forward

Why on earth would you not try?

...because I might fail.

That's no longer a valid reason.

Though it may have excused you from acting in the past, it will no longer suffice in keeping you from moving forward.

Forward. That's your option, not stuck at a standstill.

small

It's easy to keep yourself small.

Easy... to let the dominant voice in your mind
be the one that claims you're not enough.

It's critical to fight back.

Critical... to decide that voice will not hold you down
or keep you from declaring your worth powerfully.

You weren't created to stay small.
Stop denying that truth. Start living accordingly.

brand crush: puesto

I visited a quick Mexican eatery down in La Jolla called Puesto. The entire experience - building design, collateral, team, food - was branded so incredibly, I had to give it a little love on here. Here's a taste of the design work...

perfection

Perfection is not your aim today either.

Though your mind will crave the perfect schedule, words, work or actions, your heart will remind you of an alternate pursuit that you may choose.

Joy.

Look for opportunities to celebrate each step of the journey. Those moments will not be perfect, efficient, productive or practical. Accept that now. It is imperative that you do so, for it is the only path to the life you are intended to embrace.

Out of that acceptance, joy itself will awaken your ability to illuminate for others the beauty in this day.

productivity

The aim of your life isn't productivity. Nor is it efficiency.

This isn't a truth you can simply nod at, then proceed to act in direct opposition. Or, perhaps you can, just be willing to accept another truth -- your actions are inconsistent with your beliefs. I'd call that foolishness -- a key ingredient for a frustrating life.

So before you dash off to fashion another to-do list or judge yourself for "wasting too much time," stop and ask yourself -- What race is this that you're running? What is your chief pursuit?

--
It must be noted -- this post directly stemmed from a "less productive" morning followed by moments of self judgment. Funny how creativity defies productivity.

a refusal

[lyrics]

there is a voice that's telling me
this is a race
you better catch up quickly
there is a voice that's telling me
it's meaningless
every action waiting

but I refuse to believe
the lies that you
keep feeding me
yes, I refuse to believe
the lies that you
keep feeding me

there are two paths that do arise
the way of truth
and then the lies
I wish the truths most captured me
but the lies take hold
so powerfully

but I refuse to believe

the lies that you

keep feeding me

yes, I refuse to believe

the lies that you

keep feeding me

there is a voice that's telling me

you're perfect dear

so stop comparing

there is a voice that's telling me

you are enough

time to start believing

security

It's become increasingly apparent that my life isn't defined by practicality.

I mean, come on -- I live in L.A. This place isn't remotely practical. For someone with an embarrassing affinity for security and efficiency, settling down here is more than a little humorous. I don't even work in entertainment.

Yet, this place challenges me in incredible ways and provides fertile grounds for growth. In other environments, my challenges would be far more manageable. Here, each day is a declaration - I choose faith. I choose to believe that life is far more beautiful, far more meaningful when I don't obsessively hold the reigns of control.

From Erwin McManus' Uprising -

When we keep our challenges manageable, we not only manage our fear, but squelch our faith. One way to deal with our fears is to surround ourselves with security and predictability. We may look courageous when in fact all we've done is minimize our risk.

The choice to pursue faith isn't a natural one. Yet, I'm learning to value the life that stretches far beyond the realm of what is known. Each day, I remind myself to recalibrate the messages controlling my mind and debunk the myth that my chief pursuit in life should be security in all things. Beyond my zone of comfort, I find real growth and significance.