Are you available?—Quick Sunday Read

An inkling to tickle your thoughts and your words

I was going to be seeing some people I hadn’t seen in a while, a couple of them with whom I shared some history. Enough so that I had some angst about seeing them. Enough so that I started rehearsing dialog in my head days before, playing out various scenarios—some good, some not so good—and rummaging in my closet to decide what to wear so that I looked more at ease than I felt.

Ever been there? Sometimes it can take over and become another character in the room, the character that plays out the scenarios that stop you from being present with what’s happening in the moment. Stops you from being you.

At a women’s retreat the week before, I was part of a discussion where we tapped into a notion that flipped a switch for all of us.

The idea of being Available.

Certainly, it's not a new word, but this way of thinking about it was putting on a new suit from the inside out.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.

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A Quick Word - Words have power. Use them well.

This week's word: Available

To get to that aha moment, as a group we acknowledged where in our lives each of us was not there—not available—where things felt stuck or stagnant or scary. Where we stopped ourselves from moving forward, from having a tough discussion, or from asking for what we want/need.

Where we instead showed up halfway for fear of not knowing, or where we edited ourselves down to being a fraction of who we are because of wanting to avoid conflict.

Where we were trying to control the situation so much that we put others off and eventually lost control in a bigger way.

So we asked:

What’s a shift that will change who we are in those circumstances?

It’s more than being authentic, although that’s vital too. It’s more than being present. It’s more than being open.

It’s being Available.

Available. What an open word.

It's an adjective that means "present or ready for immediate use." Or “free and able to do something at a particular time.”

Accessible. Acquirable. Attainable. Obtainable.

Being Available means being actively present and open.

That unlocked the gateway. Or rather, blasted it wide open!

"Be available for life to happen.”— Bill Murray

Then, we gave it voice, which birthed a mantra that can carry you boldly into any situation. It calms and revs your energy at the time. It centers you, gives you confidence, and allows your heart to lead the way.

Being mindfully available is a starter, not a stopper. And, it’s simple.

As an exercise, follow “I’m available” with whatever you’re about to do, or what you desire to make happen.

I’m available for this meeting.

I’m available for this discussion.

I’m available for my next, better job. I’m available for this interview.

I’m available for, to, and in this relationship.

I’m available for this phone call.

I’m available for this date.

I’m available for my body to be healthy.

I’m available for and to my best life.

Try it! I’m available…

It’s even more powerful when you incorporate it into conversation.

“I'm available to help create the best solution for all of us."

Taking ownership of your availability is incredibly empowering.

Being in a state and mindset of availability allows you to show up.

It can be a baby step toward fulfilling a big goal, or toward conquering a fear. Just be available for the baby step, and just the baby step. Then, the next step and the next. And, when the big opportunity presents itself, you’re ready and AVAILABLE!

Being available—and stating that you're available—helps to release expectations and false foregone conclusions.

Being available means being undefended, knowing there's nothing you have to defend. Being defensive or defended closes off your availability. You're available and that's enough.

Consistently being available makes what seemed impossible much more possible. It removes the chains that have held you back from all that is possible for you.

Thus begins a new way of thinking, of showing up for ourselves and to the world.

Take a few moments this week to ponder and speak your availability out loud. I’m available…

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Journal Prompt

Prompt: What does being available mean to you? How can you show up and be more available?

Want to go deeper into your life? Consider embarking on a journaling quest:

The Art of Journaling to Transform Your Life & Live Your Purpose

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A Quick Share

Here are a few more things worth sharing this week:

• A quote I’m pondering this week: “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Brené Brown

• In case you missed my last essay, it was published without the option to comment, share, or restack. There was a glitch. So here it is corrected if you want to read it and react. :)

• Michael Estrin is always an interesting read:

  I'm forty-seven (I think)

• Last night, I made this antipasto salad for my wine group—The Winers. Easy to prepare and delish. Click on pic for the link to the recipe:

  

• I was compelled to share this message I received while in deep journaling mode this week. Click on my Note below and let me know if it resonates with you

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A creative journey starts with one step.

What do you want to create?

Perhaps a Creative Jam Session is the key to opening the portal to your highest imagination.

Now's the time for your Projects, Passion, and Purpose™! Book a year of creativity with me and you'll be amazed at what you accomplish.

You can also bring me on as a writer. Need help with a story, treatment, screenplay, bio, website, outline, newsletter, or profile? I’m your ghost. :)

Email me to chat about it. cindy@cindyyantis.com.

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I hope you have a great week filled with being available. And, kindness.

Keep creating, abundantly,

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