From the Rooftops

A rooftop is a place of immersion. From the rooftop, you can look across the horizon; on a rooftop, you're well above your normal standing point, and you can see everything from a different perspective; from a rooftop, you are one with the sky, and yet grounded. The stars are just overhead, and the future surrounds. When you climb to the rooftop, you can just think a little more clearly, and see a little more precisely... I've recently had some rooftop revelations, and I'm more than happy to share....

Have you ever heard of the concept: you get what you put in? I'm finding this statement to be more true than ever.

In recent months, I've come across many people who I consider 'naysayers'. A Naysayer, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is one who 'denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something'. Frankly, these are people I tend to avoid, and more than ever I'm ready to break free from the negative and fly towards the positive.

Along with the naysayers, I've also been troubled by those who can 'talk the talk' but who never 'walk the walk'. I like commitment, and I myself am carving it in stone right now, 'do it, or regret it'.

So what does this all have to do rooftop revelations? Good question! Today, I plan to teach you a simple trick; I will warn you though, it takes years to master, and countless times of trial to perfect. I don't consider myself to be the best at it, but I know it works. How? Well, it opens your eyes and allows you to see from that rooftop perspective.

The next time you are faced with a difficult thought, or you are stuck in between knowing the results of something that means a lot to you, you have to shout positive affirmations. Now, I don't mean that you have to physically shout things - that might just be a little too 'cray' for your friends and family. You just have to shout it into your own head.

One particular trial in my life where I truly began to master the art of rooftop shouting was in my weight loss journey. I still look back on old photos, and say, wow.... wow... I see pain in those old photos. I see excuses. I see pain I was bottling in. I had accepted that I was at my best and I had settled for it. It was really a sad time for me because I was stuffing so many emotions in. My anxiety had overrun my life, and I compensated for it with sweets.

The first step was for me to get FED UP. I was tired of feeling sluggish and tired, so I made a promise, and I shouted at myself. Then, as soon as I made changes, I had to keep shouting at myself - 'NO' to the brownie, 'NO' to the second helping, and 'YES' to discovering inner beauty and inner strength. 'YES' to the 8 minute mile, 'YES' to the 10lb dumbbells, and 'YES' to the extra 20 minutes on the treadmill. Although there were so many 'No's' there were soooo many more 'YES's'!

YES is such a wonderful compensation. It's the best word- the gold star you're hoping for- the A+ on your paper- and the affirmation you need to KEEP GOING. The same tactic works in so many other parts of life.

When you feel like you're stuck, even with a simple task and you feel overwhelmed, say YES and make a plan to tackle it - head on. DREAM BIG - there's nothing that can stand in your way.

Let's say you're a new grad and you're feeling overwhelmed with the job search... Believe in YOURSELF - you are the best and most talented person in your industry and you're determined to get the job of your dreams - if you truly SHOUT IT to yourself, you will! You'll nail that interview, and you will get that job, and you will MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Let's say you're even struggling with a day full of chores. Instead of drowning into thinking 'I'll NEVER get this ALL DONE' think 'YES- a CHALLENGE'. Make a plan and GET IT! The day is yours - seize it and SHOUT IT.

It's fun once you discover the power of self affirmation. Yes, it takes years and countless trials to master, but it's so much more fun to live life in the YES - so go ahead and SHOUT IT!