Try This Mantra for the Holidays
Everything in your life takes up space. Whether it's energy space, physical space, or calendar space… you only have so much room.
To embrace new things, ideas, and aspirations of the heart, you must make space to receive them.
As we approach December 21’s Winter Solstice, I’ve adopted this mantra: "Release to make room,” because I want to create space for delicious possibilities and the magic of unexpected outcomes.
Here’s how it started: Not long ago, I came across a box full of files from my former life as a college instructor. Academia was a great ride, but I realized that I’ve moved on to higher frequencies of growth.
The box was taking up not only physical space but mental space. It was a stale identity that I needed to shed. When I opened the box to see what was inside, I marveled at all the incredible things I had accomplished… and realized that none of these physical mementos of my past serve my present.
Everything I need is already inside me.
This dusty old box was just that: An unnecessary collection of "stuff" that was taking up physical and mental energy space in my mindset… so I replaced the lid, said a silent prayer of thanks, and then stoically placed the entire box in the recycle bin. Strangely, I felt an immediate sense of freedom!
In releasing an outdated identity, I’ve made room for aspirations, intentions, and miracles I’ve not yet imagined.
“Release to make room” helps us shift our focus from the past to the present. It indicates that we’re consciously allowing ourselves to receive new perspectives and opportunities by creating a wider portal for growth.
Whether it’s cleaning out a closet, stepping away from an obligation you dread, or letting go of a relationship or an old identity that no longer feels right, you create an open void for expansion when you release to make room.
How do you know what to release and where you’re ready to expand?
Start by asking these questions:
#1. What do you need to purge (figuratively and/or literally)?
Maybe it's controlling something (or someone). Perhaps it’s an out-dated perspective. Releasing your grip on the things that no longer serve your growth will help you "receive" the things that do.
#2. Who or what drains you of positive energy?
Check-in with your energetic boundaries so you can gain awareness of the things in your life that are cluttering your ability to move forward and make things happen. Beware of "energy zappers." These can be people, “shoulds,” or self-limiting beliefs.
Just noticing that something "zaps' your good energy will help you begin to create boundaries around what’s most important. And remember: There’s always a graceful way to say, “No, thank you,” any time something (or someone) threatens your inner peace.
#3. What activities help you celebrate JOY, CONNECTION, and GRATITUDE?
Whether it's moving your body, connecting with those who replenish your spirit, or maintaining a hobby that boosts your inner energy reserves… as simple as it sounds, experiencing JOY, CONNECTION, and GRATITUDE will lead to "happy, healthy, and strong" from the inside out.
#4. How can you harvest more THINKING SPACE for yourself?
By letting go of an old routine, you can create space for a new practice that will fill you (rather than deplete you).
Treating yourself to time alone before bed or committing to rise an hour earlier to journal, meditate, or exercise can help you collect the best parts of yourself and replenish your internal energy reserves. Start slow and notice what happens when you make an intention to receive the unexpected.
THE GOOD NEWS: You don't need to know HOW to let go; you just need to be WILLING. And while you can't change the past, you can learn from it while you make room for something better.
A note of advice: Whatever you find hardest to release is probably what you most need to let go.
TRY THIS: Make a list of what you're holding onto, what slows you down, what riles you up, and anything that keeps you from being your best self. Then pick just ONE thing you can release or let go of right now.
Once you begin to clear out the things that drain you, you begin to free up space for the things that make you feel the most alive.
Wishing you space this holiday for both magic and miracles!
💫 Andrea
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P.S. Whenever you’re ready to take the next steps along YOUR path to a well-lived life, I’ve got a handful of resources to help -
1. What is your leading leadership energy? Every person, regardless of gender identity, possesses both feminine and masculine energies and the capacity to integrate these two sides of their wholeness.
Do you know whether you lean toward masculine OR feminine energy in your leadership roles? Take this 5-minute quiz and find out!
2. Grab my best-selling book: Name, Claim & Reframe. Learn how to align with your divine feminine ingenuity by releasing the age-old belief that the strong need to become warring Warriors. My 3-step strategy will help you gracefully navigate your path to a well-lived life (and this book is a great place to start!)
3. Join me for an upcoming Name, Claim & Reframe Salon. Like a mock-tail party for the mind, each themed salon invites you to gather and discuss new ideas to expand your thinking about self-power. These LIVE workshop events will help you practice and implement the Name, Claim & Reframe Method - one step at a time!