You know that proverbial line in the sand? The one where we decide where enough is enough? Or where we decide to change something…finally?
I’ve had to draw this line a number of times recently. You need to understand that I drew it on purpose in order to make some choices and move myself forward. These lines were made consciously and in advance of their actual need. I was prepared for the eventualities that were coming my way.
What did I learn? Sand is a lot more fluid than it looks. And that is a good thing. Imagine if we drew all our ‘lines’ in something less able to change…like concrete? The great thing about making choices is you can learn and change.
Be flexible. Be able to move that line when you need to; either from new information or new-found strength and wisdom.
I drew my lines in the sand so that I could have a place in my mind where I knew it would be time to let go of something I was pursuing. I created a self-imposed limit so I wouldn’t waste my time and energy. I do this often in fact, but on occasion some new piece of information can make me move that line back a bit. Sometimes I just have to adjust because my line was more of a guess than based on good hard facts. That’s okay. Sometimes that’s all we have to work with and it is still better to shoot for something and have to adjust than sit still and do nothing.
So know your limits, understand your choices, be aware of where you have drawn that proverbial line in the sand; but also be aware that you can move your line if you need to. Just brush away the old one and draw a new line. Life isn’t static or fixed, it is constantly changing and checking in with goals and plans is a smart move.
Well, I believe we need to be flexible. But, like Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof), sometimes there is no other hand….
I have several that are absolutely inviolate. Others that are results oriented- and are, therefore, open to negotiation and change. Some things can’t be crossed (everyone has their own definition, mine are aided [?] by my religious tenets). Others are results oriented- so they can be changed anytime- if the results can be obtained another way.
A good point Roy. There are some lines that cannot nor should they be moved. Thanks for putting that out there.
Great reminder. You can aim, but need to adjust according to how the universe is guiding you. Motion is sometimes required to get the next step. Thanks
Beautifully written post of such great information, Bonnie. I was thinking about dry sand on the beach. You have it draw it over and over because it immediately fills in (like your ego mind trying to keep things constant). When you persist, or add a touch of water, then it holds–for a bit .
ife always works perfectly and going with the flow makes sense. The key word, there, is “going” as in taking action.
Hello Bonnie -
You’re so correct. Life isn’t meant to be governed by set standards that remain within a contained area, as if behind the the “line in the sand”. Imagine if you could only do your laundry and clean the house on Saturdays. What if the laundry needs to be done on Thursday and the house is dirty for your Friday night get-together? But I can’t take care of those things because it is not Saturday yet, lol. Silly. Same applies for goal-setting. Although setting goals is great, the progress towards each goal must be assessed as you stride along the goal path. Adjustments must be made in order to keep you on course. So many other areas where the line in the sand is not such a wise move. Lines are fine as long as they are not permanent.
Know your limits is good! BREAKING those limits (safely and mindfully) is even better! Always keep growing!
My favorite part of your post is, “Be aware that you can move your line if you need to. Just brush away the old one and draw a new line.”
Gratefully-
Paul.
http://AllAboutGratitude.com/