I Have to, versus, I Get to

There's a very simple mindset shift that I want you to consider this week: I have to, versus, I get to.
 
When you have to do something, there’s a feeling of being forced and resistance can arise. 
 
When you get to, you’re in charge. You have the power of choice.
 
I hear you- you may say, “but I have to work, I have to pay bills.” Well, you don’t really. It’s just that the alternative is not something you’d like to experience.
 
If you can’t get behind it with bills, go to something easier. For example, a client said she had to go to a music recital and wasn’t looking forward to it. The I get to became, “I get to support my child which will make them happy, and I can even use the time to experience being fully present and focusing on the positive.
 
That simple shift changed everything. My client was more present, more grounded, and even enjoyed herself. She found herself silently cheering on the kids who couldn’t play well, rather than judging them and wishing she was elsewhere.
 
For most people, the, I have to, started in childhood- having to go to school and having to conform to what the adults said. But you get to choose now. So, if the I get to ever feels like too much of a stretch, switch to, “I choose to.”

Talk to your inner child if you need and give them the freedom to simply play and have fun. Then give yourself that gift as well. Reframe the I have to when you can, as the I get to allows for greater freedom and flow. 
 
What do you get to do today that could bring you more joy? Let that be your focus.

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