Playing Our Part With Gusto, Laughter and Joy

by Tess on October 22, 2009

Cables

Creative Commons License photo credit: jmd41280

“Habits are at first like silken threads. Then they become cables”
                                                                                                                    – Spanish Proverb

When we know we are in a rut we often focus on the problem instead of the solution. Think about two or three things in your life that hold you back.

It could be you don’t believe in yourself, you may procrastinate, watch to much TV, surf the net, struggle with addiction, spend too much or eat too little. Your quality of life is up to you.We are what we repeatedly do.

Instead of putting your energy into what holds you back put your energy and mind on what can move you forward.

The following is a list that will help you understand there is a better way to live. What if you were willing to incorporate into your life the following self honoring choices:

Live with hope, excitement and enthusiasm.

Learn to let go…surrender.

Enhance your sense of dignity.

Maintain integrity.

Live in the flow.

Raise your energy.

Awaken your inner lover.

Embrace uncertainty.

Be the first to give.

Breathe.

Get an accountability partner.

Listen with your heart.

Become inspired.

Be open to new possibilities.

Change your perception.

Leave a positive imprint.

Do things differently.

Participate, risk, grow.

Forgive everyone.

Be adventurous.

Change your routine.

Ask and receive.

Live in a state of thankfulness.

Live in the now.

Allow good things in your life.

Be resilient.

Live with radical awareness.

Reinvent yourself from the inside out.

Again focus on the solution instead of the problem. This moment is the greatest moment in life. Let’s let go of what holds us back. Let’s play our part in life with gusto, laughter and joy!

Become like the bridge and become suspended with self honoring choices!

A couple of bold questions:

What stops you from being the best you can be? What are you willing to do differently?

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    { 31 comments… read them below or add one }

    Hayden Tompkins October 22, 2009 at 10:44 am

    “Awaken your inner lover.”

    Grrrr, baby, grr!
    .-= Hayden Tompkins´s last post…To Kill or Not To Kill =-.

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life October 22, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Hayden,
    I love what stood out for you. Celebrate love inside and out. That’s what life is all about. I didn’t mean it to rhyme;)
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…Playing Our Part With Gusto, Laughter and Joy =-.

    Reply

    Jannie Funster October 22, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    I’m stressed today. Woke with a migraine which thankfully at the moment gone, but I’ve let myself get worried about the big fund-raising thing on Saturday.

    I need to ask and receive. Ask and receive. Yes, ask and receive, the point I’m at. I’m going to say it over and over and over. Ask and receive. Ask and receive. And saying it over an over now starting to change my perception.

    Ask and receive, a mantra. Breathing , breathing, breathing.

    Ask and receive.
    Ask and receive.
    Ask and receive.
    etc.
    .-= Jannie Funster´s last post…Kids With Broken Arms Are People Too =-.

    Reply

    Patricia October 22, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    Another Great Tess list…
    I have had so many interruptions today I have not been able to get my post edited for tomorrow and I seem kind of mopey today…
    On the other hand….I really know what I want and what I wanted today…I wanted a friend in person…and to have a good conversation…sometimes on line just does not do it…
    I think hugs are better in person!
    Thank you for sharing Tess
    .-= Patricia´s last post…Book Review: Diana Gabaldon’s OUTLANDER Series =-.

    Reply

    Patty - Why Not Start Now? October 22, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Hi Tess – I love the bridge metaphor. The things I need to practice are: Live in the Flow, Live in the Now, Be Adventurous. I know it’s all in me, but sometimes I forget. Thanks!
    .-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…Dark Magic and the $97 Book =-.

    Reply

    Kirsty October 22, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    I love this list and the idea behind it Tess, so thank you!!

    It will require a little thought as to what holds me back, but at first glance I think what WAS holding me back was what other people might think if me if I do X, Y, Z.

    Now I am aware of it more and that it really doesn’t matter, I can actually DO more in my life recognising that we are only here for a limited amount of time.

    Thank you for this challenge, it will be great to think about it and take some of the actions you have suggested.

    Best wishes,
    Kirsty

    Reply

    Stacey Shipman October 22, 2009 at 6:41 pm

    Like Hayden, the “inner lover” one really caught my attention..hmmm…

    and just tonight I found myself thinking about the awareness I have…radical awareness…yes, that’s how I feel. I guess it’s all good!
    .-= Stacey Shipman´s last post…Managing Overwhelm: For the Sake of What? =-.

