Flexible versus disciplined
Others often say I am very disciplined. Some know the only reason I am disciplined is because my basic nature is to be a slouch. I could easily spend most of my time reading a novel, riding my bike or just people watching. I have spent entire vacations just being present If I allowed myself to do what I feel like doing more of the time I would accomplish very little. There are many mornings I would happily stay in bed, even if awake. When I would finally remove myself from my bed I would sit with a cup of coffee on the back patio greeting the birds and any other friends who decided to hang out with me. Some mornings I might go to the beach to greet the sunrise. Yet, almost every morning I bounce out of bed, turn on the coffee machine, shave, dress for the gym, send emails and text messages, workout, have breakfast while reading the newspaper and then write for two or three hour or see some clients. Soon it is nearly time for lunch. I might run some errands, have lunch and then do some home chores or see other clients. If a friend or a unscheduled client calls I will gladly stop what I am doing and spend time on the phone, via the internet, or in person. The rest of the day will be spent completing the day’s commitments to clients or personal and business related chorettes.
The rest of the day is not as routine but is still planned depending on what I decide “needs” to be done.
Some days I type for two or three hours while waiting for the muse to arrive – waiting to have something meaningful to say. Another option would be to stay open to the muse without being a slave to the schedule of writing a blog a day.
I just typed a message to a client suggesting that she “let go and let the God of her understanding show her the open door” rather than attempting to force a situation. She has obsessed so much about the best or right thing to do about a situation that she often becomes immobilized. It is an effort for her just to get through her normal work and home schedule. She is restless and anxious. Perhaps there is no “right” action other than being present to her immediate commitment of being a parent, daughter, and a professional. It is easy to get caught up in the belief that there is one right answer or solution. We worry that we might miss the opportunity which comes along once in a life journey. Indeed we might, but while worrying about the right action we can be so distracted that we miss the opportunities which are present today.
For me, the balance between being disciplined and being flexible is not easy. Perhaps the best that I can do is an awareness that it is important to attempt a balance. Once again, I am reminded that the question may be more important than the answer.
Interestingly, the morning I wrote this I set aside the schedule and spent nearly two hours with friends who wanted/needed to talk. At times it felt as if I needed to get back to “the schedule”, but then I would remind myself that the schedule is not in charge. My core values include the strong belief that relationships are always more important than tasks. The tasks I do or do not do will also affect relationships. For example, if I do not take daily time to spiritually center myself the core values will not be front and center. If they are not front and center then I could easily tell a friend who needs the support of my friendship, “Later. I am busy.”
Written July 25, 2016
Others often say I am very disciplined. Some know the only reason I am disciplined is because my basic nature is to be a slouch. I could easily spend most of my time reading a novel, riding my bike or just people watching. I have spent entire vacations just being present If I allowed myself to do what I feel like doing more of the time I would accomplish very little. There are many mornings I would happily stay in bed, even if awake. When I would finally remove myself from my bed I would sit with a cup of coffee on the back patio greeting the birds and any other friends who decided to hang out with me. Some mornings I might go to the beach to greet the sunrise. Yet, almost every morning I bounce out of bed, turn on the coffee machine, shave, dress for the gym, send emails and text messages, workout, have breakfast while reading the newspaper and then write for two or three hour or see some clients. Soon it is nearly time for lunch. I might run some errands, have lunch and then do some home chores or see other clients. If a friend or a unscheduled client calls I will gladly stop what I am doing and spend time on the phone, via the internet, or in person. The rest of the day will be spent completing the day’s commitments to clients or personal and business related chorettes.
The rest of the day is not as routine but is still planned depending on what I decide “needs” to be done.
Some days I type for two or three hours while waiting for the muse to arrive – waiting to have something meaningful to say. Another option would be to stay open to the muse without being a slave to the schedule of writing a blog a day.
I just typed a message to a client suggesting that she “let go and let the God of her understanding show her the open door” rather than attempting to force a situation. She has obsessed so much about the best or right thing to do about a situation that she often becomes immobilized. It is an effort for her just to get through her normal work and home schedule. She is restless and anxious. Perhaps there is no “right” action other than being present to her immediate commitment of being a parent, daughter, and a professional. It is easy to get caught up in the belief that there is one right answer or solution. We worry that we might miss the opportunity which comes along once in a life journey. Indeed we might, but while worrying about the right action we can be so distracted that we miss the opportunities which are present today.
For me, the balance between being disciplined and being flexible is not easy. Perhaps the best that I can do is an awareness that it is important to attempt a balance. Once again, I am reminded that the question may be more important than the answer.
Interestingly, the morning I wrote this I set aside the schedule and spent nearly two hours with friends who wanted/needed to talk. At times it felt as if I needed to get back to “the schedule”, but then I would remind myself that the schedule is not in charge. My core values include the strong belief that relationships are always more important than tasks. The tasks I do or do not do will also affect relationships. For example, if I do not take daily time to spiritually center myself the core values will not be front and center. If they are not front and center then I could easily tell a friend who needs the support of my friendship, “Later. I am busy.”
Written July 25, 2016
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