Wednesday Wisdom 3/25/09

In the midst of these challenging times, am I alone in yearning for a little sense of security? Right now, wouldn’t just a bit of hope in the immediate future and faith in the ultimate outcome of this financial crisis put your human needs at ease? Or, has “security” been an illusion all along?

The more you seek security, the less of it you have. The more you seek opportunity, the more likely it is that you will achieve the security you desire.

I’ve said it before, so I’ll remind myself again: What is, is. Now, what do you want to make of it? For some, these times are laced with turmoil; for others they are a playground of opportunities. The opportunity to define ourselves with more clarity; to discover a sacredness in simplicity; to risk playing large & bold, and playing to win; to leverage all that we are in exchange for all that we could be, to stop being a spectator and get in the game . . . and the list goes on.

As long as we wish for security, we will have difficulty pursuing what matters most. – Peter Block

So, today I suspend my desire to feel secure, temporarily let go of the known, and pursue the opportunities that lie before me. How about you?

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. – Helen Keller

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Wednesday Wisdom 3/18/09

A cherished friend, author of several books (go to http://www.LeslieCharles.com to familiarize yourself with them as well the rest of her exceptional work), acclaimed seminar leader and professional speaker, C. Leslie Charles, CSP, casually wrote this in an email to me yesterday:

Most of the truly successful people in the world we never hear about.
It’s that quiet success of congruence, enriched living and personal
fulfillment.

To which I responded, “I savored those words . . . then devoured them.”

How enriched is your life lately? And, your personal fulfillment? That quiet success of congruence. Who are you with yourself? Who are you with others? If I interviewed 3 of the closest people to you and asked them what defines you, how would they answer? What words would they use to describe you? What words would your co-workers use? Your best friends? Your casual acquaintances? How congruent are those words to the ones you’d use to describe yourself?

I’m not writing this because I have brilliant answers to all the questions. I’m writing this because I’m blessed with friends like Leslie who enrich my life as she continues to hold herself and those she loves accountable for their lives. I pray you have someone in your life with the wisdom and courage to do the same.

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Wednesday Wisdom 3/11/2009

Tell me of a time when worry made a situation better? Or, when worry led to resolution? Has it, even once, resulted in making things better, or made you feel more hopeful about the “what is”? Because, the bottom-line is: What is, is.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.
– Corrie Boom

As a nation we’re experiencing challenging times. We don’t even know if we’ve “hit bottom” yet. Some days it’s difficult, however, I remind myself that I could either waste time and energy in worry, or invest myself in thoughts and efforts that could actually address current challenges. How can I work on the part of this situation I have some control or influence over? Then, move from there. Perhaps you do it naturally, however I have to remind myself to avoid expending energy in attempts to change what I cannot.

Today, where can you turn worry, which is robbing you like a thief with a pointed gun, into solution-focused energy that can propel you forward?

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Wednesday Wisdom 3/04/09

In the 2005 film Walk the Line, Reese Witherspoon earned an Oscar award for her role as June Carter Cash. Reese said was “gob smacked” by the demanding role. And, once she learned she needed to sing and play the autoharp to make the part come alive, she called her attorney, her agent and her manager to get out of playing the part.

She begged everyone to call LeAnn Rimes or anyone else who sang for a living. After all, “I’m just an actress!”

After voice and instrument lessons, panic gave way to gradual acceptance.

For years, Meryl Streep accepted parts, then studied the script and understood the immensity of the role. Fear settled in, and she attempted to convince her agent and manager to contract someone else who could do a better job.

It’s good to have that kind of challenge in your life. It’s important to do things that scare you to death! – Reese Witherspoon

Lately, have you heard yourself say, “I’m just a _______?” Or, “I can’t possibly__________.” Perhaps a solid challenge and a good dose of fear is what you need to stretch yourself into another role . . .

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