    Reply

    Karl Staib - Work Happy Now October 22, 2009 at 6:49 pm

    I always struggled with participation. My fear usually got the best of me and I decided to sit out. Now I realize this mistake and I’m making atones. It’s why I started my blog, joined Toastmasters and took the control back.

    Now it’s time to take my blog to the next level and turn it into a full time business. It’s time I participated in the Austin community and helped businesses become happier and more successful. Thanks for the kick in the butt that I needed.
    .-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…Office Dilemma – Clocking in a Co-worker =-.

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life October 22, 2009 at 8:48 pm

    Jannie,
    Me too, ask and receive, ask and receive! Please share with us your results! In fact you may want to keep a journal of asking and receiving. You’ll be amazed.

    Patricia,
    I absolutely agree we need human contact, touch, hugs, kisses…we need to look into each others eyes which is not possible online.

    Kirsty,
    Yes we’ve all been there afraid of what others thing. Don’t let anyone steal your joy or your authentic self. Be your sweet wonderful self, there is no other like you. I’m with you on the limited time.

    Stacey,
    Yes it’s all good and I think the “inner lover” thing would be a good book title. I don’t think you have to awaken yours. I saw that photo of you and your hubby on the boat! Passion screams right through my screen.

    Karl,
    You’re on such an exciting path and an authentic example of living with gusto and going for your dreams. I agree Austin needs you so do a lot of other places. You go! And let me know how I can help.
    Patty,
    I need to live in the flow as well. I know it’s in both of us and we already do these things some of the time. I’m willing to step it up a notch. You?
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…Playing Our Part With Gusto, Laughter and Joy =-.

    Reply

    Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord October 22, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    Whenever I read lists like this (which I love, by the way) I’m always interested to see where my eye falls and what stands out most to me. This time it was: enhance your sense of dignity.
    The things I think I’m challenged with, or the habits I’d like to change, could be positively affected by recalling that statement: enhance my dignity.
    Thank you, Tess!
    .-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…Part II of the Series “Blogs I Love” =-.

    Reply

    Zeenat{Positive Provocations} October 23, 2009 at 12:31 am

    HI Tess,
    Such an empowering post!!! WOW!!
    Just reading it in the moment made feel so so good :) Thanks.
    If we can all just remember all these empowering affirmations, we would all live more happier and more productive lives.
    My fav- “Leave a positive imprint”- This is somewhat my own personal mantra :)
    p.s. am ready for your interview questions. send them to me anytime :)
    .-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last post…Strength, Courage and Wisdom =-.

    Reply

    Peggy Nolan October 23, 2009 at 4:40 am

    Dearest Tess – WOW! Did our posts cross paths or what? Embracing uncertainty is one of my big things because the more I do it, the easier it becomes. One of my big uncertainties right now is “can I earn a decent living as a writer?” To get over myself (in a big way!) I signed up for the NaNoWriMo challenge in November. 50,000 words in 30 days…a novel. I don’t even write fiction (because I can’t make my life up!) but here I go – leaping into uncertainty. And my daughter challenged me to write about something that has nothing to do with anything that’s happened to me.

    Tess – you are awesome! And I can’t wait to introduce you to a group of women who desperately need your enthusiasm and zest for life next week!
    .-= Peggy Nolan´s last post…What Are You Afraid Of? =-.

    Reply

    Jodi at Joy Discovered October 23, 2009 at 8:59 am

    Great, great list, Tess! And I love the proverb you shared at the beginning. My silk thread is exercising–I hope it becomes a cable. What a visual. Have a great weekend! Jodi
    .-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last post…Knowing vs. Doing =-.

    Reply

    suzen October 23, 2009 at 9:06 am

    How empowering Tess! Thank you for this – the list is fabulous and I’m printing it out and hanging it on the computer! I’ve been avoiding the treadmill – you’ve just kicked my butt out of this chair to go do it! On behalf of my heart, cholesterol, and whole body, I thank you!

    Somebody (I will!) should nominate you for Miss Awesomeness!
    .-= suzen´s last post…Cinderella at the USO Ball =-.

    Reply

    Hilary October 23, 2009 at 10:16 am

    Hi Tess .. wonderful list .. amazing – really getting the cockles thinking.

