Today, little surprise that I’m reflecting, as I’m sure you do on your birthday.
Given the work I do, some of my thoughts today may be of use, and perhaps will cause you to pause and reflect too, even though it’s my birthday!
Few can deny that this year is momentous for us all. It’s said that our enjoyment of life is influenced not by what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us. I wonder, how are you responding to what is happening now?
The video below, shot in the depths of our lockdown here in the UK, illustrates how I am reacting. I’ve used this as a glorious opportunity to step back and think deeply about what I am doing, how I am doing it, and what my future will look and feel like.
My vote is on making some pretty big changes to my outlook, the way I impact the environment, and naturally, the way I conduct my professional and personal life. And I’m excited, very excited. To me, the future looks bright. Full of interesting adventures, curiosity and my word of the month, exhilaration.
You may be sat there thinking, “Oh it’s all right for him, he’s lucky.” To be blunt, you and I started out pretty much the same. Though we had different genes, they don’t matter anywhere near as much as many would have you believe. Our early programming was different, as too are the decisions we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the progression of subsequent decisions.
More important, is that right now, regardless of your situation, you have the ability to make new decisions, to learn new things, and to move from wherever you are now, to a place you’d sooner be. Just like me.
And please don’t think I’m ignorant of the very real tragedy being unleashed on the world. I know tragedy. Only this year I lost my 28-year-old daughter to cancer, within a month of diagnosis. That was hard, very hard.
Yet I sit here, sharing these thoughts with you, knowing that despite all, I still have the power to choose my emotions, by and large. Also the power to choose what to believe and how to act, by and large. This is what fills me with confidence that no matter what, the future is bright.
Well, bright for me, but for you? Hmm.
One thing I have chosen to believe is that time is running out. Our negative impact on the world is accelerating us towards the six mass extinction our planet has experienced. These last few weeks, nature has had a reprieve and has blossomed. We have all noticed that too.
But soon, the economies will recommence, the old paradigms will return, and soon, it will be too late. So here I am, on my birthday, saying okay, l cannot control everyone else, but I am able to control myself. And I choose to do my level best to change the impact I have on the world, encourage others to do likewise, and I certainly choose that whatever happens, I’m going to have a blast!
In closing, it would be appropriate for me to thank you for your continued support and encouragement. This is not a piece to encourage birthday good wishes, I just wanted to share my thoughts and feelings, in case they help you.
One thing you could do for me, since it is my birthday…
For the love of God, Buddha, Allah, whatever name is on the door for you, please stop and think. Learn to be kinder, to yourself, those around you, your community, the environment. Strive to be independent in your heart and your mind, because that will make you strong enough to engage well with those around you, with the world around you.
Can I ask for one more present?
Make sure you fill each day with joy and love, whatever chaos reigns in the world around you.
Oh yes, the video…
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