I spent a lot of time offline last week for various reasons. I just about barely managed to keep up with the blogging challenges I am participating in. I decided that I must catch up with my to-do list and got so engrossed with it – I found it invigorating. I was also struggling to meet work deadlines. In the meantime, with all the festival activity going on, I was enjoying being involved in those, as well.
It is a funny thing about life – the more you give, the more people expect. Slowly they take you for granted and reach a point where they expect you to volunteer to do stuff. When it happens in the family, it is not so bad as it is possible to sort it out. With others, it becomes a challenge.
As I mulled over some recent events, I realized the most important thing is to live with intention.
To do that…
I must remember to value myself
It is so easy to be confident when everything is going well. But during tough times and dark days, when all I had was my inner strength, I realized how strong I can be. I had the chance to know what stuff I was made of. I refused to give up. I know I cannot predict the future, but I definitely have the power to face it bravely. I trust myself and my intuition. When I think back on the times I overcame difficult situations, I muse over the choices I made. In retrospect, I know some things could have been handled better and I am happy that I learned from those experiences. There are actions I am proud of.
I am not indispensable
It takes practice to be firm with that “no” I am a softie when it comes to readily agreeing to do things for others. In fact, I volunteer, even when I know my plate is overfull. I struggle to make sure I keep my commitments, commitments I shouldn’t have made in the first place. So here is what I learned. I must start small to learn to say no. Practice with minor things. Then progress to the bigger ones. So maybe people will initially freak out. Eventually they’ll adjust. And when it really matters, I’ll be strong enough to take a firm stand. I’ve experienced some reactions recently – the good and not so good. I now know it is not about me. I am allowed to change. I will and they can take it or leave it.
Sometimes I just need to hear it from someone else
Even when I know the answers to questions that relate to my life, it is a lot easier to accept when someone else says the words. Coming from someone who matters, it feels much better.
Funny how one choice can change our lives forever. Sometimes, the fear of trying holds us back from living our best lives.
I’d like to share a lovely poem by Mary Anne Radmacher
Live with intention
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard. Laugh. Play with abandon.
Practice wellness.
Continue to learn.
Choose with no regret.
Lead or follow a leader.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.
That makes a pretty good manifesto for life eh?
I’m joining Mel at the Stirrup Queens for MicroblogMondays
Do you live with intention?
5 comments
Vidya, you amaze me at what you achieve especially on the blogging fromt. O love the poem Yes living with intention is about valuing ourself and taking the time to put yourself first , not always easy Namaste
Suzie Cheel recently posted…Creativity, Color and Chakras
You make so much sense. I think most of us get carried away while volunteering. Having kids, put things in perspective for me. Everything else comes second and that works well. I take up responsibilities that I can work with around their schedule and mine. Even then it’s hard to say NO sometimes.
Obsessivemom recently posted…#Microblog Mondays – Chests and Breasts!
Such a invigorating post, yes it is difficult to say no but important too.
Loved the poem!
Saying No can be a tough thing to learn, but it is well worth it because it makes the things you choose to do with your time so much more worthwhile.
I have never heard that poem before. I like it. Living with intention is so important because it is so easy to just go on autopilot. Thanks for the reminder to always call myself back to the present.
Sebastian Aiden Daniels recently posted…7 Funny Images That Will Make You Think About Life Issues
I think NO is my middle name:) I do not like it when I feel taken advantaged of because I let myself down more than anyone. I want to be there for the people who treat mw with respect and understand me not the ones who take advantage. Does this happen? Of course and it will again because one should trust and love but also have some brains about it:) I am lad you will find the word NO. It is a healthy word when done in moderation, just like anything. I love that poem but I don’t know if I live my life wit intent
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