    Breathe .. I know I do – but I could do more rhymthically and beneficially ..

    Forigve everyone .. essential in life

    Open your heart ..

    Stretch yourself ..

    Remember you are your business – your chief executive, your customer service rep, your marketer and publicist for your life ..

    Thought provoking for a Friday night and weekend of work to achieve .. thanks -
    Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
    .-= Hilary´s last post…Provender Hedgerows with Autumn Colours =-.

    Reply

    Keith October 23, 2009 at 10:24 am

    Hi Tess,

    I absolutely love that quote at the beginning of the article. Habits start out kind of minor, but given enough time they become entrenched! Great choice in quotes. :-)

    Great advice you gave, to examine ourselves and search out what may be holding us back. I’m not currently being held back but I was just a few weeks ago. I quickly got sick if that and kick started my butt into gear! LOL I hate it when I do that, but what got me out of it was practicing the advide you gave here. It’s too easy to fall back into that, so I am taking your advice and examining myself again to see if I’m slacking off in any area.

    Thanks Tess, for your insightful, and useful, article!
    .-= Keith´s last post…Overload Your Life! =-.

    Reply

    The Everyday Minimalist October 23, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    I have to say that nothing stops me from being bold or grabbing life by the reins, it’s just that I know when to do it, and when not to OVER do it.

    While it’s nice to be constantly carefree and wild, it can also be exhausting, and a bit of pressure to be as such
    .-= The Everyday Minimalist´s last post…Minimalist Hotels =-.

    Reply

    Mark Foo | 77SuccessTraits.com October 23, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    Yes, Ask and receive. Asking for what you want and/or need is one of the most powerful tools for success in the world. Many people are afraid to ask because they don’t want to look stupid or ignorant. However, it’s better to ask and be deemed a fool for that one moment than to not ask and be a fool for the rest of your life.

    Also, people don’t ask because they’re afraid of rejection. Rejection is a form of risk – risk of losing face and hurting one’s pride. But highly successful people is more than willing to take this risk because they understand one simple principle, which is:

    If they get a ‘no’, they’re in no way any worse off than before they ask. But if they get a ‘yes’, they’d be a lot better off.

    “Whatever it is you want from any other person, just ask for it.” – Source Unknown

    Cheers~

    Mark

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life October 23, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Megan,
    That’s one of my favorites as well. I don’t think you need to do that though! You’re the best and I’m honored to know you.

    Suzen,
    Miss Awesomeness? Ok I accept;) I didn’t mean to kick you…I’d rather take your hand and lead you!

    Hillary,
    Oh no working on the weekend. I hope you take some time out to be good to yourself! You deserve it especially after all you’ve been through.

    Keith,
    Thanks for stopping by. It doesn’t surprise me that you’re in a good space. I think you dwell there. It’s why we love you.

    Everyday Minimilist,
    It sounds like you have a nice sense of balance. Welcome to my blog and thanks for visiting.

    Mark,
    Big insight if you get a no you’re never worse off but if you get a yes you’re a lot better off. How often our fear gets in the way of that. Thanks for sharing.
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…Playing Our Part With Gusto, Laughter and Joy =-.

    Reply

    Wilma Ham October 23, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    I join the Tess awesomeness nomination together with SuZen.
    I need to learn to let go and to surrender. I am still far too much in being independant and thinking that when I cannot do it nobody can or when I do not do it, nobody will.
    Arggghh, that means I am always at work and I have no time for the inner lover!
    WHAT a horrible thing that would be!
    No more, no shrunken old spinster, not for me thanks. Make way for the inner lover , I surrender.
    .-= Wilma Ham´s last post…Ann-Marie on jumping the gap from Knowing to Doing in order to live life differently =-.

    Reply

    I TAKE OFF THE MASK October 23, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    Hi Tess! I’ve always believed that joy is a compass we could always use to live a meaningful life. You’re right, instead of focusing on things that hold us back, we should give more weight to the things we could look forward to. When we follow our joy, life leads us to exciting and unexpected new places we will never forget!
    .-= I TAKE OFF THE MASK´s last post…Enough is enough, You DECIDE! =-.

