Hi Friend
This week went by entirely too fast. I enjoy a good holiday like everyone else, but it sure disrupts routine. Though I suppose I was already a bit out of sync with my normal flow. I found myself back in the Minneapolis area to see the Revivalists in concert. They played at an outdoor venue called the Ledge Amphitheater. It was a beautiful night to be outside dancing.
I drove there so I could take my bike. There are so many lakes and trails to explore! Something about riding my bike takes me back to my childhood. It’s that sense of freedom to explore and be in charge of my own distance, discovery and destination. I used to go to the church parking lot next to my house and practice how far I could ride a wheelie. I got up to 18 parking spots.
The concert was a flashback also. My first concert in 1984 was Rick Springfield at Blossom Music Center, an outdoor amphitheater, south of Cleveland. My favorite concert was the Killers at the OKC Zoo Amphitheater. Being outdoors with live music strikes a chord in my heart. There’s something about music that resonates with nature, so combining the two creates an organic experience.
I suppose that’s why music festivals have been raging for decades. Throw in hundreds or thousands of our fellow man to that mix and it’s a trifecta on a celestial level. As someone who lives and loves to shape environments, that might be the perfect one.
Creativity + Creation + Created = Captivating Currency
Vibe, energy, atmosphere, mood – however we define that space and time it generates good feelings. There aren’t a lot of grumpy people in that setting. I find myself trying to recreate it frequently. I’m sitting outside on my back porch right now listening to my Sonos as I write to you. I’m not one to pursue happiness. I think that’s a futile endeavor. However, I believe that sensation is a result of other forces coming together, like the above equation suggests.
Being energized trumps being happy. As with most things in life, creating an environment that invigorates us is secondary to removing the things from our life that steals our mojo. We tend to add, supplement or get more as an attempt to produce positivity. I’m not a minimalist, but without a doubt extracting and eliminating is a much more efficient and effective way to achieve personal delight.
A Fulfilled Life is Edited
What if at our core we were bursting with a positive, meaningful, satisfying existence and as life has continued on we’ve layered up negative, defeating, heavy experiences? We accumulate encounters, hardships and stuff that weighs our soul down. Being conscious of what’s cluttered our hearts and minds is essential for discovering where we can edit. Even in the present what are we holding onto that if we let go of, would serve us better?
Freedom trumps happiness. We just celebrated a holiday that marks our nation’s declaration of independence. Our united front to be free was costly. All freedoms are. That’s what makes our own journey to live free an expensive endeavor. A lot is sacrificed – given up, edited out – to live with personal liberty. Are you willingto release some of your old mindsets and ways, grudges and hurts, memories and unforgiveness, to enjoy your life and relationships more?
Instigating Ideas
1. How many different times can I implore you to go see live music?!
2. Identify one area in your life that needs edited.
3. Recognize someone else for removing unnecessary weight from their life.
4. Get in nature!
I’m a rather uninhibited character. At the concert, rest assured, I danced, jumped, sang and enjoyed myself in all the most expressive ways. One reason I’m able to do that is because I’ve edited out the concern of other people’s thoughts. I don’t bear the burden of trying to imagine what someone else is thinking. I do feel sorry for them when they sit or stand still while some of the best music on the planet is being offered so fabulously!
Assess & Evaluate
I have good friends in my life with whom I regularly have candid conversations. This enables me to process out loud as well as hear their perspective. From business, to love, to investing, to kids, to real estate – the wide range of topics let’s me both assess and evaluate my mindset, beliefs, actions and attitudes. They assist my editing process.
Harken back to your bike riding days, when you could traverse your town. That freedom is still available to us.
There were several porta-pots at the concert. Waste removal is a nasty business. Often, editing life is very similar. Put on some gloves and let’s get to it.
I hope this week you are in environments that are filled with energy and freedom. I anticipate it will be evident where, what and who needs edited in your life for you to live deeply fulfilled and bursting with joy!