Over the next couple of blogs I wanted to explore the whole art of non-conformity from the perspective of how you go about creating the life you want. This whole subject has fascinated me as a direct result of stumbling across a blog created by Chris Guillebeau, and ever since reading his blog I've been thinking deeply about the key traits that help people to really push out of their normal routine and strike forward doing work that they love.
We are conditioned from an early age to 'fit in'. With this comes a series of beliefs and ideas about how lives 'should' be conducted and lived, and what social norms are acceptable. All too often the strongest belief that emerges is that in order to get on well in life you must work in a job that you will probably not like and work hard for a living.
The idea of carving out a career in any creative field or subject you love and earning a living in a non traditional way, just invokes feelings of fear. There are those that find themselves in nurturing and encouraging environments however, and this provides them with a new perspective and belief system that following your passion will create your success.
So what environment and set of conditions, can assist you to get the best results and help you create the life you want? So far determination and passion are coming up as key traits. Over the next while though I intend post up some interviews conducted on this subject, to explore how people keep going even through the confines of natural conditioning, to create a life more in sync with who they are. I will start with Irish comic artists that are carving out a career for themselves in a very specific artistic field, and see where it goes from there.
I see life as a series of tests and opportunities to learn more about the human spirit. Part of this journey I believe, is connecting to your passion and finding the courage and strength to follow it wholeheartedly. No one said it would be a walk in the park....or maybe this might simply be another form of conditioned thinking and we're ultimately creating a harder path for ourselves by denying our true calling.
Either way the process of discovery is what the purpose of this blog is about so we'll see where it goes.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Relationship Meltdown
Over the last 18 months, I've seen an alarming amount of relationship breakdowns due to the stress and strain of living. Even relationships that had appeared healthy and functioning well, came under the hammer. The ripple effect of such breakdowns can have a very negative impact on the family and friends associated with the couple, let alone the children involved if the couple have their own family.
What is creating such extreme situations that people feel there is no way out other than to break up? What has occurred that permitted you both to forget what attracted you to each other in the first place? Has it run it's course? Are you complete strangers? Is there a possibility of recovery or is it best to part ways completely? (By the way, in the case that any abuse is taking place then it would be recommended that you put your safety first and leave the relationship - http://www.spunout.ie/health/Relationships.)
What really strikes me in all this is the tired feeling emanating from both sides, that the situation occurred having finally thrown the towel in after many years of putting up with things. Tired of the whole mess, the whole slog, the routine, the lack of togetherness and passion...the list goes on.
What does this ultimately mean? In many respects these situations can be avoided. In the last number of years, more and people people are finding enlightenment. They are beginning to realize that there is more to life than punching in numbers and routine. In a need to rediscover themselves their journey can become single minded and sacrificial. The energy and excitement of rediscovering a passion for a hobby long forgotten or a taste of freedom on being independent, making new friends and finding a new life...these are all positive experiences.
With this type of change though, a partner can often feel left out. They are not sharing the journey directly. Resentment can build up unless both partners are experiencing similar journeys or at least making efforts to show interest in each others new life. This can be the start of the problem and it can also be an instrument for venting frustrations and feelings of neglect or resentment that were held in to keep the peace.
How can such a beautiful new journey have a negative impact? It is asking someone to change, indirectly, to fit in with a new life and way of being...and they may simply have not been ready for it. Things cannot stay the same forever, being able to adapt and move with it helps tremendously. Sometimes it can be difficult even to communicate to each other as you may find you've reached a stage where being uncivil to each other is the norm.
So what can you do? Wake up. Be real. Remember what you both committed you. Remember what attracted you to each other. Find something you love about that person. If after clear, communication and honest review of your life without judgement of each other and mud slinging, you find that the relationship has simply come to an end, then honour that. Honour each other by admitting it. The truth of such things unburdens and allows a clearing to take place.
On a lighter note, you can also take a glance over at what planetary aspects are occurring that have an influence on things! Mercury retrograde can make things quite difficult in communicating clearly and openly...it is easy to get the wrong end of the stick and fly off the handle during this time. We're currently in one, so if you find a miraculous end to arguments or being peeved at one another after the 11th May...then blame it on the retro!
