiping away all of the memory of what came before.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-default"> <div id="file-81" class="file file-image file-image-png"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/magnificinet">magnificinet</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="830" height="415" id="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/magnificinet.png?itok=Gad84qfV" alt="Little Girl Holding Teddy Bear no stress" title="Little Girl Holding Teddy Bear no stress" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p><br />Life can suck sometimes, there is no doubt about that. Sometimes we lose someone dear to us, we are in a job that doesn't honor our highest good, we have people we thought were friends make an about-face leaving us wondering and questioning what all the time meant and it hurts. We lose a job, bills are stacking up and the mountain before us looks like Everest growling and us while we limp by just trying to get through the day.<br /><br />These moments are cyclical, they will rear their ugly heads again and again so it's better to find grace and acceptance and understand it is all part of the human journey. If every day was a simple joy there would be no contrast to give this all meaning, we would expect nothing less than simple. Despite the idea that people may say I want an easy life, if we didn't have the tough times, the good would have no way to shine so brightly.</p> <p>So, how to use these moments as tools for change and accept them without anger and fear? We just let them roll, we honor the suck factor and trust that it all will pass, we hold on to those that love us enough to show up without conditions. We surround ourselves with smart people, we take time to go within weather meditating, prayer or practicing our faith. In the end, we can take a deep sigh and just "BE."  Western culture is a NOW results-driven culture that leaves most of us reeling and disenchanted the crap seems insurmountable even when it will clear like storm clouds in the sky.<br />               <br />Abraham Maslow speaks on self-realization and until we can come to terms with the ebbs and flows we have little time for the journey and growth. Giving yourself the kindness and love you bestow on others is a great way to get your bearings and let yourself breathe. If you are committed to growth you must embrace these storms. In truth, it is not for everyone, some find the day in and out movement fine. But if you are reading this, chances are you don't belong to that group.<br /> <br />By giving yourself a break, you release tension and stress and allow yourself to evolve into the person you are meant to be but it, like everything in life, is a choice and you can't have both. Whatever questions are sending your mind on the hamster wheel of life find a way to cease it. I found when my mind is taking over with ridiculous thoughts I say "not helpful." I watch the thought and let it come and go, thinking isn't a bad thing, it is what you do with it. Just like hard times are not the issue, it's who you let yourself become after experiencing them that matters most.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Check out my  <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_OuXRVDOgbwOJNnocrn2Xw">YouTube Channel</a></span> and subscribe for new video alerts.</strong><br /><br /><em>If you know someone that can benefit from this, please share it with them. Do you have a business or life topic you would like me to cover? Shoot me a line and let me know.</em><br /><br />Are you ready to make a leap but just don't know how to get your feet off the ground? <strong>Grab a FREE 30 min consultation with me</strong> <a href="https://shannonmiller.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php"><strong>here.</strong></a></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-imageblog field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/magnificinet.png" width="1024" height="512" alt="Little Girl Holding Teddy Bear no stress" title="Little Girl Holding Teddy Bear no stress" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/life" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">life</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/motivation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">motivation</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/health" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">health</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/growth" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Growth</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/challenge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">challenge</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/self-love" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">self love</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-related-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">You may also like:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/2015/09/17/how-do-you-keep-your-sanity-when-everything-around-you-is-changing">How do you keep your sanity when everything around you is changing?