Posted by kbuxman on November 9, 2009
Over the last thirty years, I have read hundreds of books about how to increase one’s potential through a myriad of processes. I spent six years in therapy examining my family of origin and how they might have impacted me. My intention was always to try to better myself so I could reach for the stars and “be all that I could be”.
I know many of you reading this have searched for that golden nugget of truth that could have the answer to your “stuckness”. Haven’t we been told by every major “self-help” guru that we have the capabilities to do ANYTHING we put our mind to?
I’m sure I’ve stood on the platform of good intentions trying to hawk a plethora of ways that could get you out of your rut and onto bigger and better things. Well, age and particularly maturity, have brought me to a certain consensus.
I don’t think that all of us are capable of doing everything we set our minds to.
In fact, I have come to the conclusion that it is a relief to know we can’t. I have the kind of personality that loves to get into something and become really good at it. Combine that with some of the “you can do it” mentality and you have a disaster in the waiting!
I started playing racquetball ten years ago and thought that in a short amount of time I would be able to ace the coach. After all, you just write a couple of affirmations, visualize yourself on the court, and bingo you’re a champ!
Oh, I practiced too.
But I was completely deluded! Anyone who is really good at anything not only has to put the time in, but they should also have some common sense about how they go about it.
Unfortunately magazines and television shows are always showcasing products and individuals that are supposed to bring you to extreme states. “Become the person you always dreamed you could be”! we hear over and over. How about “Just be okay”?
It is possible to live life joyfully and delightfully without having to do an Ironman triathlon, scale Mount Everest on your day off, or hang from the ceiling so you’ll be a few inches taller?
Believe me, I’m not trying to convince you to stop dreaming, seeking, or following your passions. The human condition thrives on hope. But hope never fails us, and hope is always possible. It is the tender side of striving to excess.
Emily Dickinson said it best,” Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune, without the words, and never stops at all.”
Loretta LaRoche writes the Get A Life Column for the Patriot Ledger.
I just read something from Dale Carnegie and I want to share it with you. “One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon–instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”
Austin Powers: Allow myself to introduce… myself.