True Balance Life Coaching

Pace Smith from Freak Revolution shares a thought provoking post.

Enjoy!

Do you ever feel guilty about reading self-help books or blogs when there are people starving elsewhere in the world? Do you ever feel like global tragedy dwarfs your personal tragedy? Do you ever feel small or insignificant, wishing you could make a difference but overwhelmed with the vastness of it all?

This post is for you.

Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” He didn’t mean that if you want to create world peace, become a peace activist. He meant that if you want to create world peace, you must first find peace in your own heart. How many angry peace activists have you seen? I’ve met a couple. They march in protest rallies, carrying anti-war signs and railing against the government. I believe (and I think Gandhi would agree) that they’re going about it the wrong way. The path to peace doesn’t wend through anger or violence. The path to peace begins inside yourself.

People who try to change the world without first changing themselves burn out, instigate infighting, or otherwise undermine the goal they’re trying to achieve.

People who heal themselves before healing the world radiate empowerment, possess quiet determination, and have the peace of mind necessary to turn big dreams into reality.

Changing yourself, creating the life you want to life, is a revolutionary act. People aren’t inspired by hypocrisy. People are inspired by those who practice what they preach. Choosing to live a happy and empowered life will show others that they can choose the same for themselves. Living your own best life and sharing your joy with others will inspire those around you to seek it for themselves. There are billions of people out there who would be looking for something better if they only believed that something better were possible.

They’re waiting for you to show them.

Pace Smith is the co-leader of the Freak Revolution, a community of passionate world-changers with alternative lifestyles and more importantly, alternative mindsets. She and her partner Kyeli are passionate about changing the world in ways that foster connection over control, authenticity over conformity, and love over fear. Their latest project is the World-Changing Writing Workshop, where aspiring writers learn the skills they need to create change.

It is with great pleasure that I share the following poem written by the lovely and talented Johanna Courtleigh.  Johanna wrote this prose as a tribute to our beautiful sea and its current suffering.

I must have been a mermaid once

I must have been the ocean’s mistress

I must have been Neptune’s daughter, surely,

Or perhaps I was a salmon, all rainbowed and wild-eyed

Now I step forward to be her queen,

Singing my name

Oh my!

This month, each of my brilliant clients is feeling overwhelmed by the abundant distractions that keep showing up in their lives,  and the limited amount of time available to participate in each experience.  Too many choices and “Shiny Lures” of distraction seem to be everywhere causing acute experiences of pleasure and pain.   These powerful women want to have it all,  but occasionally get lost in the land of potent distraction.  Here are some ways you can address the anxiety surrounding an attractive diversion, get clear about your choices, and move forward on the path of your choosing.

I learned a great lesson from Arleen Boyd (better known as “Aloha” Arleen) when I interviewed her for my new book,  Life on Your Terms.  She said: “Just because you’re an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you’re living life on your terms. Recognize your purpose, and stay vigilant on that path. What I’ve found is that you can have it all—you just can’t DO it all at the same time.”

This is sage advice from a woman who started her own telecommunications company in the early 1980s and enjoyed the cutthroat business world and her CEO status until she realized that she was not running her business: it was running her.  My recent conversations with powerful women like Arleen nudged me to share some supportive ideas about living in a world filled with desirable distractions.  I am happy to report that today, Arleen brings her expertise to companies in the area of social media, building her clients’ internet presence to lift awareness, build brands, generate income, and keep customers. She strongly believes in surrounding herself with a network of peers who are also in positions of leadership. This network has allowed her to reach out and collaborate, and to stay grounded.

Supportive tips to keep in mind when you are snagged by a provocative shiny lure:

Experience and dream about the potential of the interesting, inviting and sexy opportunity – Part of the joy of being an entrepreneur is following your passion and making your own decisions. Another part is allowing yourself to dream and explore enticing opportunities.  You don’t have to say YES to every exciting offer.  Remember that you have only so many units of you to share with the world.

Allow 24 -48 hours or more to make decision on your investment or involvement – Have you ever been fully drawn into something immediately, only to find that a couple days later the thrill is gone? When I am read to chomp on a shiny object, I allow myself to get fired up and then let the idea / opportunity simmer. Immediate deadlines be damned! Let the idea sit and then revisit your energy in a day or two.

Explore the potential outcome of letting the shiny object pass you by – What is the worst case scenario if you do not pounce on the object of your immediate affection? Can you live with this potential outcome? Is this an experience you can enjoy a year from now?

Is the fear of loss motivating you to take action? – Often we can get caught up in a brilliantly crafted offer and lose our sense of balance out of the fear of missing out on an opportunity.  Marketers know how to push our buttons.  You know the drill: Only 2 spots left for blah blah blah… Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. RIGHT.  When an offer resonates with you and is in your best interest, things will naturally fall into place. Do all you can to blow off fear-based involvement in ANY activity.

Does this shiny opportunity fit in with your vision for your business and your life? – This question will help you make solid decisions. If  you don’t have a vision for your business, it is time to begin creating one.  I’ve found the people I work with who have a plan or dream have a much easier time discerning which lures to chase.

For those of you who have a voracious appetite for all things shiny and new,  I feel for you.  Remember that you can have it all–You just can’t fully enjoy and experience it all at the same time.

Hutchison’s Law: “Any occurrence requiring undivided attention will be accompanied by a compelling distraction.” – Robert Bloch