I love this quote and use it regularly in my therapy. Sometimes my clients start out being a little confused so I get them to try and pick up any nearby object. They look at me strangely and automatically pick up the object.
Trying was never an option you either do it or not.
I believe every choice has a resulting consequence. Hard work builds confidence and a solid reputation. Equally poor choices ruin them.
Having skills and abilities however can be transient. You might be on top of your game for a while, then suddenly someone will replace you. This won’t matter if by using your skills and abilities you have also made good choices and built a solid foundation. You will find a way to reinvent yourself and who you truly are will shine through from a different perspective.
From my experience, it doesn’t matter if the wrong choices are mine or someone else’s. I have learnt to just go along for the ride and see where the current unexpected journey takes me.
Nimbin is the hippy capital of Australia. Although I have known this for many decades it was not until last month that I got to experience what that meant for myself. I was surprised. Tolerance for individualism was everywhere—two woman were verbally fighting loudly in the park. Nobody cared. It was normal.
“They have been at it all morning” said the local shopkeeper.
“Really” we replied.
” It is common for people around here to have rants. Some are just longer than others” she replied very matter of factly.
This set the scene for the rest of our visit.
The Nimbin community developed its identity in 1973 when it hosted Australia’s Aquarius festival celebrating alternate living choices and the arts. It attracted students, hippies, visionaries from all over Australia many of whom stayed on after the Aquarius Festival making Nimbin their home continuing to follow these dreams and ideology.
Names around the village describe its history well.
Forty years later the areas is still internationally renown for its alternative lifestyle culture. Marijuana reform has played a large role in the community over the decades. Today they are strongly fighting to legalise medical marijuana through their annual law reform rally—MardiGrass—held in early May.
“May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you and, the pure light within you guide your way home.” Aquarius festival anthem
#A – Z Challenge
Write about a time you had a Goldilocks experience, exploring different choices and finally arriving at “just right.”
Our choices shape our lives. But how do we make the right choice—when so many are available. One helpful way I have found to make any decision is to draw up a pros and cons list for each choice.
Take a piece of paper and divide it in half. On one side write your reasons for doing the activity, behaviour or change (the pros) and on the other side write your reasons not to do it or why it won’t work (the cons). Be creative. Even ideas that seem silly or far-fetched can be helpful in the big picture when you make a plan around them.
Once you have your lists—see how balanced or unbalanced they are. Sometimes it may be immediately obvious which choice is right for you. On other occasions—you may find yourself more confused. No problem. Hang your lists in your room or somewhere you can see them regularly for a couple of days. Focus on each option. Does one draw you in more than the others?
If you struggle to choose which option is right for you—give yourself a challenge. Try the most positive one or the option that will give you the biggest reward on completion. Remember, if this choice don’t work—you can always adjust it slightly to make it more practical. Break it down into smaller steps if needed but keep moving forward with your choices. Sometimes— just right— takes a little while to feel comfortable, but when it does it fits beautifully.
