Mary Poppins is Not on Board

Sometimes change takes FOREVER...darn it! Why can't change be as simple as a snap of fingers or Mary Poppins dropping by to fix things. Impatience is bad enough but adding procrastination is a deadly combo as evidenced by an overwhelming To Do list. Stagnation is not a safe harbor, but it sure is familiar. Perhaps the lucky folks are those who take a surprise hit from a proverbial "Cosmic 2 x 4". Their lumps can be proof of "being woke".

Decades ago a very wise university professor shared a physics paper on the topic of change which used water turning to ice metaphor...and its reverse. The discussion resulted from a debate about engineering change in our personal lives. In summary, we recognized that we were dealing with a process, not a destination.

My amazing Dad used to take each of his kids out for one-on-one breakfast dates during which I'm sure he remind us of his own mantra to "Trust the process". He seemed to be able to find balance between his own clear vision and goals with a sometimes jaunty attitude of "hanging loose" to allow for the need to change course.

Dad would be the first one to relish an attitude of aplomb in the work of creative makers. We have to stretch a bit with that primary commitment to show up and play, to make first sketches, drafts or try a few notes on a keyboard. The mere act of beginning is a leap of faith after which it's imperative to trust and love imperfection, relish the risk, "let 'er rip"! I suppose wise professors and parents would also want us to trust and love our personal imperfections too.

Writing today is the first time in an embarrassingly long while that I've done much writing. Pushing "POST" is a commitment to be okay with risk. This is a single step forward in spite of old patterns that are cushy and comfortable even though they weigh me down. For today, I pry myself free of the muck. Oh this journey is full of options and while a safe harbor is a great place to get perspective, it's time to set sail.

If you feel like it, I'd love to hear how you've "let 'er rip" lately. Onward... (Email is still my fave: murtha.trish@gmail.com)

Note: I want to pay tribute to the originator of the phrase"Cosmic 2 x 4" but don't know who it is. Do you? However, I am grateful to my friend & author Elliott Baker for enlightening me in this way and others. Visit this wise, creative one at elliottbaker.com.