The real reason we keep at it
“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen
(A warning, I've just spent a couple of days in a meditation retreat...so I'm coming at ya a little extra deep today....)
New Year’s Resolutions
Personal Growth Books
Professional Growth Books
Workshops & Classes
New Routines
Therapy
#productivityhacks
Stress Management Tips
Coaching
Diets
Budgets
Hours of conversation with friends
Hours of “conversation” in our own heads
There is only one reason we keep at it. Only one reason we begin again. Only one reason we stay open and curious.
And it’s not about being fit or rich or famous or righteous. It’s not about having the perfect job or even finding our purpose.
The reason we keep showing up is because we want a better life. For ourselves. For others. More openhearted. Peaceful. Unruffled. Vast and cozy.
Wherever we are challenged or stuck or frustrated…wherever we are most longing for change…it’s a doorway.
Underneath the noise of being better, achieving an ideal, or getting on track we find our essence and truth. We find a life that is more beautiful and more true than we ever imagined…and just as we imagined.
Our difficulties and our self-improvement projects call us in and call us up (when we let them).
Let them take us deeper. Let them crack us open. Let them drag the truth out of us.
I find it deeply, deeply inspiring. Within each spark of interest in improving ourselves is a doorway to the sort of awakening that gives us everything we want.
I’m not talking about manifesting a million dollars or the perfect relationship.
I’m talking peace, wholeheartedness, clarity.
We don’t need to feel troubled by this lofty potential inside us and our aspirations. No grand gestures are required.
In fact, today all we need to do is: Begin, again.
With all my love,
Marijke Ocean