Adventure and exploration
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Inner compass
“Pay close attention to your inner compass. If you stop steering by your own compass, you’ll hit a rumble strip. Don’t panic. Just question your assumptions and you’ll be back on the road in no time.” ~Martha Beck We humans are creatures of habit. We often follow the traditional routes mapped out by others — and find safety and comfort in doing so. Likewise, as kids, we’re taught to respect “authority” in all its guises, including our parents, school teachers, pastors, priests, and police officers. We assumed they were always right, always acting on our behalf — and we were reprimanded for doubting or disobeying them. I like to think…
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Get out of jail free
“Why do you stay in prison, when the door is so wide open?” ~Rumi, Sufi poet Sometimes we create our own obstacles. We might cling to old myths and family roles, or make assumptions that aren’t based on responsible research or fact. We might box ourselves into categories — while doing the same to others. As the Sufi poet Rumi reminds us, we have the power to move past the limits we’ve created or imagined. We can challenge the rules that no longer apply to us. We can escape the prisons of our own making. How often do you trick yourself into thinking you don’t have the ability to achieve…
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Surf’s up
“While you are riding the wave, just put your best self out there and enjoy it.” ~Frieda Pinto A few people who know me well have told me that I “overthink” things. I suspect this is part of being a writer. Whatever the reason, focusing on what could possibly go wrong can be a tiresome habit in daily life. Even when there’s nothing to worry about, I wait for the other metaphorical shoe to drop. Psychologists call it “anticipatory anxiety.” Today’s quote is a wise reminder for over-thinkers like me. When life is going well, the best thing we can do is to ride the wave, soak up the sun,…
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It’s OK to be wrong
“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” ~Patti Digh, Creative Is a Verb Do critics and perfectionists test your patience? These are the stubborn control freaks who like to point out the crooked seams on your brand-new shirt, for example, or correct other people’s errors in casual conversation. They won’t consider an opposing viewpoint and they won’t change their opinion — even if it’s as clear as daylight. You know a few of them too? The fear of being wrong, or appearing wrong, is a buzzkill for just about everything. Today’s quote reminds us that creativity involves risk and adventure. All of which can…
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Is anybody having fun yet?
“We all accept too easily that life has to be hard, and we forget to make sure we have the most fun we can.” ~Amy Schumer Remember when you were a kid and having fun was a top priority? As we mature, we settle down and become responsible. We have to earn a living, take care of our basic needs, plan for the future, and periodically solve problems and put out a few fires. Somewhere along the way, the whole world starts looking darker and more complex, and we lose our joie de vivre. The grown-up definition of play often involves elaborate sports equipment or a costly seat in a…
