This quote, offered by Jim Rohn who was a motivational speaker and author, speaks to my daily call to a life well lived. There are some days when my motivation is flagging, mostly when I am feeling overworked and under rested. It is then that I remember my raison d’etre beyond the need to support myself financially; answering the call of The Muse. The creative force who speaks to me at all hours with all manner of ideas and inspirations. She taps me on the shoulder and says, “Write this. Do that. Call this person. Reach out beyond your comfort zones. Stretch. Dare to be bold. Ask for what you want. Know that you can have it. What do you have to lose?” It is a litany that I repeat in various forms when I just don’t wanna #adult. It also doesn’t help to have undiagnosed ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) that distracts me with shiny new object syndrome.
I could be in the midst of working on a project and an idea will present itself, flirting and dancing in front of me, asking, “Wouldn’t you rather pursue me than work on that boring project or taking continuing education classes?” As a licensed social worker, I am required to earn 30 CEUs every two years to be in good standing. It is then that I remind myself that, even though I am under the illusion/delusion that I am an expert multi-tasker, I can truly only do one thing at a time well. At the moment I am writing this article and listening to my favorite weekend morning radio show called Sleepy Hollow. I am simultaneously aware of fingers on keyboard, eyes fixed on the screen and the music entering my ears. That much I can handle. If I turn my attention away, I notice a feeling of fatigue, having gone to bed at midnight, woke up at 5 something, but blessedly able to return to pillows and blanket for another four hours, it is like putting the brakes on regarding the flow of words. I am also deciding if I want this to be a go with the flow day or planned. After writing, I committed to go to the gym and then grocery shopping. I may attend a local Pride fest to offer FREE HUGS as I have for years. The only thing standing in the way is the threat of thunder storms. Welcome to my busy buzzy brain.
The habit of personal discipline is something I have had to cultivate over the past several decades. There was a time when I actually believed that discipline would put the kibosh on creativity. A dear friend told me many years ago that discipline is freedom. I argued with her, fearing losing my creative edge, but I came to accept that she was right. It is habit that has me meeting deadlines, reaching out for new opportunities and cultivating connections. Daily habits include morning and evening prayers that take a few minutes, relatively healthy eating, workouts at the gym or in my living room, writing, connecting with family and friends, hygiene routine, listening to music, time in nature and catching up on world events. Not always a healthy habit, but I want to be informed. I also clean up after myself, taking out of each room at the end of the day what I have brought in earlier. I clean the kitchen before bed, not leaving dishes in the sink.
I created the House Rules when my now 37 year old son was a teen and his cleanliness standards and mine were dramatically different. Feel free to use them in your life,
If you open it, close it.
If you take it out, put it back.
If you drop it, pick it up.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you break it, please repair or replace it.
Don’t expect anyone else to clean up your physical or emotional clutter.
Oh, and then there is expression of gratitude for my life and all the blessings it contains. It is a sweet habit that brings a smile to my face and keeps the motivation high.
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock
