Seek to Enjoy all Things

Seek to enjoy all things, rather than possess all things. This may be a derivative of Franciscan beliefs regarding poverty and possessions.

During this economic climate, the philosophy above may be a way to survive and thrive.

Imagine seeing things differently: collecting and enjoying what you have around you.

I have just started to follow the blog - "Ernie Tuck". Professor Ernest Tuck of Colorado, USA doesn't seek to collect things, rather he collects ideas. In recent times, he has collected the concept of the sensation of wind, the number four and common experience.

Another blog that seems to bring this concept to reality is 1000 days at sea, now celebrating 700 days at sea without resupplying or restocking. This trip shows that one can make do with what one has around them.

What things are you collecting without having to have in your physical possession?

Resizing Your World

When in transition we often shrink our daily contacts down to the less stressful, more peaceful ones. We do this for self protection and to also help make our days calmer. Going through transition takes peace, quiet and often solitude.

Transition is a time to try new things and acquaint ourselves with new people and new ideas. Finding new people isn't always that easy but often times this is when we go back to our roots and seek out those who meant something to us in terms of friendship and personal and professional development. This needs to be done selectively and carefully. Missteps are abound here if you don't set personal boundaries with yourself on this adventure.

Resizing your world takes time and careful thought. Sometimes it time to shrink the contact list and other times it is time to grow and expand the list.

Whatever time it is for you, take it careful and slow. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day.

Note: This is a repeat post of a 2007 post.

Mistakes Happen

Mistake happen to us all. Mistakes are especially prevalent when when we are new or transitioning to an activity or new process.

Jane Cahill Pfeiffer, a visible business leader in the 1960's and 1970's was quoted as saying "It is not easy, but you have to be willing to make mistakes. And the earlier you make those mistakes, the better.”

The best lesson I have ever learned was that I am human and can make mistakes. Forgiving myself for my less than perfect behavior has released me from any unhealthy and pointless personal upset.

The other important lesson I've learned is to consciously learn from my mistakes and try not to consistently repeat the same one's.

Let us accept that mistakes happen even to the best of us. The key about mistakes is to learn and grow from them. Use them as a catalyst for growth not a stone on the back to carry or throw at someone else.

Three Ways to Change your Attitude

Change and transition's are generally difficult. If you have been involuntarily made to change, a change of attitude may make a big difference.

Three ways to change or transition your attitude:

1. Try looking at things with a perspective outside of yourself.
2. Visualize a good outcome and rethink strategically how to get to that place.
3. Be grateful you have to experience this discomfort and appreciate the insightful lesson's you will learn.
   

Growth comes from change. Start with changing your attitude. You will enjoy the journey much more.