Well, there are no big events to talk about in my life at the moment. My house is still under contract to sell and going smoothly, the decision about whether or not to take the job is behind me, and my big trip to the San Juan Islands in the Pacific northwest is now a fond memory. I still have appointments and social engagements to keep, speeches to write, and my book to work on but, all in all, my life is fairly quiet for the moment.
This is when I have to be vigilant. Every day I wake up grateful for having this free time and the luxury of being able to turning down that job offer. I’m grateful that I have time to develop my yoga practice, learn Tai Chi, go for long walks, cook healthier meals, etc. But I have to be vigilant that I do those things I profess I want to do and not succumb to the temptation of regularly sleeping in late, watching too much television, and fixing the fastest, easiest food in the kitchen.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with any of those things. What is wrong, in my eyes, is knowing that my actions don’t match up with my thoughts and words I speak about what I want for my life. I’ve always considered myself to be a very reliable person. If I make a commitment to someone else, I’m very good about keeping it. I know that there is relief and a certain freedom in being able to depend on someone else’s word. But I’m learning that there’s an even greater freedom in knowing that I can trust myself. So I’ve been making nutritious fruit and vegetable smoothies for my lunch all week and I feel good about that. And I would write more about this but, right now, I think I’ll go do some yoga.
Let your spirit soar!
Paula
Spirit Rising Ministries 
Paula,
I had another reminder of this yesterday as I sat and discussed my future plans with a friend over lunch. I see different avenues for my business venture – I see it growing and expanding, and how ‘successful’ I and it can be in the process. Then I remember, my passion is to write and to share my experience, strength and hope. My passion is not to be a successful business person: this on a manageable and profitable scale will provide me the means to keep following my true passion: to write.
Too often temptation comes along and diverts me from my goal. There is so much going on around me that’s attractive and distracting. It takes discipline even to do what I am passionate about. On occassion, I think its nice to wade into it all – and experiment and adventure out beyond the goals I set and the routine. Discipline includes living outside the box too. But I know in the end what brings me real joy and what fills my soul.
Being true to myself can be challenging, but I’ve learned that the rewards that come from meeting that challenge are beyond my imagination. Being true to myself has gotten easier with practice. It’s a life choice. I see the detours sooner than later now. It use to take me years to see that I made a choice inconsistent with my heart’s desire, then months, then weeks, now I can catch it in a matter of days, maybe hours. I’m sure I’ll take them – the detours – after all they are attractive, interesting and entertaining. My soul will bring me back, though; it’s that essence I listen too now a days.
Thanks
Christine
Hi Paula,
I’m enjoying – and relating – to your posts. They are inspiring, lovely and well written,and help me feel connected even though we haven’t seen each other for such a long time. The discipline of making use of time that is not booked with activity resonates big time! Glad you are doing well and look forward to reading more….hugs, ruth