Hi Friend
I’ve been on vacation this week. We originally planned on going to Colorado to camp and climb a 14’er but called an audible and went to Superior National Forest along the North Shore of Lake Superior. IT WAS SPECTACULAR! We camped deep in the woods at Crescent Lake. I’ve never been in a place that was so eerily quiet and still.
Because we originally planned on being in Colorado, I had purchased tickets to see The Revivalist at Red Rocks Amphitheater on Thursday night. I love them and had never been there. So, Thursday morning, I hopped on a plane and met my fabulous friend David for an absolutely incredible experience! It’s as magical as you think it is.
Michelle and I drove up to Grand Portage, which is a small town on the Canadian border. The Pigeon River divides our countries and boasts a beautifully amazing waterfall. There is a smaller waterfall about 2 miles inland. We hiked the most treacherous trail I’ve ever traversed to discover this mini-wonder. While there I traipsed out into the middle of the river, so I could be in international waters. Then the Canadians opened fire, so I returned.
I’m grateful we went there, because now I know what’s available just a few hours away. I will be venturing back for more exploration in the future. I’m also grateful I got to include the concert, even though we didn’t camp in the Centennial State.
ROLL WITH IT
I’m probably writing to you more about this idea, because I’ve had so many alterations in my life recently (and the past few years). When what’s expected doesn’t happen, the way we roll with it positions us for how we enter into the unexpected or unwanted. It’s mostly a heart disposition which impacts our thoughts & feelings.
It’s really useful for me to express myself, so I don’t retain frustration, bitterness, resentment or blame. Those are strong words, and I’m not typically one to tango with them much at all. However, when hurt, disappointment or fear shows up, they extend their offer for me to join them on the dance floor of my mind, disco ball included. Consciously rejecting their proposal while articulating priorities, hope and possibilities preserves my character.
ALWAYS BETTER
I share a philosophy in my Ownership Message about how I like people based on who I am, not who they are. It gives me an advantage in all human interactions. It’s a developed practice that is now automatic for me. With these opportunities I’m incorporating a similar axiom: “WHATEVER occurs after this unexpected change will ALWAYS be better than what would have transpired if this alteration hadn’t materialized.”
Is that true? Yes. How do I know? Because I get to decide. For all I know, it could have poured down rain daily in Colorado, our food been washed away, or I fell off a mountain and died. See, I’m so glad I didn’t go!!
Most of the time when change happens, we fantasize about what was missed and denigrate the reality we’re in. Then a negative attitude misses all the good in our current unexpected scenario. That strategy doesn’t serve my soul, relationships or Faith well. Does it yours?
Instigating Ideas…
1. Get into nature, please!
2. Describe your strategy towards the unexpected to someone.
3. Who do you let decide if unanticipated change is good or not?
4. Go see live music.
The answer that immediately comes to mind for #3 is: MY FEELINGS. We are such emotional creatures with raging egos, that we perceive change first as a threat, second a loss and in distant third, an opportunity. You may argue that the consequences of the change are what determine if it’s good. I would suggest confirmation bias affirms the negative perception we initially embrace, interpreting ramifications through an unfavorable filter.
CHANGE IS AWESOME!
Do you remember the Everything is Awesome song from the Lego Movie? It’s extreme, absurd optimism that’s untethered from reality. I LOVE IT. When I just wrote that, it struck me similar. That perspective – Change is Awesome – is so far from the norm, it seems ludicrous.
In work, family, dreams, marriage, investments, aspirations and strategies, the unforeseen iteration of reality is an invitation to shape our next reality. Will you accept it? The alternative is to wallow in self-pity.
Michelle and I had the best campsite, canoed on the most serene lake, nurtured the best campfires, ate the best meals and had a view of the universe at night that was stunning. David and I created multiple life-long-memories in one 24-hour period. CHANGE.IS.AWESOME!
I hope this week you decide that the unexpected or unwanted is exactly the best possible option for you and live through that paradigm. Who knows, it may turn out to actually be true.