Essential, Random and Frivolous Thoughts of a Cabinet Maker

I was reminded once again this last weekend of the power of stillness. There is, no doubt, power in this deliberate choice. There is clarity as well. It would also seem that there is a sense of freedom.

The liberation of breaking free from the chaos and white noise in the world around us as well as in our own heads. An intentional choice to not allow the distractions of life to derail our minds from what is truly important – the stillness within.

The go go go is not an efficient model of success. Not in any field. However, reflection, planning, quiet and intentional steps forward can be. With an honest assessment of the result in order to adjust our compass along the way.

We’re more comfortable with the movement, the distractions and the noise, but stillness is where all the work gets done.

Slowing down and allowing people to be who they are – without judgement – in the moment is quite difficult for me. And it’s something I want to work on.

Yet, there are so many kind and loving people in the world that have and are continuing to do just that. Mother Teresa was a master at it. She was able to see the best version of that person deep within their eyes no matter what their outer appearance showed her. Especially when she walked the streets in one of the most poverty-stricken places in the world!

I’m almost embarrassed that I’m unable to see others in their best light when I come across them in my daily life. Whether that’s loved ones around me or people I don’t know. Especially when I already have so much to be grateful for myself.

What purpose does it serve us to cast a shadow over them as we judge with the harshest of measuring sticks? Most likely it’s because it’s a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.

Maybe we can learn to accept people for where they are in that moment and realize their human beings having an experience of this world doing the best they can with the tools they have. Just like us.

The sun rises once again over the mountains, valley’s and cities below. Another day is upon us and here we are with an opportunity to begin again.

Although it can feel to many of us that it’s the continuation of the previous days – stuck in a pattern that we are unable to clearly define, nor understand how to break ourselves free – we can start anew.

We can begin in this moment to move in a different direction and take on new tasks with a changed perspective and attitude which will take us to new places one single action taken at a time.

Every day is a chance to re-define ourselves looking to become the person we intend to be. That is, if we can find the courage to do so.

The choice is ours.

It’s been a while since I’ve written in this blog. Not sure why. I’ve seemed to allow the habit of showing up get away from me. Maybe it’s because I don’t feel like I have anything to say. Or maybe it’s because what I think I have to say isn’t compelling enough. Not sure.

The original idea behind this blog was to share insights, lessons and unrefined ideas that haven’t necessarily been polished into a finished product. To be honest, I’m not sure anyone would want to even read that.

What would I want to read? What’s compelling to me? Maybe that’s the question I should be asking. I think what I would want to read – and would find more interesting is the process and inner workings of ideas rather than a completely finished product. Maybe. (You sound like a writer who is justifying his lack of production, Jim)

Then again, we can all gain insight about the day to day struggle and reality of understanding it’s a matter of showing up one day at a time and putting in the work. No matter how “large” or “small.” It’s the concept of just climbing the next step up the staircase. One stair at a time. One day at a time.

Then again, what the hell do I know.

The desire to express oneself can certainly take on a myriad of activities and behaviors. Some may seem more rational/logical/sensible/etc. than others. Although, I’m not sure that’s important.

It seems to me that what’s paramount is the self-expression itself and the effect it has on one’s soul. Playing music, writing, attending Burning Man, dressing up as your favorite superhero or water-coloring on the weekends may satisfy that itch in oneself. There is really no rhyme or reason and it need-not make sense to anyone but you.

I believe the key is this: find that simple way to express oneself in order to scratch that itch. Not trying is our only failure.

We’re here to express our individuality as the perfectly flawed person we are in any way we can that enriches ourselves and others. As a result, we may not be the only ones who benefit from it – those around us may feel the positive residual effects as well.