    Reply

    Lance October 24, 2009 at 3:18 am

    Tess,
    This is a great list to look through, and say “I can do this”. Even if it starts with just one – positive steps in the right direction – much like the quote at the start – will make a habit that becomes “rock solid”. For me, there’s something about living with radical awareness that has a special pull. Hmmm….okay, here goes. I’m off to really focus on my awareness levels in all that I do!
    .-= Lance´s last post…A World Filled With Wonder =-.

    Reply

    Tess Bold Life October 24, 2009 at 4:51 am

    Wilma,

    Oh yes inner lover is so much better than the illusion of being in control. I know you are further than you give yourself credit for or you wouldn’t be able to write such a cool blog. Yes yes continue to surrender…we all get stuck white-knuckling along the way but hey we don’t have to be perfect just Wilma and Tess!

    Jocelyn,
    I like that. I want more unforgettable experiences and places. Hey that sounds like an intention for 2010.

    Lance,
    Radical awareness, yes! No more sleep walking through life and problems for us. I want to think, feel, speak and be “radical awareness.”

    As for the quote I’m thinking “rock solid” blogging habits would be a good start for me.
    .-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…Playing Our Part With Gusto, Laughter and Joy =-.

    Reply

    Caroline October 24, 2009 at 10:57 am

    Again you challenge us with wonderful ideas to break out of our ruts. This past week has been enlightening for me as I am focusing on really “listening.” Not listening to my ego, but really listening to my heart and following it with abandon. Scary but also thrilling. I feel like I am waking up!
    .-= Caroline´s last post…Clarity =-.

    Reply

    Suzie Cheel October 25, 2009 at 4:53 am

    I love you call to action questions What stops you from being the best you can be? What are you willing to do differently?
    2 questions if I asked myself everyday and anwsered honestly would power me forward thank you
    This is one powerful post
    thankyou

    Reply

    Marketing Infowrangler October 25, 2009 at 7:06 am

    Thanks, positive thinking is something I can really use. (Even my blood type is B negative)
    .-= Marketing Infowrangler´s last post…Tampa Bay Advertising Federation changes its name and website =-.

    Reply

    John October 25, 2009 at 11:11 am

    “Instead of putting your energy into what holds you back put your energy and mind on what can move you forward.”

    Complete genius-ness, Tess. You speak the truth everytime I come here. What stops me from being the best I can be is my lack of focus. I have direction down pat, but if I can master how long I focus my attention on any one thing – there’s no stopping me.

    Thanks for this awesome reminder, Tess!
    .-= John´s last post…When Stating Intentions, Be Specific =-.

    Reply

    Evita October 26, 2009 at 9:48 am

    Hi Tess

    Oh how true is that… no matter what the “problem” – how big or how little, we focus on the problem itself instead of the solution.

    The example that comes to my mind is actually about when we physically don’t feel right, say our left leg hurts. What do we give most of our attention to? Our left leg. Why no the right leg – the one that actually feels good???

    Most people would say, well it is because it is the one that hurts, but that is the gift and the solution. Focus on that which is good and all of a sudden you may realize that the bad dissolves itself.

    It is true for physical ailments as it is for mental, emotional or whatever the case may be. I know it is easier said than done, but I for one love the challenge of always trying to focus on the solution, on the “good” or the “right” and not the problem.
    .-= Evita´s last post…Choice Point 2012 =-.

    Reply

    Katie West/The Levity Coach October 27, 2009 at 10:07 am

    Gusto –check!
    Laughter-Ha Ha -Check!
    Joy- Check!
    Great list and I am celebrating this fabulous time in my life where those are three most delightful companions!
    Katie
    .-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s last post…The Power of Being One =-.

    Reply

    janice October 27, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    The one that stood out for me was “maintain integrity.” Tiredness and lack of zest make it more tempting to do stuff my wiser inner self isn’t too happy with. I value my integrity, but I should be working on the maintenance when it weakens. Another great list, Tess. Thank you!

    @Jannie – be well, and get ready to receive! {{{{hug :) }}}}
    .-= janice´s last post…Clutter: What are You Really Holding Onto…and Why? =-.

    Reply

    Liara Covert October 31, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Your energy imprint is what you are. You leave a trail of vibrations wherever you are, wherever you perceive to go. This is not entrails or contrails but an invisible pattern of light that you can learn to discern. Every human being is learning to open their senses and open the soul to the light.
    .-= Liara Covert´s last post…Reconnect with the real self =-.

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