</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/2015/08/28/stop-being-so-hard-on-yourself-it-may-be-making-you-sick">Stop being so hard on yourself it may be making you sick</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/2014/10/20/4-reasons-why-its-vitally-important-to-honor-your-me-time-to-recharge-now">4 Reasons Why It&#039;s vitally important To Honor Your Me Time To Recharge Now</a></div></div></div> Wed, 21 Jun 2017 10:04:11 +0000 Shannon 52 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2017/06/21/dont-let-a-hard-time-in-life-get-in-the-way-of-your-dreams-and-impact-your-health#comments How to cheat at growth and get away with it https://shannonmiller.me/2016/05/12/how-to-cheat-at-growth-and-get-away-with-it <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Stop waiting for life to kick you out of your comfort zone. Put your hands back on the wheel and take control<strong> TODAY! Here is how to cheat at growth and get away with it</strong></p> <h3><strong><br /> <div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-58" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/life-beings-at-the-end-of-your-comfort-zonejpg">Life beings at the end of your comfort zone.jpg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-7-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="480" id="7" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Life%20beings%20at%20the%20end%20of%20your%20comfort%20zone.jpg?itok=mbT-6uyD" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p></p></strong></h3> <p>Few things can force us out of our comfort zones like earth shattering experience of a forced change. The change could come in the form of a lost job, place to live, relationship or the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. It's during these moments in time that our primal nature as animals kicks in. The wild will to thrive or die.</p> <h3> </h3> <p>For many of us this can be one of the worst times in our lives. Times we think we will never get through. Moments of dread, fear and a pain we are forced to swallow against our will. We think we will never see light again... Until we do. For many people, the end of the storm is followed by lessons and light we never saw before.  Life has forced us to grow and we see things in a new way, perhaps a total metamorphosis even happens in these moments.</p> <h3> </h3> <p>We may finally have the gumption to set out on a new path or do things we have been dreaming of in our hearts and now, feeling like we have nothing to lose, we embark on journeys our soul had been longing for.</p> <p>But what if I told you that you don't need to wait for life to force you to grow, that you don't need to endure a terrible storm or loss to get out of your comfort zone. What if I told you that you could experience more of what life has in store for you without tearing your whole world apart? The truth is you can, it only takes an openness to expand, to get out of your comfort zone to have a more rich and vibrant life.</p> <p>You don't have to leave everything behind to be reborn into the skin of a new version of yourself. You only need to take a few actionable steps that you can do today.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3><strong>Here is how to get going.</strong></h3> <p>Grab a pen and paper and make a list of your "some days." You know what I am talking about, the sentences that run around in your head. Or the things that are triggered when you hear or read about someone you know doing something interesting.</p> <p>For instance, someday I will take a class in xyz or finish my degree. Someday I will take a trip to see this special place. Someday I will learn how to­­_________ Someday I will get in better shape. Someday I will...</p> <p>When you make your list, let it be free and wild, nothing is off limits so don't censor yourself. This is called free writing so make some quiet time with a cup of tea or coffee and let your mind go .</p> <p>After you have created your list (you can doodle too) pick one thing that you will commit to doing today to work toward and start making a plan to do it. Everyone will have different circumstances so find what feels right for you. Then,  give yourself a week to come up with a plan to put it in to action. If this is fitness related start with committing to a daily walk. If this is travel, school or work related start researching the place, topic or job you are interested in.</p> <p>The Internet is your friend so have fun with it. If you need to make some calls then do that too. The sheer energy of your action will get your mind thinking differently. You can always take a break but give yourself a time to get back at it.</p> <p>Request information, send off resumes whatever it is that will help you commit to expanding past your comfort zone. When you have gotten the information you seek the next step is making a plan to bring it to life. When you do this exercise and set things in motion you will see that it expands your thought process in a way that you will feel more alive and less afraid. Little by little you will see and experience growth on<strong><em> YOUR</em></strong> terms. You are no longer waiting on life to happen to you, This is called living on purpose. Onward and enjoy.</p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Summary of Steps to cheat at growth and get away with it</strong></h2> <ol> <li><strong> Make a list of your "some days."</strong></li> <li><strong> Commit to action</strong></li> <li><strong> Request or research information</strong></li> <li><strong> Make a plan</strong></li> </ol> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-imageblog field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/Life%20beings%20at%20the%20end%20of%20your%20comfort%20zone.jpg" width="800" height="800" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/comfort-zone" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">comfort zone</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/success" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">success</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/happiness" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">happiness</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/life" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">life</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/growth" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Growth</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-related-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">You may also like:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/2014/06/20/five-ways-to-bring-more-creative-inspiration-into-your-life">Five ways to bring more creative inspiration into your life</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/2015/07/23/5-tips-to-finding-your-passion-and-purpose-in-life">5 tips to finding your passion and purpose in life.