Thank you so much, Alexandra! This means so much to me. I rarely get feedback on the graphics so I never know if they are helpful or superfluous. I appreciate you so much!
Everything in this post is indeed, like you mentioned somewhere in your post: “beyond words”. It even feels like a psychologist giving out the best advice. Perfectionism can keep us down (believe me, I know the feeling) for a while or a lifetime (don’t let that happen) and we must just do it! I cannot be more grateful for the wise words your substack offers! Keep doing what you do, it really does make the difference. Thanks!
Rubén, I can’t help but tell you this: you made my day!
This is the kindest compliment I’ve received in a while, and it’s feedback like this that reminds me that the work I’m doing is worthwhile. Thank you so much 🙏
Jen, thank you for sharing. I very much resonate with the perfectionism part. Most of the suffering comes from stories we create in our heads on how things should be. Then reality is not meeting these bizarre expectations, we suffer. And we blame the world, when our mindset is the problem. Keep up the good work.
No one starts off as an expert—everyone figures out how things work along the way. So true, a wonderful post full of insight and wisdom. The quality is in the experience, learning and adapting and improving along the way.
Every upset, annoyance, or 'unhappiness' is preceded by an expectation. I discovered it around the 7th grade and managed my emotions by changing my expectations. The ones I found difficult to change, I labeled commitments. Sets up a point of self-righteousness, however. Eventually, I discovered preferences are the precursors to all expectations. We live in a world asking us for OUR preferences. When I realized it was my ego that was upset, everything changed. As I separated mySelf from my identity the ego form, I was watching the upset trigger without honoring it. I could be chastised, and I would begin to chuckle or laugh, not at them but at the old habit of reaction I was leaving. It has become easier to say "thank you" to expectations as they clue me to the ego rants no longer in control of my behavior.
Jen, 5 Big Ideas reminded me of BHAG as I remember when it appeared in 2004 in the book "Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies " by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. Collins and Porras abbreviated Bg Hairy Audacious Goals as BHAG, which is pronounced bee hag. More than that, the idea of Personal Truths resonated with me as I have been referencing Daniel Patrick Moynihan's quote frequently: "You are entitled to your own opinions, Sir. You are not entitled to your own facts." When people present their opinions as reality, it might be their reality, not necessarily based on hard evidence.
The way the universe is wired and we, as part of it, we all are part of big ideas! Becoming aware of those ideas and our desire to be part of them often excites and paralyzes us!
I find this to be true in my own story. Finding a way to live my dream was indeed intimidating. But it was in the starting and trying that the way forward eventually appeared!
I needed this … it’s a time of big change for me ! 👍🏻❤️
You and everyone else, Janine! You got this 💪🏽
I loved the graphics today just as much as your words, Jen. The object vs subject stopped me in my reading tracks.
My son also would like for me to "JUST DO IT" after watching the motivational Shia clip at the end!
DOOO ITTTT!
Thank you so much, Alexandra! This means so much to me. I rarely get feedback on the graphics so I never know if they are helpful or superfluous. I appreciate you so much!
This essay so beautiful, and so important, Jen.
“She said it was as if she was starting to learn who her husband was for the first time and falling in love with him all over again.”
🙏❤️🙏
Thank you, James! 🤗
Thanks for the truths 🙏💎🙏
Thank you for reading, Ibrahim! It’s the greatest gift. 💝
Everything in this post is indeed, like you mentioned somewhere in your post: “beyond words”. It even feels like a psychologist giving out the best advice. Perfectionism can keep us down (believe me, I know the feeling) for a while or a lifetime (don’t let that happen) and we must just do it! I cannot be more grateful for the wise words your substack offers! Keep doing what you do, it really does make the difference. Thanks!
Rubén, I can’t help but tell you this: you made my day!
This is the kindest compliment I’ve received in a while, and it’s feedback like this that reminds me that the work I’m doing is worthwhile. Thank you so much 🙏
Glad to hear that, that’s what this is all about. You’re welcome!
Jen, thank you for sharing. I very much resonate with the perfectionism part. Most of the suffering comes from stories we create in our heads on how things should be. Then reality is not meeting these bizarre expectations, we suffer. And we blame the world, when our mindset is the problem. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Tomas! I appreciate you so much and this feedback means everything to me.
I hope you keep up the good work, too 🤗
No one starts off as an expert—everyone figures out how things work along the way. So true, a wonderful post full of insight and wisdom. The quality is in the experience, learning and adapting and improving along the way.
Absolutely, Sue! Could not have said it better myself 🙏
Thank you, Jen, that's amazing. Sending lots of love.
2 resonated with me a lot. The truth should be objective, if not it’s merely an opinion.
Thank you, Harun! I appreciate this immensely, as I didn’t get much feedback on the passage about “personal truths” and worried it might not resonate.
Thank you so much 🤗
You’re welcome, Jen. Glad my comment was of some help.
Loved it! Especially "dropping expectations." Starting over new friends sounds scary, but exciting!
Thank you, Falak! And the only friends I recommend letting go of are the ones who were never really friends after all.
Every upset, annoyance, or 'unhappiness' is preceded by an expectation. I discovered it around the 7th grade and managed my emotions by changing my expectations. The ones I found difficult to change, I labeled commitments. Sets up a point of self-righteousness, however. Eventually, I discovered preferences are the precursors to all expectations. We live in a world asking us for OUR preferences. When I realized it was my ego that was upset, everything changed. As I separated mySelf from my identity the ego form, I was watching the upset trigger without honoring it. I could be chastised, and I would begin to chuckle or laugh, not at them but at the old habit of reaction I was leaving. It has become easier to say "thank you" to expectations as they clue me to the ego rants no longer in control of my behavior.
You have such an informed and thoughtful outlook on life. I love this, Michael! Thank you 🤗
Very. good stuff! Thanks!
Thank you, Rick!
Thank you, Rick!
All of this is great information! Keep up the good work :-)
Thank you, Luke! I appreciate you!
The inevitability of change and releasing of expectations and attachments opens the way to remarkable and life-changing opportunities.
You got it, Jim! Thank you 🙏
Jen, 5 Big Ideas reminded me of BHAG as I remember when it appeared in 2004 in the book "Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies " by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. Collins and Porras abbreviated Bg Hairy Audacious Goals as BHAG, which is pronounced bee hag. More than that, the idea of Personal Truths resonated with me as I have been referencing Daniel Patrick Moynihan's quote frequently: "You are entitled to your own opinions, Sir. You are not entitled to your own facts." When people present their opinions as reality, it might be their reality, not necessarily based on hard evidence.
Wow, Gary!
Never thought of this newsletter as it relates to BHAG, but I love it! Thank you for sharing.
Also, the quote from Daniel Patrick Moynihan is incredible! I’ll have to write that one down and reference it at some point. Thank you 🤗
This is awesome👏
Thank you, Marcus! 🤗
The way the universe is wired and we, as part of it, we all are part of big ideas! Becoming aware of those ideas and our desire to be part of them often excites and paralyzes us!
I find this to be true in my own story. Finding a way to live my dream was indeed intimidating. But it was in the starting and trying that the way forward eventually appeared!
Thanks Jen for this important reminder!
Wayne, thank you so much for your incredible words and support. I am so grateful! 🙏