Here is a little "exceptional living" nudge that I have been giving myself lately that I thought I would share with you ...

We perhaps all have situations in our lives when the words, I can't rule the day. There may be a true, insurmountable obstacle or a perceived barrier that fuels the I can't. Either way, what an energy drain!

I recently found myself bumping up against a lot of I can'ts as they relate to some physical challenges I've been maneuvering. Here are a few ...

I can't go hike ... I can't play tennis ... I can't work out and move my body in the way I want ... I can't ...

Though this all seems a temporary state I am in as I explore healing an injured hip, it has forced me to reevaluate and regroup.

Here is what I know to be true:

When I focus on what I can't do, I land in a negative space, I have less ability to see through to clear air, am less resourceful, and I'm way less fun.

But, but, but my lower-self wants to say, "I can't and it's not fair."

Here is the deal and here is what else I know to be true:

I get to choose whether to focus on what I can't do these days OR to focus on what I can. Clear and simple, my choice.

While I can’t do a regular workout, I can explore new ways to move my body and let my hip lead the way.

While I can’t play tennis, I can do upper body strengthening so that when I am back on the court I’ll be in top shape.

While I can’t hike my favorite NC trails this fall, I can enjoy the outdoors in new ways. (the photo is yesterday's picnic spot!)

And … I can use this time while I am not out and about to write more, express more gratitude, help another out, tend to a loving home environment, explore facets of healing I never knew existed, and so much more.

Honestly, I bumped around awhile in an I can’t dialogue before I realized what was happening and who I was being. It took patience, some self-love, looking to others for inspiration, and settling into the best part of me to get back on an I can track.

I encourage you to notice, next time you hear yourself say I can’t, how that can pull you down and to actively look for the nearest I can!