What are you tolerating?

The word is so frequently used that it's easy to forget what it actually means. So first, let's get clear on the definition of 'tolerate': allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.

Not so nice, right?

We all tolerate any number of circumstances, people, jobs, relationships, etc. without thinking much about it. Over time, we just become numb to the effects of all of the 'putting-up-with' that we do on a daily basis. Worse yet, we tell ourselves that it's just life. That there's no way to not deal with such things and the best you can hope for is to numb yourself to the processing of all that you'd rather not accept. And to some extent, there is truth to this. 

We live in a world of contrast, where it's unreasonable to expect that everything will be 'sunshine and roses' all of the time! And, it's a guarantee that you'll have to deal with someone (or someones) who gets on your last nerve.

But, what are YOU personally permitting that is keeping you from living a fulfilled and joyous life? Are you bored? Apathetic? Restless? Going to a job that you're not crazy about, on a schedule that is sucking the life out of you? Stuck in a pattern of giving too much and not receiving in return? Do you make time to care for yourself, eat right, get some exercise, read a book?

Does this list of questions overwhelm you? If so, it's OK. Take a deep breath. Taking the first step toward an empowered life begins with getting clear on what you're tolerating. The list might be ugly, but you can't change what you refuse to confront. Step 1: Get clear on what you're putting up with that is sucking the life out of you.

As painful as it might be, you can't begin to design a life that lights you up unless you are aware of what doesn't light you up. It can be hard to go straight to your desired feelings when you're surrounded by so much that is not awesome! A simpler place to start is to catalog what's going on that you're not crazy about so you can go about identifying what feels good to you.

You are here to live a joyous and fulfilled life. Get started!