| I just moved home after 25 years. I grew up in St. Charles, IL, moved to San Francisco for an adventure and work, moved to New Jersey for marriage, and returned to St. Charles for my family (with my husband in tow!).
But this big move did not come without months of sifting through piles, purging, and packing.
During this arduous process, I discovered a few especially important things about myself:
- I really hate throwing things away.
Among other treasures, I found my PalmPilot, my loved-to-death BlackBerry, my Blockbuster membership card, offer letters from employers, interoffice memos I wrote for my first boss, and a stack of parking tickets (that cost me a small fortune).
- I can easily get distracted by new shiny projects.
In these piles, I also uncovered many incomplete projects – ideas I started and then abandoned for something alluring.
- When I deeply (even audaciously) commit to something, I execute with maniacal intention.
I unearthed memories from my bike ride across the country, the eight-city women’s conference I created, my book-writing journey, and the launch (and iterations) of my company. I was reminded of what I can accomplish when I’m not derailed by clutter, chaos, and self-criticism.
Taped to my 2003 appointment calendar (yes, I kept this too…), I found my favorite quote that underscores the power of fervent resolution:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy,
the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is
one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills
countless ideas and splendid plans:
That the moment one definitely commits oneself,
then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one
that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issue from the decision,
raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents
and meetings and material assistance,
which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
So I’ve taped this to the wall in my new home office… I’m ready for less grime, more grit, less chaos, more courage!
© 2020. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com | www.anntardy.com |
