Month: October 2016

Microcosm

Settling for good enough is never good enough.

We should always be pushing the envelop, trying new things, innovating.

This is difficult when we operate without much excess. I’m finding that I can look for ways to innovate by thinking of microcosms. Noticing small areas that operate on their own, do not have much connection to other areas and can be adjusted or changed without much risk.

These microcosms will be areas I’m going to work to innovate. The small team of people I work closely with, the one meeting where I’m trying something new, a new friendship with a different attitude…

It will take more effort in these little environments but it’s worth the cost to continue operating with innovation.

Prioritize

Most often, we will have the resources to say yes or step in.

When we do, we must do so with confidence and I’ve found this confidence of saying yes or stepping in comes from knowing priorities. Of myself, my family, and those around me.

I can chose to start something with my team if I know they all prioritize the main objective of the thing to start.

I can give my time and resources to a cause if it lines up with my and my family’s priorities.

Having priorities in mind, gives way to a more holistic self view and in turn lets us interact with our environment in a more full way.

Stepping in Full

I’m stepping into a new role at work and it’s a little scary. The role will challenge me and stretch me to new areas. People also saying things like, “Oh did they rope you into that?” because of the reputation of the group.

I’m not going to let that scare me away. I’m stepping in full. I’m all in.

I want to take advice from others but I chose this and there’s not much reason to look back. I want to look ahead with confidence and excitement. In my life this confidence, excitement, passion, drive has only helped in the long term. I’m going to trust that rather than the ideas other have.

Simple Joys are Holy

Excerpt from Celtic Daily Prayer Morning Prayer Devotion:

Simple joys are holy

If you want your dream to be
Take your time, go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely
If you want to live life free
Take your, time go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely

Day by day, stone by stone
Build your secret slowly
Day by day, you’ll grow too
You’ll know heaven’s glory

If you want to live life free
Take your time go slowly
If you want your dream to be
Take your time, go slowly

‘Little Church’ (Donovan Leitch)

Freeing Integrity pt. 2

When I act with more integrity (wholly oneself, fully true…) I am free from needing others appreciation.

I know what is my strength and where I can have impact. I do not need others to affirm that as often. And when I do need affirmation, I only look for it with those whom I would consider integral people in my life.

When I write a blog post I’m proud of, I don’t need to send it to my friends and say look what I did to be reminded it is good. I know it is because it’s coming from a wholly true place in me.

Freeing Integrity pt. 1

As I gain freedom to act with more integrity (wholly oneself, fully true, …) I am finding more joy and fulfillment.

I feel less obligated to act in areas I know are not my arena. At the same time I feel more obligated in areas that are my forte. I feel as though I’m accomplishing more. Not necessarily more off my checklist but the things I am checking off or working towards are being done better. Much better.

I’m loving my wife more fully when I realize I don’t need to spend the extra 10 minutes checking social media at night. I’m able to ensure my team at work has what they need when I realize the urgent request from another group is not the important matter I need to focus on. I’m giving more of my time and resources to people and organizations I care most about and able to toss out mailing requests and say no to those who are not in my arena of influence.

This is so freeing.

Focus and Energy

Where focus goes energy flows.

It’s incredibly important we know where our focus is. Our focus will dictate the direction of our lives.

The places I care most about are those which I will direct my focus. Those which are loose associations I will disregard when possible. I only have so much energy so I need to be sure I’m spending it appropriately.

Needing Applause

I often think I need applause. I need the people around me to like me, approve of me, think I’m something even if I’m not.

Instead, I’m working towards knowing myself enough to know where the applause is meaningful. I still appreciate applause but only in the arenas I know are my arenas. The areas I thrive in. The people I truly care about. The places who I am and what I offer connects to a need of those in the arena.

For example, I’m not going to be a big time home renovator. It’s not in my soul. I’m not going to be able to be the DIY fix it guy of my home. I’m then not going to try to no end to fix things around my house or re-design my upstairs on my own. I’m going to hire someone or ask a skilled friend to help in big ways. I won’t expect people to come to my home and be amazed and appreciative of my skill with a saw or drywall. I will however expect people to appreciate and feel welcomed in my home. I am a hospitality person. I love making people feel welcome and included. When I see someone feel comfortable in my home and get loved by my family and those in my home, I will appreciate the applause there. That’s my strength…not hanging drywall.