Less Gray. Less Cray.
Hello Friends!
Less Gray. Less Cray. Let me explain.
When I have been at my lowest points I have always felt ‘gray’ (or ‘grey’ with diff spelling?…have always wondered about this) but definitely NOT colorful, vibrant, daring or joyful. I am grateful these points don’t happen often, but when they show up, they’re doozies.
These ‘low points’ are often marked by giant life shifts (moving cities, new job, new relationship…perhaps all at the same time ;) And these shifts have always worked out for the best for me…so I have come to embrace these moments of ‘turbulence’ with a bit of excited anticipation.
That said, I know I have to kick myself in the butt to get out of this ‘eddy’ and move into next intentionally. When I need to kick myself in the butt, I do several things that have proven themselves uplifting (inspirational, motivational, joyful, calming, and empowering all at the same time). More on that soon.
When I have achieved this ‘higher state of feeling’, I feel as though I’ve been painted with a brush that infuses me with a color that becomes my aura. I get to choose my color, btw, but enjoy each spoke of the wheel. As long as it isn’t grey.
As far as cray…you know what I’m talking about, although I suspect it comes in many forms. The morning zoo with kids at home (still feel that pucker), an incompetent boss, politics at work, not being able to find your keys…all the things. So. Much. Cray.
When I have achieved a ‘low state of freneticism’, I feel as though I have deep roots. I am unbothered. Unflappable.
When I have achieved both at the same time, I feel magnanimous. Invincible. Magical. I can generate ideas like they’re falling off trees and landing in my lap. I am channeling every solution to every friction point I have control over. And this feeds itself. It’s a victorious cycle (vs. vicious.)
My credo has always been ‘create something amazing!’ The things I’ve learned that get in the way may be helpful to you in actually doing this: whether creating an amazing business, amazing art, an amazing life AND amazing outputs for your clients. The magic is in the ‘and.’
As promised, here’s how I fight the ‘gray’ and ‘cray’...intentional acts that lift my spirit (state of being) and acts that allow me to feel calm at my core (low freneticism) are slightly different but related:
A few ideas to get less gray:
Make a list of lifts (things that make your heart sing) and schedule one per day.
Make a list of drains (things that suck your time and energy) and reduce or remove as many as you can immediately. Ask others to take them off your plate. Require them to do it or hire someone to do them.
Make a point to keep at this and not put up with drains.
A few ideas to get less cray:
Write out what is in your control and what isn’t in your control. Don’t waste energy on what you can’t control; it’s emotionally expensive.
Clean your space. Even if it’s just your immediate space, it will start the control ball rolling.
Organize your immediate life. Plan your next meal. Lay out your clothes for tomorrow.
Of course there’s a bit more to it, but this will get the party started and give you the momentum to keep going. This is, in effect, designing your life to be wildly happy.
If you want more of this, check out my video on how to stay inspired (at work) or read my book, Momentum.
