I quit.

One day, you wake up and just know it’s time to say, “I quit.” I quit the negative self-talk. I quit complaining. I quit obsessing (see “A time for everything…”). I quit whatever no longer serves me—the toxic behaviors that harm vs. heal, the co-dependent relationships that eclipse vs. edify, saying “yes” when I mean “no.” I quit making excuses and, instead, take ownership of my decisions, my goals, my commitments, my successes—and my failures. I quit piling on the unrealistic expectations, and replace them with my victories, big and small. I quit dreaming new dreams without attaching wings: the tangible steps I must take to create the reality my heart envisions. One day, you wake up and just know it’s time to say, “I begin.” And embrace every thrill ride, every bump, bruise and disappointment because it means you’re alive and present in this moment. That you’re breathing and you were created for a purpose.

What do you need to quit in order to begin?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Stop the insanity

[Image credit: renjith krishnan]

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again
 and expecting different results.
~ Albert Einstein

Ever been in that spot Einstein describes? Or perhaps known someone who complains about life, but continues on the same self-destructive or go-nowhere path? Over the years, I’ve shared some rather strong opinions in love—as well as frustration—with a few close acquaintances to no avail. However, I can’t help but wonder if my words even matter. But as soon as I question the validity or necessity of baring my heart, I know I would not be able to live with myself if I kept silent. What kind of friend, mother, daughter, sister or partner would I be? But I’m also learning it’s best to keep quiet if my words are fueled in anger or won’t build up or edify. And that perhaps I need to take my own advice from time to time. Before the insanity becomes too much.

Do you need someone to tell you to stop the insanity?

I am slowly going crazy

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

There’s an old Raffi tune my daughter and I sang when she was little: I am slowly going crazy, 1-2-3-4-5-6 switch, crazy going slowly am I 6-5-4-3-2-1 switch.  Sometimes I’ll still mutter the song to myself as I flit from one commitment to another.  I’ve said it before — that remaining busy helps keep my mind in the present.  It encourages me to not dwell on lack but focus on plenty.  But if you know me, I typically don’t do anything halfway.  Which means moderation is a challenge.  I’m working on that one by picking and choosing value-added activities, rather than simply filling my days with “stuff.”  This means pursuing interests and relationships that edify and add to, rather than tear down and take away from.  Saying yes to those things that fill the depleted areas in my life and no to the things that aren’t worth my time or energy.  That way, going a little crazy can be a fun thing.

Does your crazy need to be re-evaluated?