Sometimes scrapping something mediocre, letting go, and starting again with more inspiration and intention is the best strategy. Case in point: this post. I had another perfectly good post written for you, but it just didn’t feel quite right. So I gently set it aside, took a break, and made a cup of tea (my mother’s cure for just about everything). I then parked myself on the sofa in front of a cozy fire, opened the newspaper, and without much effort a better idea showed up.
It literally fell in my lap in the form of a Ziggy cartoon. (Lesson #1: you just never know when and from where inspiration will show up.)
Ziggy’s message (and Lesson#2): “Life is what you make it. Or it’s what somebody else makes it… when you’re not paying attention.”
That was it! Exactly what I wanted to say, in the context of making, building, and enjoying more intentional connections and relationships. If you’re not proactive, if you don’t put yourself in charge of envisioning, attracting, seeking, creating, and nurturing your circle of influence it will create itself. Or someone else will create it for you. What’s more, the results may not be in your best interest or for your best and highest good.
So as you head into the New Year, consider these questions:
- Who do you spend the most time with and energy on? Friends, family, colleagues, contacts, customers, clients, team members, and so on.
- Is this on purpose?
- Are you happy with what you discover here? If not, why not?
- What impact do these people have on you?
Also pay close attention to the people who you don’t necessarily know in person, but who still influence you: writers, speakers, experts, news sources, musicians, actors, entertainers, celebrities, and so on.
- Are you choosing these intentionally, too? Or letting them into your world by default?
- Maybe someone else in your life chooses them and you just go along?
- What exactly are you feeding yourself here? And does it really serve you?
Real life, semi-embarassing example: There’s a TV show I used to watch nearly every evening simply because it came on after another show I watch. One evening I somehow woke up from my prime time television stupor and realized, “Hey, I really don’t even like this show! It’s poorly produced, the writing stinks, the people in it are shallow and mean, it’s not even entertaining, and (worst of all) the theme song drives me nuts!.” Why was I watching this night after night?
Needless to say the TV now goes off or the channel gets changed as soon as the first note of the theme song plays. If not sooner. No more!
As you do this reflecting, resoluting (yes, I made that word up), and redirecting I hope you’ll examine and even re-examine all the social, professional, familial, informational, inspirational, entertainment, and artistic influences in your life and strive to make them better and more in tune with who you are, what you need, what you want, and what you are trying to achieve. Not just this year, but beyond.
No doubt these changes may shake things up, but I promise they will also make a positive difference in your year, life, and world.
Here’s to you manifesting and basking in the joy of a happy, healthy, successful, and irresistibly intentional year!
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Oh so timely, Patti. I know a guy who’s outgoing message on his phone says, “I’m making some important changes in my life this year. If you don’t hear back from me, you’re one of them.”
All kidding aside, my husband and I have been much more intentional about choices as of late, and it feels good. We’re spending time with friends and family by choice and you can feel the difference. Sure takes a weight off.
That said, I’m glad you keep popping up in my life. Should you call me, I promise to call back…
Thanks Jeanne. And what a relief to know you’ll return my calls! You are a great example of the beauty and success that goes hand in hand with being more intentional.
Excellent message, Patti, and thank you for following “Mom’s advice”. I shared this post with my newly graduated son from TX State as he begins his quest to find his career opportunities.
Mary, I’m so glad it resonated with you. Off to brew a spot of tea right now. And best of luck to you son. What great lessons you are sharing with him.
Happy New Year!!
I love this post. So many of us go through our days on auto-pilot…taking in what life feeds us. In our inboxes, voicemail, phone calls, social media, etc… It takes laser-focus to ensure that we turn-off (opt-out of) those “inputs” that no longer (or never have) served us well.
I have been consciously been “opting out” for the past few months but still have a lot to go. It is hard when there is so much and you are afraid you are going to miss something important.
Thanks for the positive reinforcement and permission to do so because what is most important is my mission and my sanity!
Thanks Terri! You are so right. We are so connected and plugged in today (and not always in ways that are right for us). Taking a minute to step back, reflect, regroup and edit, edit, edit is absolutely essential!
I have to ask…what was the show you were watching?
Hi Stefani! That shall remain a secret! 😉
Outstanding post Patti and some very thought-provoking questions.
Ripple On!!!
Appreciate that, Steve! Ripple on indeed.
Reminds me of that old saying about the only difference between a rut and a grave being the depth!
Thanks Patti. Nailed it!
Your mama was so wise, SueAnn! Thanks for the comment and kudos.
Patti,
Just so you know, I have always enjoyed your writings and special view of the world.
This particular post has some timely tidbits and fantastic take aways that I will immediately enjoy implementing.
And I’m thinking of changing my voicemail to Jeanne’s friend’s status! ;-D
Thanks so much, Monica! I really appreciate your comments and am so happy you’ve found some useful ideas in my post!