Blog
Just declare it an “exploration”
by Amy Riley
June 30, 2010
I’ve had angst about a couple things in life recently. I can’t seem to find an easy way to put cardio workouts into my schedule. The dance classes I like aren’t at times that usually work for me. Then, I’ve been thinking about becoming a runner. Yet, that is all it’s been…is “thinking.”
Next, I have a serious “performance” itch going on. I really would love to sing or dance on stage. Yet, I mostly feel like I’m too old to start this (even though I know this is not true, I often feel this way). Then, I figure even if I had the talent and the venue in which to pull this off, where in the heck would I get the time? Don’t know what to do about that.
I was feeling frustrated that clear, easy solutions weren’t coming to me immediately. I felt like I “should” know what to do. I’ve figured out many things, why can’t I figure these out? And then I was getting really “serious” about my angst by telling myself that these are big areas in life. This is about a key passion of mine and a way to be physically healthy. I’ve got to find solutions!!
Then, I decided to do a very lovely thing. I declared both of these areas an “exploration.” Whew, what a shift in perspective that gave me! Now I can stop beating myself up for not having a perfectly laid out execution plan. I can play with ideas, be open, and know that my desired outcomes will arrive at the perfect time and in the perfect way.
What about for you? What would you like to declare an “exploration”?
Amy, I love the mental shift that “exploration” can bring. I makes total sense to me! Thanks for the reminder and perspective. For me, where ever I am putting on the pressure – is an area for me to shift to exploration . . . finding a house and creating new sales are two areas that would be great to approach with an “explorers mindset”.
Amy, Thanks for the great idea of declaring something an “exploration.” It is just what I needed to hear today. Tomorrow is the day I officially move to Los Angeles after living in Chicago for 18 years! I am happy and sad at the same time and the idea of declaring the next chapter of my life and my move an “exploration” feels great. Making new friends- an exploration; buying a new home (we don’t have one yet) – an exploration; living with my parents until we move into a new home – an exploration; new schools for my kids – an exploration; starting Tiara in LA – an exporation…and on and on.
Love it!
Love it! Shifting to an explorative position is a great way to stay unattached to outcomes. Everytime I am attached to an outcome, I feel overwhelmed when things just are not panning out the way I planned. It becomes a stress as opposed to an enjoyable process. I appreciate your insights into a declaration of exploration. When I am able to make this switch (which is a challenge for me), it becomes a journey vs an outcome. Much more relaxing and fulfilling.
That’s it!! Exploring, being unattached, enjoying the journey. Thank you. You all are deepening the learning for me. And now that I have taken some inspired actions and have run 3 times in the past week, I want to continue to remind myself to be playful and to not get “significant.” I’m still on a journey, I’m still exploring.