Sprouts

Last night I had the pleasure of attending another Goal Setting meeting at Crossfit Central. I attended my first one 3 months ago & we all set 3 month goals. We set goals for all aspects of our lives including our careers, family life, etc. After writing out what we want our life to look like in 10 years (which means I'll be 40...WOW!!), we set 1 year goals and 3 months goals as stepping stones for that life. I was pleased to see that 3 months later, I had accomplished all but one goal on my entire list. It never ceases to amaze me what starts to happen in your life when you set an intention. The simple act of writing goals means they are starting to get accomplished. When you really intend something and your whole being means it (and we have to really listen to ourselves because I have definitely set goals for things that I didn't actually want...I only thought I wanted it...but it didn't ultimately fit with who I am) the universe starts to open up opportunities all around you. Maybe these whispers of opportunities are always all around us...but when you clearly state your intentions to yourself and you truly align yourself with your goals and dreams...all the sudden these whispers turn into clear voices...and if you can let go of whatever it is that holds you back...you can walk the path of your dreams.

But what about those things that hold us back? In last nights meeting we got to address what the road blocks are between us and the life we want. What derails your plan? What delays your plan? What are the things we have control over and what are the things that we don't. Is it money? It is fear? When there are road blocks beyond our control, what attitude do we pick and how do we re-write our plan?
These are invaluable exercises to have some uninterrupted time to put some real thought into.

One of my favorite things from last nights meeting was some helpful tips on how to stay positive when life throws you some unexpected curve balls. What happens when you feel defeated? Carey introduced us to the idea of Sprouts. Whenever you feel down, just make a list of your sprouts! What are sprouts? Sprouts are the little tiny things that can happen in your day that make all stress seem silly. Little moments that you experience that remind you of why life is so good. I love calling these sprouts! Because when you experience them, I feel love sprouting in my heart.
I recommend writing down a list of sprouts even when you feel happy. I did it last night and it filled me up with such joy it made me giggle.

My Sprouts:
1) Any picture I receive of my nephew via email or text. Seeing a picture of him pretty much makes all stress irrelevant.
2) There is a certain look and a specific meow that my cat will give me that says, "Hey Buddy...you doing okay?" and it's almost always followed by a little nose nuzzle.
3) Anytime my husband reaches out for my hand while he is really concentrating on a task (like drawing or writing).
4) Anytime one of my employees does something really great and I get to tell them how appreciative I am for their work.
5) Anytime I get a text from one of my most favorite people in New York that simply says, "Thanks" and there is nothing specific attached to that thank you.
6) Hearing my sister-in-law sing.
7) Thinking about my breakfast on a drive home from my work out.
8) Any time my husband or any family member tells me they are proud of me.

Oh my goodness...and there are so many more. I feel very grateful for my life and my loved ones. Thanks Carey for giving me the gift of sprout lists. I can already tell I am going to have a great day after writing this list!

What are your sprouts?