“Becoming is better than being.” — Carol S. Dweck
(Author of Mindset, originator of the growth mindset concept.)

1: START YOUR DAY WITH A SMILE

We are continually going through metamorphosis and it all starts with the growth mindset…just like the butterfly starts off as an egg. What will your day hold? What will your mindset be? Life can be really challenging and there’s a lot going on in the world right now! But to get through it, we need to maintain a growth mindset. Sometimes we have to go through hard times to learn and grow and expand. There are some mornings you don’t feel like getting out of bed, but if you force a smile, your brain doesn’t know the difference! Whether it’s a real smile or a fake smile, your body starts to create chemicals in your bodies that can cause more happiness in our day and make your day better. So, SMILE away!

2: CATCH HAPPINESS®

The next stage of our growth mindset metamorphosis is the Caterpillar stage and catching happiness. You can imagine a caterpillar crawling along leaves, getting strong and happy, in preparation for its next phase of transformation. What’s one thing that brings you happiness in your day? Maybe it’s as simple as a cup of coffee or listening to your favorite song. Have a little dance party or sing in the shower. Nurture your growth mindset by going for a walk outside and take in the amazing-ness of this beautiful planet. Whatever it is, go and do one simple thing that brings you joy and experience more happiness.

3: BE MINDFUL

The next stage of our growth mindset metamorphosis journey is the pupa phase when the Caterpillar goes into its chrysalis and it has to go within and trust the process. Did you know that when the caterpillar goes into pupa phase it becomes organic goo? These cells are called the imaginal cells! What can you imagine for your metamorphosis? When the caterpillar is in its chrysalis, it is uncertain and a little scared. It’s important for us when we feel uncertain and a little scared to practice mindfulness meditation. Try closing your eyes, put your hand on your belly, and take one slow deep breath and see how you feel. Introduce some mindful moments into your day…like slow, deep breaths and moments of downtime. Rest. Recover. Prepare.

4: BE RESILIENT

The next phase of our metamorphosis journey is when the newly transformed butterfly has to push its way out of the chrysalis. Did you know you cannot help it with this or it will die? It has to do the work itself and be resilient. The definition of resiliency from HeartMath® is “the capacity to prepare for, recover from, and adapt in the face of stress, challenges, and adversity”. Our very own Dr. Cyrina Bullard is a certified HeartMath® Trainer. She had to be very resilient after being in a coma for 18 days after a traumatic bicycle accident…re-learning how to walk, talk, feed herself, etc. A year later, she ran a 5K!

5: DESIGN YOUR DREAMS

You know how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly and pushes its way out of a chrysalis? It then spreads its wings sharing kindness and gratitude around the world through pollination. What’s your dream? Taking time to write down and imagine your dreams becoming a reality can also contribute to your growth. When we feel our dreams as though they are a reality, we can bring them to fruition. Doing something kind for someone else…or our Selves (practicing that very important Self Care) …or practicing gratitude…can contribute to our dreams becoming a reality as we appreciate the good things in life that we already have.

Now, pick one activity to build your growth mindset and do it! Stay curious and try more than one. Explore these growth mindset activities and find what feels best for you.

Share this with others so they can experience a Growth Mindset too!

Want happy, resilient children? Get our Lessons from the Bright Butterfly HERE!

Yours in Wellness,
Liz Rutledge and Dr. Cyrina Bullard

Sustainable Happiness Together LLC

#WellnessWednesday #Mindfulness #Happiness #Resilience #Visioning #love #beautiful #nature #happy #follow #followme #friends #smile #family #fun #motivation #amazing #inspiration #bestoftheday #thoughtleadership #explore #lifestyle #healthAndwellness #daily #health #explore #gratitude #LessonsFromTheBrightButterfly #WinningWellnessExperience #SustainableHappinessTogether