What is creating such extreme situations that people feel there is no way out other than to break up? What has occurred that permitted you both to forget what attracted you to each other in the first place? Has it run it's course? Are you complete strangers? Is there a possibility of recovery or is it best to part ways completely? (By the way, in the case that any abuse is taking place then it would be recommended that you put your safety first and leave the relationship - http://www.spunout.ie/health/Relationships.)
What really strikes me in all this is the tired feeling emanating from both sides, that the situation occurred having finally thrown the towel in after many years of putting up with things. Tired of the whole mess, the whole slog, the routine, the lack of togetherness and passion...the list goes on.
What does this ultimately mean? In many respects these situations can be avoided. In the last number of years, more and people people are finding enlightenment. They are beginning to realize that there is more to life than punching in numbers and routine. In a need to rediscover themselves their journey can become single minded and sacrificial. The energy and excitement of rediscovering a passion for a hobby long forgotten or a taste of freedom on being independent, making new friends and finding a new life...these are all positive experiences.
With this type of change though, a partner can often feel left out. They are not sharing the journey directly. Resentment can build up unless both partners are experiencing similar journeys or at least making efforts to show interest in each others new life. This can be the start of the problem and it can also be an instrument for venting frustrations and feelings of neglect or resentment that were held in to keep the peace.
How can such a beautiful new journey have a negative impact? It is asking someone to change, indirectly, to fit in with a new life and way of being...and they may simply have not been ready for it. Things cannot stay the same forever, being able to adapt and move with it helps tremendously. Sometimes it can be difficult even to communicate to each other as you may find you've reached a stage where being uncivil to each other is the norm.
So what can you do? Wake up. Be real. Remember what you both committed you. Remember what attracted you to each other. Find something you love about that person. If after clear, communication and honest review of your life without judgement of each other and mud slinging, you find that the relationship has simply come to an end, then honour that. Honour each other by admitting it. The truth of such things unburdens and allows a clearing to take place.
On a lighter note, you can also take a glance over at what planetary aspects are occurring that have an influence on things! Mercury retrograde can make things quite difficult in communicating clearly and openly...it is easy to get the wrong end of the stick and fly off the handle during this time. We're currently in one, so if you find a miraculous end to arguments or being peeved at one another after the 11th May...then blame it on the retro!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Having a creative outlet
Isn't it funny how you can be an enthusiast about a hobby in your 20's and then find that later in your life this passion was simply dropped and forgotten about? Isn't it strange that the very interest that gave you purpose and a sense of happiness was the first thing to go when life got serious and busy?
How many times have you found yourself simply choosing to 'take care of the responsibilities' rather than taking the time to revisit the hobbies and interests that gave you a spark and inspired you. I often find that over time, you may be lucky enough to revisit and rediscover your passion, and fully engage with this long lost creativity that gave energy to your weary soul. In some cases though people feel silly revisiting this aspect of themselves, seeing it as self indulgent nonsense, and dismiss it for the gift that it is.
You can't deny your creative urges. You can't keep them under wraps for your entire life. You can choose to ignore it but it is harder to do this than it is to actually embrace it. Why is this so important you might ask?...because it is part of who you are. In denying your creativity you deny your true essence. You deny part of your soul and you ultimately deny yourself a chance to fully embrace life and all its colours. Having a creative outlet is as necesary as breathing, it provides you with a chance to explore, dream and be yourself 100%. We all have it, it isn't exclusive and it isn't always about being able to draw well or paint well. Creativity comes in so many different forms and shapes, and if you find yourself unsure what your outlet is then simply allow yourself to be open to ideas on how to express yourself. It could be writing a story, a poem, photography, doodling, knitting, painting, gardening, dressing up, dancing or singing!...who knows! The point is to give it a chance to breathe and you'll find yourself more full of life, energy and happiness in the long run.
How many times have you found yourself simply choosing to 'take care of the responsibilities' rather than taking the time to revisit the hobbies and interests that gave you a spark and inspired you. I often find that over time, you may be lucky enough to revisit and rediscover your passion, and fully engage with this long lost creativity that gave energy to your weary soul. In some cases though people feel silly revisiting this aspect of themselves, seeing it as self indulgent nonsense, and dismiss it for the gift that it is.
