We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
How to know wether to keep going or to give up?
That is a great question and not an easy one to answer. We often are directed or choose to go down a certain path but might not be the right one, after all there are endless possibilities. So how do you know to redirect or keep pushing? Sometimes we keep pushing in spite of the signs that this isn’t for us. Or we give up too soon. So how to know?
When I have encountered a ‘failure’ or found myself trying to decide if a project was worthwhile moving forward after encountering challenges and set backs it feels like the universe wants us to give up. But when I’ve already put so much effort and energy into making it work, it feels like it would be a waste to just walk away now and maybe the challenges are just seeing how badly do I want it. So, when is it time to walk away? First, slow down and reflect. We can often find the answer to that question hidden in our intention or motivation. Here is where I like to use ‘clarifying questions’.
When I’m finding myself in a place of confusion, or being stuck or not seeing the results I intended, I reflect and ask myself tough questions. And then give honest answers. Questions like:
What is my motivation to keep going? (Internal vs. external)
What do I place the biggest importance on for accomplishing this project?
Does this align with my values?
Am I on track for my original goals?
Have I exhausted all of my options?
Do I feel like I have given it my all?
Would I regret if I walked away now?
Am I dedicated to this with passion?
Is this in service to others?
Does this align with the person I am working to become?
The answers to these questions will certainly reveal and guide your next steps.
This way we don’t stay committed to a failing mission that wastes even more time, energy and joy from life but also don’t quit and give up when success is just around the corner.
Of course when we truly believe in and are following our passion, we always want to try for just one more. Like Ed Mylett explains in his book, The Power of one More, there is the notion that if we keep going, that one more try and everyday you wake up and give it one more go, one more call and keep promising yourself that one more will eventually lead you to The One. The big break, all the dots connecting and the hard work finally pays off. But if you are trying and things are working its also okay to accept what isn’t working and move on… or try something new. I think it’s so important to reframe the way we approach failure or ‘giving up’. Perhaps it’s not necessary to completely give up but redirect.
So, slow down, reflect on intention and motivation, ask clarify questions – most importantly be honest with the answers – and then either give it one more try or accept that it isn’t working and move on. And remember, it’s okay if you tried something and it didn’t work out. At least you tried. And next time you want to try you aren’t starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Embodied Moments with Lauren Alexander is all about supporting whole body wellness and spiritual growth.
Recently, I made a drastic change from a 20 year career in Luxury Hospitality | Event Production to Self Employed Business Owner which was no easy task and wasn’t exactly planned. In my own life, like so many, I struggled. I struggled with truly loving myself, dealing with stress in a healthy way, depression, anxiety, constant mental chatter and finding lasting contentment. I felt that there was something else, a different way to live. And I couldn’t go on living the life in that way. So, I decided to finally get real with myself. I had to figure out why I was still unhappy and unfulfilled after reaching goal after goal. There was something I was missing. So, I quit my job without a back up plan and took time to truly heal and put myself first.
I began to go inward. I did the ‘work’. I deepened my yoga practice, journaled, went to therapy, cut out toxic relationships, read books, listened to wellness podcast, cut out alcohol, challenged my negative beliefs, sat in gratitude and most importantly stayed consistent. And over a few weeks, I found that one day I woke up different. My depression, anxiety, racing thoughts – gone. I had discovered my True Self. I was happy, contented and feeling at ease – even though my life around me had fallen apart, I was still whole. Wanting to understand more of the why, this led me to Rishikesh, India (the birthplace of Yoga) ultimately my purpose. I trained to become a Registered Hatha Yoga Instructor and after a few signs form the universe, I became a Certified Sound Healer.
Now, I have turned my pain, lessons and training into my purpose to help others find their true self. It has not been easy to build a business and there have been plenty of closed doors. But I believe in my purpose and will continue to share with those who are seeking help or are just curious. We all need support throughout life and I am here to share my gifts as an intuitive healer through sound and yoga. I offer individual support, tools, tips and guidance, focusing on more than just the physical, dive into breath work, meditation, yoga philosophy and sound healing to harness the power of mind, body and soul.
When we each do our part in healing ourselves, we have done our part in healing the World.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A week long trip in Miami with the bestie, there is so much to do and explore in Miami. It is known for its beaches, so checking out different beaches for sure – South Beach, Mid Beach, North Beach. Then of course checking out different neighborhoods like Design District, Midtown, Wynwood, Downtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Calle Ocho, Mimo – there is so much to see it’s hard to name all!
But I always show visitors Miami Beach staples like Lincoln Road, Espanola Way, Flamingo Park and Ocean Drive. I suggest spots like The Besty, Jaya Jazz Brunch at Setai, Los Fuegos at Faena for an incredible dinner, Watr at 1 Hotel for a Rooftop cocktail. Also, checking out spots like Upper Buena Vista, Sweet Liberty, Broken Shaker, Boho House, The Sylvester, Sugar, Sweet Carolines Karaoke, Rosa Sky, Lagniappe, Call me Gabby, R House and this list goes on and on!
Im a big nerd so we would check out the Frost Museum of Science, Perez Art Museum and other museums. Depending on the week, we would check out large events, festivals, makers markets, farmers markets or concerts happenings.
Definitely, would be enjoying an afternoon on the water and catching the sunset is a must!
And of course, we would do Yoga and Sound Healing at my weekly sessions 🙂
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Each person in my life has played a special role in my journey. Of course, the support of my friends and family who are always there to support and uplift. The ones who always hold a safe space, offer advice and honest tough love when needed.
I would not feel so capable if it weren’t for the hard work and dedication of all the teachers and leaders at Yogkalum and the Himalayan Sound Academy, in Rishikesh India. Where I was able to challenge myself, learn and grow in their guidance. Finding a home to ground in during a time of darkness during my spiritual pilgrimage there. And to my classmates who shared in the experience of the program – sharing classes, meals, lessons, motivations, pains and joys with me. Helping peel away the layers the world had covered me in, to find my Self.
I must thank all those who have hurt, used or disappointed me along the way. In their own way they have helped shape who I have become through life lessons. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
And to Mychal who left this World too soon but not without leaving a lasting impact and invaluable lessons.
I am eternally grateful for each and every one of these Souls.
Website: https://heal.me/embodiedmoments
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderklauren
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderklauren/