Hi, I’m Chad Moore. You’re receiving this email as you signed up for my Newsletter, called Presence. I appreciate you being here and reading! I’d love to hear from you, send a reply if you want to chat. If you’d no longer like to receive these emails, simply unsubscribe.

I've moved to a new email newsletter system, so this email looks a bit different than the last time you got one from me. More importantly, I'm changing the format up a bit. I intend to write much more about the changes I am working on, how I'm trying to be mindful of them in any given moment, and what I hope to achieve by the changes. I'll still share things, as sharing is caring. I'd also love to hear from you on what you're working on, and the challenges you may be facing.

If this is no longer a good fit for you, you can part ways by unsubscribing.

Transformation

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to change, and transformation lately. I’d like to share some of what I’m working on in those regards with you.

I’ve learned a lot about expanding my comfort zone, and both being OK with how I got to this moment. How to be focusing on this moment, and not letting anxiety get in the way of the next one.

I’ve basically learned frameworks, techniques, and how-tos. Now it’s time to put them into deeper practice. Practice makes progress, there is no such thing as perfect.

At my day job my team is helping people understand why trying for a single goal or output isn’t the best. You should have a goal, but be focused on the outcomes not the output.

Here’s an example:

Let’s say your goal is to train for and finish a 5K race in 35 minutes. That’s about the average time for people near my age. That’s the output.

You eat right, and build your speed and endurance by running daily. You run the race and you finish in 36 minutes. Technically you didn’t meet your goal. You missed it by a minute. Did you “fail”?

Insert whatever feelings of shame, self doubt, etc here.

But let’s take the same example of the outcomes not the output.

Eating right, training. Finishing the race. Finishing in 36 minutes. All of those actions are likely creating new things for you. Perhaps weight loss, increase in your cooking skills and confidence about food choice. New relationships with others (if your in a run club for example). Self confidence. Commitment to yourself. The list goes on and on.

These are outcomes. Changes. Transformations really. You took action towards a purpose and reaped rewards.

If you know me in person, you’d guess that I am not a runner. I’m overweight. By a lot. I’ve always been, but the last five or so years have been bad for me with lack of exercise, and poor eating habits.

Through therapy and mindfulness practices, I’m learning to be OK with how I got here. Letting go. And being more aware that changes and transformations happen in the present moment. And that if I think in outputs or SMART goals I will fail to meet them, and I’ll feel like a failure. I’m too good at shooting myself with that Second Arrow.

I’ve tried and abandoned a lot of the behavior change frameworks and techniques. I’m thinking I’ve not been great at adopting them as they weren’t mindful for me. The felt external, and not coming from a place within me.

I found this article in my internet travels.

This methodology spoke to me more than the others. It’s an act of “conscious creation”. Focused on the outcomes not the output (losing 100 pounds).

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to have a retreat of sorts. I was alone, in one of my all time favorite “happy places”. A wonderful spot overlooking Casco Bay in southern Maine.

I spent a lot of time reading that article, examining the framework that was laid out. I wrote a lot in my notebook and on stickie notes. I consulted with my wife, who’s developed a ton of skills in these mindfulness topics too.

This is what I’ve created, and am putting into practice.

My conscious creation

I name my conscious creation Connector. This is a shift in how I experience myself, the people around me, and the earth by creating deep and meaningful connections with them.

Walking is how I connect with myself and nature. Barefoot on the beach. Hiking, or anywhere I am - around the block.
Meditation is how I connect with myself. Walking Meditation/Mindfulness. To put myself back to sleep, or as simple as three calming breaths when I need them.
Natural Foods - eating and cooking natural foods is how I connect with the earth.
Absurdist Humor is how I connect with others. Showing absurdity to reinforce we’re more alike than different.
Coaching is how I connect with others. Guiding them through their own transformations.
My newsletter is how I express myself, chronicle my transformation and build connections and community with others.

I will contribute to the Fearless Living Academy, Futurosity, and MBS Works. Instead of overuse of Social Media.

With these guidelines and aspirations, my outcomes will lead towards weight loss, inner peace and growth, and connection with others.

What about you?

Have you tried to make changes? What worked? What didn’t? What would you like to change? If you’re not sure, how might you begin to understand the desire to change you can’t quite clarify yet?

Let me know if you’d like by replying to this email.

My new favorite quote

My friend Chris shared this new-to-me quote that has sent me thinking for hours.

The Path is made by walking

It’s such a simple statement. Of course, when you repeatedly walk in a specific spot, a path with form. But deeper, it remained me that it’s often action that causes inspiration. Rarely the other way around.

What does it mean to you?