How is your day going? I only ask because many times I hear people complaining. They hate their jobs or dislike their surroundings. Nothing is right. I admit it. We all have bad days every now and again. Circumstances change in an instant and everything we believe becomes a blur. The thing is, friends, you cannot base your entire life on these circumstances. At some point, you need to take control. Take time to heal and to mend, but not forever. Life is too precious, and so are you.
When I used to teach martial arts to children, I was constantly reminded of a different perspective. Children are honest and hopeful. They are willing to try new things and take risks. Even the children who came to class for the first time who were very shy or worried were molded by the values and virtues of martial arts into beautiful, valiant, and self-confident warriors. Their fears and worries eventually vanished like dust in the wind. Even children who are afraid of everything find comfort in learning that if they try they can succeed. They are like little beacons of hope and their enthusiasm always rubbed off on me and reminded me that focusing on the positive and taking control of your life opens many doors.
While you are contemplating my question about how your day is going, perhaps take a moment to take a child-like approach to your view of your life. If you could change something about your life, what would it be? Take it a step further and ask yourself how you could change it. Brainstorm. Don’t set limits. Maybe the change can’t happen now, but you can always plan small changes that start today and move forward into tomorrow or the future. Act as if anything is possible. See a vision, a direction, and a path. This opens doors that you have only seen as closed before.
I have had to open doors many times in my life. I hated my first martial art class. It made me uncomfortable and I didn’t know what to expect. But, I gave it a chance and realized that I really liked martial arts! I wanted to be a writer since I was a child. When I turned 50 years old I woke up and realized I never followed my dream and I began to follow it. I had two miscarriages in my life, but I didn’t give up and ended up with four amazing children. Doors only open if you are willing to turn the knob and walk through the threshold.
I recently had lunch in Minneapolis with a former boss, Richard Gilbert, and co-worker, Carlos Maldonado. I had not seen them in a year and we live in different states so the likelihood of catching up in the future is slim. I contacted them ahead of time to see if they would be at the same conference and then made plans to enjoy some time with them. Why is this important? Because it is based on the choices I made. I opened the door and made the effort to see them. It’s as simple as that. Your choices and actions make your life what you want it to be.
Before you answer my question about your day, really think about it. Is your first response going to be a negative one about what is wrong? Are you going to dwell on the negative or are you going to recognize that nothing changes for the better unless and until you allow it? Circumstances are out of your control, but your reaction to them is not, nor is your ability to decide what is important to you and what really matters. Kids open doors all the time to friendships, hobbies, love, play, and laughter. As adults, we need to step back and see the importance in that.
I think my original question about how your day is going is just a precursor to the real question that I hope you ponder. That is, when are you going to open new doors?
xoxo
Andrea
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Pick up my motivational books and stay inspired!
The Martial Arts Woman https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213
Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X
