"But with the micro-tears of muscle fibers, new growth can be cut off by Friendfeed's character limit" - Amit Patel

+5 Amit - Spidra Webster

...occur. With the strain of exercise comes increased strength and stamina. I've had the workout of my life in 2012; in mind, body, and spirit. I've overcome challenges that another version of me would have shirked. I am confronting my fears, but not in an aggressive way. (Admittedly, that is what a lesser evolved me would have thought to do.) I've learned to face my fears head on with love, acceptance, and gratitude. I did things I never thought I could do. I shook hands and made friends with the negative characters in my head. I mentally sat still and politely listened to their voices, especially the ones that bellowed that I was not good enough. Finding the courage to just smile, nod, and reply, "Yes, I hear you. Please tell me more." Just accepting it all for what it is: Mere voices in my head. Realizing that they are separate from my true self, I say, "Thank you for sharing with me," and go about my day. I've discovered a kind of release that I've never experienced before. To acknowledge all the parts of myself, especially the not so positive ones, has helped me alter my narrative towards the positive. This has precipitated a change in my outlook. If I really do want to see a change in the world, I really have to embody that change. I want people to be more grateful and loving. What does that look like? How does that feel? Like an actor researching her role for a play, I immersed myself in what I want to see in the world. Every morning, the first thing I did was to think of just one thing for which I am thankful. I don't even have to come up with anything brilliant. Most days, I am grateful that the sun is shining. But the practice of gratitude has really shifted my consciousness. Distractions and slight inconveniences became opportunities to learn a little bit more about myself and grow. They served as reminders for me to pause and take a breath. I can hold my reactions in the palm of my hand and simply observe them. For instance, I am stuck in traffic and I am already late for an appointment. I pause and notice the rise in my blood pressure, the quickening of my heartbeat, that sinking feeling in my stomach. I see it from within and think to myself, "This, too." I often catch myself before I label it as either good or bad. I just see it for what it is: My body's reactions to the current situation. It is a reminder that I am a living, breathing human being. For that, I am grateful. With a sense of gratitude, I became more accepting of who I am, which led to being accepting of others. Once I became accepting of others, I began to see and appreciate the many gifts they possessed. I am able to look past their flaws and see their true selves. For example, someone leaves a cranky comment on my post. Instead of responding in kind, I see that they are just trying to reach out and didn't know any other way to do it. I recognize that they just wanted to share a part of themselves. We are all just humans trying to connect with each other. "Yes and thank you" has been the most powerful words I have ever learned to say with genuine enthusiasm to people and especially to life. It was such unknown territory for me. It still is. Generally, the unknown frightens me immensely, but with a grateful attitude, I can face the unknown with love and acceptance, instead of fear. On this, the last day of 2012, I say "yes and thank you" to everything that transpired. What has happened happened and cannot happen any other way. I regret nothing. As I look forward to 2013, I remain ever more grateful and open to what is in store for me. I have a feeling that it is going to be another year rife with perfect moments of growth, learning, living, and loving. Namaste. - April Buchheit

Forgot about the character limit. Thanks, Amit! - April Buchheit

I want to like this again. - Bruce Lewis