diversions and distractions

I have a habit of coming across these things as I need them, and this one reminded me how distracted I can become with things that are out of the realms of my control. 

Life has been throwing me a few curve-balls lately. Conflicts that have caused ripple effects through other areas of my life, sending me off on diversions I hadn't planned on. Challenges that have appeared too difficult, but have actually been rewarding as I've embraced them. Even surprising me with how much easier they were than I expected they would be.

I think we get too reliant on life being predictable. We keep to the "safest" path, rather than exploring the one that's calling the loudest.

I'm getting better at this as I get older, but I've always been a bit of a people-pleaser and avoided conflict like the plague.  I would sooner see someone happy, than upset them, and consequently sacrificed my own happiness frequently in the process.  Realising you're own mortality and the value of your life (as you tend to do with age) I've become fiercely protective of my time and energies. I have accepted it is impossible to please everyone all of the time, and I'm okay with that. A certain peace comes with that realisation, and at the end of the day, if I know I've given it my best - that's all I can do.

Living each and every day authentically is the most important thing to me now. Knowing that everything comes from a loving and honest place, makes all things easier. I'm doing my best, and I'm embracing the good. The negative is just noise I'm learning to tune-out. 

Spending time on distractions means I'm spending less time on what really counts. When I resist change because it's painful, maybe it's a diversion I'm MEANT to take. That is what I'm learning. The next diversion could be the one that matters the most. It could bring change I'll end up being thankful for. Having plans it great, but opening yourself up to the unpredictability of life is liberating!

Don't let distractions, no matter how big, take over your life completely. Try to keep things in perspective, and trust that if you stay true to who you are, and you keep a kind heart you will achieve great things. Which reminds me of another great quote -

Love life and it will LOVE you back. ~ ANON

Happy writing ;)

Emma