How many lines are there?
There’s the first line, the second line, but then there’s a line of negative space that runs between them. See it? 1+1=3. How many times in our lives, careers, thoughts, etc. do we only see the white lines? How many times do we miss the beauty and innovation that’s right in front of our faces?
In marketing, innovation and interactive experiences seem to be the overriding buzzwords. Marketers endlessly struggle with the next “big” thing. We rack our brains, search far and wide and often end up with costly flops. But, what if instead of searching far and wide, we slowed down and looked between the “lines” right in front of our faces? Sometimes, you have to slow down to get ahead. And sometimes, one plus one really does equal three.
Thanks to this post for the inspiration.
I’m lighting candles. In this crazy, mixed up world you have to believe in something. You have to give yourself over and believe that whatever happens is exactly what was meant to happen.
I’ve been doing a lot of traveling and searching lately. On my latest trip, I decided to cave and read, Eat, Pray Love. I feel like a lemming following the masses. I also feel the book is a bit cheesy. That’s the pessimist in me talking. On the other hand, the book is helping me to realize and get through some tough times. It’s helping me to realize that I am not alone in my feelings.
During the Pray part of the book, Ms. Gilbert talks about soulmates:
People think a soulmate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soulmate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.
A true soulmate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soulmate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soulmates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.
A soulmates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master…
The passage made me rethink my thoughts on Friends Indeed. I’ve always taken the defense – that most of the time, I’ve been the friend indeed, especially this last time. But, maybe I have it all wrong. Maybe I was the one more in need. Maybe this person was supposed to help me tear down my walls and break my rules so that once again I could transform my life and start anew.
See if your friends have read any of Elizabeth Gilbert’s books.
“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.
A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.
A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master…”
Forgiveness is a funny thing. Wikipedia says it is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution. My whole life, I’ve waited and waited for others to forgive me for the wrongs that I did to them. Yet, most of the time, people don’t easily or on their own say, “I forgive you”, even when asked.
Today I realized that if you think that someone needs to say, “I forgive you” for you to move on, you’re wrong. The real person who you need forgiveness from is yourself. It’s not the other person holding you back or torturing you, it’s you.
In thinking about it, the Jews have been slyly doing this for centuries. It’s called Yom Kippur. On this day, you’re supposed to publicly and privately ask forgiveness of everyone you wronged throughout the year. At one point in the service, you even hit your chest ten times as you ask for forgiveness. On this day, everyone you ask forgiveness from is supposed to accept it and provide forgiveness. Then, by the end of the day, you are absolved not only by your fellow human beings, but also by God. It’s genius. These people have set aside a whole day once a year where they “must” forgive themselves. Yet, it is designed so they feel like others are forgiving them. With that belief they are thus able to forgive themselves.
This year, Yom Kippur starts at sundown on September 17. But, I’m starting early. Today, I’m forgiving myself instead of waiting. Because, in life, the only person who can make you feel bad or guilty or worthless is yourself. The only person who can keep you in “jail” is yourself.
Dear Me,
I forgive you.
Love,
Me
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