You know , you can't go anywhere in the personal development or mindfulness space these days without being promised that there is some new life hack that is going to change your life , and nine times out of ten , these miracle tips are touted as being backed by science . It's ubiquitous and , as far as I'm concerned , bordering on well disingenuous . There are no shortcuts to personal growth . There's a reason why mindfulness is referred to as a practice . Now , I'm all about science and data , but here's the thing . What happens if you try one of these so-called evidence-based , science-backed tips or tricks and it doesn't work ? What does that say about you ? How does that make you feel ? What if it works for me or other people you know , but not for you ? There may be some science around it in their studies , but you weren't in the study . I wasn't in the study . These things that are being positioned as life-changing are well if they work at all . Tools at best . Here's the thing Each and every one of us are unique . What works for one may not work for the other , and that is perfectly okay . What works for you today may not work as effectively for you tomorrow , and that , too , is perfectly all right . The only tried and true stuff is the stuff that you try and the stuff that is true for you .
Speaker 1So I have this beautiful mosaic bowl that holds a candle . It is beautifully rounded and all the tiles of the mosaic glow when the candle is lit . It used to be my mom's and when I was growing up I always admired it . She had it sitting in the bay window of our kitchen and I loved it . I just loved it so much . When I moved away from home she let me have it and it has gone literally everywhere with me . It has shone in every single place that I have lived since I left home . So if there is one consistent in my life , it is this beautiful , beautiful mosaic candle holder . I light it almost every day , usually in the early evening , and when I light it , mom is with me again after six years gone .
Speaker 1I mention this because for me , life isn't something that needs a hack . For me , the way I live , my life is all about those little pieces and how they fit together to make a beautiful , colorful mosaic . I'm not one to memorize and save . I am more of a sponge and a squeeze . It's more about synthesis for me soaking things in but not trying to hold onto them , experiencing them as they pass through me . Some elements are absorbed and those pieces stay with me , but they become assembled in new ways . My life is the sum of many different and beautiful shards , some rich with color , some perfectly clear , some smooth and polished , others sharp and rough . But all these pieces make me who I am today , and I will change and evolve as I add new pieces to my mosaic . For that I don't need a hack . I simply need to be open to experience all that life has to offer .
Speaker 1So this big idea that there is one magical elixir or habit that is going to start a domino effect of changing our lives quite frankly is a fallacy . Not because it won't work . It might work , but it's not the only thing that's going to make the difference and it certainly is not the thing that is going to change your life . You are the one who is going to make the difference . You are the only one who is going to create change in your life . Take life as it comes , Receive and acknowledge what you've got in each moment , Put it together and see what beauty you can create right then and there .
Speaker 1Even when things are messy , even when things are confusing , especially when things are hard . You know , there's an interesting thing about my mosaic bowl Since the candle is too fresh and new or too strong and big , it doesn't glow very well . It clothes best and lights up all the pieces when the candle light is low , when the candle is closer to the wick , closer to the core . So take a moment to recognize all the beautiful pieces that have become you , Embrace where you are right now and draw from what you have and build from there . Bring the light in different parts of your candle , Continue to piece it together and something new and beautiful will be formed from little pieces you are collecting and those that are within you already .
Speaker 1Take your time , my friends . I do not have a quick hack for you . If you want to look in the morning in the mirror at yourself and say you go girl , then say it . But if you don't , you're not missing out on some secret elixir for life success . You really aren't . You really aren't . Create your own , Change it up , Make and populate your toolkit All the little colorful pieces fitting beautifully together to form who you are in this moment . Depending on what height your candle is burning , it's up to you . You always burn brightly to me . My friends , I am Lisa Hopkins . Stay safe and healthy . Thank you so much for listening and remember to live in the moment .