I am a firm believer in the idea that you create your own reality. You frame your life with your decisions and actions. However, no matter your plans, your desires, your goals you don’t live in a vacuum. We all stand on the shoulders of giants… You cannot make it to your goals, grab the brass ring, without coordination, mentorship, and usually permission. It is the last one that drives me crazy sometimes… if only I could be the master of the universe!
Today I was handed a big, fat NO to one of my goals. It was hard to hear but it is how I pick myself up and reformlate my plan that decides if I am a winner or a loser. I refuse to lose in my own life. I was born a contender and will be one until my very last breath.
How do I continue to be optimistic? I had several paths laid out in front of me before I started.
When my first choice was denied I already had another map, another destination in mind. Life is about the journey so make sure you have a great map! One with several options, some laser focused on your goals, some with great pit stops, and some that wander… some of the best times of my life have been wandering the wilderness. But I haven’t been lost, I have alway had a destination in mind.
Today’s NO means that I have to find another avenue for my energy and interests. It doesn’t mean I give up. It doesn’t mean I get angry at the system, or the world. It just means I have to try again, use my smarts and my tenacity to find what suits me now. I can always try again, different timing, different collaborators; I will be different then too.
But I will have a drink tonight and lick my wounds. Make some mojitos; recharge. Here is one of my favorite recipes with Tito’s vodka.
Tito’s Berry Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- 2 blackberries
- 4 basil leaves
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 thick slices ginger
- Club Soda
Method:
In a shaker, muddle blackberries, basil, and ginger with simple syrup.
Add Tito’s and ice.
Shake well and strain over fresh ice.
Top with club soda.
Garnish: Lime Wedge
Take a big sip before continuing on…
Life has a funny way of giving you what you need when you need it, if you just stay open. Open to a different wrapping of the gift you wanted, a different path to the goal in mind. Be open, be flexible, and always have several paths you are willing to try.
That is my advice for the day, that is how I survive the bad days, the NO days. I am not a big country music fan but I will quote Rascal Flatts, “God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.” If our journeys were easy and our paths straight we might not meet and love the people we do. We might not find the passion that makes us happy or the job that leads to an amazing career. Don’t wallow in the bumps in the road, they are there to make us stronger, to help us realign our mission, vision, and values… to help us get to our individual true north.
One body, One life. Make it Count!
Ripsterchick 