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Things To Think About, Monday, September 24th, 2018

Opa! Ooopsie!

broken image

Happy Monday or whatever Monday you choose.

Sometimes when you are spinning too many plates, you can be overwhelmed. That was my weekend, and it broke me. I was so flustered, I could not find something that was literally right in front of my face. My family helped me search for a missing checkbook for about thirty minutes. After a cathartic release of tears, it was found. It had been wedged in a folder. The same folder that had previously been searched multiple times by at least four people. When you try and juggle too many things, confusion abounds. This impairs your judgment because of information overload and gives your inner critic room to sow the seeds of distrust in your mind.

  • What am I doing? I was crazy to think I could do this.

But, and there is always a but – we need to move forward. We are juggling all this projects, dreams, and goals because we are rip-roaring and ready to go. We want to be successful. In our rush to get ahead, we may forget the destination and get caught up in the journey. We want to burn rubber and go go go! Maybe you are missing out on some of the scenery. Having a bigger picture enables you to make more informed decisions. When your mind is racing it can enter into analysis paralysis; overcome by options.

There are many choices and paths that you can take on the journey. However, if you are rushing, you could miss the potential danger. You may step into a pothole, or walk into a hornet's nest. If your judgment is impaired, you could have delusions of grandeur. How many start-ups think they are going to be the next big thing. Overnight success is a myth. Generally, someone worked their butt off for years until suddenly, their work was recognized. Celebrate and build on the small victories. You may not have reached all your potential, but did you reach one person?

  • Did you make a difference? Are you on the right track?

When it all falls down, remember that this is just a phase. While attending a funeral this weekend, I finally realized the meaning of times and seasons. The pastor said there was a time a mourn; a finite time, and then you move forward. If things are not going your way, you can sit there and feel sorry for yourself. Woe is me. Or you can draw on your inner strength and take a step to make a change. I was definitely feeling very downhearted when I lost the checkbook. After I finished with my drama, my “mourning,” I found the checkbook. I pressed on. I completed the task at hand. I acknowledge that challenge is coming, but I am going to channel those feelings of defeat into purposeful action. When you are aware that your reptile mind has taken over, you are already on the road to success. You can recognize that your judgment is impaired and breathe. Take back control of your life. You are the boss of you. At the same funeral, there was a wonderful quote which was a favorite of the departed:

 

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

– Arthur Ashe

What’s next? Be kind to yourself. If you drive a Porsche non-stop for days on end, I can guarantee you, it will end up in a garage. Even a high-performance vehicle, needs to refuel and get regular maintenance. Kids have incredible energy. They are definitely go go go until they are asleep in their spaghetti. They know there is a time to run and a time to rest. They also care for others. I do not know how many flowers have met their fateful end because my little one wanted to share something beautiful with me. You have to remember to include your family and friends in your juggling. Sometimes they can help and spin a plate for you long enough for you to recoup and forge ahead. What you think is what you do. Do not be a prisoner of thoughts. Ask yourself why you are juggling all those plates. Only you can determine your equilibrium and bring yourself into balance.