I recently returned from spending nearly a full week visiting
friends and loved ones in New York City. I booked the plane ticket simply
because Southwest Airlines was having a sale (50% off!) and it had been years
since I last spent time in the Northeast. I had many friends living in
The City and the comments over the years of "You should come
visit....okay, one day I will come out to see you..." seemed trite until real
action was taken. So I did it. I booked the ticket. No plans
in place at the time of purchase, just the hope and excitement of getting out
of my comfort zone, as defined by the California border lines and perpetual
sunshine, to spend time with those I typically only communicate with via email
or the occasional phone call.
The six day trip
ended up being jam packed with plenty of lunch dates, happy hours, dinners, and
nights out on the town. It was such a joy to catch up with these friends in
person and to see in real life the people and places that now occupy their
lives -- whereas I had previously only known of them through Facebook postings.
'Keeping in Touch' is one thing, but spending time with an old friend in
their new life is a whole different level of bonding. I was so happy to
have the opportunity and I truly recommend booking the plane ticket or making the
drive to visit (in person!) those that represent some of the most significant
relationships in your life.
So you might be
wondering...where exactly is she going with this? Towards the end of my
trip it dawned on me that I had spent the week learning about the lives that my
friends had established for themselves in this bright lights city that never
sleeps. They had new careers, fiancés, degree programs, and killer wardrobes.
Essentially, they were in the midst of writing the next chapter in their book
called Life. I was packing to head home and in my reflections on the trip
I also personally reflected on the notion of 'What is the story that I am
writing for my life right now?'
I hadn't really
stopped to think about how I wanted to shape my current chapter (probably to be
titled 'The Roaring 20's'). I immediately got excited at the notion and was
eager to return home to continue 'writing' my own personal story with hope that
those who come to visit me in my city will enjoy and appreciate my book of life
as much as I've enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of friends through
seeing them live out their stories.
Today's Challenge: Life is a blend of what happens to you and how you react to
it -- with much more power and opportunity lying in the 'reaction'. Consciously reflect on the chapter that you
are currently writing in your book called Life and decide if you are happy with
the person you are becoming or if any adjustments or growth is to be a priority
for the year ahead.
THE
CHALLENGE DAY 13
Physical
Continue to be
strong and dedicated to your physical health.
It plays a great deal into your story as it contributes to energy levels
and self esteem. We are not to obsess
about our looks, but we should be committed to a healthy lifestyle in which we
can maintain high self esteem about how we physically present ourselves. Your challenge, every week, is to make the time.
Spiritual
Our stories in the
book of Life are a blend of what the world brings into our lives through no
decision made by us, but also how we react to those events and also how we
proactively seek out what we do want in life.
We need to see life with clear eyes and a calm heart so that we can
react to it with the best version of ourselves.
Come back to your 'Center of Gravity' -- those elements that define who
you are and be at peace with it. You
will be much more prepared for ride of life.
“Life
is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” - John
Maxwell
Personal
We can't take life
on by ourselves -- we need to fill our lives with family and friends. When was the last time that you reached out
to a good friend to simply say hello, inquire about their life, and invest some
of that personal time and energy? Reach
out. You won't regret it.
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