Month: September 2016

If only–Even If

I heard a friend share this idea of taking the things we communicate as “If Only..” Statements and switching them for a more helpful and holistic attitude.

If only I could do all of what I love at work, then I’d have meaning

If only I could get them to want me then, I’d be on the right path.

If only I could catch a break, then I could get going.

Instead I’m going to think of it this way…

Even if most my job isn’t directly connected to passions, I’ll find meaning in the midst.

Even if they don’t want me, I’ll find the right path.

Even if I don’t catch a break, things will keep going.

This transition has to come from a realization of the magnitude of life and trust there is goodness to be seen and tasted. For me that is the overflow of my faith in a God who does everything to bring us into His Kingdom and bring His Kingdom to us. Even giving up Himself to make it all right.

I feel freed when I transition to “Even If.” “If Only” bounds me tighter and tighter. Keeping me from releasing all that is possible.

Thanks to Coleman McIntyre for sharing this powerful message!

Paralysis Comes from Fear

When I feel frozen, I often find it’s because I’m scared.

I don’t know where to go next and I’m afraid to find out or I do not know but I’m scared of what that means.

Being paralyzed in the  moment cannot last long. The world, my community, my family, my organization needs the decision to come, the action to impact.

I must take steps forward no matter how small.

If I’m not moving I’m often acting out of fear.

The Display of Fear-Avoid

Fear shows in many ways.

One way I’ve noticed it recently is in avoidance.

Avoiding going back to the gym because I’m afraid I won’t get any stronger.

Avoiding that conversation because the person might not like you.

Avoiding stepping out because it might not work.

I know in my gut when fear is driving my avoidance. I’m going to try to fight that fear more often by labeling it, then doing something creative about it.

Why don’t I listen more?

Ever time I leave a situation and I listened fully, intently, constantly, I leave feeling better about myself and feeling as though the other person was known and heard. But why don’t I do it more?

Well I’m selfish of course and I think I need to tell my story or give my input right away. The urgent need of wanting to be heard myself takes over and kicks out the importance of listening well.

Listening more always pays off better but often I trade it for the cheap option to speak and avoid listening.

Dispel Excuses

It’s easy to tell what is a weak excuse. We can feel it in our bones when we give one. There are always good excuses but the weak ones carry strong dissonance.

Integrity of Self and Integrity of Action call for dispelling these excuses.

Calling them out by name.

Make way for the truest path. Do not let your feeble excuses get in the way.

Words above are inspired by the deep wisdom of Alex Crist.

Honesty is necessary

In order to fully experience Integrity of Self, we must be honest.

Honest about where and who we actually are. Not blindly where and who we hope.

Self-Awareness is null without honesty.

True self-actualization requires deep honesty.

Honesty should be the sharp, harsh turn we take immediately after self-awareness.

Inspired by the deep wisdom of Alex Crist, a friend who always visits if in town and whom I’ll always carve out time for when he is in town.

Looking Back into Fog

This was the cover of Patagonia’s recent catalog:

I like it because when I look back often it seems like a murky cloud of who knows what.

Its important for me to instead focus on what my hands are doing and what is ahead. I can get fixated on imagining what is beyond the fog and what I thought the past was but more importantly and more clear is the present and what is ahead.

Patagonia Add Climbing Clouds.jpg

Manufacturing

Anytime we manufacture something in our personality, it can carry along and add underneath to resonate deeply within us but it will take a good amount of time.

Anytime manufactured will always take more time, energy, resources, than that which is naturally present.

I’m going to look more to use what is “in season” than manufacturing something else.