So today let's talk about openness.
How often do we enter the day already clenching,
Bracing for stress.
We wake up anticipating the worst.
We don't want to roll out of bed and go to work.
Trying to control every outcome.
It's natural.
We want to feel happy.
But sometimes that protective armor ends up keeping us from fully experiencing life.
And openness doesn't mean that we have to like everything that happens.
It just means being willing to meet whatever arises without shutting down or turning away.
So let's try this.
Take a deep breath and let it go.
See if you can just soften a little.
And when something unexpected shows up,
A delay,
A difficult emotion,
Or maybe something positive like a surprise compliment.
Just see if you can simply say,
Okay,
This too.
Not with resignation,
But with curiosity.
Like you're watching a story unfold and you don't quite know the ending yet.
There's a quiet strength in that kind of openness.
A flexibility that allows us to respond rather than to react.
It's like Pema Chodron once said,
Let difficulty transform you.
And it will.
In my experience,
We just need help in learning how not to run away.
And that's a reminder that openness is not a weakness.
It's actually a very powerful way to meet the moment.
So today,
As you move through your day,
See if you can check in with yourself.
Are you open to what's here?
Even if it's uncomfortable.
Even if it's beautiful.
Let that question be your guide.
Thank you so much for joining me.
