Tag Archives: alive

Don’t Settle for a Beige Life

Angel Wings

When we follow our dreams, we take up residence in a much larger part of ourselves . . . our soul.

“Be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.”

 – Rumi

That line could apply to many circumstances. It can apply to a person, an activity, a career or a dream we’re squelching. Kelly is a prime example. Her life lacks color because of derailed dreams.

For as long as she can remember, Kelly was thoroughly captivated by the thought of becoming a chef. Excitement tackled her to the ground every time she thought about it, so buoyant was she over the prospect. But something regrettable happened to her once she turned 18. Her dream was replaced by something more socially expected. Instead of obeying her passion, she obeyed a programmed directive that said she should get married and have a family. And unfortunately for her, that’s exactly what she did.

Since then, Kelly’s life has been reduced to a series of compromises—and not surprisingly, she’s a very unhappy woman today. Her life is marked with an undercurrent of sadness, grieving the life she failed to choose for herself. She lacks enthusiasm for her job, for her family—for life in general. Kelly’s life is beige.  Click here to continue reading Kelly’s story.

For another person’s take on this journey, read Tracie Louise’s blog here.  (I’ve never met Tracie but her beautiful spirit—who she is—shines through in her writing and in her breathtaking photography. I’m sure you’ll agree. By the way, the parrot above is one example of her art.) What she wrote a few days ago resonated with me.  Both Kelly and Tracie were weighed down by persistent unhappiness and dissatisfaction, clear signs that they were veering off course.

Only when we live life in accordance with our purest and deepest desires, do our lives take on the colors of contentment.  As Tracie Louise says, “You CAN NOT go against the power of your soul.”

Names are changed to honor client confidentiality.

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Filed under Contemplations, General Interest, Get Free

Don’t Settle for a Ho-hum Life

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At a young age, we begin the habit of limping in order to harmonize with friends, our family, a job, a social order.  By the time we’re adults, it’s become so much a part of us that we do it unthinkingly—automatically. To stop doing it now would be jolting because we’re used to it. But it’s limping. And limping doesn’t make us happy . . . it does the opposite.

My friend, Pat, limped for the greater share of her life.  Instead of warmly accepting herself—enjoying her uniqueness—she spent most of her days hunkered down, feeling inferior, seemingly ashamed of who she was. Fearful of others’ negative opinions, she was careful about what she said and did. Submerging her true essence, she presented everyone with a watered-down version of herself.  But something happened that changed all that. I call it a gift—so did Pat. Click here and read her heartfelt story.

Well-being is the reward for doing the things that feed our spirit. When circumstances prevent us from doing that, we need to very quickly tackle those roadblocks to the ground. Everyday we struggle for our life. Not necessarily because we might die … at least not physically. Our essential self—that spark within each of us—fights to stay alive.

Let me know your thoughts!

Once again, I thank Tracie Louise Photography for another stunning image.

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Filed under Contemplations, Get Free