Chaos Tamer
I love this post I found this morning on Instagram:
I’ve often found myself torn between my mind’s competing interests. Recently I figured out that at those moments, THIS is what I need to do: “pursue myself”. Become better, healthier, happier…all those things make for a better life. Much more so than simply getting some promotion or a new job.
Anyway, I wish a happy Friday to you all! May you move closer to your dreams.
I make it a point to read Seth Godin blog posts every day (well, I try my best). Today, he wrote “The half-life of magic“.
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
Arthur C. Clarke
In this post, Mr. Godin points out how quickly magic wears off. And, by magic, I ascribe the appreciation and wonder. The rate of change has increased so dramatically that one of our challenges is to find wonder in life.
It is hard when we externalize this. When we’re waiting to find wonder, delight, joy, it becomes so much harder to find. Let me propose another alternative: to actively seek it. Take a moment and consider how amazing our lives our. With my cellphone I can look up almost anything humanity has ever learned. Almost all knowledge is, literally, at our fingertips. but these technological marvels are only a small piece. Look out the window, watch the rain, see the hummingbirds drift amongst the blossoms, or the juncos dark amongst the tree branches. Or the eagle drifting overhead, over this suburban human habitat.
Life is full of wonder if you choose to look for it. And that’s the pathway to a joy-filled life: searching for wonder.
Lately, Gary’s videos and podcasts have given me lots to think about. I really appreciate his focus on thinking higher. Why are we doing what we do? Why are we pursuing whatever goals we have?
I’ve long held that gratitude is critical to living a good life. Thus, I think he’s spot-on here.
It’s roughly 4 minutes and think it’s well worth your time.
I finished my final final and turned in my final project for fall quarter yesterday. Now, I’m in the process of getting my feet back under me. I have a few hundred emails to go through, so will be spending some dedicated time go through them all.
As I work to process all the stuff, I read this gem: “Malcolm Gladwell’s 3-Word Reminder to Stop You from Overthinking“. Overthinking and analysis-paralysis are perpetual problems for me, but I continue to work on them. Articles like this help remind me of the importance of keeping my brain under control.
A few excerpts that I’m clipping/posting on my wall.
Nothing kills progress faster than indecision!
Uncertainty of the future shouldn’t freeze us but rather free us.
“This belief we have that the future is knowable is crazy. People need to have the freedom to take more chances.” — Malcolm Gladwell
I need to remind myself that the world rewards those who have the stones to keep moving forward regardless if they don’t know their destination
So, I, too, resolve to live by his last line: “Screw it, let’s go!”
Do the best you can
Live a life you are proud of
And have no regrets
I woke with this idea, a strong voice in my head. This is how to live a life with no regrets. Always do the best work you can. Always seek actions that you are proud of. Then you’ll have nothing to be ashamed of.
This TED Talk was just sent to me: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | Robert Waldinger. I’ve seen this video before and greatly appreciate the insights brought to light.
Here’s the basic framework. Harvard started a study around 80 years ago looking at what makes us happy and healthy in life. Having a study like this last this long is very significant. Dr. Waldinger is the 4th director of this study. It gives us a rare glimpse into positive living, one that hasn’t existed before.
In my youth, I believed, like so others that wealth and fame were the keys to an awesome life. There are many studies showing that a majority of people think the same. Turns out, that’s wrong.
“Good relationships keep us happier and healthier”. Social connection is life-giving, loneliness kills. This isn’t the number of friends, etc, but the quality. Also, living in conflict is destructive. The people who were the most satisfied at age 50 have the best health in their 80s. And good relationships are not only good for our bodies but also our minds. Ultimately, having people in your life that you KNOW have your back, that will be there when the times go bad, this is what will make your life satisfying.
I’m glad to have the benefit of the wisdom from this study without having to have lived a full lifetime, to use this knowledge to make a better life, not simply reflect back. And I want the same for you. Take a few minutes out of your day and go watch this video.
Wishing you a good morning, an engaging, soul redeeming day, and a refreshing weekend.
All hail performance!
I recklessly pursue speed
Losing quality
I always feel pressure to get things done faster. Speed is everything! Except it’s not. Without quality everything collapses. Pressure starts to build for both, yet they live on the opposite sides of town. Therein lies the challenge, methinks.
Lying here thinking
Of this morning’s potential
Something wonderful
Seeking out my strengths
Align my life for success
Pursuing my dreams
So much of my life wasted with fear and insecurity. No longer will they dominate my life. I will continue to seek out purpose and tranquility.