Listen, be still. We all have enough
meaning
Proficiency and Joy
Work hard every day. Turn up and go deep on stuff, but don’t ignore what brings you joy and what you are proficient in. Listen for feedback. Do people want to work with you again, is it satisfying, is it valued, are you proud of the product?
Double down where your proficiency and joy intersect. There’s no point working away at something in a mediocre way that makes you miserable.
Use what talents you possess, the woods will be very silent if no birds sang there except those who sang best – Henry Van Dyke
Pets and Patience
I was chatting to an old grey hair friend the other day and he shared his rule for working with people:
When he meets with new clients, one of his questions is whether or not they have pets. It gives him a good idea about what they are like to work with. His theory is that pet owners are more comfortable with the imperfections of life and mostly roll with it. Animals vomit on that special carpet or scratch that fancy chair. Their hairs get everywhere. Dogs bark at inconvenient times like when the baby is sleeping, and cats don’t come when you call them. Living with animals is a practice of love and patience.
Animals teach us to throw our hands up in the air and say shit happens! We get exasperated and angry but give the dog a cuddle anyway.
Be okay with surrendering control. Life won’t follow your script. Animals are great teachers.
Vampires and Silver Bullets
Vampires suck on you constantly. The more distracted you are the better it is for them.
It’s the monthly subscription you pay for but never use, the unread book that sits on your bedside table, and people with their own agendas requesting time and attention. These things drain you over time and suck up your energy. The constant pull builds up resentment in you and the result is anger and frustration.
It’s hard to say no to people when you don’t have a yes to something else. Free up space to spend time on your own goals and dreams. Once you’ve simplified and clarified “your way” then it’s easier to see the vampires because the clutter is removed.
Taking time out, sitting still and breathing is like garlic and silver bullets. Do it every day.
Don’t force it
If you are forcing it then it’s not yoga. Listen to your body
The word of the day
The word of the day: NOW!
The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago. The next best time is NOW!
The freedom to choose
There are so many gems in this Viktor Krankl interview. My father reminded me of it today and it’s worth the 30 minutes if you are looking learn more about about meaning & purpose. It’s a simple message:
He talks about how people react to unchangeable events. When these events are out of our control, it’s how we choose to react determines our happiness.
Don’t forget, you have the freedom to choose how you react to everything and everyone you encounter each day.
Isn’t that great?
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