hoedl's haven - September 12, 2006

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

We have reached that distinctive point at home; the point where our almost three-year-old triplets have started to voice their independence. So what took only five minutes to do ourselves (i.e. put on their bibs, take off their shoes, get them in their pajamas, etc.), now takes twenty minutes. And so goes our day...

The most common phrase around our home these days is "I can do it, Daddy! Let me do it, Daddy!" But the phrase that stands out most in my mind is one shouted by my son Nicholas when I recently tried to help him (obviously against his will): "Daddy, just leave me alone; I just want to be!" It took a moment for his plea to register with me and I thought to myself, "Nicholas, good for you..."

Do you ever find in your work, in your associations, and/or your endeavors where you want to tell others (politely, but firmly), "Just let me be. I just want to be..." We find ourselves, my friend, living an illusionary life where we seem to be competing with everything once we've walked out our door. In fact, if we take a moment to reflect inward, we might even find that the majority of the source of this illusionary life comes from within. That voice within that tells us from time to time, "You can be better than that person; you should be better than you are right now..." Admit it, you've told yourself that at least once or twice.

Perhaps it's time to remind ourselves again, as Nicholas reminded me, "... just leave me alone; I just want to be..." To let go of all those internal messages (at least for a day) that forces us to overwork, overextend and overfret and just "be." To let go of all those external expectations (at least for a week) that encourages us to be something that is contrary to that person inside and just "be."

Just be. Be who you are, with all of your failings and flaws. Just be. Be who you want to be, in all its glory, impossibilities and potential. Just be. Be who you feel you should be, in all of its uniqueness and flair. Just be. Just take a moment today to leave yourself alone... and just be...



Tuesday, September 12, 2006 We have reached that distinctive point at home; the point where our almost three-year-old triplets have started to voice their independence. So what took only five minutes to do ourselves (i.e. put on their bibs, take off their shoes, get them in their pajamas, etc.), now takes twenty minutes. And so goes our day... The most common phrase around our home these days is "I can do it, Daddy! Let me do it, Daddy!" But the phrase that stands out most in my mind is one shouted by my son Nicholas when I recently tried to help him (obviously against his will): "Daddy, just leave me alone; I just want to be!" It took a moment for his plea to register with me and I thought to myself, "Nicholas, good for you..." Do you ever find in your work, in your associations, and/or your endeavors where you want to tell others (politely, but firmly), "Just let me be. I just want to be..." We find ourselves, my friend, living an illusionary life where we seem to be competing with everything once we've walked out our door. In fact, if we take a moment to reflect inward, we might even find that the majority of the source of this illusionary life comes from within. That voice within that tells us from time to time, "You can be better than that person; you should be better than you are right now..." Admit it, you've told yourself that at least once or twice. Perhaps it's time to remind ourselves again, as Nicholas reminded me, "... just leave me alone; I just want to be..." To let go of all those internal messages (at least for a day) that forces us to overwork, overextend and overfret and just "be." To let go of all those external expectations (at least for a week) that encourages us to be something that is contrary to that person inside and just "be." Just be. Be who you are, with all of your failings and flaws. Just be. Be who you want to be, in all its glory, impossibilities and potential. Just be. Be who you feel you should be, in all of its uniqueness and flair. Just be. Just take a moment today to leave yourself alone... and just be...