Fight, flight or change. Tweet
Running away from it all is not always the best solution. This is what I have done in my life till my mid 30s, with middling success. In 2011 I had a very difficult and challenging year; with my family, job, personal life and health. As the old adage goes a change is as good as a rest. And this geezer sometimes is stuck in old habits.Towards the end of the year I often felt like leaving everything behind. It also did not help that I was in awe and admiration of the buzz I saw in my dear friends Dazza and Si, the emigrantees.
But if you know me, or follow theLingoGuy with real interest you know I stayed in good ole LE. But why you may ask?
Especially as the Stew of old had the very Queen like soul of “I wanna break free”.
There were 5 changes I created for myself. Here I will list them as general tips, and then the personal story behind them.
“listen” more intently and be open to the sound advice of others.
- in the past I was too wrapped up in finding my own solutions, that I never gave the proper time to the advice that directly or indirectly could benefit me. This may be simply listening to someone more intently, reading a friends e-mail/ blog/ repost more carefully. In this era of information bombardment, filtered “listening” is becoming more and more a neglected skill. It could change your way of looking at or doing things.
These were just a few of the lines I read towards the end of 2011 that got me a thinking:
“..the point is you need to look at where you are, where you are going and where you want to be. Aim yourself according to this and check periodically if you are heading towards your target or away”. Darren Sharman.
I questioned why was I unsatisfied with my work and my life. After all I had recently become self employed in order to set my own targets. But what I had choose to ignore was my passion, which beyond lingo is creativity.
Which brings me to my second tip.
Try to recreate something that was a success in the past
- I was failing to learn that I could, with the collaborative support of others, create successful projects. 2012 is the 5th Anniversary of trans-lingo.com: theLingoTeam that is fun to be a main player in.
But likewise at MMU I helped run a Writers Performance Evening. Rewinding to the first point. I listened to the heartfelt passion of a new an dear friend, Svetlana, to team up creatively, and set up some form of professional organization for Leipzig Writers. launched in the first quarter of 2012.
Be appreciative of your friends
-Aaron is a very close friend of mine, who amazes me with the thought he puts into peoples presents. Getting people to chip in to buy the chair and table a mutual friend of ours desired for her new flat for Xmas 2011. What could I do to show my appreciation of my friends. Firstly a cheesy “thank you” speech to all who attended the Hübcliff New Year party. Which although not exactly me, I have been told direct expression of feelings is a weakness of mine, suited my situ. But it need not be so OTT. Posting something small, personal but thoughtful on a friends Facebook wall can be just as good.
Be willing to be ready for surprises
- For dogs ages I have wanted to adopt a pooch from a German rescue centre: after my umpteenth attempt I was able to persuade my girlfriend that Feb 2012 should be the date for a new Hübcliff family member. But as always life bites you in the ass like a good guard dog. The story of a particular Jack Russell Terrier surprised me in how easy yet challenging it was to change this original plan of ours. Since Dec 2011, Sparky, who like a raggy 4 year old doll was passed around different families, has been our greatest Xmas 2011 gift to each other.
Take 30 mins a day just for yourself
- I do not plan what this may be, but everyday I either
Look through old photos or writing.
Find some music, poetry or performances online to inspire me.
Take the dog for a walk on my own.
Take photographs, draw or write.
Make sure what you do has no intended aim towards work, but is simple escapism from the daily grind.
Change really is as good as that well earned rest.
I would say my life is far from perfect, but I do not have that urge to run away from it all any more.
I hope this is not too preachy and helps you towards your own changes.
Let us know of your own recent successes, and if your willing share with us the 5 tips that we could benefit from.
Tags: create5, creativity, facebook, photography, poetry
