Perfect Imperfection

"Some beautiful things are more impressive when left imperfect than when too highly finished." ~Francois de La Rochefoucauld

I was thinking of this quote in regards to people. It seems that being imperfect in our culture is a bad thing. All the stories about plastic surgery and "fixing myself" are common place. What's wrong with a little imperfection? So we all don't look like a Barbie or Ken doll, but isn't that a good thing? Flipping through the fashion and men's magazines certainly doesn't help. We all know by now that those photos are photoshopped and airbrushed. Many models and celebrities admitted it themselves. You can't compare yourself to those images. It is just too depressing. Soon, we will try to photoshop and airbrush our physical bodies, or have we already started?

People in our country spend millions of dollars on botox, facelifts, and tighter skin. What if we redirected all that money towards education, health care or feeding the hungry? I know...I know...wishful thinking. I am saddened by the efforts of many to get rid of their laugh lines. My favorite part of a person's face are the laugh lines. Some call them crow's feet, but I'm not a big fan of that description. Laugh lines add character. Laugh lines reflect joy. They are the proof of a life well-lived. I'd be a little suspicious of someone who didn't have laugh lines. What's up with that? A life with no laughter scares me to death.

Your face tells the story of your life's journey...the good, the sad, the strength, the pain. Why would anyone want to erase their story? I recently heard an inspiring phrase, "embrace your grace." I encourage all of us, men and women, to embrace our grace and all our impefections that make us who we are. And remember our laugh lines are the perfect imperfection.

Enjoy your journey...

Crossing the Stream

"Don't cross the stream to look for water." ~Swedish Proverb

Have you ever searched tirelessly for something only to realize that what you were looking for was right there with you all along? Some people spend their entire lives searching for happiness, love, purpose, or (fill in the blank) but never finding it, because they are focusing all their energy externally. They rarely turn their search and focus inward.

Our culture equates happiness, fullfillment with material objects. The more we have the happier we should be. This philosophy seems to be more prevalent in the global north. While our neighbors living in the global south, appear to find joy in simplicity and the present. Perhaps they do this out of necessity, but is there a lesson here for all of us? Could it be that the more we have the more we want? Because we live in the "land of the plenty," do we fear scarcity? When is enough...enough?

We continually hear stories from our family and friends about how they would be happy only if...only if...what? What if we woke up every morning and took a "gratitude inventory" of our life? Took a moment to appreciate our family, our friends, our health, our food, our home, etc. If we fill our lives with the abundance we already have, then we would never need to "cross the stream" for anything other than a good fishing hole.

Enjoy your journey...

The Desire to Beat Others

"A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others." ~Ayn Rand

When I read this quote, I thought about my current situation at work...a very frustrating, demoralizing situation. I'm working on a project which could help connect people throughout our organization. And during this time of economic hardship, that would be a good thing for their morale and spirit...to know they are valued and appreciated.

Sounds great, doesn't it? But here's the catch, there are some people in the organization that are so territorial that the project may be at risk. Why? They refuse to let go of the control just a little. They desperately want their way to be the right way...the only way. But it hasn't worked in the past so we're trying something new. Unfortunately, their identity is defined by their work, and they believe that they and only they know what's best for the project. They are holding on so tightly that the organization is being stifled and silenced. "This is how it's done," they would say to me.

Has this every happened to you? You work on a "team" where you all have the same goal. You all are moving in the same direction, but someone doesn't want to loosen their grip to try something new. Doesn't want to loosen their grip to make room for a different perspective. They feel they need to win at all costs...even at the cost of the greater team or project.

So what do you do? I realized that my ego was hurt. "Don't they trust me," I said to myself. "Do they not have confidence or faith in my abilities?" I became angry and stubborn. So I decided to turn the quote on me and asked myself, "Am I motivated by the desire to achieve, or am I motivated by the desire to beat others?" Was I mirroring their behavior? Has it, now, become a tug-o-war?

I have decided to let go...a little. I'm not perfect. This is extremely difficult for me, but I've decided to loosen my grip in hopes they will reciprocate. Because if we don't stop the tug-o-war, the project will be torn. The project is much too important. I have no idea how it will turn out so if anyone has any advice or thoughts...any words of encouragement, please share.

Enjoy your journey...

Reflecting the Light

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." ~Edith Wharton

Some feel that they need to be the candle...the Dalai Lama or Buddha or Jesus or any other well-know spiritual teacher to inspire others. When in actuality, anyone and everyone can inspire, teach and lead. Whether you are the source of the teachings or sharing the teachings of others, you have the capability to move, inspire and empower people to live more authentically. All you need is the desire to serve; the willingness to share; and the ability to love and learn.

Can you imagine a world where everyone is spreading light? A world where the light overcomes the darkness? A world where only positive energy is shared? It can happen if we make the active choice to spread goodness and passion.

Sharing inspirational quotes, teachings and writings are all great examples of inspiring others. What other things can we do to "reflect the light"?

Enjoy your journey...

Winning the Rat Race

"The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat." ~Lily Tomlin

We are trying to get ahead. We are trying to be the best. We are trying to win. But at what cost? We race through life for what...for the bonuses, the promotions? And in the end, does it really matter? Some people work 80 plus hours a week so they can retire early. Retire early to spend time with their families and follow their bliss. Why wait? Is it possible to give-up the rat race? To work fewer hours and spend that time with our families, now?

Many people create their identity through work. All they know is the rat race. If they quit it, they lose themselves and their value. And the sad fact is many don't even enjoy their work. Some even compromise their integrity and principles to win...at a job they dislike. Is it worth it? Is it worth compromising your goodness, your humanity just to get ahead...to get to that piece of cheese first.

What if our goal in life wasn't to win but to love, to laugh, to serve? It doesn't matter what we do. What matters is how we do it...how we live. So let's all abandon the race for our piece of cheese. And let's strive to achieve our peace of mind.

Enjoy your journey...