Each small step forward matters

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Each small step forward matters.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by NASA

Who isn’t familiar with Neil Armstrong’s famous quote, That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind?

Hearing those words never ceases to inspire me with hope for a better future.

Although we all wish to take giant leaps in our lives, those moments are rare. If, however, we focus on how our small steps lead to bigger things, we can all climb steadily to the peaks of our lives and reach for the stars.

EXERCISE:

How can you more fully recognize and acknowledge the small steps you and others take each day?

How can even your atomic efforts result in quantum leaps of achievement and life satisfaction?

Friday Review: Procrastination

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Friday Review: Procrastination

In what aspects of your life are you given to procrastination? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Step one is to start at step one.”

 

 

 

 

“No one wants to be the skydiver who pulled the rip cord too late.”

 

 

 

“Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized.”

 

 

 

Beauty is a free spirit and will not be trapped within the grid of intentionality.

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“Beauty is a free spirit and will not be trapped within the grid of intentionality.”

—John O’Donohue, late Irish poet, author, priest, and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Kelly Sikkema

Have you ever tried to be intentionally creative?

Putting your head down and trying to focus on new possibilities is like trying to create breakthrough ideas in a group brainstorming session — it rarely works!

Alternatively, when we relax and have access to a lighter touch and a freer spirit, beautiful things often emerge.

EXERCISE:

Where has the power of intention held you back and limited your creative efforts?

Where might an unfocused or less rigorous approach act as a catalyst for new and wonderful things to occur?

 

I am a citizen of the world

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“I am a citizen of the world.”

—Diogenes, Ancient Greek Philosopher

Image from Unsplash by NASA

When was the last time you voted?

During these opportunities to select our preferred candidates, there are often chances to weigh in on proposals that affect our communities. These decision points give us a chance to influence our world, based on what we value and prioritize.

What would it be like to have a global election in which various proposals to better planet earth were on the ballot?

How might we all exercise our vote to take on and tackle the critical issues that affect all of us as global citizens?

EXERCISE:

What top priority proposals would you expect to find on a global ballot?

How can and do you exercise your vote with your daily efforts to improve things for yourself and your neighbors around the world?

You have power over your mind not outside events

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“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

—Marcus Aurelius, Ancient Roman Emperor and Philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Ümit Bulut

What does it mean to have power over our minds?

If you have ever tried to meditate, you know that this can be a daunting challenge at first. Focusing on something as apparently simple as our breath, a physical sensation, or even a sound in the distance seems to go sideways in seconds.

Marcus Aurelius would probably suggest that instead of powering through our ever-bouncing thoughts, we begin playing with them like a child by simply noticing them and where they take us.

With this initial awareness, we can begin developing our mental muscle and strengthen our capacity to focus its power.

EXERCISE:

What are your preferred approaches to stretch and strengthen your mental muscles?

On what topics and in what ways can you improve your ability to concentrate and focus its power to influence your world?

Life is not a solo performance

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Life is not a solo performance. How and where can you collaborate with others to accomplish an important goal?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Emma Day

Carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders is a task too big for anyone. This may be why the biggest sporting events involve teams working together on the common goal of winning. As spectators in the stands or even in a comfy chair watching TV, we feel the excitement of being part of the effort, especially when celebrating a victory.

Where in your life do you operate as a solo performer?

What is your experience of victory and defeat when you are the only one on the field?

How long do these feelings last?

Where in your world do you partner and collaborate with others on a common goal?

When did you last experience the acronym TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More?

EXERCISE:

What areas of your life would being better together make the biggest difference?

Friday Review: Change

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Friday Review: Change

One thing we know for sure: change is inevitable. Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“We live in an ocean of opportunity. Being mindful of which waves to take will give you the ride of your life.”

 

 

 

“The glassblower knows: While in the heat of beginnings any shape is possible. Once hardened, the only way to change is to break.”

 

 

 

“No man steps in the same river twice.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water.”

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“The truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water.”

—Miquel de Cervantes Saavedra, from Don Quixote

Image from Unsplash by pisauikan

If the truth is what sets us free, then most of us often find ourselves imprisoned by what we see and experience these days.

Just explore your email, social media feeds, and our political landscape to observe all types of falsehoods that do their best to hold us captive.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world is the truth being stretched thin?

How do you screen out the lies and rise above the many forms of deception waiting to pounce?

Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t

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“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

—Louise Hay, one of the founders of the self-help movement

Image from Amazon

How often do you follow the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?

How are you at following this alternative rule: Do to yourself as you would have others do unto you?

Although most people are aware of their tendency to criticize and feel the sting of criticism when it comes their way, they seldom grasp the magnitude and impact when it comes from within.

EXERCISE:

If self-criticism is an issue impacting your life, consider reading or rereading Taming Your Gremlins by Rick Carson to soothe this savage beast.

“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”

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“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”

—Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States

Image from Unsplash by Dayne Topkin

Although I tend to avoid absolutes in statements like today’s quote, I do believe Lincoln was on to something with this one.

Consider all the times when you put off and procrastinate on the big and small matters in your life.

How often do you feel the nagging sensation of regret and self-criticism associated with such delays?

Alternatively, how do you feel when you go the extra mile and put a cherry on the top of your day by exceeding your and others’ expectations?

Going to bed with an extra gold star or happy face always feels great!

EXERCISE:

What can and will you do today that you would normally put off until tomorrow?

How will you reward yourself for this extra effort?