Heart Pocket Word for the Day is Discipline!

The word from my heart pocket is Discipline.

Finding a way. Sticking with it. Doing what it takes to meet my goal.That's what discipline means to me. I had to reframe the meaning of discipline for awhile because the negative definition - punishment - had attached itself so intensely to my psyche. The positive meanings of discipline are: training, regimen, will-power and self-control. These are wonderful! They are a means to an end. They are about getting better and becoming more. Good things come from them when they are balanced with rest, rejuvenation and release.

Discipline sometimes requires focus. If your goal requires coming to the same place every day for practice in order to get better at something, you can make it a game or you can compete with yourself by setting the standard just a smidgen higher each day. Picture you at the end of your goal. How do you look? Fit? Happy? Successful? This picture is a powerful motivator for discipline. It can get you in the car. It can help you say no. It can be an emphatic YES! when you make the choice to be disciplined.

Sometimes discipline can be overwhelming. If this is the case, choosing to do one thing toward your goal every day is a great way to begin. Make it reasonable and achievable. Get control over your mind (you are in charge, you know), shut off the "thinking" and just do it. As you gain self-control, you gain confidence and life in general becomes easier. 

Discipline is not punishment. Even when we need to be disciplined or when we need to exercise discipline with others - children, our animal friends ... my friend, Mertie, has to discipline her hair - there is no need for cruelty or unkindness. Discipline can be firm. It can be definite. It works best when we remember it is about guidance and teaching/learning, growing, reaching a goal.

I've always loved the expression "Reaching for the stars!". Now when I think of discipline, I attach the same feeling that comes with that expression to the goal for which I'm reaching and it inspires me to show up, one more time.
 
Discipline becomes easy when intention is strong. Intention supports it, lifts it up, gives it wings to make it joyful and light. Keep your intention alive within your discipline and no matter how you begin, you will succeed!

Kittie asks you to comment so others will learn from your wisdom (especially Kittie!). If you know someone who might enjoy this post, please share it by clicking the little envelope below. You can email it to a friend. You can receive a link to this blog, 5 days/week, by sending an email to Kittie@kittiebgoods.com. (http://kittiebgoods.com/)