I'VE BEEN THINKING our minds are like storage units—overflowing with stories shaped by things we didn’t exactly sign up for. The family we’re born into, the environments we grow up in, life’s plot twists—it all piles up, shaping how we think, act, and see the world.
But here’s the kicker: while we can’t control how our mental storage got stuffed, we can decide what to keep and how to organize it from now on.
Imagine this: what if taking charge of our mental headspace is the gateway to living a life that actually feels like ours? Revolutionary, right?
Take my wife Brittney, for example. She once told me her life felt like a never-ending to-do list written by someone else—work clients, family obligations, social pressures. Her catchphrase? “I barely have time to breathe, let alone think.” But rather than throw her calendar out the window, she started small. Baby steps.
Her secret? Asking herself overly simple questions like, “What do I actually need today? A nap? A coffee? A hug?” By aligning her time with what she truly needed, she turned “surviving” into something that looked a lot more like “thriving.”
Now, I get it—this sounds like self-help 101. But hear me out. These small, intentional moves are the mental equivalent of de-cluttering your junk drawer, and they pack a punch long-term. Some ideas to steal:
Schedule What Sparks Joy (Yes, That’s Still a Thing)
Don’t let the world boss you around—take control of your calendar and fill it with activities that genuinely light you up. Whether it’s a peaceful morning walk to clear your head, a podcast binge to learn something new, or a quiet moment doodling cats in a notebook, make time for what makes you you. Scheduling these moments isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Your calendar should serve you, not the other way around. Remember, when you prioritize joy, everything else falls into place.
Make Room for a Brain Dump
Life can get overwhelming fast, but sitting with your thoughts can help you regain control. Set aside time every day, even just 10 minutes, to let it all out—journal, use a notes app, or just think. Ask yourself, “Did I honor my needs today, or did I let chaos win?” Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how you can adjust for tomorrow. Bonus: this simple habit is way cheaper than therapy and helps you declutter your mind. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain.
Throw Yourself a Party for Small Wins
Not every victory will be monumental, but celebrating the little things can make a big difference. Did you make time to drink actual water today? Boom, that’s a win! Said “no” to a soul-sucking task that could’ve drained your energy? Double win. These small acts of self-care and boundary-setting add up faster than you think. Treat yourself with kindness and maybe even a mini reward—an extra episode of your favorite show, a sweet snack, or a moment dancing to your favorite song. Small wins are the building blocks of bigger victories, so don’t forget to cherish them.
Truth is, you don’t have to move mountains to make a difference. What if the real revolution starts with the world inside your head? What if the kindness, balance, and care you show yourself spill out into, well, everything?
So, tell me: how are you showing up for you today? If your mind could text you its biggest need right now, what would it say? Probably, “Take a nap, genius.” Or maybe just, “Thanks for listening.”
Until next time,
-Grady Pope
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