My Cheeky New Mantra

A couple of months ago, I was in Fort Lauderdale for work and to see friends. Whenever I’m in town, I make a point to visit my favorite Mexican restaurant, The Whole Enchilada. Longtime readers may remember I lovingly call it “the Magical Burrito Place” because, for reasons I can’t explain, miracles seem to happen every time I eat there. And yes—this visit kept the streak alive.

This time, the miracle arrived on the side of a cup.

They’d updated their cup design since my last visit. On one side was their logo. On the other— a silly, clever little phrase that made me laugh out loud:

“I Don’t Give a Sip!”

Yep. That’s it. That’s my new mantra.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: John, I was expecting something a little more spiritual. Something like “I am Abundant” or “All is well.” Yes, those are powerful and helpful affirmations, but in the past two months, “I don’t give a sip” has been a gem of a helper!

Of course, this mantra is not universally applicable. When I encounter a friend, client, or loved one going through a tough time, I absolutely do give a sip. With compassion, I listen and allow them to be exactly where they are without trying to fix anything. Simultaneously, in my heart and mind, I hold the spiritual truth that who they are is so much more than any limiting condition or circumstance. There is always a way forward, even when we can’t see it. And if they’re open to it, I offer an affirmative prayer. 

But here’s where my new mantra really shines:
When my inner critic shows up.

You know the voice—
John, you really should start going back to the gym to strengthen your arms. They’re getting a little flabby. When are you going to set up that Substack account and start sharing these weekly stories there? You’ve been talking about it since January!

In the past, I’d let those judgy thoughts take away my peace and make me feel bad. Now? I just smile and think, “I don’t give a sip.”

Maybe it’s ok that my arms are only being strengthened during my yoga practice for now. Since I know there will be a big learning curve, perhaps the timing isn’t right to create a Substack account. Given all that I’ve been navigating lately, what if it’s perfectly okay that I haven’t added anything new to my plate?

To be clear, this isn’t an invitation for procrastination. There are times when tasks need our prompt attention. However, it is an invitation to stop the self-judgment and to stop worrying so much about what other people think. The more birthdays I celebrate, the easier it is to say, “I don’t give a sip!”

Here’s what I’ve rediscovered while using my fun new mantra: the more I let go of trying to control outcomes, the more things work out in miraculous ways. The more I follow inspiration and release the “shoulds,” the more joy I feel. The more I let things be, the more peace I experience.

So I’m passing this cheeky little mantra along to you. Use it ( when appropriate) and see what happens. If nothing else, it might make you laugh—and laughter can lighten up even the most challenging situation. As my fellow ACIM students know, laughter is a sign you’ve stopped taking the ego so darn seriously.

And if you’d like some help releasing those relentless inner judgments, I’d be honored to work with you. I offer Spiritual Coaching and Private Family Constellations to help you clear the noise so there’s more space for peace, love, and joy in your life.

Please explore my website for more information about these healing opportunities and to schedule a session. Thanks to technology, we can meet no matter where in the world you live. I look forward to creating miracles with you!

Until next time, I invite you to try my new mantra when that pesky ego/inner critic shows up. Who knows? You might just find that not giving a sip is one of the most freeing spiritual practices you’ve ever tried.

Wisdom is not judgment; it is the relinquishment of judgment.

A Course in Miracles ~ M-10.4:5