I like to consider myself the author of my life. And for that reason, I write with purpose. I care deeply about the main character, which is me. But I also deeply care about those who I allow to co-writing my book. And those people have to earn the right, to write in my story. And the way that they do that, is to show deep devotion to something that is greater than themselves. Because if they don’t, they will contaminate the pen. And no one wants a poison pen.
Let me start with self-care. My self-care game is legendary. I don’t drink, smoke, or do drugs. I work out 7 days a week, 365 days a year. I have been a vegetarian for 30-plus years of my life. I don’t consume caffeine, and I limit my sugar intake. The last piece of my self-care game is my spiritual practice. I meditate every day. I have a good sense of community, and my wife and I pray together every night. So what does all that have to do with the writing of my story? Because I live a clean and healthy life, my story unfolds that way.
With every day that is passing, there will be fewer and fewer chapters written. So if I give my pen to someone, they too have to live a clean life. They can live life completely different from me. But what they can’t do is have ill intentions. Sure, there are people in my life that don’t live clean. But that is by design. It’s not that I am better than anyone. But if I can model behavior that might inspire someone to clean living, then I am willing to do so. After all, there were many that didn’t give up on me as a young man.
As more days are behind me than in front of me, it’s all about intention. My actions must have a purpose. My words must have meaning. And my heart, well…that too must be pure. From where I stand, the problem many have is they think the world is a cold and dark place. It’s not. Yes, there are events that can bring chaos to our lives. But for me, I have found that when responding with love, the chaos often dissipates. The second problem many face is they talk (nonstop) about the cold and darkness. If you believe in energy, you must know that thought attracts it. Why are we thinking of cold and darkness? Why don’t you remove your sunglasses (metaphorically speaking) and let the sun hit your face? Because when you do, you can then write without a poison pen.
You have a blank screen in front of you. A clear easel. Yes, there are a few dark colors on my paint tray. But I overwhelm them with the bright ones. My life is sacred. Therefore my pen must be too. Everything you need to know about me can be learned from those who I allow to co-write my story. Because they live clean, I have no problem letting them hold my pen. What about you? How is your story unfolding? Is your pen poison?
Book a one-on-one session with Vance Larson, C.H.H.C., M.Ht, and CTC Life, Life coach and counselor here.
