STUCK

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     Every now and then we can find ourselves stuck – not able to see movement in the direction of attaining something we desire, or not able to change a situation. There can be many factors that contribute to this state of affairs.  However, I would like to tackle one in the form of a question:  Are you willing to have what you want?

     Are you willing to be at some other point than you are now?  Are you willing to have things be another way?  Are you willing to get to the goal?  It might take deep soul searching to answer the questions truthfully.  Of course, on the surface you want what you say you want.  Yet, below the surface, you may not.

     Perhaps, it is helpful to discover the pay-off for having a situation continue to exist (although not desired at face value), or for not getting what you say you want.  What is the pay-off for its existence?  What do you get to have, avoid, or prove by it staying the way it is?

     What do you have to change, let-go, or experience in order for you to get what you say you want?  If the pay-off is greater in value for a situation to persist than the value of making the change, chances are you will stay stuck.  Intrinsically, you know there is a greater benefit in keeping things the way they are.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

START NOW

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     This past week I had the opportunity to connect with two people who have a gift that they would like to bring forth for the benefit of others and for self-fulfillment.  One has gone through a Life experience and wants to be of service to others who are facing similar situations.  Determined to make a difference, this person is taking on an awesome task of gathering people together in a lovely setting to provide a formal “workshop”, free to individuals.  This requires all sorts of angels for financial sponsorships in a very quick time frame.  In addition, the participants need to be identified and told about this wonderful opportunity. 

     Not knowing how it will come together, this individual is determined to pull this event off successfully within one month, saying, “I’ve got to start somewhere.” This person certainly desires a successful event, but is not attached to the results. Rather, starting somewhere gives impetus to producing the long-term vision.

     The other individual is a talented writer who is in a situation at home that compromises quality time needed to creatively write.  This person has put on “hold” the creative aspect of his/her gift by reason of the temporary family crisis, but is now ready to once again produce a piece of work because he/she was inspired by something read by another author.  We talked about ways to get around the home circumstances that infringe on the creative time and work space.  Yet, we agreed that so many of our most talented and prolific artists, composers, and writers created their masterpieces through personal turmoil and against all odds.

     We each have talent.  We are blessed with gifts that can be a blessing to someone else.  Execute your gifts to manifest your dreams. Do.  Start somewhere.  START NOW. 

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

IT'S A GOOD TIME TO GET THINGS DONE

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     We are at a change of seasons and during this new one, we certainly have our minds on winter’s onset.  Thus, we are preparing our homes, property, and automobiles during the next two months such that they service us well, bring comfort, and withstand the challenges that winter weather can bring.

     This is also an excellent time to create order around oneself.  Start somewhere.  For many of us, that is an ongoing project with the STUFF we have.  However, do something, even in a small way to approach the task in bits over a long period of time. 

     Complete things.  Create a list of all the things you need to complete:  Phone calls, unfinished projects, communications to people, something you promised you would do.  Keep adding to the list as the thoughts come to mind.  Then, little by little, finish them.

     This frees up so much energy because you are using that energy internally to keep your mind off these incompletions.  Finish up so that you are free to focus on the NEW.  The New Year is just around the corner!

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

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     About two years ago I bought a book that I found to be interesting by its cover and from perusing through its pages.  Like many of the books in my library, they sit on the shelf until I pull them down to read or wish to secure a nugget of wisdom and put it back on the shelf.

     This past summer I took the book off the shelf and began to read it.  I could not put it down and a few days ago I had the opportunity to listen to its author, Michael Gates Gill, in person. 

     Here is a person who was born into privilege with all of its trappings.  He had an Ivy League education and walked into a job at the leading advertising agency in America at that time.  Noting the price he paid for that insular existence of privilege and wealth, he spoke about company loyalty that required him to take a phone call Christmas morning while his children were opening presents.  Out of a sense of duty, he left them to go to the office to do work for a key client.  He missed out that important day with his family.

     Years later his Life changed, as did his fortunes and prestige.  He found himself working as a barista at Starbucks and his book, How Starbucks Saved My Life, chronicles that experience.  He was able to reflect upon his Life, his family and relationships, and his beliefs about people.  In the process, he realized that he was happier working at Starbucks than ever in his Life.  He told the audience that he gained “a part time job for a full time Life”, and he learned to “look with respect at every individual”.

