Remember when you woke up filled with enthusiasm, eager to begin your day, savoring each vibrant moment? How long has it been since you felt vital in that way? If a photo were taken of you at this moment, would you smile for the camera or look nervous and serious, uncomfortable that the picture is being taken?
We need to recapture the Kodak moments of our lives which express our innate capacity for fun and laughter. Our fears, problems, losses and disappointments have hurled obstacles in the way of personal happiness. We need to clear the path, prune the trees and wash the windows to let joy shine into our interior.
Along the way we were taught so many “protective” strategies: don’t talk to strangers, don’t go to unknown places, don’t express yourself fully or reveal personal, vital information… No wonder many of us have a hard time opening ourselves up to new friends, trying new things or saying what’s on our minds. All of these protective walls have limited our potential for joy and uninhibited fun.
This requires that we tap into our original identity – all that we once were before we became spouses, parents and professionals. We need to get reacquainted with ourselves on a first name basis. We need to soften the hard, outer shell we have placed over our hearts, the scar tissue, that prevents us from having compassion for ourselves and for others, fearful that we might be hurt.
Here’s how to remove those barriers and reclaim your sense of fun:
Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, and a personal trainer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB 1240AM in New York City , produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit: www.turnonyourinnerlight.com