To keep things fresh and operating smoothly, you update you software and apps. You change the oil in your car and get your hair cut regularly. You may even do a spring and fall cleaning of your home.
You keep things current. If you don’t, your systems aren’t operating at full capacity. You are limited in what you can generate if you’re not up to date.
You’re good about these external updates, but what about updates for your inner landscape?
When is the last time you refreshed your commitments and beliefs? If you’re feeling stale or uninspired, pressured, it may be time to get current with your beliefs.
Getting current with France
In February 2000, I stood in the Pere Lachaise cemetery. It had been 8 years since I’d been to Paris. I was enjoying a few days there after my job as a hot air balloon chef in Switzerland.
Standing among the mossy sepulchers, I had a blinding realization: I speak French. I speak French, and this francophilia was a huge part of who I had always been. I missed France and loved speaking French.
Right there, I made a commitment to myself to return to France every year.
Fast forward to 2011. I’ve almost kept my commitment. I’ve been to France every year but 2002 and 2004, and during those years I’d gone to London. (Close enough, right?)
In Paris this year with my friend Tonja, I recount this story of my commitment to return to France every year. She listens, nods, and finally says, “You don’t have to come back every year.” “I know,” I say, brushing on to the next thought.
But later, I reflected on what she said. That’s right, I thought. I don’t have to come back every year. That commitment I made 10 years ago needed updating.
When I considered not coming back every year, I felt liberated. I’ve satisfied my francophilia. I’ve improved my French and learned more about French and European culture. I’ve shared this love with people on my excursions.
Getting current feels good
I probably will come back regularly, but I don’t have to. Updating this commitment helps me stay open to new commitments, like publishing my novel and offering my new writing workshop. It puts me at choice in the present.
Getting current like this has inspired me to look at my other beliefs and commitments. I’ve made a list and am checking in with what’s true for me now. I renew some beliefs and release others. It feels good to do this updating of my inner landscape. It allows me to grow even further than I imagined when I made those commitments.
Try this for yourself. What beliefs and commitments can you update? Share your experience with this process in a comment below.
I help my clients get current so they can more toward what they want in life. Work with me to make life sweeter, easier and more authentic to your original impulse.
Updated: I CAN draw silly things DAILY. NOT everything has to have color to have value. LAYERS are ok – even in line drawings.
I do NOT have to live/visit Paris to keep creative. I CAN inspire my surroundings to feed my soul…in my home, job space, etc. Design is even at home, just have to notice it.
Lots of updates. I don’t have to visit Paris to feel it. Still miss it.
Where are you going to visit next, Cynthia? If not France every year, where is next?
Angie,
Yes, not every mark on paper has to go somewhere. Sometimes it’s just to have fun, or stretch, or play. I’m having fun trying to capture people on the metro. Drawing faces, eyeglasses, etc. is really hard but if I keep at it, I will improve. It’s a study, and I’m holding it lightly.
You have a great new space for creative exploration – I know you will enjoy it.
Next year is all about publishing and promoting my novel. I’m developing a new workshop for writers that resonates with the themes of the novel. The only travel plans I have so far is to go to Oregon for the World Domination Summit and to launch my Claim Your Authority workshop at the Sylvia Beach hotel in Newport, OR. Yay! In 2013 I’ll go more places to spread the word of the book, and perhaps Paris in the fall of 2012 for the book’s Paris launch.