What’s the definition of distraction? Majoring in the minor, whilst minoring in the major.

‘’If you can’t communicate, it’s like winking at a girl in the dark — nothing happens. You can have all the brainpower in the world, but you have to be able to transmit it. And the transmission is communication.’’ – Warren Buffett 

How we communicate informs how we experience life; so, to enhance one’s quality of life, one must enhance his/her communication skills. Since communication is 80% listening, 20% speaking, perhaps the hack to elevating our experiences is to listen more, and talk less.

“…study to be quiet…”- 1 Thessalonians 4:11

“If our lives are dedicated, for instance, to enhancing the welfare of others and everyone we contact, our lives can never loose meaning.” – Dr. David R. Hawkins, Author, Power vs. Force

If you’re unsure of what you “bring to the table”, simply serve at the table. Serve with kindness, serve with curiosity, serve with humility. Just serve. And when the tables turn, they will always turn in your favor.

Yesterday’s post focused on collaboration with respect to enlisting the support of others through their resources. Today’s focal point is inward: how are we showing up for others to serve them with our resources? The tables always turn, and if you’re simultaneously serving while being served, the tables will only turn in your favor.

A friend assured me, “Constance, people want to help you; they just need to know how they can help you.” His words resonated with me because it crystallized what it is exactly that I desire, so that I can then identify the kind of help that I need and enlist others to support me in my efforts. Two days ago, I recognized the truth within this ideal upon discovering that the barista at my favorite cafe is a writer seeking a literary agent. I instantly created a mental list of all of the literary contacts I have, and how I could connect him with them. Moral of the story: there’s always someone around you who wants to help you; it’s your job to tell them how. 

Yesterday morning I enjoyed a pot of tea with one of the most radiant souls. A fellow RISD alumna, she and I bonded over our shared free-spiritedness, along with the utility of mindfulness and meditation in our creative processes. Among the most memorable insights she shared was the likening of drawing/sketching to journaling: both involve the kind of observation skills that cultivate patience. How illuminating! Moreover, could patience be the secret sauce that refines our observation skills? I’m devoting my perception to proving this notion.

3 Keys to the door of Happiness:

1. Self-discipline 

2. Self-esteem

3. Flexibility in navigating the ebb and flow of change.

As the old adage goes, “artists need time to sit and do nothing”.  I don’t believe this saying exclusively applies to artists. When was the last time you sat down, and just day dreamed? (Social media scrolling doesn’t count, as that requires mental occupation and increases mental clutter). Today, let’s set aside 10 minutes to allow our minds to wander, and see where the voyage takes you. And while it’s taking you, take it easy.