Life doesn’t pass us by, we just don’t stop long enough to let it sink in that we have one. We can own our space that is carved out for us. Or, we can let it own us continuing to blame circumstances for why we cannot be all we want to be.
How to accept your space has become a skill that you need in today’s hyper focused landscapes both in reality as well virtually. The cool thing, you’re not alone in this endeavor. The only time life becomes a feeling of being short lived is because we waste it not living it focused or with intention.
One of the most common ways we waste it is through seeking power and status as our goal. It was not until I learned power and status comes with learning as well as leaving something behind for others to learn, that I truly felt empowered. It was not the power or status itself that gave it to me. If that’s all we go after all we’ll ever find is another level of power or status we think we need to have. Your eye will always be chasing it with out end, leaving you unfulfilled. I’ve decided not live my entire life preparing for a life.
What about busyness? I spend my leading hours of the day helping various leaders understand that just being busy with work does not equal fulfillment. Constantly pivoting from this to that does not make you a successful leader for others. Not EVERY PATH should be given our full energy or even pursued. Some people are happy with this kind of work and that’s fine.
It’s not how I choose to be remembered. Shawn was a “busy” guy is not how I want others to remember me. I’d rather be remember for my support and belief in others. That I left something behind for others to find success in. That I approached work side by side with them and their was purpose in that work, was a learn. If you cannot listen to yourself long enough to find your own courses, why should anyone else? You’re always on stage in your social and work circles. People are starved for direction or meaning in their work. Be that person for them.
I had a terrible childhood. For the most part I am thankful for that. Sounds weird, but I learned at a very young age that I could forge my own path. Truly learned how to figure out things on my own. I learned to forge my own direction for educational needs as well as how to increase my self-improvement. I postured myself to ask for feedback, listen to feedback from others greater than myself, and to approach others with an open mind of learning from them versus posting up as better than they were or knowing it all.
The past couple of years our world has become less forgiving, angry, and made it incredibly hard for people to not be on guard. But, we can be a better person. Pick your teacher or master. Learn everything you can from them. Then pick the next one. They’re always available. So stop waiting for your next developmental or learn to be served to you. It’s not going to happen unless you somehow stumble on it by accident. People are keeping to themselves because they’re scared to share. They’re scared of being exploited or taken advantage of.
Find like I did a true satisfaction that comes from within by enjoying just what you are. What have you always wanted to do? Think about it, then do it. Just try. Self-worth will come from that. Only you can determine how satisfied you are with what’s around you. Stop letting others determine that for you. Be freed from that.
“…the important things in life can’t be removed or diminished by others. It’s simply not within the capacity of a mere mortal to rob you of your critical faculties or to eradicate your ability to appreciate the beauty of the mountains or the sea.” – Seneca
I enjoy myself. By being suited to a life of study and reflection I really enjoy myself in those efforts whenever I can indulge them. Then I share it out or leave it behind for others to take it in if they so choose. I trust my instincts versus create work to muffle what those instincts have to say to me in the moment. I try to be present in the moment as much as I can so I don’t miss an opportunity to learn from someone or something. This gives me confidence and control of my space. Moderation in those works has become my best policy.
I hope you can find your space. If you’re struggling, don’t be embarrassed, seek someone out. This will help you find your place in it all. Working yourself to death blindly for immediate validation is not the answer. It’s just a fast track to burning yourself out.
✌🏻 Shawn
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