Day 10, Day 11... - Patti Digh's Strong Offer

Day 10, Day 11…

April 7, 2009 in Uncategorized

So this is how it happens. How one day slides into another.

We are either vision driven or circumstance driven. Vision driven is that state in which we stay true to our vision regardless of circumstance. So, when the economy tanks or we are traveling, we don't waver. We keep on the path toward our vision or values.

Circumstance driven is when we allow the circumstance around us to take us off course. This is the "I'll try" portion of life. This is the "yes, but" portion of life.

Day 9 and Day 10 for me were, clearly, circumstance driven. Driving for hours, arriving exhausted, giving three workshops in two days, it's snowing, there are tornado warnings, it's dark, name your excuse.

Day 11? Back to the gym. Putting it in my schedule REGARDLESS of the circumstance. In spite of the circumstance. Circumstance be damned, it's happening.

How's it going for you? Living with intention is hard. It's easier to be mindless through our days until we get to the end of them and "I'll do that then" is gone. Gone.

Day 11.

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

7 comments to " Day 10, Day 11… "


Deb G

April 7, 2009 AT 9:04AM

That’s a very good distinction. I was circumstance driven yesterday, intending to do better today.

tekeal

April 7, 2009 AT 9:59AM

i’m feeling so nourished from my 10 minutes of yoga (which always turns into more) & which seem to always take place right before bed regardless of how late it is (and it’s always late) that i notice getting worried as the evening moves along-afraid that i’ll somehow succumb to circumstance and not give this time to myself. another way to say that is also that i’ve begun to really look forward to it…

Acausal Connection

April 7, 2009 AT 10:28AM

If we fail to prepare then we should prepare to fail. Carpe Diem? Yes, but hopefully toward the ultimate goal of Carpe Vita!

Carolynn

April 7, 2009 AT 10:44AM

If I don’t do it first thing in the morning, it’s not happening.

I’m pretty amazed at my tenacity so far. Something my boyfriend said to me the other day has helped me stay the course, too. He asked me “What’s more important?”. Did I mention, he’s amazingly supportive? Anyway, now, when I think “I’m too tired” or any of the myriad of other reasons/excuses why I could let my intentions slide, I ask myself that question and get my lazy butt up.

Besides, I really don’t want to disappoint myself. I know that if I allow myself to get lax, I’ll slide down that slippery slope and it’ll be Game Over.

I’m starting to see some signs of progress too. I’m starting to shape up and my routine has the beginnings of feeling like a habit.

Keep your eyes on the prize!

It’s only 37 Days. :o)

Adria Carter

April 7, 2009 AT 10:37PM

Ms. Digh — I appreciated you comments very much. As an educator, there are many circumstances beyond my control. My class is on the downslide of the school year. Many classes across the country are filled with students who believe the school year is over. I have yet to finish a school year feeling that my vision has been fulfilled and as spring breaks into full blown nice weather, my vision is impaired by active young mind that would much rather be playing.

I believe the hardest thing for many of us is having the ability to remold the vision. As a teacher of 10 year olds, I walk into each day not knowing what to expect. I had the vision of teaching the addition of unlike fractions today. Circumstance landed two of my students in the principals office. It wasn’t a good idea to teach this type of skill with two kids out of the room and the rest of the class wound up over the situation.

This is a rather simple way of my interpretation of vision and circumstance. But, it applies in so many ways. Being flexible is one of the most important virtues for the busy and overloaded. It is important to continue to smile at your circumstances just like you would a 10 year old child.

Amy

April 8, 2009 AT 7:12AM

I feel truly awakened by this challenge. I know that might seem over the top, but it is so true. Keep laces up those shoes, Patti. Walk on, walk on, walk on. You are inspiring so many people!

blue girl

April 8, 2009 AT 10:24AM

Patti, it’s going pretty good for me. What I wanted to do is try to tame that opinionated, bossy voice in my head. The one who judges people, places and things. The know-it-all.

So, I really started listening to that voice. And man! What a big mouth!

So, every time that voice says something negative or judgmental, the other voice I developed would simply ask, “Is that your ego talking?”

Miraculously, it makes the big mouth shrink away immediately.

This is an all-day thing. And I’m hoping that when these 37 days are over, it will just be something I automatically do.

So, I thank you for for starting this whole thing, Patti! (That would be the voice I developed thanking you. The big mouth is probably all Grrrrrrr, I’m melting….melting!”)

:)