Tea with McNair

• boon!

Hello. Did you stop by for a creative boost? A quick pick-me-up in the middle of a tough day. Do you need an inspirational story, a clever thought, a reminder that you are a magnificent, remarkable, and capable person? Why?   
        Go look in the mirror. Go...right now.

(I'll wait here.)

 

        What did you see in the mirror? A creature as magical as a baby panda, a bunch of tulips in full bloom, a miraculous sunrise? If you didn't see that, look again.   
        What would you really like to do today? What pet project would you like to start, finish, or just get a little time to work on? Would a few minutes, or an hour spent going after one of your dreams be a much needed relief and, more importantly, a boon to your spirit that just might spill over into all of your life and all the lives you touch today? So, boon!
        You know what you want to do. And you know that focussing for even a few minutes on that dream, today, will ripple into everything else you do. I culled through some old boxes of stuff today--threw most of it out--and made more room in my studio to go after some of my dreams. Throwing two big boxes (and one not-so-big box) into the dumpster was like pushing the big "CAN'T" monster off my chest. The sky cleared...well it was pretty clear all day, but it sure seemed clearer with all that "can't" in the dumpster.
        Kill your "can't" - - as in, can't work on that now, can't spend time on dreaming today, can't waist time not doing real work...I CAN'T believe you still listen to that cra---bby voice in your head. I thought we got rid of her in fifth grade. She got an "F" in helping and we kicked her out of the Dream-A-Day Club forever! What you're hearing is an echo. open a door in your mind and let it out - - forever!
        What you're looking for is an excuse to go after your dream, your best self. You are most delightful, most powerful, when you are  doing what you love. Be delightful, as a boon to those around you. Even if they don't know, they will sense your enjoyment and maybe the little giggle they get will drowned out the crabby CAN'T voice in their head.
        Boon!

Above: Sunrise over Boone, NC. [Click image to enlarge.] 
Photo by Danny de Armas from his front porch.
Everybody needs a a little Boone. ( Boon! )

[ 406 ]

• now that you know

"Your posture is bad." She said. She told me almost daily.
    I know.
"Well, now that you know, just stand up straight from now on."
    Well, now that you know you're evil, just be an angel from now on.
Sounds easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is.
    It would be great to get up everyday and make all the best choices: do what I know is right, use my time efficiently, make smart choices-- 'cause I'm smart.

My creative spirit sometimes shuffles along behind me, doesn't pick up his feet, and gets tired easily and naps on the couch.
    Then, suddenly, and without warning, Creative Spirit bounds off the couch and snaps into action--refreshed and ready to roll. Meanwhile, I started without him. Had to.
    A couple times a day I remember to stand up straight. I feel taller, and thinner. Then I sit down, open my PowerBook and write another chapter for my new book (working title, BLC) or a paragraphs in my other new book (no title to share, yet.) Whenever I write, it's a valuable exercise. Even if every word I write, on a given thought, is unusable, I needed to get it out of my head, or off my chest. When I doodle in my sketchbook, sort through another box of old magazines saved for too long, or just sit and read another couple of chapters from one of the books on the must-read pile, it all contributes to my creative posture.
    Some days I stand up straight a few more times than I did yesterday. Some days I read a little less, but watch an inspiring new movie.
    More importantly I am spending fewer and fewer minutes, everyday, beating up on myself for not getting "it" done. I find self-criticism more destructive than helpful. Instead, spend a moment self-coaching. "It would be great to . . . today." (More on this new self talk in a future blog.)
    There are plenty of critics in my life who don't have my well being in mind. I will not be one of them. Every minute I spend NOT criticizing me, beating myself up for what I did NOT do today, is a minute available to create, doodle, dream, and stand my imagination up a little straighter and taller. BUT, to do my best every moment of everyday, would be inhuman. Most valuable things are difficult, hard work. That's as it should be. There's effort, struggle, real work to complete a task. AND, appreciation upon completion. Any effort that makes a contribution is important.
    Find a few more minutes today to dream, to dance, to sing at the top of your lungs, or in a whisper just for you and your Creator to hear. (You needn't be good at it, just enjoy it.)
    Everyday, make time to put in your best effort on something you love doing. That’s good posture for anyone.

    Now that you know. . .

{ 489 }