CHECKING IN WITH MYSELF
Journal Entry
THOUGHTS™️
07–20–2021
︎ Writer: Stew Caldo
What do I know to be true that I didn’t know a year ago?
I know that there's only so much hustle and grit that will get me to where I want to be – dedication to excellence is a big component of finding success. But the reason I'm here now is because of how I've treated those around me, the community I've built – by openly sharing my knowledge I've received the same. The only way to really succeed is to impact every life that comes in contact with you.
What distractions get in the way of being my most productive?
My phone - not social media specifically, it's really just my phone now. I'm an insanely productive person, but if I pick up my phone, i'll lose myself for at least 5 minutes on grailed, FB marketplace, or some app. I think my mind allows it because it feels like I'm being productive – I'm shopping for furniture or clothing that will in turn make an appearance on my instagram that will in turn hopefully contribute to my brand that will in turn HOPEFULLY lead to a booking.
In reality, the phone is far less productive than my laptop, but it's become an instinct to just pick it up whenever there's a moment of silence.
When do I feel most in tune with myself?
In nature – when I was sitting in the silence at Mt. Tam this weekend watching the sun go down, every worry and thought banging around my brain slowly faded. I wasn't left with any thoughts, just an unadulterated stream of consciousness. I've known this to be true my whole life – I feel so connected to myself, to God, to the world, when I'm out in nature.
Even surfing is a small dose of that. I wouldn't say I'm overwhelmed by the beauty of landscapes and oceans, more so I'm reminded of how small and meaningless my problems and my life can be. Really, there's millions of living things around me at any given time in nature, all of it moving as one. Not even a narcissist couldn feel important in the middle of all that.
If someone described me, what would they say?
Hard working, determined, strong willed, and cool
What can wait until next week?
Honestly, nothing. I don't have a packed schedule. Everything is happening as it should.
How does every part of my body feel in this moment?
Relaxed, yet anxious to get up and start the day. Warm.