Acting or Acting?

One step forward and two, three or ten back is normal.

Now, by definition to be hypocritical is to act in a way contrary to our beliefs or proclamations. Living a hypocritical life rhythm is about acting. Faking. Choosing at every turn to be something or someone we aren't.

On the other hand, we all stumble, fail and use poor judgement on any given day. In fact, maturing in our parenting, EQ, skill-set, spiritual gifts or creative pursuits requires faulty steps and missed observations. Acting out our beliefs and preferred future, even imperfectly, is part of the journey.

The difference is clear, isn't it? You and I aren't defined by our missteps, no, we brush them off, learn and give it another go. On the other hand, a life rhythm of pretending does make one a hypocrite.

Are you a writer, or do you just claim to be writing that book?

Are you parenting, or do you leave that blessing / burden to others?

Are you worshiping God, or do you just polish up your language when it's convenient?

It's Easier to Hear the Jerk than the Ally

It's generally true. And it takes a lot of practice along with the creation of mental and physical habits to ignore the jerks around us and focus on those supporting, cheering and partnering with us on the journey.

Yes, learn from the jerks. Like, how not to live. And, of course, if they have an important point worth pondering then take it and leave the jerkiness behind.

Remember, it takes half a dozen positive words and experiences to cancel out one from a jerk. So, cut through the jerky and go live out these positives. Create them. Offer them. Build up your account and fill others along the way. Be the encouraging ally, after all, it's easier to be the jerk and we all know the easier road is rarely worth taking.

Words build up and tear down. Leave the jerk to his own pile of rubble.

Shifty View

Every morning, after brewing coffee and exercise and getting dressed, I sit down at my dining room table.

I sit in the same seat with my back to the windows, facing a watercolor painting hanging on our wall, and I begin. For years this is where I've sat. I write in this seat, back to the window. I read here. I journal. I've even settled into this seat during family meals, like an old man claiming his territory.

Today I didn't.

This morning I shifted one seat to the left. It's a round table, so no matter where I sit, like King Arthur, I'm on equal footing with myself. But this view is totally different. Straight ahead is a small, high window looking out over some crab apple trees and sky. To my right are the windows glowing with the sunrise out of the corner of my eye. I feel different.

This is a key experience in our creative habits, to shift perspective once in a while. To move a quarter turn in our heart, mind and body in order to view the world, our creativity, our input with just enough change to be refreshing but still comfortable enough to be fully engaged.

This is how life coaching works, by the way. This is my role in working with creatives and family dudes. We shift perspective time and again in hopes of discovering and creating and moving and engaging.

Give it a try. Shift a habit tomorrow, not too much, but enough to notice a different view. Take note and try again in another area of life: reactions, responses, scheduled meals, adventures with your kids, prayer, writing position, recording location...

Get shifty.