You can't deny your creative urges. You can't keep them under wraps for your entire life. You can choose to ignore it but it is harder to do this than it is to actually embrace it. Why is this so important you might ask?...because it is part of who you are. In denying your creativity you deny your true essence. You deny part of your soul and you ultimately deny yourself a chance to fully embrace life and all its colours. Having a creative outlet is as necesary as breathing, it provides you with a chance to explore, dream and be yourself 100%. We all have it, it isn't exclusive and it isn't always about being able to draw well or paint well. Creativity comes in so many different forms and shapes, and if you find yourself unsure what your outlet is then simply allow yourself to be open to ideas on how to express yourself. It could be writing a story, a poem, photography, doodling, knitting, painting, gardening, dressing up, dancing or singing!...who knows! The point is to give it a chance to breathe and you'll find yourself more full of life, energy and happiness in the long run.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Remembering
Is anyone else finding themselves forgetful these days? Over the last 2 months the amount of important tasks and must do things that I've forgotten has risen significantly. It would be nice to say it is down to age but that is such an easy get out excuse it doesn't work!
Small everyday routine tasks suddenly become - 'what was I doing?' and 'who was I calling?' and even in some cases just a complete blank on it. According to emails from friends, I'm not alone in this situation either.
So what is occurring...is it a shift in our consciousness that is creating this forgetfulness? Is it a shift in the world and commerce and our way of living that is causing confusion? We could say it is both.
Over the last while people are beginning to 'wake up' to what is important in their lives. The changes forced upon us via the recession are causing many of us to sit up and take notice about how we spend our time, money and energy. This has created a 'shift' in our perceptions around how we live and how we want to live. With a decrease in the number of jobs on the market and ongoing redundancies, this also causes a shift in how we do things, and often the old tried and tested way or routines just doesn't cut it anymore.
So how do we keep our heads screwed on amidst all this change? We stay in the now. We focus on the present and we get what can be done, done. Compiling a list of daily to do things and putting them on a wall in the kitchen, hall or home office space, can at least help you to be reminded. Using a white board or a printed off sheet can help you to keep track and mark things off as you go along. You can still plan for the future while being aware that changes and adjustments can be made easily along the way.
I for one will be using a task list sheet in the present AND the future! : )
Small everyday routine tasks suddenly become - 'what was I doing?' and 'who was I calling?' and even in some cases just a complete blank on it. According to emails from friends, I'm not alone in this situation either.
So what is occurring...is it a shift in our consciousness that is creating this forgetfulness? Is it a shift in the world and commerce and our way of living that is causing confusion? We could say it is both.
Over the last while people are beginning to 'wake up' to what is important in their lives. The changes forced upon us via the recession are causing many of us to sit up and take notice about how we spend our time, money and energy. This has created a 'shift' in our perceptions around how we live and how we want to live. With a decrease in the number of jobs on the market and ongoing redundancies, this also causes a shift in how we do things, and often the old tried and tested way or routines just doesn't cut it anymore.
So how do we keep our heads screwed on amidst all this change? We stay in the now. We focus on the present and we get what can be done, done. Compiling a list of daily to do things and putting them on a wall in the kitchen, hall or home office space, can at least help you to be reminded. Using a white board or a printed off sheet can help you to keep track and mark things off as you go along. You can still plan for the future while being aware that changes and adjustments can be made easily along the way.
I for one will be using a task list sheet in the present AND the future! : )
Monday, February 15, 2010
Manifesting
There are many sites, books and youtube inputs into the art of manifesting what you want in your life. The more I read about it the more I see that the repeat message is simple. Put your attention on your intention. The application of it however is another story altogether.
This year is all about manifesting what you want in your life. The energy for 2010 is very much about bringing the very things you are focusing on in your life, into a reality for you.
It all sounds wonderful doesn't it? The only thing here is that the world and the energy involved with the manifestations doesn't discern between the good and the bad! So if you choose to put your attention on negative situations and outcomes, the universe will happily deliver your intention, because that is what you put your attention on.
