My music playlist includes a version of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” . . . it starts with “Get the f*** off of the fence!” Delightful motivation – or a subconscious nudge to commit? Discovering the deep roots to walk an ordinary road, despite a lifetime of rebellious conduct is eye opening. Habits are planted and ingrained in us through culture, generation and the traditions we’re born to.
My personal nemeses include: “Don’t rock the boat. “Don’t upset the apple cart.” “Be a lady and don’t make a fuss.” “Smile and be nice.”
Shouldn’t some boats be rocked, and rotten apples tossed? There are certainly situations ripe for a ruckus. And who walks around constantly smiling?
Rebellion is a recurring theme of mine. In the corporate world testing showed two of my leadership derailers were being “mischievous” and “melodramatic.” My derailers. I was quite proud of that.
Still, I was indoctrinated to play my part. To be other than what is normal and customary is risky and threatening. It’s uncomfortable to go against convention – and yet hellaciously pedestrian; a tedious walk between birth and death. When I’m bored I rebel, then pull back when things get edgy. This is life by trial and error; thought-provoking, but likely inefficient and cockeyed.
Being radical brings conflict which isn’t necessary. And when I don’t look deep enough any good in that tossed apple is lost. It’s possible to be quietly unorthodox and bring about change. Even discreet unconventional acts can influence my surroundings, where playing the chameleon may perpetuate the status quo.
When I use my imagination, I create different and specific realities. This is a new approach for me. Using concepts from the work of Neville Goddard motivated me to try. It’s fun – not at all difficult. Trusting that it works is the challenge. By starting small, I use each success to move on to bigger, more entrenched beliefs that can use an overhaul.
When I tap into my desires and aspirations a window opens to show me what I’m missing, revealing a sense of lack. Visualizing the desire fulfilled from my mind’s eye – feeling the pleasure, my longing evaporates. By accepting that my world mirrors my self-concept, my mind and my beliefs, when I don’t like what I see, I can change it.
Getting off that fence to live an authentic life without apology is a decision and a discipline. Seeing beyond what is, invents my best life. My playlist is here to remind me.
“There is no fiction. Imagine better than the best you know.”
― Neville Goddard; The Law and the Promise
Listening to the new song Attention, by Charlie Puth – I had a classic mis-heard lyric moment!
The idea planted by one of my yoga teachers that “being understood” may be a symptom of my having to be right.
