Creating with intention
Seth Godin first plopped these two words into my mind many years ago. Since then, this has become something of a personal mantra: How can I bring more joy into the world? How can I surprise the people around me?
It’s not enough to simply show up.
It’s about pushing boundaries, testing assumptions, and bringing intentional kindness into the communities in which you live.
Tweet me and let me know how you’re adding surprise and delight into your life.
What can you give today? Tweet me @redheadlefthand.
If you’re searching for change, one of the easiest things you can do RIGHT NOW is to evaluate the conversations you are having. Chances are they can use some editing.
Monitor your conversations, both online and off, then prioritize the kind of world you want to live in:
Creation, not lack
Goals, not complaint
Care, not brokenness
Change, not stuckness
The best conversations will be rooted in the question Who do I want to become? These conversations can help you reach goals and dive into deeper levels of living.
First you must find people with similar goals. These are the people you want to spend time with: People who are equally invested in exploration, growth, process, and evolution. Don’t tolerate negativity. Those people who can’t seem to stop talking about others? Refuse to participate. Change topics. Don’t entertain abusive, destructive, or derogatory remarks.
If you can’t find positive people, make adjustments. Be intentional. Use online resources and set boundaries. Time limits can also be helpful.
Think of your conversations as currency. Meetings, phone calls, chats, emails, even text messages. Be strategic about the way in which you invest.
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Thank you for reading, for asking questions, for exploring, and for committing to make the world a kinder, more generous place.
Instead of focusing on what is wrong or needs to change in your life, add something. Look for ways to fill your life with magic.
Once a day, once a week, even once a month, incorporate something that inspires you: A song that brings you joy. A place with fond memories. Fifteen minutes sitting on a bench in the park. Dancing.
Get intentional about this. Instead of waiting for a miracle to happen to you, create one for yourself. Fill your space with candles or flowers. Take a class. Wander aimlessly through a bookstore. Play. Sit in the sun. Find a new restaurant.
When you actively build excitement into daily living, work becomes more productive, relationships become more fulfilling, and life becomes brighter.
I wish for you magic, today and always.
Pew Research Center found that 73% of adults have seen someone bullied online in some way; 40% reported such harassment themselves. In fact, 60% of those polled had watched someone use offensive, hurtful names to target another person. Over half of the participants in this study knew these online messages were sent and posted with the intent to embarrass or harm another.
From celebrities to colleagues, even family members and friends, social media has made it possible for us to watch. Watch and not participate. Sit back without standing up for what is right. Conversations that should be taking place in person are now occurring strictly online.
Messages sent from behind a screen can cause damage, emotional and otherwise. Talking about personal challenges can be difficult, but keeping problems to yourself can feel isolating and make issues even worse. A quick online search can bring up local and international resources if you are not sure where to turn. Cultivate a network of support.
If you see a friend is a target of hateful or hurtful speech or is posting concerning messages online, reach out. During the holiday season, it is even more important to realize you and others may be under excessive stress.
Remember, you are never alone.