Posted by Sandra I 26 October 2011
Birthday Ruminations and lessons from the Talking Heads
I just had my 49th birthday. Aaaaaagh!
Mid-life crisis. Sudden wake up call. Kick up the ass. Call it what you like.
With the big 5-0 now looming just around the corner, it was one of those occasions in life when mortality comes sharply into focus and you are forced to take stock. Not for the first time, I was reminded of a favourite 80s, Talking Heads song, “Once in a Lifetime.”
This is not my beautiful house .… This is not my beautiful car…. This is not my beautiful …….
How Did I Get Here?
I could have written these words myself. What I really love about David Byrne is his knack of making even the most depressing subjects feel so happy and cheerful. I even want to do that crazy dance!
When I look back over the last decade, I admit that I do sometimes ask myself,
“How did I get here?” and “MY GOD! What have I done?“
Well, what HAVE I done?
...I have raised £000’s for charity
...I have lived in Prague - one of the most beautiful cities in Europe
...I have made fantastic friends from all over the world
...I have survived corporate life
...I have re-qualified and changed career
...I have fallen in love
...I have travelled extensively
...I have set up and managed my own businesses
...I have helped 100s of people in their businesses and in their lives
...I have partied ‘til my feet fell off
...I have excellent health and lots of energy...
... and actually, there is so much more.
Whose Boxes Are YOU Ticking?
When we move though life with our awareness setting on 'low' and when we judge ourselves and our accomplishments through the eyes of other people, it can be very easy to feel discouraged and weighed down when things appear to go awry.
So often, in the past, I have treated my life and my career as a tick box exercise, without questioning whose boxes I was ticking and why. If that's true for you too, no wonder we get stuck. No wonder we start to doubt ourselves.
But when I take time to think about my life's journey so far, I feel lucky. And when I take a fresh look at the destination I plan to reach one day and the goals I have set for myself, I start to feel excited. My confidence returns, reminding me that I am on the right track – for me. My journey is unique and personal to me - and nobody else.
And sometimes it even inspires others. I am proud of that.
Create Your Own Life
So here is my message. Allow yourself to be inspired by the person you already are. Acknowledge all the great stuff you have accomplished and see it as proof of your potential and your worth. Give yourself permission to stop in the odd lay-by or take a de-tour sometimes.
You are on your own road to somewhere of your choosing. So keep that clearly in your line of sight as you wrap your arms around it.
When you believe in who you are and where you are going, others will follow.
I can’t wait for the next 12 months to roll out. For you and for me. It’s going to be some ride.
Sandra Cunningham - Helping professionals put the oomph! into their leadership in order that business can be exciting, rewarding and - yes - fun!
Are you looking to recover your oomph!? If so, I’d love to talk with you.
Or, at least have a listen to the Talking Heads here: http://bit.ly/saNFt3
blog comments powered by