Hi Friend,
This week was active! I had three virtual events to end out the year. Monica also had a virtual event this week, while John was staring in a dentist commercial cause he’s got great teeth! I get to hang out with talented people. In one of the events this week, I also included a local magician who comes to the home studio to perform. He’s always fun!
I got my bike tuned up. I beat it up pretty good but don’t care for it very well. I took it to the Bike Lab and they put new tires, new grips, new brake lines, a new chain and cleaned it up. It’s amazing!! I’ve had it for over 20 years. The Gary Fisher brand got bought by Trek a long time ago. When I took it in I said “I’ve had this bike forever” and the guys there were like “No kidding.”
I don’t suffer from imposter syndrome, but when I went into the Bike Lab, I thought and felt “I wish I was cool enough to fit in here.” Bikers have such a chill vibe. Very cool and generous characters. They possess the same sort of essence as river-rafting guides; laid back and yet so adventurous. Calm, yet courageous. Dropping off and picking up the bike a story or two was shared. They have the best memories about people & places!
On top of all that, they do excellent work. They care so much about their craft and sport. When I picked up my bike, the guy literally said to me “Thanks for investing in your bike.” He was absolutely sincere, as if my bike was an aging human who I was caring for. I wanted to hug him. He wanted to hug my bike.
Love Generates Excellence
In most of my messages the idea of mediocrity and excellence makes an appearance. Whether caring like an owner, finding it on the other side of obstacles, the necessity of trust to get there, being confident to attempt it, or the pacing of consistency to discover excellence, it tends to show up. Humans are attracted to quality.
I don’t believe I’ve ever uttered the phrase “Love is required to achieve excellence.” I’m not sure that’s a true statement. I know commitment is necessary. Commitment is an element of love, but love is not necessarily an element of commitment. In my freshly baked message #BestDaily which I delivered over two days this past week, I have included a piece about love.
I don’t recall if I’ve already shared this with you? I tell you things I’m working on or considering, so I don’t remember if it was you I was telling or just in crafting the message I talked about it? I’ve settled on to two core questions to start out each new day:
1) What am I afraid of today?
2) How will I show love today?
The dueling core components of the soul are love and fear.
Consciously or unconsciously they drive EVERY decision we make. If we can purposely address both, hopefully neither will hijack us throughout the day. Everyone in therapy or talking to a counselor will eventually discover it’s the absence or presence of love and fear that has put them on their healing quest. Period. Full stop.
There are variations of expressions about love and fear we can access throughout our day that will give us the courage and determination we need to do the hard, right things. It’s a form of self-accountability. Navigating relationships, prioritizing tasks, defeating procrastination, engaging awkward conversations, making integrity decisions, conquering the ego and honoring others are just a few benefits of regularly inquiring to ourselves about our motive of love or fear in every situation.
Instigating Ideas…
1. What are you afraid of?
2. Where do you feel like you don’t fit, but love to be?
3. Share with someone about something you think is excellent and why.
4. Go watch some magic it will brighten your heart.
One of the reasons I’m not prone to imposter syndrome is because that affliction presumes others are qualified and deserving of their place. I realized a long time ago everyone is making up their life today. No one has lived this day and we’re all asserting our best efforts to be. Regardless of past education or experiences, this life is an act of faith, attempts and routines for all.
No one is deserving and everyone is deserving.
Fear distorts our perception. Thankfully love magnifies our hope. Diminishing fear & amplifying love seems a solid recipe for a fulfilling life, possibly an excellent one.
It’s been raining here, but I wanted to ride, so instead of going to my usual trails, I rode to the park where Joe and I run on asphalt trails. My bike is designed for dirt. I just loved how clean and beautiful and cared for it was so I decided to wait a few more days before I get it all muddy. When you love something passionately it may cause another to love it more too.
I would love to hear how you address fears in your life. The absence of love is the playground for fear. Have you found ways to fill your world with love, so fear is suffocated? Please Share!