Category Archives: Life

A calm, peaceful day

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Today, I found myself in a very calm and peaceful mental space.  I’m not even sure why, but that’s the state in which I found myself, and it was good.

I wish I could package up the conditions that allowed me to feel this way; I’m just not sure how I got here.  Well, maybe I do have a clue.

Today, this Hero operated in a detached manner all day.  Nothing really got on top of me.  I stayed present, and did my best to enjoy each moment, regardless of the task, or situation.  I was in a pretty non-judgemental state today.  That, I think, was the key.

So, my task for tomorrow is to stay in this place, and perhaps observe myself in this mindset.  If I can continue to act as an observer, then my awareness of this state will provide clues – clues which will hopefully allow me to “be” here even more.

I think I’ve mentioned before that one positive impact of this blogging process is that I’m noticing more and more the pause between having a thought – positive or negative – and being able to decide if I want it to continue – the effect.  That slight pause before the effect of my thoughts takes over has been invaluable to me these past months.  I’ve been able to stop negative thoughts early, in order to keep them from taking over, and anchoring themselves in my mind.

Detachment was today’s valuable lesson.  A good one, too.

Commentary on “What I learned today …”

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I know that I often start these posts by saying “Today I learned ….” or some such thing. I’d like to comment on this, as it may seem a bit arrogant to learn so much, in such a short time blogging – 3 months. There’s no arrogance in the statement.

What I’ve learned about “what I’ve learned” came to me today.

As a result of taking this journey in which I write about how myth impacts my life, I’ve opened a door, a connection to ideas or energy or something out there. Psychologists may refer to it as the collective unconscious, and I think that’s probably correct.

It’s in keeping with the saying: “When the student is ready, the master appears.” As a result of this writing exercise, and the thoughts and energy I put into this process, I’ve opened myself up to the ultimate master – this collective unconscious – the universe and all of its’ wonder.

Ideas seem to jump into my head. I almost never approach my daily blog with a topic or idea in hand. Usually, I turn on the laptop, start a new blog editing session, and then wait to see what appears. And, invariably, an idea almost always pops into my head. That’s what I write about on that day, as I’m doing for you (and me) now.

Look, I know I’m still finding my voice, my cadence and the right content about myth and life for this blog. My intention to start writing was just that:  To start writing, and to commit to it each and every day. I’ve done that for over 80 days now, and I’m proud of that accomplishment.

As I continue to write, I know I’ll get better at it, and provide more useful info for my life, but hopefully, for yours, too. I’m a “mission, vision, big picture, wanna help you” kind of person. If this blog becomes that over time, I’ll be very pleased and blessed!

So, today’s insight: It’s better to just start what you want to do, even if, especially if, you don’t know the way. It worked for me, and I’m sure it will for you, too.

Start.

Take the first step.

“Ship” as Seth Godin says.

Do anything!

Then, … do it again!

I don’t define myself by the Quest any longer. Good!

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I noticed something today.  I don’t identify or define myself by my Quest (i.e. “job”) any longer.  I’m about to start a new opportunity in the next month, and although I’m looking forward to it, I don’t have the usual stress around it.

In the past, and I’ve mentioned this before, I chased opportunity according to what it would pay me.  My whole self-identity was defined by the role and how much money I would make from it.  I find that incredibly refreshing now that there’s a gap between who I am and what I do!  It’s a no-win game when these outer markers define us.

As I’ve said before, I now seek opportunity where I can add value and make a difference.  It’s a much easier way to go through life.  The rewards now flow based on what I give, not on what I get.

That is the mark of a Hero, too.

This new Quest requires changes in my life

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On Friday, I mentioned that I’m expecting an offer from a company with whom I’ve interviewed. That’s great news, and I’m very pleased to be in this position. I’ve been thinking about the changes I may want to make in order to be in fighting form for this new Quest.

At the top of the list are health and wellness – proper diet, exercise and more sleep.  Simple things, yet I know they’ll help me slay the dragons I’m going to encounter on my adventures. I’m starting to make improvements in all three of these areas this week.

Next on the list is an assessment of how I can be most effective in my new role. I’m entering a new market, with a new product set and a need to educate myself very quickly. I want to start running from day one. I say effective, as I’m most concerned with leveraging my skills, strengths and abilities for maximum benefit and value to my customers and company. Dan Sullivan, of Strategic Coach talks about developing a “10x mindset”, and I love that concept.

“What kind of thinking & execution would it take to deliver 10x’s results?”

What a great question, and one that I’ll be pondering over the coming weeks and months.

