Thursday, November 16, 2006

Dare To Dance Outside The Lines

Just a short post today. A lot of things have been happening in my life that seem to have no rhyme or reason. Of course, I know that's not true but at times doubt can creep in if I am not careful to guard my thoughts.

Last night I was thinking about my tendency to conform in my personal life. Have you ever considered just giving yourself permission to break the rules, to move outside the boundaries of looking at things. Just for a moment, forget about practical, realistic ideas. Dare to go beyond the self-censorship that comes from worrying what people think.

We can all probably think of times where we really wanted to stretch our wings, whether it be personally or professionally. I know I can. In relationships, especially - I tend to do what everyone expects.

I'm not sure why, maybe because I take so many risks in other areas of my life or maybe because I grew up watching my parents who seemed to have the perfect relationship, where there was no drama, nothing out of the ordinary just a lot of love. Whatever the reason, it has caused me to be in some situations that I probably should have looked twice at before getting involved. And I'm not just talking about romantic relationships but friendships as well. Often times, we give someone in our life too much power and keep them around much longer than they should be. Or we stay in a job that is no longer benefiting us as it once was.

Now I am not saying that we should simply dismiss how our actions and decisions affect other people in our lives, but I am suggesting that taking a long look at whether or not we are shortchanging ourselves in order to please others might be in order.

This morning, I have decided that I am cleaning house. Period. I often err on the side of being "too nice" and not being selfish enough to take care of me when I need to be taken care of. This has been a glaring problem this past year. As a result, my energy has been drained and my focus blurred on what I really want for my life.

I am ridding myself of negativity whether it be a person or a responsibility that I have taken on to make someone else happy. I am making a conscious choice to reduce my circle to exclude those with ulterior motives, those who seek only to take and not give, and those who are content to keep things status quo in their own lives.

Because when you follow your heart and dismiss unimportant "shoulds," you open the door to creative, spiritual and personal breakthroughs.

Today, I choose to dance outside the lines.

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:50 AM

    Great post. Look over to your right and you will see me dancing to the same tune. I want to let go of the users and dance like no-one watching. I want to feel free.

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  2. Anonymous9:07 AM

    Whew! Doesn't it feel good? I woke up in such a mood today and it was intensified by crazy co-workers and my brain constantly rewinding and reviewing events of this year(that too this day, I just can't explain) and I was overwhelmed. I was tired and I knew then something had to change. All those blood suckers and energy drainers have no room in my life. God has too much for me to do.

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  3. Ahhhh, "Dancing" outside of the lines - so well spoken. You make perfect sense here.
    On another note - you are HILARIOUS. I await the drop of your mixtape. :)
    Hope to see you back around my spot soon.
    ~Dance

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  4. Anonymous5:37 PM

    dancewithme2: I will definately be hanging out in your spot. May try to recruit you to spit a few lyrics. :) Thanks for stopping by. Next time you come, I'll make sure we have refreshments on hand.

    writerwritz: Come on Honey - shake your money maker with me! Had to put on some LUDA - STAND UP! We're gonna make it do what it do baby!

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