The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

– Marcus Aurelius

Get Out of Your Own Way

May 31, 2020

“Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can’t control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.” — Epictetus, The Art Of Living

A fundamental principle in journalism is to “check your sources.” As a journalism major, I was reminded of this principle this weekend when a government official quoted a “fact” that would help the narrative to support his view. It kept popping up on Facebook as fact, again and again, giving people comfort by supporting their view as well.

“And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance”

- Lee Ann Womack

The Utility of Joy

March 18, 2020

“Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint.” – Angela Duckworth

We often think of joy as frivolous, of no real use, fluffy, the icing on the cake if you even get cake. Joy is so much more than a bonus. It’s the salary of a life well lived. Joy is not an extra, an anomaly, it’s the main character, center stage. It’s utility, a necessity, a requirement. Dancing is fundamental to this life.

We are called to the sky of joy, to pure delight every single day. That still small voice, that calling grounded in purpose, height, depth and the seemingly impossible. It is the seed of joy inside ready to burst into full bloom.

The times are uncertain right now to be sure, but this moment, this slice of time is open to explore, wander and inquire with fortitude. Our self-imposed limitations have been removed and excuses for not starting have melted. So start. Begin the dance.

Run fast and furious to starting new things that you never had the time for. You, we, all have the time right now in this moment. This is our collective invitation to stop the futility of busy, the guilt of commitment to nothingness to begin the important – to give stage to your calling.

In Laura Story’s song Blessings, she beautifully ponders whether our blessings are amidst our trials in disguise. Indeed they are. This moment right now is our blessing in disguise. This very moment is fertile ground for starting, for exploring and for answering the questions that have been drown out by busy, condensed time and BS excuses that we have given credence to without question.

Tap into the utility of joy right now when it makes absolutely no sense. This defining moment for each of us calls us to rise above and pursue right through the middle of fear and consternation.

Begin something new today, amidst the unknown and uncertainty. This is the exact time to explore, start and get going on your dreams. “The only joy in the world is to begin.” – Cesare Pavese

Succumb to the utility, necessity and rigor of joy. It is exactly what we all need right now in this moment. Release despair, scarcity and hording. Give, spend and risk it all.

“Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm. Philosophies fall away like sand, creeds follow one another, but what is beautiful is a joy for all seasons, a possession for all eternity.” – Oscar Wilde

Be Your Own Cheerleader!

November 23, 2019

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Thoughts and words matter, especially in our own mind. Our beliefs, assumptions and self-talk defines the span of our playing field and if we’re going to get in the game for the long haul. The first step to doing big things is believing that we have the capacity to achieve them.

Psychologist Albert Bandura defines self-efficacy as “one’s belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.” Note that it’s one’s belief in ability, not ability. Believing that we can do it is the first step.