weekly: will progress make us happy?
Have you considered that not all progress is created equal?
In a world that runs on ego, progress looks like getting a promotion, making money, and getting “more”.
Nothing else counts until we reach those markers.
Will this kind of "progress" make us happy, though?
Is there a kind we can value more that benefits the Spirit instead?
This question dawned on me as I simplified my daughter’s toy collection.
An act that I realized was a different kind of progress.
One toward a more aligned and peaceful life.
Progress that felt more valuable and meaningful than any other.
We don't need more
In Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne said children’s creativity, curiosity, and motivation are intrinsic.
They don’t need more toys to “get” more of it.
They're already there in abundance.
If anything, more toys hinder creativity and curiosity.
And represent the subconscious manipulation of marketing and commercialism.
Something I became influenced by growing up.
Kids with too many choices don’t see the value in any one thing.
And become perpetually dissatisfied.
Do we, as adults, have too many “toys” and choices hindering us?
Is there a way to strip down our influences and return to ourselves?
Making space is faith
There's something to be said about making space.
Whether in a closet.
An email list.
Or friendships.
It says we don't have to know what's next to do what's best for us.
It releases what was never ours to begin with.
Making way for what is.
Meaningful progress
This is the kind of progress that feels meaningful.
The kind that brings us one step closer to ourselves.
For so long, I subconsciously believed I needed what the world said I did.
But how could it know what my soul needs?
It felt great to redefine what progress meant in that moment.
Viewing progress from an intrinsic spiritual perspective takes time.
Spurts of awareness.
And kind, daily realignment.
Then, we'll get to a point where we naturally value what our inner self values over anything else.
I know this process takes time, but I'm here for it and excited to see it unfold.
Good Listen
5 Ways Journaling Can Help You be More Calm, Mindful, and Resilient
Looking for a better way to track and celebrate your progress? Look or listen no further than this blog and podcast episodes.
Journaling has been part of my morning routine for most of my life.
It's helped me process and understand thoughts and feelings, affirm better thoughts, and stay connected to my goals.
I hope this helps you feel inspired to start your journaling practice. It’s truly life-changing!
Good Thinking
I am kind to myself.
I focus on where I’ve come from.
Not how far I have to go.
Good Action
List at least five wins from the last 90 days.
You can write this in bullet point format on your phone or in a journal.
Often, we feel behind because we don't record what we do every day.
It's a lot more than you think!
Good Question
Move up the ladder to higher vibrations by writing at the top of a blank page and see what flows from your pen (no judgment or editing!):
What kind of progress would feel meaningful to me?
Good Book
Energy Type: Masculine
This is a repeat share but with the end of the year nearing it's worth revisiting.
If you're the kind of person who needs to understand the 'why' behind something before doing it this is the book for you 😆.
When it comes to improving our habits Atomic Habits by James Clear satiates that need and leaves you feeling empowered.
Not only does Clear explain how habits work and why we have bad ones. But he also gives easy tips for creating new ones. Like tacking a new habit onto one that already exists.
Our lives are literally a composition of the small actions we do every day. We can automate the results we want by being intentional with our habits. If you haven't read this yet it's a must!
Sparks of Joy
Greeting card organizer: After years of wanting a greeting card organizer, I finally got one! See it in the picture above. Stationery and cards bring me joy, and I can't wait to grow my collection.
Harry Potter: I'm currently re-watching all the movies snuggled under a cozy blanket with my favorite snacks.
Long walks: After showing my brother Central Park and walking for almost two hours, my body and brain felt incredible.
Resting: Feeling grateful I can rest for a day after a quick outpatient procedure at the doctor's office.
Extra Goodies
Good Read: To no applause. How singer Kimbra reclaimed her joy performing. (Substack)
Good Quote: A reminder from James Clear how important relationship with self is:
"Your relationships will rarely be healthier than your self-esteem.
If the time you spend alone is already enjoyable to some degree—that is, if you have a healthy internal monologue and generally feel good about yourself—then you will have a fairly high bar for the type of relationships you'll enter.
But if you're unhappy with yourself, then you are more likely to put up with bad relationships because they may occasionally make you feel better than you do alone.
If you want a great relationship, the first thing you want is to be comfortable with yourself."
Good Thinking: The sterile world of infinite choice.
Good Prompts: 15 writing prompts about self-love on The Good Space.
Love this?
Subscribe to our morning mail for bite-size motivation sent to your inbox that inspires you in five minutes or less. ✨
Other ways you can support The Good Space:
Consider a monthly donation. For $5 a month, you'll get extra perks and help our small team continue to deliver original, inspiring content.
Buy our signature dad hat. Or cloud comfy sweatshirt. The perfect complement to your morning routine or workouts.
Buy my ebook. For the entrepreneur and remote worker who wants to run their business and time with clarity and confidence.
Some of the links shared give us a small commission. Purchasing through affiliate links helps fund The Good Space at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
