Live Your Life March 15, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness.comments closed
Live . . . your . . . life. Simple enough, right?
After all, you’ve already got the live part chugging right along. You’re eating, breathing, talking, thinking, and reading insightful blogs.
But it is your life? The life you were “meant” to live?
Clues that the life you are living is your own:
* You wake up filled with enthusiasm ~ anxious to dive into the new day
* You move through most days with at least the hint of a smile on your face
* Your life feels complete ~ filled to the brim with activities you enjoy
Clues that you are living somebody else’s life:
* You feel like you’re wearing someone else’s badly tailored, ill-fitting suit
* Your energy levels are low and enthusiasm is a distant memory
* You dread waking up in the morning and having to do it all again
You’re the expert.
If your life feels like a “custom fit” to you . . . you can safely assume it’s your life you’re living.
On the other hand, if the life you’re living is too tight in some places, too loose in others, and filled with rips, shreds and tears at the seams, you’ve got some mending to do.
Quote: We can’t all be Mother Teresa . . . that was her job. ~ nrhatch
No rules. Just write!
Related posts: Have You Lost a Part of Yourself? (Always Well Within) * Backwards Living * Access Your Inner Wisdom
To Agree Or Disagree . . . March 15, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Life Balance, Mindfulness, People, Poetry.comments closed
To agree, or disagree, that is the question.
In his well-known poem, Desiderata, Max Ehrmann, a lawyer turned poet, encouraged readers with sage guidance:
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
Great advice.
Often the best way to handle unwarranted criticism from vexatious critics is to walk away, leaving them sitting in the dust as we continue our journey.
Often, but not always.
When someone comes charging along, angrily challenging our heart-felt beliefs, there is a danger in failing to express disagreement with their views.
e.g., Hitler and the Holocaust. How many stood idle in silent acquiescence?
If we choose not to respond to critics who challenge heart-felt beliefs, others may view our silence as acquiescence or be intimidated by the aggressive nature of our challengers (who may still be lurking in the shadows).
Those who wish to explore our thoughts with us may be afraid to do so, concerned that their heads will be next on the chopping block . . . while we stand idle, afraid to get our hands sullied.
Fear is a powerful motivator behind many decisions we face in life.
Instead of silent agreement with aggressive statements postulated by others, we can instead speak our truth quietly and clearly and hope that our words are heard ~ even when we know they are likely to fall on deaf ears.
By way of example, if an editor is focused on editing my work and my words to improve the flow and clarity of my thoughts, I’ll let them have their say without significant debate ~ later deciding whether to incorporate their suggestions into my work, or not.
In contrast, if a critic is not challenging the quality or clarity of my writing, and is instead attempting to act as a censor ~ challenging my right to share my beliefs or attempting to intimidate me in order to get their own beliefs before a wider audience ~ then I say:
Open Fire!
Quote: “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” ~ Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice, ch. 31
No rules. Just write!
A Quick Detour March 15, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Spirit & Ego, Writing & Writers.comments closed
The energy sucking saga continued yesterday when an apparently rabid raccoon confessed to being the man behind the mask.
The previously anonymous inkslinger explained that he had hurled the hateful and hurtful words at members of his beloved writing support group (and light criticism in the general direction of his own work) as a childish, school-boy “prank.”
He encouraged members of his elite inner circle to forgive and forget.
Don’t cry, it’s only a joke!
In response to his theatrical apology and confession, I posted the following feedback:
Once upon a time . . . an anonymous inkslinger hurled hurtful words at a trio of writers.
That’s it ~ a gentle reminder to everyone involved that life goes on and that one day this event would be just another bucket of water over the dam.
In response, the angry writer barred his teeth once again, this time in my direction, and snarled:
Nancy… no matter what you say we aren’t letting you into the group.
Yowsa!
I immediately dissolved into a puddle of tears at his childish taunt ~ feeling cold and alone on the cruel elementary school playground once again.
Ha! Got ya!
His words bounced off their intended mark and faded away as I looked within and asked myself:
Do I want to join this dysfunctional writer’s support group comprised of members who are willing to stab each other in the back, anonymously, under cover of darkness . . . as a joke ?
The answer quickly floated up into my consciousness: No!!!
That settled, my unshed tears remained in situ and I continued to enjoy my day, content in the knowledge that I had neither the time nor the energy to foster a pretend friendship with someone of that ilk.
Before returning my attention to my visiting nieces, I replied to his nasty taunt with a mild remonstrance:
Thanks for the heads up, RJ . . . although I confess I’m a bit perplexed by your comment as I did not realize that I’d petitioned for admittance.
Done and dusted.
I generally prefer to take the High Road . . . it’s got a better view. But, every once in a while, I am inspired to take a quick detour:
“Oh, ye’ll take the High Road, and I’ll take the Low Road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye.”
No rules. Just write!
Spirit Lights The Way 