off the beaten path.

Creativity can be such a blessing.  I’ve always prided myself on being creative and thrifty, a think outside the box kind of gal.  I’ve noticed more and more of a need for this the older I get and the more opportunities for needs of all sorts arise.  I’m convinced that manipulation isn’t always a bad thing.  Of course there is the wrong and deceitful kinds of manipulation where the intentions within are the only in mind.

But manipulation can also be for the greater good if you will.  I choose to call it creative bursts of outward, forward thinking.  What can I do to make sure the best outcome is achieved, profiting not only myself but everyone affected?  Not how can I make things go my way, but how can I make things go all the way for everyone?

I’ve used this my whole life I’m sure, and lately I’ve been more apt to using it towards my 100 day challenge (that has seemingly transitioned into a 100 day challenge to becoming a better person.)  How can I get this task finished with help and by helping others?  How can these projects get done and done right?  Decide to be kind to someone if they have something you need.  The manipulation is transformed when you decide to CONTINUE to be kind to them even when they have nothing else to offer you.  Go the extra minute because you know it will benefit you and your situation, but make a moral agreement with yourself to ALWAYS go that extra minute, and go it with strength and understanding.  Go it for others even when it won’t benefit you. 

So many challenges giving you opportunities to unzip the shroud over our abilities.  It’s up to us to decide how and when to do it, and take on the responsibility it brings.  Because although it’s hard work to harness that feel good mentality and use it to get what you want, it’s work that is well worth the reward in the end.  For everyone.

letting go.

Sometimes it's best to just say goodbye to unrealistic goals and impossible expectations.  Did I really ever truly believe that I could conquer these 100 days cheat free?  Did I ever honestly say to myself, "No excuses, you're doing this...this time?"  You bet you're sweet Aunt Franny I did. That said, I have learned something very important about myself in these passed 36 days.  No matter how strong my will, and how eager my spirit, there's always going to be that one little something that throws me off my success track and into what I consider failure. 

Yes, that little bit of discouragement that says, "Rachel, you can't do this, what were you thinking?!?"  I'm sure everyone has that little something, and it's different for everyone.  And they can't be moved.

But you know what?  Neither can I.  No matter how much I'm tested through this and other tribulations I'm bound to encounter, I know that after the clouds part and my positive energy is released back in front of my eyes, I'm right there, back where I left off, ready to keep going.

The trick isn't to punish and chastise myself for what I see as failure and for what others see as human err.  It's to let go of believing that perfection is gained through rules and regulations implanted in a life of trying and succeeding, and grab on to the fact that perfection is there simply because I tried.