Episode #59: Betsy By Herself on The Power of Self-Acknowledgement & Gratitude

'Tis the season of joy, giving and reflecting on the year that has been. In this solo episode of the Discomfort Practice, I share my insights on gratefulness and self-care. Since my podcasting journey began, I have realized that interviewing people isn't as difficult as I had thought it would be. In fact, it comes quite easily to me and is a joy. But on the other hand, recording solo episodes has been a stretch for me - my own 'discomfort practice.' Why would anyone want to listen to me waffle on for 10 minutes or more? I've found the best way for me to spot the things that are meant to be part of my discomfort practice is to pause and see what's scaring me. What gives me a little quiver in my guts. THAT'S usually where the juicy stuff lies. The stuff I need to spend time with and get to know better. The things that scare me most are usually the things that I need to step toward. Which brings me to the power of reflection. A lot of my guests are experts in this, and that's no accident. It's so easy to blame lack of time as the reason for not taking time to pause, to reflect, to contemplate what we've done. And now, as we launch into a new year, is a great time to do that. Otherwise, it's so easy to simply focus on the weight of our perceived failures, without the balance of also celebrating our achievements. In this solo, I take you through an exercise to pause, breathe and reflect. This is something you can do any time, anywhere to take a few deep breaths, drop in and then write down what comes up for you. List at least 10 of your achievements, take a moment to be grateful, and maybe also address the areas where perhaps you've fallen short on something. Read the list out loud to remind yourself of what you've accomplished even at the most trying times of the pandemic. Let your body feel the release of happy hormones and a sense of joy. Failures and self-sabotage might be unpleasant, but they also stretch and shape us into better humans, if we're conscious of them. If you are also a busy person, raise your hand. Decide with me to still take time to pause, breathe, drop into your own senses and reflect. Enjoy this episode and the time I would like to gift you to reflect and recognize yourself. Key Points: Trying something new (00:27) Record videos to observe self for the better self (00:45) Accelerator Tuesdays with Female Solopreneurs (04:00) Excuses for not reflecting for reviewing (06:10) Art of being grateful (07:04) Scribble your thoughts, all of them. The answers to your questions are there (11:07) Recognize discomfort for self-development (19:09) Connect with Betsy Reed: Betsy on Instagram Betsy on Twitter Betsy on Linkedin Betsy's Website Resources Mentioned: Red Clematis Coaching Services Ltd Rate, Review, Learn and Share Thanks for tuning into The Discomfort Practice! If you enjoyed this episode, please drop us a five star and written review, follow and share how it has benefited you. Don't forget to tune into our other episodes and share your favorite ones on social media!