So how do we make good use of all this energy around us? How do we manifest the good stuff and do away with the bad?
We start getting very, very clear on what it is we focus on. What are we thinking about right now? When we ask for a specific outcome or event, do we doubt that we'll get it?
This is one of those years where we are going to have to put OUR ENERGY into becoming very aware of what we focus our thoughts on. We have to catch ourselves when we find our doubts creeping in, we have to adjust ourselves when our thoughts slide into a negative 'it'll never happen for me' pattern.
It requires work. It requires effort. It requires faith.
Most of all, and this is the bit I particularly like, if you've had a life time of it not working then celebrate the fact that you at least know how to manifest! So if the negative has been the focus in your life, and you've succeeded in making it so...isn't it time to flip it around and give the positive a shot? If you put in the same effort who knows what fabulous turn arounds will come from it! : )
This year is all about manifesting what you want in your life. The energy for 2010 is very much about bringing the very things you are focusing on in your life, into a reality for you.
It all sounds wonderful doesn't it? The only thing here is that the world and the energy involved with the manifestations doesn't discern between the good and the bad! So if you choose to put your attention on negative situations and outcomes, the universe will happily deliver your intention, because that is what you put your attention on.
So how do we make good use of all this energy around us? How do we manifest the good stuff and do away with the bad?
We start getting very, very clear on what it is we focus on. What are we thinking about right now? When we ask for a specific outcome or event, do we doubt that we'll get it?
This is one of those years where we are going to have to put OUR ENERGY into becoming very aware of what we focus our thoughts on. We have to catch ourselves when we find our doubts creeping in, we have to adjust ourselves when our thoughts slide into a negative 'it'll never happen for me' pattern.
It requires work. It requires effort. It requires faith.
Most of all, and this is the bit I particularly like, if you've had a life time of it not working then celebrate the fact that you at least know how to manifest! So if the negative has been the focus in your life, and you've succeeded in making it so...isn't it time to flip it around and give the positive a shot? If you put in the same effort who knows what fabulous turn arounds will come from it! : )
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!
Every year we decide that this is going to be the year of change. We decide to give up cigarettes, lose the weight, start the yoga class, do something new and exciting.
So with so much New Year determination why do we often fail to stick with it?
The biggest hole we fall into when making any resolutions is that we refuse to be REAL about it all. You might want to lose weight and get healthy but what are you prepared to do and for how long?
Maybe you would benefit from a whole new approach. Ditch the list of resolutions, forget the plans and start with a whole new blank page. Avoid the 'I should do this...' list at all costs, and instead start with the following:
If I choose to stay at my current weight by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to stay smoking the way I am, by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to continue to treat myself the way I currently am, by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to continue thinking and acting the way that I do, by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to take positive action on any of the above, by the end of 2010_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to remain as I am, ignoring signs that something needs to change, by the end of 2010
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Getting real about your present and taking action to change your future is empowering, long term. Making lists of endless resolutions that have been around year after year without being completed is self sabbotage and giving your power away.
There are people that are focused enough to review their year and take stock and make resolutions based on goals. They can, with plenty of focus and tweaking, complete these goals too. It is completely possible, but it is something that is fine tuned with practice. You wouldn't get into your car without knowing where it was going first! Approaching your goals and resolutions with the same attitude helps to ensure that your time and energy are used to good effect. If you find that this is yet another year where you haven't managed to cross off anything from your list of resolutions then stop kidding yourself.
Take some time out, get to know the reality of the cost of staying stuck or not taking action, and you'll soon find that 'getting real' can make a real and lasting difference in your life...now wouldn't that be something worth celebrating next New Years!
So with so much New Year determination why do we often fail to stick with it?
The biggest hole we fall into when making any resolutions is that we refuse to be REAL about it all. You might want to lose weight and get healthy but what are you prepared to do and for how long?
Maybe you would benefit from a whole new approach. Ditch the list of resolutions, forget the plans and start with a whole new blank page. Avoid the 'I should do this...' list at all costs, and instead start with the following:
If I choose to stay at my current weight by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to stay smoking the way I am, by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to continue to treat myself the way I currently am, by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to continue thinking and acting the way that I do, by the end of 2010
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to take positive action on any of the above, by the end of 2010_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If I choose to remain as I am, ignoring signs that something needs to change, by the end of 2010
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Getting real about your present and taking action to change your future is empowering, long term. Making lists of endless resolutions that have been around year after year without being completed is self sabbotage and giving your power away.
