What’s become clear to you since we last met?
We live in the hopes of a better tomorrow.
You have often said, "I've traveled East seeking you, but find no one; then West, yet find no trace; I go north, but your tracks are hidden; then South, yet catch not even a glimpse." To start with, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your unwavering support, and the DMs I have been receiving weekly have not gone unnoticed.
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Intriguing how the course of life progresses, and the numerous transformations we must learn to accept as they are here to stay. I've heard that the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson used to warmly greet old friends he hadn't seen in a long time by asking: What has become evident to you since our last encounter?
It has become abundantly clear to me that I was wrestling with the upheaval stemming from a disconnect between my mind and body. This realization took me by surprise. Despite my unwavering efforts to cultivate positive thoughts and beliefs, my physical self seemed unable to align with my mental state.
Despite investing substantial time and effort into cultivating a positive mindset, my life continued to descend into a state of disarray. I then, at a later time, realized that it is difficult for us to acknowledge that there are certain things in life that we are unable to control. There are some puzzles that we cannot solve, and certain mysteries that we cannot comprehend. All of our efforts and our reasoning fall short.
We are like caterpillars trying so hard to fly. The only way to achieve flight is to spend some time in a cocoon. Some time waiting, being transformed by forces beyond our control. A cocoon might seem like imprisonment; it might seem like it is holding us back. But it is the path to redemption, the road to resurrection.
We must be willing to die to live. We have to lay down our arrogant approaches to life and trust in the process. It is the only way to take flight.
After my passing from the known world, I became a solitary figure. And in my isolated abode, my heart was beset with uncertainties and self-doubts. See, during my moments of doubt and stress, it was common for me to experience a range of physical effects that accompanied my emotions. Our body has a remarkable way of responding to the challenges we face, both mentally and emotionally. As we reflect upon our achievements, we may recall the physical sensations that accompanied those transformative moments.
First, there's the familiar sensation of a racing heart pounding against our chest as adrenaline surges through our veins. The increased heart rate is a natural response to the excitement and nervousness that come with taking a chance and stepping outside of our comfort zone. I guess you too may have felt the palpitations as a reminder of the significance of the moment and the potential outcomes.
Alongside the racing heart, you may have noticed a knot forming in your stomach, a physical manifestation of the anxiety and anticipation you were experiencing. This sensation can range from a subtle flutter to a full-blown feeling of butterflies, reminding you that you are on the edge of something remarkable. It's a sign that you are challenging yourself and pushing the boundaries of what you once thought impossible.
As doubt and stress crept in, you might have felt tension building up in your muscles. The shoulders might have become tight and hunched, while the jaw clenched in response to the weight of uncertainty. This physical manifestation of stress serves as a reminder that you are in the midst of a transformative journey, one that demands resilience and determination.
Additionally, you may have experienced changes in your breathing pattern. Shallow and rapid breaths may have become the norm as you navigated the unknown. This altered breathing reflects the body's attempt to supply more oxygen to your brain, preparing you for the mental and emotional challenges ahead.
These physical effects are not mere coincidences, but rather powerful indicators of the profound impact of our emotions on our bodies. As you reminisce about the achievements, you are most proud of, remember the physical sensations that accompanied them. They serve as a testament to your courage, perseverance, and ability to overcome doubts and stress. Embrace these sensations as reminders of your capacity for growth and transformation.
As I continue to mature, I'm increasingly coming to terms with the fact that many aspects of life are beyond my control. Embracing the concept of going with the flow and adapting to whatever comes my way is a valuable life skill that is often overlooked. In conclusion, I'd like to share a framework that has been particularly helpful for me lately. It's called the P.A.C.E. framework:
(P)lanning.
Break big goals into small tasks.
Start simple.
Schedule those tasks.
(A)wareness.
Be mindful of your routine actions.
You can't change it if you don't notice it.
Make conscious choices.
(C)onsistency.
Small actions that stick > wholesale changes that don’t last.
If you weren't consistent:
↳ be MINDFUL of why,
↳ PLAN differently,
↳ TRY again.
(E)ffort.
Try. Really try. Try again.
Avoid misguided effort.
Focus on effectiveness.
Regardless of what transpired in the past, you still have an abundant amount of time ahead of you. With all the time remaining, there is no value in becoming mired in the past. If I ever find myself stuck in that muck, I'm reaching for my gratitude hose to wash it off.
A terrific framework and design for a meaningful life, Marcus! As with any blueprint, how we put the pieces together and make them work for our benefit is the key. I see you as a design/builder, two different skill sets yet inextricably interconnected. As a former designer builder myself, I can see how those experiences morphed over as examples of l life as I have come to know it. I started to count the number of buildings, houses, barns and sheds I have worked on over many years and lost count while walking down memory lane. Suffice to say here, those were some wonderful learning experiences, some with colleagues and partners, others on my own with outside help as needed. We called them sub-contractors. We also did the same with individuals and organizations. Now I need to explore that a little more in depth. Thank you!