Are You Insane?
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Now, most people wouldn't consider themselves insane, yet how often do we see people continually repeat the same patterns, while they hopefully yearn for happy endings. Like Scarlett O'Hara in Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind, they'll "worry about it tomorrow." Patterns drench our lives, yet most of us don't even realize we have them. That can be good news if our habits lead to great health, financial security and incredible relationships, but what if they don't?
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Have you ever heard people complain that they just can't get a break? Or how about friends who never seem to find lasting relationships or jump from job to job, never able to find one that's quite right for them? It's not that they're losers, unlucky or unable to commit. Their patterns just aren't taking them where they want to go.
We all make choices every day, but do you realize that those little choices create habits? And they all have consequences. When you start out in a direction, it sets you on a path to somewhere. The big question is, where are you going?
Theres' no way that you'd use a map to New York to find your way to LA, right? You'd have to be pretty oblivious to expect that by following that particular map, you'll end up with the destination you desire. But when you make little decisions that may seem insignificant, they are setting a course––a path to a destination––so be sure you recognize your direction.
Were all guilty from time to time. Case in point, take me for example. Those of you who know me personally would never call me overweight and they'd be right. I'm no fanatic, but I've made a conscious effort to eat healthy, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, when my publisher released Wingless Butterfly, I found myself working in a whole new industry which required an intense learning curve. I spent an unprecedented amount of time, sitting at my computer, taking classes and trying desperately to just keep up with the areas that demanded my attention. I had to sacrifice something, so the easiest thing to let slide was working out and eating well. I grabbed what I could on the run, making okay choices most of the time and conceding that I'd do a better job next week. But next week came and went and for two and a half months I headed down that path.
My niece is getting married this Saturday, and I've been so looking forward to the trip. I can't wait to see friends and family, and catch up with people I haven't seen in forever. As I packed last night, luckily, I thought to try on the dress I had intended to wear. You guessed it; the dress didn't fit––in fact most of my dresses didn't fit and ones that did, had huge bulges in places I didn't even know I had. I had been aware that I had probably added a pound or two. I felt a bit uncomfortable and knew I needed to get back into my routine, but I never guessed I had gained ten pounds. Now, I know I'm not fat, even now, and I'm not complaining. The point is, the decisions were all mine! I fudged and made excuses––and they had consequences.
The decisions we make every day matter. They create habits in every area of our lives and lead us down paths to our destiny. So my question to you today is simply this. Do you direct your destiny? Or are you like Scarlett O'Hara, blindly heading down paths that will surely have consequences tomorrow?
My next few blog posts will be focusing on patterns in different areas of life, so don't miss them. Now I'm off to finish packing––oh, and yes, running out to buy a dress for the wedding. Have an awesome weekend!
Casi
BTW, I hope you enjoy this music video, Look Into Yourself, by Anggun. These are the lyrics:
I'm tired of letting go all that I've tried to have
I'm tired of wasting time looking up to the wrong stars
I do believe in life and that everything is written
But life is not a book with pages wide-opened
Don't search too far, my mother says
Sometimes all that you need is only a step away
Look into yourself
The one and only
Look into yourself
If you want to find the key
A look into yourself
Release your heart free
Look into yourself
And be the master of your destiny
Don't be afraid of wanting changes in your life
Don't be afraid to go to wherever you decide
Believe in yourself and believe in what you can do
And no one can deny the will that lies in you
Try to pay more attention
And live your life with good intentions
Look into yourself
The one and only
Look into yourself
If you want to find the key
A look into yourself
Release your heart free
Look into yourself
And be the master of your destiny
Look into yourself
Cause there's a rainbow
Look into yourself
There is so much more that you need to know
Cause in yourself
There's serenity
It's all in yourself
You are the master of your destiny
For every doubt you face
In every step you take
For choices that you make
Dreams aren't made to be erased
Just look into yourself..
Look into yourself
The master of your destiny..
It's in yourself
The master of your destiny
It's in yourself..
