Stop Becoming and Start Living

Stop Becoming and Start Living

A new word entered into my world - Eudaimonia - It is an ancient Greek word that translates to "human flourishing," "living well," or achieving the highest good in life. The word origin:

• Eu: Means "good" or "well".
• Daimon: Means "spirit" or "divine power".
• Literal meaning: Having a good guardian spirit or living in a blessed state. 

It’s core concepts in philosophy

• Aristotle's View: The Greek philosopher taught that eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of human existence. It comes from using our unique human ability—reason—and acting with moral virtue.
• Lifelong Practice: It is not a quick emotion or sudden joy. It is a lifelong habit of good character, wisdom, and right action.

I was exposed to this word through the explanation that ‘Gen Z’ holds this as a primary focus in their lives, that self-agency and self determination is a key value for them and how they measure success.

This started a journey of deep reflection for me. I loved this. Had I quantified, qualified my life in these terms. No, the messaging for me was all about - What can you achieve in your life? This new positioning presented an opportunity to explore what personal growth looks like in my world and it’s building a fulfilling and strong relationship with self. It codified what I was doing and why. I asked myself the following questions:

• How have I changed since the beginning of the year?
• What inner and outer wins deserve to be acknowledged?
  And finally,
• Where am I already living as my future self, the new me I desire?

I began to journal and wow, what a year so far, it still amazes me that in my 59 years on this earth I keep forgetting that growth takes time and when you are in the thick of it, sitting in the uncomfortableness of changes, releasing fears, beliefs and patterns that have been engrained a lifetime, if not more, whilst holding space for the new to enter requires patience, with self, the universe and all that is.  Holding space for you to simply be present in the moment and allow whatever feelings are rising to be, acknowledging, thanking and letting go to move forward into expansion. Whilst in the midst of it, it feels slow, overwhelming and never ending, But, when reflecting back, oh how much has shifted moved and changed for the better.

At the beginning of the year my relationship with self and universe was one of trepidation, I didn’t fully trust myself or the universe that I deserved all that I desired. The reminisce of coming from a place founded in lack, not good enough, needing to work harder to reach my goals, shaped my perception and story of how I saw my life. The nagging beliefs of ‘I am not worthy’ were playing out and yet through this all I managed to intuitively, subtly and boldly make changes that would build my resilience and self-agency.

One small daily micro-change I made was my commitment to ask  for what I wanted versus remaining silent, harbouring resentment and validating my belief that I was not worthy. By simply speaking out loud my true desires, not being attached to any outcome, as my single goal was to speak my truth, that was the win! It didn’t matter what happened. But here is the gold, I did get what I want. I got the promotion I asked for, I got the recognition I deserved in my work and I am filled with joy and gratitude to myself and the universe. 

One big win, for years I had wanted to go to Peru and experience a connection with this land and people, but I had been so fearful, it had stopped me. No more, I chose to act on my desires and manifested an experience of monumental joy, growth and love.

I realise, already in this year to date  I have been building my trust with self and the universe by simply taking small steps to make changes which are massively compounding in my daily life, and I love myself for it. How is this compounding in my life? My stress loops are being minimised, I am re-writing my story, moment to moment, from one of lack, where I need to fight for what I want in life to one of where I am grateful. I see magic and abundance, even in the challenges, because my perception of life and myself has shifted.

I am now finding myself in the season of self-celebration, harvesting the fruits of my constant choice so far this year  for doing the ‘Inner Work’, allowing space to be still, listen to my inner self and take action, small or large.

Taking time to reflect on your journey and relationship with self and how you are navigating the world is critically important.  You can pause to see how you have progressed on your life’s map and strengthen yourself to boldly continue forward.

Don’t rush past your growth, it is a beautiful journey, deserving your focus. You honour it, for you are sacred. Spend some time with yourself, embody the new you now - Stop becoming and start living.

Kim xxx