3 Powerful Ways to Find Clarity
A lighthearted, science-backed approach to clearing subconscious limitations and stepping into the second half of the year with clarity.
“I discovered that saltwater is not only healing for the body but also for the mental abrasions we acquire along the way.” ~ Jimmy Buffett
Summer’s Subconscious Check-In
Ever noticed how sand finds its way into impossible places—your socks, your cooler, or even your sense of dignity? That’s July for you. But summer brings more than sandy shoes and sunburns; it also brings the perfect opportunity to clear out what’s been weighing on your mind.
While we’re busy shaking sand out of our towels and shoes, July quietly offers another invitation: shake out the thoughts that have been sticking around a little too long. Just like sand that sneaks into everything, unnoticed beliefs can settle into our thinking until we decide it’s time to clear them out.
“Just like sand, unnoticed beliefs settle in quietly—until we decide it’s time to clear them out.”
Most of us carry subconscious limitations we didn’t ask for: “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t have time,” or “I can’t do that.” Just like that mysterious flip-flop in the back of your closet, these beliefs take up space until we consciously decide to clear them.
July, summer’s golden midpoint, is nature’s gentle nudge: time to sweep out mental clutter and make room for new possibilities. The ocean is the ultimate life coach. Every tide, wave, and splash of saltwater reminds us that flow, pause, and reset are essential for clarity.
“Flow, pause, drop, and repeat—the ocean has been modeling clarity all along.”
Summer, with its sunshine and saltwater, offers the perfect backdrop for practicing the three-wave formula: noticing, reframing, and clearing what no longer serves you. Each wave invites you to notice more, let go more, and live with greater ease.
Wave 1: Notice Looping Thoughts
Thoughts are like the tide: some come, some go, and some linger far too long—usually the ones that start with “I’m not sure” or “I don’t know.” The first step is simply noticing they’re there.
Nature doesn’t cling to what it doesn’t need. Why should we?
I found one of my own limiting beliefs while walking along a Florida beach. I realized my subconscious had decided I wasn’t “organized enough” to give a TED Talk. Watching the waves roll in and out, I noticed something vital: the ocean flows without judgment. So why can’t I?
Wave 2: Reframe “I’m Not Sure” Into “What If?”
The subconscious loves patterns. If it believes you “don’t know something,” it will find convincing proof to support that story. Humor, on the other hand, is a powerful disruptor, helping you see new possibilities.
Hot Idea! Take five minutes each morning to notice your recurring thoughts, just like waves returning to the shore. When a limiting belief arises, shift it into “what if?”
“I can’t do this.” → “What if I tried a new approach?”
“I’m not enough.” → “What if my perspective is exactly what’s needed?”
“I’ll fail.” → “What if this is an opportunity to learn something powerful?”
Research published in Neuropsychologia (Ashby et al., 1999) shows that positive emotions enhance cognitive flexibility, allowing the brain to approach challenges with creativity and curiosity. Humor isn’t just fun—it opens new doors for your mind.
“A simple ‘what if?’ can open doors your ‘I can’t’ never could.”
Wave 3: Clear Using A Physical Ritual
Your body remembers what your mind forgets. Physical rituals help your subconscious clear what no longer serves you.
Writing down a limiting belief and letting it float away in water is more than symbolic—it engages both mind and body in the process of clearing.
Try This: Head to a nearby stream, river, or the ocean. Bring a flower and a marker. Write your limiting belief on a petal or stem, read it aloud, take a deep breath, thank it for its service, and set it free.
Yes, this is your Elsa moment. Let it go—singing is not required.
Watching it drift away signals to your body and mind that it’s no longer required. It no longer needs to take up space in your mind. Now you get to choose something different.
“When your body participates in letting go, your mind follows.”
Somatic psychology research shows that physical expression—through writing, movement, or breath—supports emotional processing and neuroplasticity (van der Kolk, 2014). In other words, your body is a partner in letting go; it responds to action just as much as intention.
Bonus Tip: Combine all three waves for maximum impact:
- Observe your thoughts
- Acknowledge them, laugh a little, and reframe
- Clear beliefs physically—toss, bury, burn, or float it away
Time spent in natural environments—such as beaches—has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and support overall well-being (Ulrich et al., 1991).
Your Invitation
July is nature’s checkpoint. Deadlines, resolutions, and to-do lists from the first half of the year may feel heavy. The ocean whispers: slow down, observe, and let go.
You don’t need extreme measures or complicated processes to clear limitations. Notice. Reframe. Let go. Laugh often. Step fully into the infinite possibility that’s already available to you.
Awareness without action is polite. Awareness with playful action is transformational.
“You don’t need more effort—you need a moment to notice, reframe, and let go.”
Before You Go
Saltwater wisdom reminds us that freedom is abundantly available. The year isn’t behind you—it’s halfway through, and like the tide, the best is still coming in.
Kick off your flip-flops. Sink your toes into the sand. Watch the waves. And as you do, allow your thoughts to move like water—flowing in, flowing out, and no longer holding you back.
“Like the tide, your thoughts were never meant to stay—only to move.”
Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is…
Simply let it go.
About the Author
Susan Shatzer is a world-renowned, energetic expert and 14-time #1 bestselling author. She serves as Executive Director of the Webby-nominated global TV series Unlocking Your Limitless Life and is the Ms. Global Ambassador Queen for Daytona Beach Shores, Florida (2026–2027). Susan is also the producer of the upcoming film Pillars of Power: The Hidden Truth in Achieving Greatness. Connect with Susan at SusanShatzer.com. 14-time #1 Bestselling Author, Executive Director of the Webby-nominated global TV series Unlocking Your Limitless Life, and Producer of the upcoming movie Pillars of Power—The Hidden Truth in Achieving Greatness. Connect with Susan via SusanShatzer.com.
“I’ve learned that my mind settles the same way the ocean does—when I stop trying to control every wave.”
— Susan Shatzer
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