Persistence
The truth is I haven't written for three months because I haven't disciplined myself for writing. Even as I begin in this moment, my mind is wandering to the kitchen, maybe I should get some coffee before I start, get a little something to eat, return those phone calls. I am fascinated with what the mind will do to sabotage creativity. I promised myself that I would write for one hour on weekdays and that I wouldn't let anything get in the way. I have the timer set. 58 minute to go.
I chose the word persistence from the Ascended Masters Oracle Cards, by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. From 44 cards, I chose persistence! “Stick to your priorities and promises, chip away at your dreams and desires with daily action steps, commit to your dreams for the long haul and through persistent action and positive thinking, your dreams are manifesting into form.”
So let's wonder about persistence for a little while. Webster's Dictionary defines it as synonymous with ceaselessness, continuity, continuance, duration, endurance.
I enjoy accomplishing goals that require physical stamina and endurance. Preparing and completing the L.A marathon fits perfectly in this category. Picking up the guitar 10 times in 25 years does not. I dream of playing the guitar. What I have come to realize is... it's just that, a dream. When I imagine playing the guitar it's fluid, effortless, beautiful and fulfilling. The reality is.... it is difficult, awkward, un-injoyable and sounds terrible. I could justify the comparisons by pointing out that I like exercise to begin with so setting goals are fun because it is rewarding in and of itself. There's no reward in playing bad guitar. So OK, let's rethink this. My grandson David taught himself to play the guitar over one summer from the computer! A guitar, computer, desire and persistence. He stayed out in the garage in 100 degree temperatures 10-12 hours a day. OMG, is there anything I want that bad? Nevertheless, I think we are on to something here. Let me check my email first...oh, the dryer stopped, better get the clothes out and folded.
I didn't check the email but I did stop the timer while I folded the clothes. Next time I will plan better to not be interrupted. I am celebrating that I stayed with it for a full hour. I have been successfully persistent on my first day.
Can you relate this to something in your life that started out really hard but in the end through great persistence, is now rewarding?
I chose the word persistence from the Ascended Masters Oracle Cards, by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. From 44 cards, I chose persistence! “Stick to your priorities and promises, chip away at your dreams and desires with daily action steps, commit to your dreams for the long haul and through persistent action and positive thinking, your dreams are manifesting into form.”
So let's wonder about persistence for a little while. Webster's Dictionary defines it as synonymous with ceaselessness, continuity, continuance, duration, endurance.
I enjoy accomplishing goals that require physical stamina and endurance. Preparing and completing the L.A marathon fits perfectly in this category. Picking up the guitar 10 times in 25 years does not. I dream of playing the guitar. What I have come to realize is... it's just that, a dream. When I imagine playing the guitar it's fluid, effortless, beautiful and fulfilling. The reality is.... it is difficult, awkward, un-injoyable and sounds terrible. I could justify the comparisons by pointing out that I like exercise to begin with so setting goals are fun because it is rewarding in and of itself. There's no reward in playing bad guitar. So OK, let's rethink this. My grandson David taught himself to play the guitar over one summer from the computer! A guitar, computer, desire and persistence. He stayed out in the garage in 100 degree temperatures 10-12 hours a day. OMG, is there anything I want that bad? Nevertheless, I think we are on to something here. Let me check my email first...oh, the dryer stopped, better get the clothes out and folded.
I didn't check the email but I did stop the timer while I folded the clothes. Next time I will plan better to not be interrupted. I am celebrating that I stayed with it for a full hour. I have been successfully persistent on my first day.
Can you relate this to something in your life that started out really hard but in the end through great persistence, is now rewarding?
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