How often, and how quickly, do you take action? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“Without jumping off its perch, the bird would never fly.”
“You cannot talk your way out of something you behaved yourself into.”
“Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds, you can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.”
Image from Unsplash by Hayley Murray
Each morning I take a three mile walk with friends from my neighborhood. Our time together usually involves discussing current events, our lives, and our various interests.
We unconsciously take the same 8/10ths of a mile circuit walking in a counter-clockwise direction.
Although we sometime comment on the state of our landscaping and repairs being made by our neighbors, the path we take is unremarkable, with the same inclines and curves we never seem to notice.
The other day one of our fearless leaders dragged the rest of us outside our development to visit a local park which provided a nice change of pace to the path we usually take.
EXERCISE:
Where in your life are you going in circles and not noticing anything particularly wonderful?
In what ways can you step off this path to investigate aspect of your world previously unexplored?
Image from Unsplash by The Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Today’s quote brings a lot to consider! Each sentence could easily be a post on its own. It’s the third sentence that captured my soulful interest today.
In economic terms, it is clear that when we spend our money we have less following our transactions.
The concept of spending oneself on matters of great significance is very different. Pouring ourselves into important matters and the people we love creates a richness money just can’t buy.
EXERCISE:
Which part of today’s quote sparks the greatest interest for you?
Please share your perspectives from your own rich experiences.
Image from Unsplash by Anupam Mahapatra
We all know exercise does a body good. Here are some benefits you may already know, and perhaps a few you don’t:
EXERCISE:
In what ways can and will you introduce more opportunities to be more active each day?
Consider checking out the Mayo Clinic for more information.
Image from Unsplash by Banff Sunshine Village
Do you or have you participated in winter activities such as skiing or sledding? Although I tried my hand at skiing in my late teens and made it down a few bunny slopes, sledding was my thing as a kid.
When our wintry prayers were answered for snow days, I was out the door with my friends to visit venues we named Suicide Hill and Dead Man’s Drop.
As fast as we would race down each run, we would immediately dart right back up each incline again and again, holding on tight to our flexible flyers, snowboards, and toboggans.
We couldn’t get enough and only frozen toes, growling stomachs, and looming darkness would have us head home.
EXERCISE:
How many good runs have you had in your life? What intentions and actions are you planning and taking to make the most of every day you wake up to see the sun?
Image from Unsplash by Lucas Vasquez
Ed Kotch was the mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. In his efforts to be a good mayor and serve the city well, he would often ask How am I doing? to gain feedback and enhance his efforts.
How often do you evaluate your own efforts and contemplate how you are doing? Where are you judging yourself and making comparisons to others to see how you stack up? Where is this habit causing you misery?
EXERCISE:
How would taking yourself out from under your microscope of judgement free you up to simply act more and think less about your life?
How would assuming that you are doing just fine at being who you are help you be far happier and satisfied with your life?
Image from Amazon
The past few years have been times of considerable change for most of us.
With time to reflect and explore changes in myself and others, I’ve recognized today’s quote as being spot on.
Wendy and I recently moved to a senior community outside of Philadelphia. Since then, I’ve noticed a number of trends among the residents.
The people who remain active are far younger at heart and generally have richer lives that include better health and vitality. Those folks that are less active, venture out less often, and have fewer social interactions seem to experience the opposite.
Consider reading The Power of Full Engagement by James E. Loehr and Tony Schwartz to see how being in action can support you in leading a more energetic and richer life.
Image from Pixels by Lukáš Vaňátko
How often do you wake up in the morning with a strong sense of peace and calm?
What percent of the time do your thoughts spring into action with all the to-dos for the day, before your feet even hit the floor?
When do you first check your phone for texts or emails that have piled up overnight?
How many truly important messages do you receive each day, and how many do you consider clutter of junk?
Although we are now well into summer, there is always time to do a bit of spring cleaning.
How would some forced separation from your ordinary ambitions that clutter your various inboxes help you right size your life?
Where would unsubscribing and removing various barriers to your aliveness make the biggest difference?
Where can and will you begin today?
Image from Unsplash by AARN GIRI
I love to watch documentaries and educational programing about animals and our natural world. The best programs include outstanding visuals and a compelling story about how these creatures go about securing food, avoiding predators, finding a mate, and adapting to their environments.
Among all the animals, there is something magical about young birds. They go from helpless, blind, squawking mouths to feed to soaring sparrows and eagles that can inspire even the most sedentary couch potato of us to get up and spread our wings — even if it is just to secure another snack.
Where is it necessary for you or others in your communities to jump off your perch and spread your wings? What will you do, and where will you go when you fly?
How often, and how quickly, do you take action? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“Opportunities are seldom labeled.”