Friday, February 12, 2021
Meditation: In the Stillness: Liquid Mind – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHbeC8Xj8JU
Question: How do you think the you of today is different to the you from 10 years ago?
Answer: Ah, something that’s a little easier to answer, at least compared to the last few posts. When I think back 10 years ago, I was only three years into my job at UNCG and one into my marriage with Rebecca. I was much more anal-retentive about things much more back then than now. For example, if something of mine was moved and not placed back in its original place, I was get angry and sullen…now I ask where it is and then find it. I believe I was much more competitive as well; in fact, Rebecca and I used to play mixed doubles tennis together, but then she ended up quitting the game because of my “competitive” nature. We haven’t played AT ALL as a couple for at least 10 years, but I think I have mellowed a little bit. Yes, I’m still competitive, but it’s not EVERYTHING in the world to me to win. I feel that today, as long as I see improvement in myself, it’s been a good day. For example, in golf, I was obsessed with my score – if I didn’t get a certain number, I would go crazy. Now, I just want to see improvement in my swing, in my consistency, in my attitude. If those things are going well, I’m going to have a good day – and eventually my scores will get better. Professionally, I believe that I have become more focused on what I’m here to do. I knew that I wanted to find a way to connect with students and have them take more control of their educational experience; once I turned 50 (I’m 58 now), I realize
d that I want to spend the second half-century of my life focused on leaving a legacy, to create something that continues past my time on this earth. And I believe I’m on that path, even though I’m not sure it’ll happen at my current institution. But I do know that Life Design Catalyst work matters to a whole lot of people and could make a significant dent in the world. I just have to remember one thing: Keep Moving Forward.
Other Stuff
I decided to re-read one of the most interesting self-help books that I own. As most self-help books address strategies and are somewhat pie-in-the-sky, the one I’m about to recommend is more in-your-face. The book, “Real Help: An Honest Guide to Self-Improvement” by Ayodeji Awosika (Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Real-Help-Honest-Guide-Self-Improvement-ebook/dp/B082RH235W/ref=sr_1_3) is one of those books that should be recommended for first-year seminar courses. Why? Because this is one of the few books that actually addresses real issues that people face in a brutally honest way – which is why I like the book so much. He tells you to take what he says with a grain of salt, but to be honest, everything you read should be taken with a grain of salt because you know what you need to do, it’s just that most people aren’t willing to be honest with themselves. If you haven’t had an opportunity to check out any of Ayodeji’s work, check out this article:
- Self-Help Vs. Real-Help: How to (Actually) Improve Your Life – http://ayotheauthor.com/real-help/
This is one of those articles (and books) that will have you take a long, hard, honest look at your life. Good luck with that!
The Dream Dean 