How to Live From Your Heart Not Ego
Living via your heart not ego is something which has interested me a great deal over the past couple of years.
Ever since, as Chelsea shares in her article below, I stumbled across the work of Jess Lively, I’ve been fascinated by another way of making decisions, and ultimately living. Intuition is such a fascinating subject, and one which I wholeheartedly suggest you learn more about.
Ultimately navigating your life through your heart, or intuition, leads you along the path of least resistance. Although at times your ego may be fighting like crazy because you feel like you ‘should’ do this or that, ultimately it’s living via your heart not ego which will lead you down the life’s course which is destined for you.
I am so excited to share Chelsea’s take on this with you! Charge your coffee cup/wine glass – it’s an eye-opening read!
Over to Chelsea!
Love, Monica x
Heart Vs Ego
How Can You Live Your Life More Intentionally?
Up until a couple years ago, I had never thought about the differentiation between heart or intuition vs. ego. Of course I knew the meanings of each word, but I’d never thought about the idea of living from one vs. the other. Or that I was living from my ego on autopilot.
Jess Lively’s blog is where I first read about this idea, and how she was on a mission to live from her heart/intuition instead of her ego. Instead of doing things because she should or because they meant something in our culture (money, pride, big job titles, relationships milestones she should be at), she wanted to start living straight from her intuition. Choosing things based on her gut, her heart, and what felt right. Living from what fueled her soul uniquely, and not worrying about whether those intentions lined up with “success.” Jess talks about this a lot more on her brilliant podcast which I highly recommend if this topic interests you.
This lesson was life-changing for me. Since hearing about Jess’ journey, I’ve tried my best to live from my heart instead of the ego (which is where my brain naturally goes most of the time because we are taught over and over to strive for specific things, even though every person is so, so different).
For me, that meant quitting my corporate job, accepting that renting a home that I love vs. buying and being in debt doesn’t mean I’m a failure, and following my heart into having fewer friends – and being OK with less invites to parties, trips, etc.
Along the way, these are some of the reminders I come back to time and time again. They’ve really helped me live from my heart – though of course it is a daily work in progress.
Outfit Credits
Top: Monsoon c/o | Shorts: Similar in Black
Bag: Elizabeth Scarlett | Shoes: Pretty Ballerinas Bought At Bicester Village – Similar Online
Hat: Similar
Care About Your Goals
Goals naturally change and evolve over time, both personally and professionally. What starts out as something you’re intrigued by can soon turn into something you’re doing because you’re making a lot of money or have found success in.
If you’re not being true to yourself anymore, you may need to re-evaluate your goals.
Maybe a job out of college seemed excellent but when checking in, you realize that you don’t actually have a connection to the role.
I like to check in two times a year, once at the start and then half-way through to see how my heart is aligning with my goals (which may have veered towards ego).
Spend Time Living
Most people want to find success at work, but work isn’t who you are, it’s what you do. Make a list of all the things you want to do in life that don’t have a professional motive and pursue them! It doesn’t matter if there’s no money to be made or awards to be won or if the ideas are silly (anyone else really want to visit a goat farm?!), try these things because they will make your heart happy.
Maybe you can find something you truly want to do each month, or at least a few times a year.
Surround Yourself With Genuine People
When you surround yourself with people that prefer to talk about the world, travel or hobbies rather than other people, you’re bound to live a more genuine, positive life.
Have A Sense Of Self Awareness
Part of living from your heart and not your ego is knowing when to reel yourself back in. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but be aware of opportunities and personal behaviors you can work on.
When in life do you feel icky with yourself? Do you ever kick yourself after a conversation and acting a certain ways? Be aware of those areas of improvements within yourself and work on them day by day, little by little.
Practice Humility
Humility can bring you back down to earth when you’ve let yourself float too high. It’s perfectly healthy to be proud of yourself and to celebrate reaching an important milestone, but always remember to be humble. Practicing this can help you become a leader and share this perspective with others.
What’s Your Take?
Have you begun the journey of living a more intentional life? Does your ego pull at you like it does me?
Love, Chelsea x
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