Moments — LOVE, FREEDOM, INNER STRENGTH

I could not help but notice the chalkboard — it had been erased clean (although the deeply etched messages of the past still echoed through if you looked hard enough), and in the bottom right corner were three words for all to see. 

LOVE

FREEDOM

INNER STRENGTH

Who wrote these three words was impossible to tell. It may have been the one who erased the board clean or someone who came across a clean slate and had something to say? I don't think it really matters. I could not help but think they were three very good words — all open for interpretation, but in the end all positive and noble pursuits.

As is my way, I looked at this symbolically and saw the words as the compass for how we fill in the rest of the space that is our chalkboard — be it in with our actions, the way we live our life, or what we plan to do.

Or I suppose they could be just three words someone thought had meaning — in that case mine would be LIGHT, LOVE, UNDERSTANDING.

As I look at my three words though, it does seem they actually are the compass and inspiration for most of what I am.

iamgpe

Where will your passion take you?

Vincent Van Gogh painted Starry Night Over the Rhone ar Arles wearing a straw hat with candles in it — this offered just enough light for him to paint by. It must have been quite a sight for anyone who cared to watch him atop the hill as he painted. Little know outside the Avant-garde art movement of the time and having sold very few paintings in his lifetime, Van Gogh died in poverty never to see how his paintings would come to be some of the most valued in the world.

Starry Night Over the Rhone ar Arles by Vincent Van Gogh

As I stared at Starry Night Over the Rhone ar Arles on the wall of the gallery, I was inspired not only by the beauty of what I was looking at, but the imagery of someone in the dark creating something so beautiful while no one was looking. And having the passion to do it over, and over, and over again.

iamgpe

That which inspires...

It is that time of the year when a young man's thoughts turn to the next 365 days, the plans needed to get you where you want to go, and that which inspires. I just finished updating and reposting a blog entitled "Write something down... anything!" on the social media platform beBee which offers a perspective on the importance of having a plan and writing it down.

I will admit I have a soft spot for inspirational and motivational memes, and although I know that sometimes who actually "penned them" can be suspect, it doesn't make them any less impactful. I happen to have a fairly large collection of these memes, and as part of my 2017 planning process, I thought I would review them to see which (if any) would align nicely with my 2017 activities. And sure enough, I found some that did.

A reminder that I have to "own it"; in whatever I do and whatever happens. And although there will be many people that will help me on the way, I am the one who has to take responsibility through the good times and the bad. 

A reminder to push the boundaries and look past what people say I can do and can not do. Search out people who look at the world differently than myself and who have ideas that are different than mine.

Go outside my comfort zone, learn to be "comfortable with being uncomfortable", look to that which I don't understand, and break my habits. Work to see things I have not seen before.  

Anything worthwhile is not easy... I will be challenged, tested, and some days all there will be is my conviction and belief to keep going. There will always be the next day.

As the Tragically Hip said, "No dress rehearsal, this is our life". Just do it, embrace life, and enjoy the journey.

A reminder to move with conscious thought and design, have an understanding as to why I'm in the moment, and what I am doing. And with that said, this is what my 2017 Guiding Principles and plan look like.

 

The Vision for a fulfilled Life

Self confidence with myself and the world through mindful action and presence. (self)

Self awareness and knowledge through activity & travel, learning, knowledge and wisdom. (self)

Deep emotional connection with a “Life Companion”. (relationship/spirit)

Deep connection and Legacy for my Daughter. (relationship/spirit)

Satisfying circle of friends with personal and professional connections. (relationship/spirit)

A safe, comfortable and tranquil living space (environment)

Intimate work with a company or small circle of clients to help them grow into their goals. (environment)

2017 Goals and Objectives (Guiding Principles in Bold)

Self Confidence: Maintain an uninterrupted physical lifestyle. Study mindfulness. Expand networks and formal association membership.  

Self Awareness and Knowledge: Travel internationally at least once in 2017. Take at least one academic courses. Read one non fiction book each quarter.

Deep Emotional Connection: Develop a soulful “Life Companion” relationship. Continue to build an adult relationship with my daughter.

Satisfying Circle of Friends:  Continue initiating quarterly get-togethers. Assess toxic friendships and develop positive new friendships. 

Legacy: Continue activity to move Family Legacy plan forward.

A Safe, comfortable, tranquil living space: Maintain current situation until 2018.

Intimate work:  Continue GPE Stratagem as an income generator (> $XXXXX K). Continue Blogging activity (no less than twice a week). Expand social networking. Develop one entrepreneurial opportunity. Write a book.  

So there you have it. Have a wonderful 2017 wherever you plan to go.

iamgpe