Category: Uncategorized (Page 102 of 158)

It would seem in my younger years that my days could be a bit chaotic. I’m sure it had to do with a variety of things at the time: immaturity – physically, mentally, socially and emotionally, but also hormones, lack of direction, confidence, limited life experiences and an absence of self-actualization (maybe not completely).

That’s okay. I chalk it up as childhood and adolescence. A time for exploration, experimentation and a whole lot of mistakes.

Nowadays, my preferred grove in life includes a rhythm of the heart and mind. It’s a pace in which my days are far from chaotic – but can be a bit crazy at times – in which no matter what happens, I’ve trained myself not to over react and to remain centered and grounded. Flying off the handle has little interest to me these days.

I’ve discovered the rhythm of my mind and heart and take that glorious beat with me wherever I go. No doubt this takes maintenance through meditation and awareness, but never the less it’s the engine that drives my day and I’m so grateful for it’s presence.

We cannot expect to evolve into the well-rounded, empathetic, effective, knowledgeable and over-all leaders in this world by sitting in the dim-lit room of our library reading books. No more than you can become a better quarterback by sitting in Lazy Boy chair watching a game. It’s one way of learning, but it’s not the only way.

In order for me to grow, learn and evolve into the kind of wizened force I’m on my way to becoming, I have to risk something. We all must risk something in becoming the best version of ourselves. There are no guarantees even though we all want them.

It just doesn’t work that way.

Risk because you will become a different person on the other side. Risk because your worth it. Risk because nothing is guaranteed in life, so we must seize the moment now. Risk because nothing of value ever came from “playing it safe.” Risk because deep down inside we all know we’re capable of magnificence.

As a parent and business owner, I’m certainly not the one who say’s that when times get tough.

But, I’ve been around long enough to understand embracing the challenge is the best way for me to view my life – my day.

Why? I learned a long time ago the way life works is not by working for a period of time and then coasting the rest. It takes a daily effort to evolve. I’ve heard it said like this: “You don’t own success, you rent it and the rent it due everyday.”

I have found that to be true. And in order to embrace that idea, I must subscribe to the title above.

Or not. But the choice is definitely mine.

One of the main reasons why I started this blog was because of Seth Godin. A wonderful author, speaker and intellect who is able to articulate complex issues incredibly well. I’ve been a fan of his writings for some time and he inspired me to start writing my blog more than a year ago.

He poses a great question that resonated with me that said: “How should we celebrate your day?” Another words, what do you represent and how do you want to be remembered? Are there quotes that are tied to your past and how you lived your life? What do those quotes say? What have you been working towards?

No doubt, we all want to be remembered for great things. In addition, to leaving behind gems of wisdom that inspire future generations to continue on their journey towards greatness as well. If everyone took pride in their own legacy, could you imagine how high we could go?

Just as highly processed food is some of the most unhealthy substances to put into our body, consider the other ways in which highly processed material we’re exposed to throughout the day effects us. Whether that’s on social media, the news, television shows or the company we keep, maybe we should ask ourselves: Is this healthy for me? Nutritious? Am I becoming stronger by exposing myself to these – people/images/media/environment/situation/”friends”/work environment/substance? Or more dysfunctional? Weaker? Dependent?

Once again, when we can find the most enriching experiences in the simplest of activities: an authentic conversation with someone you trust. A long walk in nature – leaving the air pods behind. Quiet time with an engaging book or even meditation. Maybe it’s a date with yourself as you go window shopping or a trip to the art supply store. Or perhaps journaling about where you are right now and where you would like to be in 5 years.

We can choose to go through our lives doing what is convenient or we can choose a life more enriching, fuller, more deeply connected, fulfilling and ultimately a life well-lived by an understanding of what we’re exposing ourselves to in a day. You don’t have to go far to find a store on a corner that sells highly-processed artificially flavored snacks for your convenience. The question remains: Is that what we want for ourselves?