March out of the common line; make bold steps ahead and dance to the tune of a sweeter, better and nicer tone of your own music. ~ Israelmore Ayivor
Do you have a repeating tune to your life? The same story over and over? We can be programmed from an early age to think a certain way, to live a certain way. Whether inherited from our families or developed within our souls, the story becomes a part of us. Often, this tune leads us on a journey filled with an aching in our minds, body, or heart. We get so used to traveling down that same path that we find it hard to think life could be any different. We are taught to endure, push thru, and persevere because it's always been done this way – by ourselves, our families, or those closest to us. So we continue to sing the same song. Play the same tune. Repeat the same story. Again and again. Does your tune need a change in key? Or a whole new song? A new storyline? It is hard to figure out when your story might need changing. The first clue is when you are struggling. When things just don't seem right. When you are unhappy more times than not. When you continually bounce up against the same challenges. When your habits lull you into a complacency of the same narrative because you think there is nothing else you can do. Deep inside, your true self will know that a new tune is in order. Sit in stillness and let your fresh song start singing to you. You can help your new tune along by choosing to look at things differently. Instead of being hurt, angry, frustrated, or annoyed at a situation, step back and notice what brings up these emotions. There is usually a more profound connection; once you discover it, you can choose another way to think. Another way to feel. Another way to handle things. Think of how you want to be living and experiencing life. And then decide to craft a new tune to lead you in the right direction. Instead of telling yourself, “this is my life, and I have to make the best of it,” acknowledge what parts of your life may have been a burden or hurt you. And why. And how they have become a part of your story. Then tell yourself that you are more than all of that. Understand how all of these experiences formed your story. Understand that you can discover and learn what you can do better now and in the future. That you are stronger and wiser because of all of your experiences. That you don't have to continue with the same behaviors, beliefs, actions, and words. That you can begin again with a new tune. A new story. You are the creator and in charge of your story: the plot, characters, locations, and theme music. For those of you who know me, you are probably aware of my perfectionist abilities. I used to think I had to be spot on in everything I did. Organizing, planning, and detailing became my go-to behavior, with a bit of ‘controlling’ thrown in for good measure. This ran thru my everyday life to my career and family life. I would be very distraught when I failed at something – worried about what everyone would think. Afraid of being unliked and unloved. I programmed myself to keep doing everything I was 'supposed' to be doing and do it perfectly. I have since discovered this is not particularly fun and certainly not sustainable in the long run! So nowadays, I try to lighten up and not be so serious about perfection. Instead of being perfect for others, I will be 'acceptable' for myself. I will let things go when they no longer serve me. I choose to be happy and feel positive about what I do and who I am. I want to enjoy my life. I want to love others and accept their love. These are a sampling of conversations with my own heart over the years that have changed my tune and journey. These tune and story changes don't happen overnight. They take practice, patience, courage, and time. When you begin, you slowly start reorganizing your life's experiences. You gradually start following another rhythm as you move away from old patterns, habits, and thoughts. You lean away from the old ways and surrender yourself to new ones. Let yourself gently shift to explore and embrace these new ways. A faint voice is asking to be heard inside all of us. Listen and learn from it. Discover your inner wisdom. Your heart knows the story it wants to repeat. Not the one full of hurt, despair, and aching, but the one full of love, joy, and happiness. What new tune do you want to live?
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