</a></div></div></div> Thu, 12 May 2016 19:24:31 +0000 Shannon 45 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2016/05/12/how-to-cheat-at-growth-and-get-away-with-it#comments How do you keep your sanity when everything around you is changing? https://shannonmiller.me/2015/09/17/how-do-you-keep-your-sanity-when-everything-around-you-is-changing <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>They say change is a good thing and yes, we all know it is. It is the place that allows us to grow, the place where new opportunities and journeys are born, yet it still can be one heck of an adjustment. The adjustment can be magnified when not only are we having big personal changes (and yes they can be good) but when our immediate circle of loved ones are also experiencing a shift.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-74" class="file file-image file-image-png"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/74">sanityft.png</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="240" id="3" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/sanityft.png?itok=COVxYQwC" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p>We all rely on our circles as our support system, the stable ground that we can stand on when our own leaves us feeling like we have been trying to hold on to life before another aftershock rolls through. It also isn't easy seeing those we love struggle even when we know they will be better for it in the long run.</p> <p>I am speaking from a very personal space, some of the most amazing loving people in my life are going through profound transition. Their humor and stamina make me admire them even more and they make me look at life with an even greater level of appreciation for the times we get bored and think things are just the same. For the days we forget to stop and relish what an amazing gift what is in our presence truly  is. It is also in these humble moments when I am reminded we can't fix it for each other, we can't take away the pain. The best we can do is hug each other like crazy, throw love around and wait with joyful anticipation for the sun to shine again, knowing it always does.</p> <p> <br /> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-40" class="file file-image file-image-png"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/40">flower_quote.png</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-5-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="480" height="480" id="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/flower_quote.png?itok=OYtxCtBZ" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p>So how do you keep your sanity when everything around you is changing? By embracing the fact that we don't have the power to correct the Universe. For understanding in these moments time may stand a bit too still for our liking but there is reason for this. It is to allow the planting of new seeds for a Spring that is right around the corner.</p> <p>We keep our sanity by doing what we can, without the expectation of perfection. Where we clean our plate off of a few items that may be bogging us down in this sensitive time. We keep our sanity by honoring the need to go within, to be still, to be quiet, to read and to practice self love.</p> <p>We keep our sanity by offering a kind word, letting someone know that we are there, letting ourselves know that we are there. We keep our sanity by writing down our feelings so one day we can read through this moment and relish in how strong we really are. We keep our sanity by allowing ourselves to lose it just a little and let that be okay. We keep our sanity by allowing ourselves the space to not be okay at this moment trusting we don't need anyone's permission to do so. We keep our sanity by knowing we are beautifully imperfect in all that we are and that is a marvelous things.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you enjoyed the post comment below, if this can help someone you know please share it with them.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/transition" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">transition</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/change" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">change</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/motivation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">motivation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/growth" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Growth</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/self-love" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">self love</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/life" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">life</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-related-article field-type-entityreference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">You may also like:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/2015/02/13/say-goodbye-to-the-past-and-move-forward-with-this-simple-exercise">Say goodbye