These same tips helped me cope w/ pollen season this past month, too! It really knocks me sideways.

See if this feels familiar. You want to grow faster, feel better, and stop falling into the same habit loops. But change shows up in microscopic ways, so it feels like nothing is happening.

Believe me, I know how frustrating, and even worrisome, that is. But I think we feel that way because we’re misunderstanding the nature of future selfing.

We lightworkers hold the vision of a spiritual “it” girl. But becoming your future self is always about remembering who you already are. Also, when you begin to make changes, your body and nervous system are going to need time to catch up.

Future selfing works best when it feels more like remembering, than changing.

Keep going when your future self feels far away

Your first job is just to stay with it.

And when life goes sideways mid-shift, or change is not like your favorite movie montage, it doesn’t mean you failed. Illness, grief, anxiety, exhaustion, and resistance can really interrupt the flow.

But keep going. Your future self is still waiting to connect with you, even in the fog.

Because here’s the thing...

Your nervous system learns when you keep doing the same thing again and again and the sky doesn’t fall, not by pulling out all the stops. (my hardest lesson, for real). Which means the small things count more than you would think.

But bit by bit, your body starts to trust the path you're walking.

Choose a future self who is only a few steps ahead

Picture a you who still feels like you but is a few steps farther along the path than you are today. You’ll notice how much easier it is for your body to move toward that version without panic.

I mean, let’s just admit that we want to become someone else overnight. We’ve seen it happen in commercials, in movies and in highlight reels on social media.

But in real life, those are the kinds of changes that usually won’t stick.

Stay faithful to your spiritual practice when you hit resistance

Don't break up with your practice because things get difficult or feel vulnerable.

Real spirituality often looks grounded and embodied, without the satisfaction of fireworks, bells and whistles. It’s tea in your hands as you visualize your future self. Or the scent of a candle on the counter, reminding you to pause for moments of delight.

Those small rituals can help you feel held, while you’re waiting for change.

Make your practice easy to return to

Keep your ritual so simple that you can do it even if you're tired.

1. Make a cup of tea and hold the warmth for one full breath.
2. Breathe slower than your thoughts for a minute.
3. Think, "Dear future self, what do I need today?" and let her answer.

In fact, let’s take a moment right now to ask this question - what’s one thing I could do that would make me feel like my future self today?

For me, that might be visualizing the rest of my peaceful day. Or making time for what I call a reading rest, with a good book, a comfy blanket and a candle that smells yummy.

What would the “few steps ahead” version of you do today?

See you next time!

Love, Jeanine