Dangling sh*# in front of my face
I ask myself, why me what’s wrong
Wish things would come at a faster pace
Well what if it’s not meant to be?
Don’t even want to think about that quandary
But what if this is just one big great con
And the reality is my dreams will never spawn
Ugh. Doesn’t reading that just make you feel all ick inside? Sadly, many of us walk around in comparative states of despondency, particularly when things don’t turn out the way we think they should or would have by now.
I’m talking about those visual reminders of the life we envision, but don’t yet have. There have been many a time I saw someone with a career, lifestyle and/or relationship I wanted. Then I would feel as if I had been socked in the stomach because I didn’t yet have those things. It felt like the universe was playing some cosmic trick on me: You can look, but don’t touch my dear.
Give up the chase
Life is not some crazy race
So what, it’s not here now
Dude, don’t have a cow
Today when I see visual reminders of stuff and experiences I desire, I don’t default to woe-is-me-ism the way I used to. Case in point, I was coming out of the elevator last week when I saw a co-worker kiss his girlfriend goodbye as they parted. In the past (ok I’ll keep it real, sometimes I still do this if I’m having a down day and off my guard) I would’ve hopped on the bus to pity city while throwing clenched fists up into the air muttering something like, “That’ll never happen for me. You suck G.” Now, I silently say, “Thank you universe for showing me what's on the way.”
I like mindshifting these visual reminders into a pleasant little game. I invite you to say something to the effect of, “Oh wow I must be that much closer if I’m seeing this again and again. How exciting! It’s within the realm of my experience. Just a couple degrees removed. I can have it. I’m just playing catch up to what’s already done.” When I say this out loud I’m filled with a sense of joyful anticipation. Feels silly at first, but you get used to it. Besides, I’ll take feeling silly over feeling bummed-out any day.
Ease yourself off the ledge of despair
Come sit next to me right on this chair
You see what you want and you can believe
That I’ve got all kinds of tricks right up my sleeve
To bring it to you at the exact right time
Meanwhile, just dwell in deep sublime
Focus your sights on what’s good on what’s true
Let the positivity grow and accrue
Before you know it, it will be
Watch it unfold like the perfect mystery
But realize that the end is not the game
The in-between my dear is your claim to fame
Live your life, this beautiful moment all the while
Remember to look up, breathe and smile
-----------
If you dug this article, just forward it to a friend, share it on Facebook, Tweet it, leave a comment and/or get on the mailing list and receive each week's episode directly to your inbox. This is also how you'll find out about upcoming events and workshops.