     Sometimes with adversity, God is putting you into position for that which is to follow – for how He will use you next.  For this man, through his continued work at Starbucks, his book, lectures, and upcoming screenplay about his Life, God is using him to let us know to cherish our families and relationships, respect others, and know that money is not everything.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

WHAT TO DO?

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          In recent weeks I have learned that several friends are being affected by leaving their place of employment shy of their intended retirement plans.  In other words, they find themselves suddenly in retirement that was not planned to take place yet.  What to do?

     Perhaps they had 2 years to go or 5 years.  They may have retirement funds upon which they can draw, or perhaps not.  This means that financial responsibilities appear difficult to cover in that case.

     The reactions, of course, vary because the personal Life circumstances also vary.  Yet, in all cases, the individuals find themselves at the place of the unknown.  A door has closed and a new door has not yet opened.  It is like standing in a lobby or waiting room wondering which door leads to the office you want and the convenience of a wall directory is not available.  What to do?

     With such an important Life transition, it may be best to embrace it until next steps reveal themselves – especially if the need is not there to immediately find new employment in order to survive.  Embrace it.  Give yourself time to go through the ups and downs of emotions this new stage of Life brings.  Use the time to clean-up and clear-out clutter and papers that have built up over the years. Complete things that have been dangling for some time.  The process is therapeutic.  Find something enjoyable to do every day and cultivate free pleasures.  Notice your moods and needs as the seasons change and what you learn about how you adapt to these changes.  Volunteer your time – a few hours a week.  Someone needs your help, enthusiasm, and expertise.  Keep a journal or have a notebook handy always to jot down ideas, feelings, and experiences.  Over time what will emerge is the path you should take regarding how to spend your retirement; semi-retirement; or new career.  What to do?  Embrace where you are.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

THERE IS STILL TIME TO COMPLETE IT

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     September has the feeling of January when you consider our tendency to attempt a fresh start at our work.  In the summer we have been in a relaxed mode and enjoyed time away from work and other commitments.  Schedules became lighter.  Now that September has arrived and Labor Day is over, we think about work, back to school, and about making necessary repairs to our homes, automobiles and property in preparation for winter.  Our calendars fill up again with activities.

     Perhaps, you are facing a big project that you want to complete by year end.  Maybe this project has dragged on and you have not made headway.  Here are some suggestions to experience success with it:  Let go of any self-talk about what you have not been able to complete regarding the project and use today to renew and start refreshed.  See it as doable and possible, regardless of the challenges or set-backs you have experienced.  Create a bite-sized action plan and nibble away, step-by-step, in getting your project completed.  Keep in mind that you would do well to create inlets of inspiration for yourself.  Develop a laser beam focus as you work to complete this project.

     It can be done and YOU can do it.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

WISHING EVERYONE A JOYOUS HOLIDAY

This weekend will give us the last holiday of the summer season. While we will all enjoy ourselves, there is a kind of undertow of sadness around Labor Day because it marks the end of summer, and we all love our summers. It is the time of the year when the child in us comes out to play. Summer brings with it a nostalgic feeling that brings back memories of our childhood days. Added to all those good feelings are all the good food and friends we get to share it all with. I have to admit, I am one of those people who loves the summer season, and I do get a little sad to see it go. But here's the antidote to those summer's end blues: Fall is just around the corner, bringing with it those magnificent Indian Summer days that makes it feel like it is summer all over again. Along with those sunny days are those delicious cool fall evenings that make our end-of-the-day walks perfect.

So let's celebrate all the seasons! And speaking of celebrating.  This past Friday, I launched  my Fall Book Signing Tour on "First Friday" at Fox Optical in Bethlehem, PA.   I want to THANK EVERYONE who came out and gave their support (and thanks to those who weren't able to attend, but who were there in spirit).  As promised, it was a wonderful event. 

I want to send my well wishes to everyone for a safe and joyous Labor Day Holiday!  Enjoy!