Pinocchio and the 'Big Picture To Do List'

How many times have you written down your 'Big Picture To Do List' (which is inevitably infiltrated with little picture, really-must-get-these-things-done tasks) and by the time you get to the bottom of the page you're overwhelmed, exhausted by the sight of it and think you're insane and a complete fraud for even thinking about such grandiose ideas?

Okay... let me take a step back...

How many of us even write a  'Big Picture To Do List'?

For those with an overactive imagination, the need to have a sense of purpose and whose present-moment experience is highly influenced by the direction one is heading (i.e. me) - leveraging the 'Big Picture To Do List' can transform one from bobbing around aimlessly in an ocean full of options, to launching into life like a target-locked missile, gaining speed and momentum with each nanosecond.

Whilst 'To Do' lists are useful in ticking boxes and getting things done, the inherent problem with the 'Big Picture To Do List' is that it is, by definition, 'Big Picture' - which can often take years to manifest. So when one's 'Big Picture To Do List' remains stagnant, and what was written down 5, 10, 15, 20+ years ago is still there today, it leaves one questioning oneself - Who am I kidding? 

But before we judge ourselves, we ought to acknowledge that all 'To Do' lists have a major downfall that severely impacts the psyche of even the minutest of overachievers. They fail to recognise what has been achieved (often in place of what was on the list). Just as living into a promising future shapes our present moment experience, so too does recognising an accomplished past.

For all of us grappling with new-age notions and forbidding the future and past to intrude on the present - let me just tell you here and now that it's bullshit. Reflecting on the past and visualising a future gives context to our now. I don't condone dwelling in either direction, but brief glances to shape our present experience is what makes us human (I have no interest in being divine, sorry).

After yesterday's post many have pledged to write a 'Jumping List'. So with saying goodbye to 2013, and hello to 2014 - I ask that we not only plan our future jumps, but also acknowledge our past jumps. For failing to celebrate our achievements is hiding our truth from ourselves - and that's the biggest Pinocchio lie of all.

Until our next cuppa, start writing... and when you're overwhelmed by the future, take courage from your past.

- Grace xo

If you love it, why not share it? 

Walking in water

Mum and I went for a walk along the beach straight after dinner this evening. We fought off temptation to retire to the couch for some well-earned potato inaction. Instead, we headed out the door.

We didn't have far to go before reaching the shore and swiftly kicking off our flip flops. We let the cool water wash over our feet as we engaged in conversations destined to solve the world's problems. It was delightful.

As we walked side by side, I couldn't help but notice my heightened senses. The sound of the waves lapping, the smell of the the salty sea air, the feel of sand between my toes and the wind playing with my hair. All these glorious sensations as I connected with my beautiful, sensitive, funny, loving, generous and nurturing mother, transported me to a place of pure bliss.

I love these magnificent moments. It's like walking-talking meditation where time performs a magic trick; it stands still, yet passes quickly. How does it do that? Oh yeah, it's magic.

Mum and I returned home feeling refreshed, and revived. It's these magical moments where we are fully present that rejuvenate us.

Then I had a light globe moment - such magic doesn't just happen, we create it.

Mum and I could have chosen recuperation by spending our evening gazing at the television. Instead, we chose rejuvenation by investing our time on the beach, with each other and walking in water.

As time goes on, I know I'll remember and treasure tonight's walk more than any Hollywood blockbuster Foxtel could offer. I'm glad we created magic.

Until tomorrow, invest your time in rejuvenation by creating your own magic moments.

Grace xx

If you a. love me, b. love my blog, c. love this post or d. all of the above - please SHARE

Choose your dreams

Imagine this...

It's 4:30am, the alarm goes off.

You abruptly awake from a dream. You were sipping a deliciously fruity cocktail poolside, while George Clooney, in scuba gear, played a pink baby grand piano (Does he even play? Do they even come in pink?)

Meanwhile, a Marilyn Monroesque Angelina Jolie sang the French national anthem in a dress made of newspaper shreds - what the?

You let out a big yawn and stretch as you adjust to your current surroundings - your reality.

It's raining outside, the wind is howling and you have to be at work by the ungodly hour of 6am.

How do you feel?

But wait, I didn't tell you the whole story...

You're going to work early in order to leave at lunch time. You have a few loose ends to tie before you, my friend, board a plane that's heading for the Bahamas. This is the morning of your 21-day vacation - woohoo!

How do you feel NOW?

It makes a difference doesn't it?

Our future shapes how we feel in the present. If we're living into a future that inspires, excites and thrills us, we'd all be jumping out of bed before the alarm each morning.

Can choosing our future be as simple as choosing a holiday from a travel brochure?

Let's think about this. No matter what our constraints are, be it time or budget, don't we manage to create a holiday that works for us? One that we look forward to.

A bright future, one that we create, is like equipping ourselves with good suspension on the highway of life. All the little bumps in the road are just that, little bumps.

Perhaps we ought to take holiday planning as a template of how to create a future that's equally as exciting.

Back to the story...

When you get to the Bahamas, you stumble on a film set of a romantic comedy titled 'Le Plongeur'. You learn that George Clooney really can't play, baby grands do come in pink and his co-star, Angelina Jolie, is in all the local papers for sporting a new blonde look, thus discovering you're somewhat psychic.

Until tomorrow, may all your dreams become reality - so choose wisely.

Grace xx