Where I am...

This is not meant to be a philosophical reflection or a confession of any sort but simply an observation on something relevant to anything you may want to accomplish.

“Where I was, where I am, and where I will be”

Words that wandered into my head a couple of days ago almost as a mantra, and have stuck with me ever since. I don’t think they will shake loose until I’ve made my peace.

These words start in the present and draw a line in the sand; a benchmark from which to reflect, as well as look forward to the possibilities. A benchmark forever shifting — Tick tock, tick tock. This does not necessarily indicate progression but simply movement. A movement of time and the movement of activity, where time is the only constant and the activity is ever dynamic. Taking you from there to here and ultimately from here to there. Tick tock, tick tock.

This movement can be progress and these humble words offer an important signpost to reflect, evaluate, course correct and continue the journey; a journey that is never linear because straight lines are a human invention. A journey that takes you ever closer to that mountain you want to climb, and that’s what’s important. Remember though, it has to be your mountain because a journey to climb someone else’s mountain is a fool’s errand which has you forever asking, “Where am I?” Tick Tock, tick tock.

There is a truth that needs to be accepted, not in these words per se, but in how you look at where you stand and at that footsteps that mark the sand. A false view gets you lost with nothing but wasted time for your efforts. Tick tock, tick tock.

This hasn’t shaken out the way I thought I will admit.

I thought maybe this would meander to a commentary advocating good plans and maps to your find your way but that’s not where I found myself. Warren Buffet, a man who admittedly is wealthy enough to buy more or less anything says the one think he cannot buy is time. It is finite, constant, and the same for everyone.

So in the end, it turns out the words “where I was, where I am, and where I will be” are a reminder to stop dicking around and get to it because there is only so much time.

Tick tock, tick tock.

iamgpe

Moments — "Preparedness in life or the lack there of..."

It’s not that I ever really run out of ideas for blog topics but sometimes what I have in the proverbial “hopper” seem a little stale so every so often I fish for ideas, and the waters are always plentiful.

And on my hook this time… “Preparedness in life or the lack there of…”

Something born out of Covid 19 I suspect, and most likely a reflection of dealing with what we like to affectionately call the new normal, or in other words trying to understand a deadly new virus while dealing with interrupted employment, children at home, operating in isolation, having your support groups operate from a distance, and only just now, not having to worry about a reliable toilet paper supply chain.

These seven words make for a huge topic, and where to start? Are we talking about building good foundations, or managing through crisis, or dealing with change and adaption, or dealing with emotion, or simply all of it? In situations like this, when the topic is huge, I always go to my “sayings” file and see what I’ve squirrelled away for motivation.

And the waters are always plentiful when it comes to pithy sayings.

Like this one for example:

Next time you’re stressed, take a step back, inhale and laugh. Remember who you are and why you are here. You’re never given anything in this would that you can’t handle. Be strong, be flexible. love yourself and love others. Always remember — Just Keep Moving Forward. (Unknown)

And this one

Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you have lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time. (Asha Tyson)

I suppose Life is an odyssey we are never totally prepared for and we need to confront situations that come our way with a knowing and a confidence that we can work through whatever is in front of us. Strength, flexibility, determination and kindness are our guides, and we are greater for it.

There you have it.

Pithy quotes are the answer to almost everything.

iamgpe

PS — Someone really did send me this blog suggestion, and I am thankful for it because I really needed some pithy quotes right about now.

Fuck... but I'm tired.

I should point out that as I write this I’m refreshed and have been sleeping really well ever since I beat an annoying head cold — I know this because the withings fitness watch I got for my birthday says so; I’m also up to date with my average heart rate and the number of steps I’m getting in per day. But I digress.

I don’t actually think about how tired I can get unless I’m actually very tired so I only bring this up after watching PBS. Lately I’ve found myself pushing back on the noise of the world; the opinion; the questionable facts; the loud shout overs — I crave the facts, a balance of opinion, and a long format perspective of things. All of this has brought me to the PBS News Hour or The Agenda with Steve Paikin. Again, I digress.

Recently I watched Amy Walter (from Politics Monday with Amy Walter and Tamara Keith) in Iowa just before the Iowa Caucuses were about to start. I will say I’ve always been fascinated with the “great experiment” the founding fathers* set in motion over 240 years ago; maybe I just find the lessons of history so interesting and valuable — again with the digression. Normally when I watch Amy Walter in studio she’s fresh, sharp and articulate but in this case her exhaustion was apparent; it showed on her face and in her words. I couldn’t help but say, “Oh honey, you’re exhausted; it looks like you haven’t slept in days”. There was Amy Walter, fighting through exhaustion to get the job done.

I was looking at the type of exhaustion that’s thrust upon you and you have no choice but to push through it — and I’m not talking about a couple of nights of restless sleep but day after day of sleep deprivation, deadlines, stresses, expectations, crying babies, crying bosses, and sore feet. This is something we’re all familiar with, and instinctively know it’s not good for our wellbeing. It’s something that when we’re experiencing it, it’s never helpful to get the obligatory advice we should get some sleep, because trust me, it’s at the top of the list when we’re so tired the tears are running down your cheeks. We know it’s not good for us, although, it does offer insight into resilience and grit, both of which are crucial components to success.

I have no profound advice other than try to get out of it as quickly as you can, summon the courage not to quit, focus on getting the job done, and take pride you are still standing. I would also like to say if you happen to be coming off a good night’s sleep please have a little sympathy, understanding, and appreciation for those at the front of the room who obviously didn’t.

iamgpe

*I have noticed people are now calling the founding fathers “the framers”. Don’t ask me why… I’m Canadian