Category: Uncategorized (Page 137 of 158)

Whenever I have made a choice to remain open to what the world has in store for me, I have always benefited from the results somehow or some way. Maybe not in that moment – in linear time, but down the road. The opposite would be to convince yourself you have control over everything that occurs in your universe and how it turns out. Well, to some degree, but there are enough elements out of your control to complicate matters.

The moment I think I have it all figured out is when I’m blindsided by something I couldn’t have imagined coming down the pipe. And this is why I must constantly remind myself to remain open and fluid. Roll with it. Stop judging. Expect the best results.

Whether it’s an individual I’m carrying on a conversation with that I just met, heading into a business meeting or considering diving into the next artistic endeavor – refrain from allowing your judgement to taint the moment.

Remain present in the moment and let the next one unfold as it was meant to be. Your pre-judgement of the situation or the outcome only depletes you from having a genuine experience and more importantly possibly making a deep connection with another human being.

And who knows – you might just find some joy in what you’re doing.

Should I start writing my own blog? The answer is yes. Should I begin exercising tomorrow to get into better shape? Of course. Yes. I wonder if I should take my camera with me to get some pictures while I’m on my road trip? No doubt. Take it. Yes!

I guess you already know what the I’m going to say: The answer is always YES. Say YES to the universe. There are a 1,000 excuses not to take a chance, to choose discomfort, to test the boundaries of your ability. Find the one reason to say, YES and then do it.

We tend to regret the things we don’t do rather than the things we choose to do (of course within reason and making strong choices). We don’t have a choice of what happens to us, but we do have a choice to how we react.

Say YES.

Is there a finite amount of reasons to be grateful for all the happenings in your life?

It would seem to me you can always find something else you can find gratitude for. Just look around. Some would say you’re supposed to limit the amount of times you go through your list of what you’re thankful for to once a week. Personally, I feel like if you can look at your world with a grateful heart, how can you over do it.

There is a lot of pain in the world today and to be able to find a little something that you can show your appreciation for – then why not. In doing this, you have shifted your perspective. You are no longer expecting the world to be right for you in everything you do and then dismissing your current moment only looking to the next.

No, living with a grateful heart, brings the present moment into focus and you’re able to acknowledge it’s value as a gift. This is grounding – it’s humbling. It’s a place in my heart I enjoy and feel grace.

I intend to live everyday with a sense of bewilderment for this gift called life.

How about you?

Shut it down.

I’ve heard it said that it’s the space between the bars that keeps the tiger in the cage and it’s the silence between the notes that make the music. Then perhaps it’s our down time between the hustle and bustle where we can draw upon our creativity for new and brilliant ideas.

I know for me, inspiration comes to me when I’m not pressing. When my body is occupied by doing something else – such as running – and my mind is free to wander. I believe running – and walking for that matter – are a form of meditation, and what a great way to give your mind space to stretch out and play. It’s the closest way I can subscribe to as effective multi-tasking.

My Sunday mornings are open for such experiences and I look forward to them every week. Schedule a time when you can have some “down time” to do nothing. Before long, you’ll have a myriad of great ideas coming in with grace and ease. Don’t discount them just because they flowed to you without resistance. Sometimes, those are the beautiful gems.

I was fortunate enough to visit Italy a couple of years ago and the way people view their work day is drastically different than the way we do it here in the States. No one is racing to get out the door in the morning, lunches last 2-3 hours and every one just wants a good tan.

Not a bad way to go through your day. I’m not sure you would find many people in these parts who would subscribe to such a lifestyle. It’s not right or wrong – just different.

But, it begs the question: What is your work pace? 12 hour days? 8 hour days + Saturdays? 4 days a week with Friday’s off and 10 hour days? Not sure. I’m in a constant flux with that. Always looking for the right balance. We don’t take 2 hours for lunch and then take a nap after around here. Maybe we should. Not sure.

But, I do know you have to do what you love. I’ve heard that if you love something, work really hard at getting good at it. That way you may be fortunate to do it every day for the rest of your life – and call it a job.