One of life’s biggest challenges is closing the gap between who we are and who we want to be. And how do we close that gap? By growing boldly and believing in ourselves. Sure, we all feel wobbly as we meet new obstacles and figure out what matters to us. But as we learn to trust in the wisdom we’ve earned from everything we’ve faced, steadiness comes—we just have to believe it’s real and it belongs to us. This week, Emily walks us through how she’s learned to get her beliefs inside to match her actions outside, and how that alignment helps her feel like someone she can believe in. Emily shows us that despite the voices telling us we aren’t enough, we each have the time, the resources, and the worthiness right now to build a life we love.
B-U-I-L-D a Life You Love
B: Believe in who you are and Whose you are. This is when you figure out what makes you tick and you just own it.
U: Use what you have. And let me tell you, you have more than you think. Gather all your grit, the lessons you've learned, your supporters and your tools. Leave nothing behind. It all matters.
I: Imagine the life you dream of. This is when you decide what you want to make happen and make a plan for it.
L: Love your people—and all people—well. The secret to life is simple: be a good human and contribute good things to the world.
D: Do what matters, forget the rest. This is what you hear me talk about a lot, when you clear the clutter and cultivate clarity.
Thought-Provoking Quotes
“We all grow every single day, even if we don't feel like we are.” – Emily Ley
“Wisdom, strength and confidence: these are the tools you can use to step into the arena that Teddy Roosevelt and Brené Brown talk about. That's where you move forward and do the thing even when you're scared, and even if you don't know the way forward. That's where you close the gap between who you are and who you want to be. That is where you begin to grow boldly.” – Emily Ley
“For me, growing boldly looks a lot like getting your outsides to match your insides. You make sure that the words coming out of your mouth match the ones running through your mind. It means you make sure that your actions match your beliefs.” – Emily Ley
“I just turned thirty-eight, and I feel like more than ever before, my outsides reflect my insides. And let me tell you, it feels good.” – Emily Ley
“Don't ever doubt that you have a seat at the table. You belong there even before you believe you do. You have the right and the power to build a life you love, one that is whole and meaningful and authentically yours.” – Emily Ley
A Blessing for Your Week
May you have the courage to believe in the truths of your Creator over your lies. May you remember that because of and despite your circumstances, you have the power to take that next step toward who you want to become. May you remember that you have everything you need planted deep within you by God. And may you unearth every tool for the journey without hesitation.
Simplicity Tip of the Week
If you're ever wondering who you are, sometimes it's easy to find it by remembering the things you know for sure. I keep a list on my phone of all the things I know for sure, which has definitely helped me get through some rocky moments. Things like "the sun will come up tomorrow" and "family comes first" keep me grounded in ways that make my soul feel tethered to myself. So set your phone timer for ten minutes, and tap away in your Notes app to see what kinds of things you know to be true about you, or your values, or the world you live in.
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