Living Wholeheartedly

To me, abundant living is wholehearted living. Some of the words to describe living wholeheartedly are enthusiastically, graciously, and warmly. But my favorite is authentically. I like to think that defines me…now.

Brenѐ Brown wrote a whole book about this, but I’d already decided to make living this way a priority by the time I read her book. My purposeful decision was the result of feeling like I had put my “real” self on hold for most of my life. Which meant downplaying who I am and minimizing my gifts, my personality, and my desires.

When I came out of that oppressing cave, I chose to begin living life with gusto!

These days women are being encouraged to set boundaries and say “no” more in order to allow ourselves the things we need— time, rest, healing. And I’m all for that. Boundaries are necessary to prevent burnout and being taken advantage of.

However, I want to encourage you to also say “yes” more—to those things you long to do, to fun, to new adventures, to LIFE!

If you are offered an opportunity, instead of automatically turning it down, ask more about it. Take some time to consider how it would affect you.

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.

~Oscar Wilde

Maybe this opportunity would:

• Improve your life

• Fulfill a purpose in you

• Bring some fun into your life

There is always the possibility that when you do something new you will feel like you were “made for it”. You will feel fulfilled and “glow-y” inside, like I do when I am speaking to a group and they are in tune with what I’m saying.

We often need to be stretched (outside of our comfort zone) to learn something new about ourselves. I absolutely do not like roller coasters, but when I bungee jumped from the tall arch at Six Flags Over Texas and became a pendulum swinging high over the park, I felt exhilarated! Who knew I would LOVE it, and want to do it again (and again)? I’m so glad I said “yes”.

Abundant living means living with eyes open, heart wide open, and embracing what comes with curiosity and wonder. It means grabbing hold with both hands and hanging on for the journey of your life.

If you are ready to grab hold, Brenѐ has an inventory you can take to see how much gusto (or wholeheartedness) you have.

brenebrown.com/ wholeheartedinventory

As a side note, I took the inventory after I wrote this article, and even though I still have improvements to make, I’m pleased with the growth I see in myself.

Mimi Matthews is in the “encouragement business” as the owner of Empowordment Cards by Mimi, which features greeting cards that inspire and encourage. She is also a speaker, workshop leader, writer, and our editor. Visit her shop at www.etsy.com/shop/ EmPOWordmentCards, her blog at www.particularpassions.me.