"Well, I've always done it this way...then I respond, Until today!"
This is a quote from Iyanla Vanzant, a contributor in Jan Lundy's book: Your Truest Self. When I read this I almost fell out of my chair. Iyanla did not have an easy life...far from it. She overcame deep emotional adversity with this simple 2 word mantra.
Until Today
Iyanla says: "Until today is the mantra we can use when negativity or powerlessness rules our thinking; when life throws us curves and we begin to lose sight of the shores of our own glory or when the going gets tough. "Until today" means we no longer have to be who we have been."
Now, I don't want to change everything about myself..heck no! But there are a few things I do desperately want to change. I found the above passage to be so powerful. I think that for so long I have been my own worst enemy. Letting old negative habits and thoughts stay. Not really knowing how to let them go. Easily reverting back into my cycles.
Since I began the 28 day meditation challenge something inside just "clicked." Maybe it's because for the first time in a long time I am making space for myself. Sitting and listening. Seeking my truth. Taking time out.
I won't lie...I am sure that the old habits will creep back...but I am going to work like hell not to let them in. Heck, if I could quit a pack a day smoking habit (yeah...I know!), I should be able to stick to my guns on this. It's a choice...and I have to be very present...there is no sleeping on the job!
I am learning. I am learning ways to break the patterns. I am re-programming.
And today I had my first challenge...I had to wrestle a demon...but I won! Halle-fricken-lujah!
So think about those 2 words...until today...
How might you use them in your life?
Take a peek...I am blooming 365 days in 2010
28 comments:
Oh my! Girl you've done it again: given me food for thought... UNTIL ToDAy... and now what?
Thanks for your beautiful posts and photos!
;)
Caroline,
There is something about that space for ourselves that can really help to reveal something deeper in us, and connect us more fully with our soul. You are such a shining light of goodness and hope...
Caroline, you and I seem to be going on a parallel path lately. I can't wish for better company! :) May you drop-kick those demons to oblivion! :)
I am going to embrace my demons. They are mine after all in a Jungian sense.
What a terrific mantra!
Hi Caroline, sorry gotta run so will be back to read this one later.
But wanted you to know I put you up for this Award I think you deserved it.
Love Dagmar
*Wild Happy Dancing*
This is brilliant and I'm so happy that you've found these connections. I refer to it as having a new Point A. I am the author of my circumstances and I get to choose how I respond to whatever crosses my path. The old patterns WILL appear. The power comes in recognizing them when they do and choosing differently.
You've inspired me to write a post about the summer I changed the direction of my life.
Big Hugs & lots of love to you,
Carolynn
Very thought provoking words....
Makes sense too. Thanks for sharing!
Until today.....
did you know i love to think? i am going to think about until today for a bit...and then i can respond better to how it fits with me. thanks for sharing! love this!
until today....
maybe I can post it note that to my forehead and my dashboard.....
thank you !
I love that...
That's a good one. Now, I can say "I've always been a procrastinator, Until today." Hmm. That's a good habit to change into.
How was the rest of the book? It's been awhile since I've read a book that has really inspired me. I could use a good read.
Yes, if you can quit a pack a day habit of smoking you can do anything. I also quit a pack and half to two pack habit a day. It's been almost five years now and it was the hardest and the best thing I ever did.
What a beautiful way of sharing your intimate thoughts and introspection! These quotes are also a wonderful reminder to be open and to keep the fear away. Come stop by for a slice of San Francisco sweetie!
powerful post Caroline.
I found that when I think I know something about myself it gets in the way of changing or honoring my truth. Let go of the rules has helped me to change and to surprise myself with my actions and choices. Thank you for 'until today'
Woo Hoo for winning the wrestling match! I loved reading such an encouraging and inspiring quote, I need to remember to be present but its just so hard!!
I love Iyanla. She is a great writer and speaks such truth.
I'm happy she was able to help. Caroline, if you can kick your smoking habit, then it will be a breeze for you to change your thoughts to uplift you.
This sounds so much like my latest blog post. It's so hard to accept ourselves where we are, and we often wish for change. I hope that those changes take place for you, and that you continue to celebrate where you are right now.
Wowee, Caroline. What an awakening you are having. I am glad that my book helped open a door for you to Iyanla and "Until Today." It IS a very powerful mantra and one that has helped thousands. I adore Iyanla. She has been very kind to me over the years. A wise mentor, for sure.
I want to commend you on your process and learning to step away from the emotion and breathe through it until it is transformed. That is the way to do it. As I said on my blog, be sure to stop in Friday and Saturday as I am going to post some critical info about what to do with the emotions (demons, as you say). Besides flush them down the toilet, that is! (LOL).
You are doing great. One day at a time, step by step. We begin again. We literally transform ourselves breath by breath. Love to you!
Fabulous and enriching post, Caroline! Thanks for sharing such thought-provoking insights...I just love coming here to receive your calming and inspiring words!
And good for you kickin' some demon-butt!
You make me wish I took the challenge. I wasn't sure I had the time. It does open up the heart and sometimes tares it apart.
Until today......I haven't opened up my world and taken the risks I need to move to the next level.
I am amazed at the emotion you have captured in these last three photos.
Nice work...
"Until Today" I could use that concept in so many ways! "Your Truest Self" just arrived yesterday - I can't wait to dive in.
beautiful, simply beautiful
beautiful sentiment...and yes,two words to think about.
lovely post Caroline.
I have always thought of those 2 words in a negative statement, never a positive one.
I am defiantly going to change my thinking now.
Those are two words to live by. I had never heard this before but I think I subconsciously had this moment on October 11 last year. On that day I decided I was done sitting by and waiting while life passed me by. Until that day I wasn't doing anything to pursue my dreams. I made an effort and changed everything.
I hope your journey leads you to where you want to go.
I love those words "until today". That can make all the difference is how we celebrate the present and plan for the future.
I've read a couple of Iyanla's books...what an inspiration...just as your blog is, Caroline. YAY for beating the demon!
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