“From Another Angle”...A Bird’s Eye View

Before starting my early morning routine, I let the dogs out leaving the back door cracked open so they could let themselves in and out while I worked. I was soon interrupted by a rustling noise outside my office. Since I didn’t hear the dogs barking, I assumed it was Yegge (my boyfriend) in the kitchen.  I went out to say good morning but to my surprise, I was greeted by two birds circling between my kitchen, living room, hallway and study.  The dogs just sat there aloof, patiently awaiting their treats and not even phased by the fact that there were two birds taking flight throughout the house. 

Needless to say, between the chaos of the birds’ flights and them crapping all over my house, I screamed for Yegge to help me corral the birds, open the doors, and herd the dogs in order to encourage our little visitors’ flight back in that brave new world we all live in.  After the birds’ ordeal was over, and they flew free, Yegge cuddled with the pups and said…

“Bentley, what’s up with you?  You’re a cockapoo!  A cocker spaniel is supposed to be a “bird-dog!”

Thought bubble over Bentley’s head (or anyone who is told what they are “supposed to be”): 

“Oh okay, then I suck - but damn it, I am going to try as hard as I can to be what you want me to be in order to get your approval.”

But here is the truth…Bentley nor YOU will never be what anyone wants them to be! And until people forfeit the angles of expectations, identify who, they themselves really want to be and embrace who they are, they will spin in circles of dissatisfaction trying to live up to others views.  It happens every day! 

Cue in Steppingstone Haven’s weekly topic of “authenticity” …

The focus has been on “being true to oneself”.  In my last blog, “This Is Me”, I highlighted some of the “phrases” that society, family, and friends impose upon us along with the various interpretations that people have.  It usually occurs in our informative years, become embedded into our subconscious minds and follows us into our adult lives as limited beliefs - ultimately affecting our quality of life. But remember, with Awareness – Exploration – Knowledge AND Action…

ANYONE (yes ANYONE) can become EVERYTHING

THEY want to be

AND They can do ANYTHING they put their minds to in order to activate the powers within!   The sky is the limit.

NOW GO FLY!    

This Is ME!

Some become paralyzed by change.  Others plow through it.  When circumstances change, we choose to reject and remain “stuck” or accept and “activate” the “Wonder Woman” or “Superman” powers within. 

I recently took the BIG step of attending the first of 2 three-day trainings towards a Master Life Coaching certification.  For some, they may say “What’s the big deal?”  For me, it was terrifying. I made every excuse in the book related to not having enough time, money and energy.  I made excuses because I was “stuck” in fear - Fear of rejection.  Fear of not being worthy.  Fear of failing.  But I figured it out this weekend with a little help from some friends in the same arena and my dog, Bentley. 😊

How many of you heard or said the following in your lifetime?  What was/is your personal translation?

“Be careful what you say”  

 My personal TRANSLATION: “Conform”

“Don’t offend anyone”  

 My personal TRANSLATION: “Don’t speak up”

“Do the right thing”                                     

My personal TRANSLATION: “Be compliant”

And the most recent one for me?

“Know your audience”                                

My personal TRANSLATION: “Don’t be your authentic self”

Sound familiar?  How many of you translate them as they are above?  Or have you even thought about it until now?  I’m not a psychiatrist, nor do I play one on T.V., but I am going to venture to guess that the expectations society has placed upon us are interpreted similarly often.  The subconscious mind makes up around 95% of your brain.  Every time you have an idea, or an emotion, a memory or an image from the past, it is the subconscious mind which communicates to the conscious mind.  For me, there are triggers for a limited belief system which I like to refer to my “belief pool”.  When it’s limited, there’s no reason to even bring a bathing suit.  There’s no water in the well, and a big sign that saying, “NO DIVING!”

Like Bentley’s (the therapy dog) issue with the disruptive arrival and relationship with his sister Sadie, we all have experienced some life tilts at one point or another.  Whether we are facing a gut-wrenching divorce, a job relocation, job loss, a career change or financial ruin, the “belief pool” needs to be full! 

So maybe look at how you can not only respond differently but how you can FEEL towards these common restraints that we are often faced with, and turn them around. 

“Be careful what you say”           

My personal RESPONSE: “If I don’t ask questions, what can I learn?”

“Don’t offend anyone”                

My personal RESPONSE: “I’ll say what I think nicely.”

“Do the right thing”

 My personal RESPONSE: “How do you know this is the right for me?”

Change is inevitable.  Our reaction is fateful.  So, toss out the bathing suit and go skinny dipping! But whatever you do?  Know this!  There are no two people alike, and each travel different journeys in life.  What we see from where we each stand is a different view from where the other is so...

“Know your audience” and just BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF!

And you will attract like-minded people, or those around you will adjust.  And if they don’t?  Well then…SO BE IT!

#perfectlyflawed #embracewhatsgood