Permission to Dream

2018. We're ready.

Just popped into the I AM CHALLENGE to share a few of my New Year's rituals. There's something powerful about turning the page - both figuratively and literally.

I've been a dream chaser for as long as I can remember. And there's a quote that was plastered on my wall as a little girl - the same quote that's on the front page of my website:

When we follow our dreams, we discover the magic inside of ourselves. 

 It's everything.

There's magic in you too. 

And maybe that magic is buried underneath the weight of pain and struggle and proving and doing.

Or maybe there's a part of you that feels lost.

Wherever you are - your magic is still there. Inside of you.

What if you gave yourself permission to dream?

To ask - What's worth doing even if I fail?

What if you met yourself with compassion and grace - even when you don't have it all figured out?

What if you gave yourself permission to drop the protective armor - and allowed yourself to be fully seen? No more sending out a representative to live your life. No more running from the pain of judgement, blame and shame. No more shoving down the parts of you that feel broken. 

How would you live your life if you knew you could do hard things?

Here's the thing.

YOU.

The you underneath all the emotion, thoughts and actions. The you underneath all that noise. You are not broken.

You are fiercely capable.

And worthy, without conditions.

Give yourself permission to dream.

~

I think Facebook knows I've been busy working on my vision board because my news feed has been full of ads for workshops and groups and trainings. In scrolling by some of these ads, I've noticed an undercurrent that's not sitting well with me - this knock on resolutions. This idea that resolutions don't work - so why bother. That there's one right way.

There is no 'right' way to chase down dreams. 

Whatever you call them, there is POWER in writing down our intentions.

AND. In letting go of those who try to dim the light of others in order to strengthen their own.

Here are a few things I shared in my FB Live:

{Better yet - check out the live by joining us here!}

1. Ask yourself how do you want to show up this year? Pick one word that will ground you - a word that will pull you back in when you drift - and propel you toward your goals. My word for 2018 is TRUST.

2.Surround yourself with visuals. I have mantras all around my house - and create a poster board sized vision board using old magazines! My friend and soul sister, Kristen, shared a great blog on how she creates hers - so similar to mine!

3. Release all that no longer serves you. Let go of the clutter (physical + emotional) in your life  to open up space for all that you desire.

4. Funnel down your vision into small steps you can take every day. This is where a coach is SO powerful - I am a coach and do this kind of work with my clients AND I hire coaches too!! It's one of the most powerful tools in my toolbox. 

5. Lift your head and reflect. Often.

6. Be unapologetically YOU.

~

I'd love to hear from you. Do you have any traditions?

~ 

Update on The I AM CHALLENGE!! The plan was to open it for a month - inspired by Bigs and challenged by my therapist. The idea to invite others to join me came in the middle of a walk. No expectations other than to link arms with people who wanted to be seen - and heard - people who seek growth and authenticity. #rawtruth - this homework assignment was hard and I didn't want to do it alone.

MAN. I had NO idea it would have this kind of impact - on others and on me - literally carrying me through my toughest month of the year. The month of so many heart-warrior-related anniversaries. It's not that I didn't struggle. I did. It was the connection. Honesty. The REALNESS in my news feed that reminded me of all that I AM. I am not my thoughts. I am not my struggles. I am not what's happened to me. I AM ME.

I can do hard things. And so can you.

So, we are keeping the doors open. Because, we need this. And - we extend an invitation to YOU, if you're not already in this space with us. We open the door for you. To join us ~ feel free to share with those who you think might benefit - head over here.
 

~

Doors are OPEN for my Wellness Group Coaching program - to learn more and/or apply for a spot head over here. We start on January 15th!

~ 

I'm SO beyond blessed to have a January FILLED with work I love - facilitating three (!) High Performance Deep Dives with collegiate athletes - presenting at my first TEDx - facilitating my wellness group - and working with private clients. Literally living my dream!!

AND. I overestimated my ability to open the doors to The Compassion Project - an online learning community for women and men who are ready to step into their LIGHT. Content is READY. Just need to get the platform up and running!! {PS! If you know someone tech savvy who could help a sister out - send them my way!!}

FEBRUARY here we come!! It'll be worth the wait!!

~

Samantha Livingstone is an Olympic Gold Medalist, transformational speaker, high performance coach and mama of four.  She inspires and empowers others to cultivate the courage, resilience and perseverance needed to let go of perfection and other limiting beliefs so they can live their dream. Samantha candidly shares her battles with her inner critic, depression, perfection, PTSD and parenting as a working mother because she believes in the transformative power of story – and the strength that comes from knowing we are not alone. She is on a mission to pay forward all that she’s learned to help others find joy and live free.  

A mama of heart warrior and mama of twins, Samantha and her husband, Rob, live in the Berkshires with their four girls.  

You can learn more about Samantha at www.samanthalivingstone.com.