That’s my starting point. I’m sure I’ll be adding to this list over time. Onward.

A life well lived

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Today, I was blessed to attend the Celebration of Life for someone in my extended family.  The man in question died a couple weeks ago after living a good, long life well into his 80’s.

He was a man who definitely answered the Call that was made of him.  Yet, based on what I know about him, I’m not sure he would have seen it that way.  He didn’t overtly answer the Call – he just lived as if he had.

He focused on living and giving, and that defined him in his life.  And, more importantly, it defined him with the people he surrounded himself with each and every day:  his family and friends.

Laurie was a fun and unique character.  He was known for his “groaner” jokes, oblique sense of humour and general sense of living a fun life.

In my mind, he was a master.  He got this living thing.  He fell into it, and he was a Hero – in his own life, but more importantly, he was a Hero to his family and friends.  I heard his grandchildren talk about the great times they spent with him – Poppa to them.  Rides in the wheelbarrow, Mac & Cheese after school, and flinging elastic bands around the house when they least expected it.

He did big things and little things with those he loved.  It all added up to a large, wonderful life.  He will be missed.  And, he has left a legacy that will live long beyond his own years.

A true Hero!

I’m avoiding a truth in my life

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I’ve been drifting off track, off Quest, these past few days. I now know what that’s about: avoidance.

I’ve come to realize that taking risks is not something I’m used to doing – even though I’ve always convinced myself that I was comfortable with them.

Oh, sure, I have taken risks in my life – personal and professional.

The risk I’m talking about is the risk of taking a stand, of allowing the world to see the real me. And, to proudly proclaim my desires, hopes and dreams that come with that territory.

I can sense how uncomfortable I feel as I write these words. I was taught to blend in, to be quiet and be part of the background.

And, in my life I’ve mostly done that yet always felt something was missing. Even though I’ve been a “blender”, it has made me a sometimes frustrated and angry person.

I can’t even promise you tonight that I’ve got the strength or will to put myself 100% out there – I wish I did. I want to with all my heart. I was angry today, and this is why. I’m denying myself permission to break out, and be.

I thought I had that one beat. There’s more work to do …

Today was a tough day. Not much of a Hero

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This will be a short post. I was not a strong Hero today.

I allowed myself to get stuck in the past – my fears, doubts and mistakes.

I did my best to get beyond, but it was a struggle today, and my shadow self won.

Tomorrow is another day; I have not given up. Just lost this battle in a much bigger Quest.

As the decision grows near, the anxiety ramps up

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I noticed that my anxiety levels are rising.  In the next week or so, I may be making a decision for an opportunity.  And, it will represent the culmination of my first major Quest since deciding to answer the Call:  To be all I can be.

I must say that I’m dismayed to be feeling this high level of anxiety.  I’m talking about the “wake up at 2 am and not be able to sleep for a couple hours” level of anxiety.  The kind of anxiety that drains the important creative energy I thrive on, and which gives me strength, hope and drive.

I feel a bit of a coward on this grand quest.  I’ve spent so much time being positive, facing my fears and moving forward these past couple of months.  But, this week has been difficult for me.  Hopefully, it’s just a phase of growth, and that’s what I’m telling myself rightly or wrongly.

I know what I must do:  trust that I’m “on track” and that this too, shall pass.

That’s my goal for tomorrow.  Get a decent night’s sleep, and then be brave, take positive action, and know that these fears are part of my process.

It’s important to know what you want from life

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Today, I learned – not learned really – but was able to affirm something we’re all told about life: You’ve got to know what you expect from it.

Too often in my past, I made decisions without referencing them against my deepest desires. That can make for an unfulfilled existence, and also have us quest in the wrong direction.

Today, I was presented with an opportunity and had to admit at the end of the meeting that we’re probably a poor fit. My goals for the role, it seemed to me, were somewhat at odds with their goals.

I was able to quickly ascertain this, as I have a map, and when I layered this opportunity on it, I saw that we’re heading in different directions. Damn!

My expectations going into the meeting were that we were aligned. I can’t say that any longer.

As much as there’s disappointment, there’s also gratitude. In order for a door to open, another may need to close.

The day after and still moving along

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Today was a rest day on the Quest. I came home late on Thursday night, and had an early start today.

I decided to use my time processing my day yesterday. Getting a feel for my various meetings, the questions I was asked, and my thoughts about the opportunity.

What I learned today is that every Quest also requires a down day once and a while. A slow day.

It’s a day to rest and reflect on perspective, and my place in it all.