By Phoenix Djukic
“May you live in interesting times.” The saying was used by Robert F. Kennedy in his Day of Affirmation Address in Cape Town, South Africa in 1966. It has been quoted in the TV series The Sopranos, Magnum, P.I., Star Trek: Voyager, was part of a speech delivered by the character Bob Garvin (Donald Sutherland) near the end of the 1994 film Disclosure, and also appears in Dean Koontz’s 1996 novel Tick Tock. The saying is referenced in the title and text of Terry Pratchett’s 1994 Discworld novel Interesting Times. It’s referred to as a Chinese curse (although this saying has never been found in the Chinese language). I’d say that we are living in interesting times. For many it’s uncomfortable, unpredictable and scary.
As I look around me - at the lives of my clients, my own life, and the general state of the world – I realize that the issues most of us are dealing with are rooted in our fear of uncertainty. For many of us the reference points we have established can no longer guide us on a path to security, stability or success. So how do we learn to navigate through the shifting sand of our lives? How do we find the courage to take action in our lives in spite of our fear or inertia?
First we have to be open to change. To let go of the need to control the people and circumstances of our life so we can shore up reference points we have used in the past in order to feel certain that we can direct the outcome of our lives. It’s time to gather our courage and set sail on uncharted waters in the Sea of Uncertainty. Once you’re willing to make changes your journey can begin.
It can begin by examining what’s not working in your life. We all have areas of our life that are not functioning the way we would like them to. These challenging areas are simply opportunities to change, to grow, to become the best possible version of ourselves. Be willing to be honest with yourself, to take an honest inventory without shame or guilt or anger. Take the time to write these things down. There’s something very powerful about writing these things down. It’s the first step to solving or healing these areas in your life. Once you’ve taken stock begin to connect with the essence of what you what to have in this area of your life. Create a vision for your life or areas of your life. Then take it one day at a time.
In the morning as you start your day ask yourself:
“What one action can I take today that will effect the greatest change or take me closer to living my vision?”
“Am I saying ‘YES’ to my life by letting go of the obligations and saying ‘NO’ to the distractions that cross my path?”
And at the end of your day review it by asking yourself:
“Did I face my challenges and find opportunity in them?”
“What did I accomplish?”
“Did I keep my commitments to myself and others today?”
This practice will assist you if making the necessary changes in your life gracefully. It will help you stay present and in the moment. For it is only in the present moment that you can make a difference in your life and take action in the world.
Contributed by Phoenix Djukic
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