Checks and balances

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

 

Today is the final day of my Two weeks to a new, improved you challenge and time to Be alive with step 5. I’ve revisited my LIST and re-evaluated my satisfaction in the various areas of my life and, although at a snail’s pace, I’ve made progress. A common lesson taught by yoga instructors during Bikram practice, especially during Savasana, a pose of total relaxation, is to acknowledge any unnecessary movement—to be aware and then to let it go. We can address the distraction(s) the next time it comes to our attention. This is where I find myself at the culmination of my “change my life in 14-days” assignment: I’ve recognized those areas in my life that deplete my energy reserves and, in some instances, I’ve let go of one (or more) distraction in order to address another. Eventually I’ll make my way through each item but, instead of a challenge, it’ll be a mental-health check and balance over time.

How did your two-week transformation turn out?

Be alive with step 5

 

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

 

Here we are at the final step in the series “Two weeks to a new, improved you.” I’ve reviewed steps 1-4 (see Step 4 to live more… ) for a recap. Step five is your report card: at the end of 14 days, re-evaluate. You’ll circle the plans you implemented and then revisit step one where you rated the satisfaction of your life, then compare your score to the goal you gave yourself. Had you scored a 5 in your work life and implemented a plan to increase your satisfaction to an 8, yet you did nothing to make it happen? No worries! Simply recommit and re-evaluate yourself in another two weeks. After working on the first four steps, maybe you’re wondering how to even begin. I picked Nov. 1 as my start date but spent most of the day working on step four. Pick a day and, before you know it, your life will have changed in more ways than one.

Do you plan to make any changes?

Flirting with freedom

 

The term freedom stirs up multiple meanings. In the case of my cat, although he lives a charmed life, I imagine he still yearns for life “on the wild side.” Or at least a fleeting taste of life outside the confines of our yard. A student on break finds a brief reprieve from tests and papers due. When on vacation, deadlines and everyday responsibilities temporarily cease. How rare to be afforded a chance to not just flirt with freedom, but to test drive it. Freedom from fear, from debt, from a relationship or job no longer serving its purpose, from illness or whatever it is that limits our potential—before making a life-changing decision. If we were only guaranteed success, wholeness, satisfaction, a cure. But we aren’t, so we remain in our own yard and never see what’s on the other side of the gate. One day we may gather the courage to open it and walk through to the other side.

What do you desire freedom from?

Quit talking, start doing

[Image credit: digitalart]

Do you ever get tired of hearing a friend complain over and over about something they’re unwilling to change? Or how about the person who says one thing, but acts contrary to who they purport to be? What about that one neighbor who wants to lose weight, live adventurously, blah blah blah but never puts her money where her mouth is? Last month I challenged readers to do something new for 30 days and threw out my own personal challenge: to write a book in a month. As I close out day eight, I’ve logged in 13,368 words, along with the personal satisfaction of finally doing something I’ve been talking about longer than I can remember. I’ve also learned that in writing—and life: 1) sometimes it’s better to just do, rather than think, 2) showing up is still the hardest part and 3) it doesn’t have to be perfect, or even good. As long as I’m trying.

When are you going to quit talking and start doing?

Releasing the want

[Image credit: David Castillo Dominici]

I was talking to a friend the other day about something I wanted with my whole heart. My friend questioned if wanting that something had done anything for me. Admittedly, I wasn’t getting what I wanted, which made me frustrated. Or rather, I allowed the lack of obtaining what I wanted to keep me from true satisfaction. Plus, I should be happy with what I already have … right? So my friend suggested I release the want by letting it go and living without it. I could always go back to it later in time. But, for the moment, I should live unencumbered by want. Because wanting did not produce manifestation except for more want. And emotional suffering. Instead of wanting peace or more money or a better [fill in the blank], perhaps ultimate happiness is discovered by working toward bettering ourselves and accepting the fruits of our labor. Maybe then we’ll want what we have.

Do you want what you don’t have, or have what you want?