Mindful Monday: Chat with Your Brain

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the quiet ways our inner language shapes our experience—how the words we choose, even silently, can either weigh us down or lift us up.

One phrase in particular has been gently revealing itself to me: the difference between “I have to” and “I get to.” Such a simple shift, yet it carries so much power. It’s been opening new doors in how I approach my spiritual practice—and life itself.

“I have to” implies a sense of duty, something that can carry pressure or resistance. When we say it, our spiritual practice can start to feel like a chore—another item on the list. That voice of the ego might grumble, complain, or find ways to postpone.

But “I get to”… that changes everything.
It opens the door to gratitude and appreciation. It reminds us that being on this path of self-discovery is a gift—a blessing, not a burden. It invites us to recognize the freedom we have to explore, to grow, and to deepen our connection to our true essence.

This subtle shift in language has a powerful ripple effect.
It impacts how we move through our days, how we meet ourselves in each moment, and how much meaning we allow life to offer.

Embracing “I get to” brings a lightness, a sense of curiosity and joy, even in the mundane. It helps us meet the day not with obligation, but with openness.

Starting my morning by turning my attention inward now feels like a quiet celebration—a sacred pause.
I’m learning to walk through my days with more gratitude, letting it flow through the little things.

When I first began meditating and practicing mindfulness, it felt like a task—something to cross off the to-do list. It was unfamiliar. And yes, I resisted it. Often. But over time, something shifted. Without realizing it, it was no longer something I had to do—it became something I wanted to do. Something I got to do.

If you feel resistance on your path, that’s okay.
Notice it. Be curious. Resistance isn’t wrong—it’s part of the journey. It will show up again and again, but it doesn’t have to stop us.

With steady practice, we learn to come home to ourselves. We become more grounded, more present. We can witness the resistance without judgment—without needing to fix or fight it.

This mindset shift—from “I have to” to “I get to”—can transform our entire outlook.

“I get to meditate.”
“I get to breathe.”

Feel the difference?

Now apply that same lens to the rest of your life:

“I get to go for a walk.”
“I get to move my body.”
“I get to nourish myself with healthy food.”
“I get to spend time with people I love.”
“I get to experience something new.”
“I get to tell someone I love and appreciate them.”

Suddenly, the ordinary moments shimmer a little more.
They become invitations—to presence, to love, to grace.

I get to go for a walk in the woods... and savor every step.

We’re all walking our own sacred path. I’m so grateful mine has brought me here, and that I get to share this space with you.

And for that, I am truly thankful.

With love and gratitude,
Diane