to the past and move forward with this simple exercise</a></div></div></div> Fri, 18 Sep 2015 04:57:10 +0000 Shannon 35 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2015/09/17/how-do-you-keep-your-sanity-when-everything-around-you-is-changing#comments It's not a midlife crisis it's a midlife awakening so enjoy it https://shannonmiller.me/2015/04/08/its-not-a-midlife-crisis-its-a-midlife-awakening-so-enjoy-it <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Why is it called a midlife crisis? Why not a midlife awakening? Is it so wrong, after years of following the rules that our parents, teachers and society has laid out before us to finally wake up and take back our youthful wonder and engagement in the world? You often hear he/she is crazy they are acting like a child. Why does he need to buy a fast car? Why is she working out all the time? What do they have to prove?</p> <p>In our quest to place things in a tidy little box is it possible that our comments are laden with jealously and discomfort because we too long to be adventurous and live yet we don't have the guts to do it. When did getting older mean depleting the zest from our life. How can we be a good example for our children or the world at large if we lose sight of the wonder that is around us? Can we not work hard, be good people and have fun too?</p> <p>We cite things like affairs, car purchases and exercise as hallmarks that define alterations that are taking place. But let's get real here, people do all of those things at a younger age; maybe the difference is when we are younger we can't go out and buy an expensive car but many of us sure as heck would if we had the means to do so. Humans are fallible we make messes, me make mistakes.</p> <p>I know you, like myself sometimes wish we could have avoided all of the challenges and learned the lessons we needed to without a mess, without pain. We make gigantic asses out of ourselves, we do it from birth until death. I understand the idea that we should be older and wiser but perhaps it's time we bag that cliché and focus on the fact that the human experience is wrought with pitfalls, ditches, and twisting turning patches that can lead you into Utopia or a mire of crap. Sometimes it's a little bit of both; heaven and hell intermixed. The journey is different for each of us. We can judge, place blame, shake our fingers or we can just accept we belong to the same darn club. </p> <blockquote><p><strong>"Here comes 40. I'm feeling my age and I've ordered the Ferrari. I'm going to get the whole mid-life crisis package." -Keanu Reeves</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Is a midlife crisis a construct we create to give a disease like reason to something we just can't nail down? Is it possible there is a bit of midlife awareness going on and that awareness, even if it is an urging for nothing more than for us to live, explore and venture out do have new experiences is just what the soul craves. Clearly, we find discomfort with relationships altering, people pursuing new things, life being shaken up in ways we don't understand. And, if this shaking happens to us, we want reason, answers and we relish labels so, sticking a shiny title to it does the trick for us and everyone around us. Blow off the labels and embrace your insatiable desire to grow and go with it. We are human, we are supposed to keep evolving so remeber that if you feel judged let the opinions roll off your back like water.</p> <p>I think the greatest lesson on the topic of midlife growth and transition is acceptance. Accepting changes, unseen forces and the push and machination of the soul. You have one life to live and I find it doubtful at the end of the road you will regret living, even if it is messy, though I can guarantee you will regret it if you don't live at all.</p> <p> </p><div class="media-element-container media-full"> <div id="file-19" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg"> <h2 class="element-invisible"><a href="/file/19">Midlife_motorcycle.jpeg</a></h2> <div class="content"> <span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles large"> <img width="425" height="270" id="1" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.shannonmiller.me/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Midlife_motorcycle.jpeg?itok=dU_Aw-62" alt="" title="" /></span> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>7 Quick tips to help you get the most out of your Mid-life (Crisis) Awakening</strong></p> <p>1. Explore something new that has always been in the back of your mind.</p> <p>2. Be okay with letting go of old goals that don't feel good anymore.</p> <p>3. Don't be afraid to release friendships that no longer align with your new path.</p> <p>4. Volunteer your time.</p> <p>5. Meditate.</p> <p>6. Learn to say no to people and things that deplete you.</p> <p>7. Have fun, if you are not having fun you are not living life.</p> <p> </p> <p>I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic, please comment below.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/growth" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Growth</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/transition" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">transition</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/change" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">change</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/purpose" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">purpose</a></div></div></div> Wed, 08 Apr 2015 20:18:38 +0000 Shannon 16 at https://shannonmiller.me https://shannonmiller.me/2015/04/08/its-not-a-midlife-crisis-its-a-midlife-awakening-so-enjoy-it#comments