Sunday Thinking

"Gratitude taught me to love something I cannot change."

January 28, 2024

The weekly Sunday Thinking newsletter is quick-hit content that aims to provide a booster shot to your thought process as you end and start your week.

"We get caught up in the timing of things, wanting our desires to manifest right when the thoughts pop into our heads, but life doesn't work like that. Things happen when they are meant to, at the exact time you are ready to receive them, and not a moment sooner. But you should not worry, because nature operates in the exact same way. Flowers take their time, and when they bloom, we don't compare their blooming to that of others. We simply admire them and appreciate them and the journey it took to grow from a bud into something more. So, why not offer yourself that same kindness? You bloom when you are meant to, in your own timing, your growth journey specific to your own unique set of life circumstances. Don't bring yourself down comparing your path to another's. Fall in love with the growth, with the process, and enjoy the unfurling of your own unique blooming."

― Trisha Srigiriraju, Art of Breathing

I. Confident Humility

With humility, neither praise nor disgrace can touch you. Humility is such an underrated but powerful thing for leaders.

Humility is so important because it can bleed over into several aspects of life.
When you have humility, you always believe there is a better way to do what you are doing ― no matter how much success you've had. No matter how much greatness you've had.

When you have a level of humility about what you are involved in, what you are connected to, and what you are doing ― you always show up with the mindset and the perspective that I can do what I am doing better and that I can be better.

Source: Inky Johnson, Serendipity Podcast

II. The Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant on asking a ton of questions:

I was curious. I wanted to improve, learn, and fill my head with the history of the game. No matter who I was with—a coach, hall of famer, teammate—and no matter the situation—game, practice, vacation—I would fire away with question after question.

A lot of people appreciated my curiosity and passion. They appreciated that I wasn’t just asking to ask, I was genuinely thirsty to hear their answers and glean new information.
Some people, meanwhile, were less understanding and gracious. That was fine with me. My approach always was that I’d rather risk embarrassment now than be embarrassed later.

"The Mamba Mentality mindset isn’t about seeking a result—it’s more about the process of getting to that result. It’s about the journey and the approach. It’s a way of life. I do think that it’s important, in all endeavors, to have that mentality."

Source: Kobe Bryant, The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

III. What the World Needs

Gentle reminders for us to carry into the upcoming week and new month:

It's time to enter the era of your life where you value inner peace over popularity.
When someone falls in love with someone's flowers instead of their roots, they won't know what to do when autumn comes.
The world doesn't need your perfection. It needs your authenticity.
You are the success story. You choose to be the person that proves magic exists.
The next chapter of my life is called freedom: financially, emotionally, and energetically.

Source: Lauren Eliz, Lauren of Love

IV. Question

What if you just stopped chasing...things, people, feelings? And what if you just let things happen on their own...when they are supposed to?

V. This Week, I Will

Get clear about what I want.
Seek out growth opportunities.
Remember, flowers take time to bloom.
Show up for myself like I show up for everybody else.
Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.

The Last Words…

"It takes immense courage to rise up over and over again when giving up feels like an easier choice. It takes immense patience to learn to live again after almost drowning in trauma. It takes immense power to not let anyone or anything turn you cold and bitter. And I don't think people get enough credit for that. Even through the massive pain, they are the kindest people you will ever meet, and they love unconditionally. And don't assume them to be weak. They are not. They are the living examples of what strength looks like. And if you're that someone, I see you. And I am proud of you."

― Aysha, Soft Healing Growth