Since I left my career behind, I’ve devoted a fair amount of energy to self-examination. I’ve noticed that I’ve been carrying some baggage I’d like to shed.
For example, while I clearly remember how critical my parents were, I think I’ve far surpassed them in self-criticism. I’m very good at seeing my flaws, and not always kindly. I’ve written, probably to the point of misery, about how critical I’ve always been in my musical life.
As an antidote, I put a sticky note with a SMILEY FACE on my music stand to remind myself that this is supposed to be fun.
I’ve also sported a pretty strong, reactionary trigger for things that make me angry. If you’ve ever cut me off in traffic, you might have witnessed my level of agitation. The same goes for people who blatantly break the rules just because it suits them.
You know, the guy who drives the wrong way down the arrows in a parking lot, the person who takes up multiple spaces, or the one who thinks nothing of dropping trash on the street. While those things trigger my sense of right and wrong, I realize that, unless they impact my safety, they’re not my responsibility.
I am choosing to be less reactionary, less triggered by the uncontrollable world, and more focused on what I can actually control—and on what will bring me the greatest joy and satisfaction.
What baggage are you shedding?