There are people that are focused enough to review their year and take stock and make resolutions based on goals. They can, with plenty of focus and tweaking, complete these goals too. It is completely possible, but it is something that is fine tuned with practice. You wouldn't get into your car without knowing where it was going first! Approaching your goals and resolutions with the same attitude helps to ensure that your time and energy are used to good effect. If you find that this is yet another year where you haven't managed to cross off anything from your list of resolutions then stop kidding yourself.
Take some time out, get to know the reality of the cost of staying stuck or not taking action, and you'll soon find that 'getting real' can make a real and lasting difference in your life...now wouldn't that be something worth celebrating next New Years!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Decembers Post - Showing Up
Last week I went to a seminar by Nick Williams, based on the concept of 'showing up' in your life. It was an interesting take on a theme that has been going on all year, around consistency and perseverance. In this case the focus was on moving out of your comfort zone and taking part in your life. It is easy to allow fear based assumptions to consume you into a non-action way of living. Taking the plunge, moving jobs, starting a new path, changing lanes in your life, are all big leaps of faith to most of us...yet if we choose to not do it when we feel a calling for action, it means we have basically opted out. We didn't bother to show up and live.
What does this ultimately mean?
It means that you are cutting off any chance of a connection or opportunity for the universe to help you. It means that the energy inside you becomes stagnant and stale as it has nowhere to go, and it means that you are hiding and not showing the world what and who you can truly be in this life.
Showing up in your life, even when the going gets tough, is an act of generosity according to Nick...and he is right. The payoff can be obvious or it can be that one little synchronised situation which enables you to move onwards and upwards or connect with another and help them in some way. Either way, the fact that you showed up means you allowed the creativity of the universe to unfold and the energy to flow in the right direction.
When do you avoid 'showing up' in your life?
When you avoid 'showing up' in your life are you energised or drained as a result?
Can you think of a situation or place that you decided to 'show up' and found an amazing opportunity presented itself to you or you met someone that changed your life for the better?
More and more people are awakening to the importance of living in the NOW. By this I don't mean driving fast and throwing caution to the wind!...I mean being ever present in the moment and allowing yourself to be grateful for what is in your life right NOW.
December is a good month for taking stock of your life, although with the way this year has developed, taking stock probably started a lot earlier than December! However, take this chance to review things again before you bombard yourself with new resolutions for 2010. Appreciate your life, the lessons you've learned so far, even the tough and very challenging ones, appreciate that in this 12th month you are still here, present in this moment...because you kept showing up.
What does this ultimately mean?
It means that you are cutting off any chance of a connection or opportunity for the universe to help you. It means that the energy inside you becomes stagnant and stale as it has nowhere to go, and it means that you are hiding and not showing the world what and who you can truly be in this life.
Showing up in your life, even when the going gets tough, is an act of generosity according to Nick...and he is right. The payoff can be obvious or it can be that one little synchronised situation which enables you to move onwards and upwards or connect with another and help them in some way. Either way, the fact that you showed up means you allowed the creativity of the universe to unfold and the energy to flow in the right direction.
When do you avoid 'showing up' in your life?
When you avoid 'showing up' in your life are you energised or drained as a result?
Can you think of a situation or place that you decided to 'show up' and found an amazing opportunity presented itself to you or you met someone that changed your life for the better?
More and more people are awakening to the importance of living in the NOW. By this I don't mean driving fast and throwing caution to the wind!...I mean being ever present in the moment and allowing yourself to be grateful for what is in your life right NOW.
December is a good month for taking stock of your life, although with the way this year has developed, taking stock probably started a lot earlier than December! However, take this chance to review things again before you bombard yourself with new resolutions for 2010. Appreciate your life, the lessons you've learned so far, even the tough and very challenging ones, appreciate that in this 12th month you are still here, present in this moment...because you kept showing up.
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