At the end of 2012 my life changed forever. On December 29th I married Stacey! The 29th was an amazing, nerve-racking, fun, funny, and one-of-a-kind day to which I would not change for the world! Much has happened since my fingers last pecked at the keys of my keyboard but over the course of the last month, our wedding day definitely stands out more than any other day.
Early on the morning of the 30th as Stacey and I were flying at 30,000 feet on our way to Canada, my thoughts began to drift to the upcoming new year. What would change? What would stay the same? What challenges and rewards did my life have in store over the next year?
An idea/resolution began to emerge that I felt needed to be bigger than just another new year's resolution. The idea simply put had to be a life-changer, a mantra. After much reading and introspection and discussion and even more reading, I found what I was looking for. It is not perfect, but as you will discover as you read it, that is okay, and there is always room for change. It is a work in progress. I am giving much of deserved credit to Chris Guillebeau. Whether it is entirely his or not, I am not certain, but he was the first to publish it so I owe a great deal to this original piece of his. I hope you enjoy it and add to it just I did. It started as his goal but became our mantra. The mantra for Stacey and I (along with all of our vows =) ) and the mantra for me and anyone reading this.
1.
To wake in the morning full of life and energy, awaiting the day with anticipation and purpose.
To step out into the world ready to accomplish a significant task.
To engage and initiate instead of merely responding. To take the active choice that you will make something happen.
2.
To maintain harmony and goodwill in relationships. To follow Shakespeare's adage: love all, trust a few, and do wrong to no one.
To focus on contribution and engagement instead of withdrawal into yourself. (Tip: When you aren't sure what to do next, find a small way to help someone.)
3.
To pursue productive, meaningful work. To spend most of your time doing something that you and others find meaningful.
To accept that everything you create will likely be flawed in some way, but to create anyway.
To enjoy the life you are gifted to experience. Not to take it easy, for life isn't always easy. But to appreciate the present while looking ahead to the future.
4.
To pay attention to how you feel. Not because everything is supposed to feel good, but because how you feel is a good reflection of your overall state of being.
To understand that freedom is choice. To grasp the reality that a world of possibilities are open to you, so you'd better do something about them.
To dream bigger and to pursue the dream. To choose to leap when others hold back. To maintain a standard of surprise and a choice of challenge.
To refuse to settle, and to decline the easy path of becoming a cynic. To find something to believe in and defend it with all your heart.
5.
To align your life with these ideals, continuing to work toward them every day.
To embrace the journey, focusing on the process and deferring the arrival if necessary.
To appreciate what you have without longing for more.
To refuse to rest on your laurels. To accept that what you've already done is in the past. To forge ahead!
To wake in the morning full of life and energy, awaiting the day with anticipation and purpose.
To step out into the world ready to accomplish a significant task.
To engage and initiate instead of merely responding. To take the active choice that you will make something happen.
2.
To maintain harmony and goodwill in relationships. To follow Shakespeare's adage: love all, trust a few, and do wrong to no one.
To focus on contribution and engagement instead of withdrawal into yourself. (Tip: When you aren't sure what to do next, find a small way to help someone.)
3.
To pursue productive, meaningful work. To spend most of your time doing something that you and others find meaningful.
To accept that everything you create will likely be flawed in some way, but to create anyway.
To enjoy the life you are gifted to experience. Not to take it easy, for life isn't always easy. But to appreciate the present while looking ahead to the future.
4.
To pay attention to how you feel. Not because everything is supposed to feel good, but because how you feel is a good reflection of your overall state of being.
To understand that freedom is choice. To grasp the reality that a world of possibilities are open to you, so you'd better do something about them.
To dream bigger and to pursue the dream. To choose to leap when others hold back. To maintain a standard of surprise and a choice of challenge.
To refuse to settle, and to decline the easy path of becoming a cynic. To find something to believe in and defend it with all your heart.
5.
To align your life with these ideals, continuing to work toward them every day.
To embrace the journey, focusing on the process and deferring the arrival if necessary.
To appreciate what you have without longing for more.
To refuse to rest on your laurels. To accept that what you've already done is in the past. To forge ahead!
What is your mantra?
LOVE it, Phil!!
ReplyDeleteWait a minute! Isn't that how you already act? You already take care of your friends. Now time to take care of your lovely wife, as she takes care of you. By the way, you can get some good practice in "engaging people" when you come to Chicago!
ReplyDelete