,
Observing and participating. Following or leading.
Consuming or creating. The two opposing forces that are needed for the cycle of life, business, progress and entertainment to exist have been tickling my thoughts this week. And the primary question I have been asking myself is which part of the cycle should one dedicate their life to in order to live fulfilled?
While each of consumes something in our everyday lives - food, entertainment, news, etc - it is by far much easier to consume rather than to create. Creation requires the individual to set the wheel in motion. And in order to create something that we want when it is all said and done and the target is reached, we must be very focused and clear in our purpose. Having a clear focus and being resolute as to not let
distractions detour us requires we understand why we are pursuing something.
As I have been touring Bend (Oregon) this week, I have observed a city that is living purposefully as a community. They are participating in the development of
a community they are proud of rather than observing the world as it turns, they are leading by example rather than following blinding and simply existing, and they are creating businesses, homes, and opportunities for fellow Bendites even after the horrific crash of the economy that was so disastrous to their very homes and livilhoods.
Such a dedication to creation is electric and the energy is felt as it draws people from around the state and the country (maybe the world, as I heard Ringo Starr will be performing at the local amphitheater this summer). But just as this community didn't just happen, neither can our lives become what we dream unless we are clear about
what we wish our lives to evolve into.
We may not know precisely how it will all work or look when it actually comes together, but we must start somewhere (this post offers some a few ideas on how to get started). In this week's Inspirational post, the idea of living deliberately or by default is discussed which ties in with the concept of
choosing to jump on the playing field of life and begin calling the shots rather than staying on the sidelines and simply being a fan as the rest of the world chases their dreams.
Not everybody wants to live in a town like
Bend, but I think what Bend revealed to me is that in order to know what you want, you have to have a conversation with yourself first and then you have to be willing to step forward even when you've never stepped in that particular direction before in your life. Do the necessary homework, investigate, ask questions and then go back to your practice field and prep until you can feasibly make the first step toward your dream. It will happen. It won't be easy, but it will
happen.
In this week's newsletter, TSLL Home Tour continues as the living room and its expansive space is revealed. While you will see a mingling together of new and old, what I hope you will also walk
away with is the idea that a sanctuary is a place to put your feet up, be able to relax and recharge and that truly is what this room is for me at the end of any day - especially when I get to cuddle up with my dogs (yes, Norman makes a guest appearance again).
And if you were considering welcoming an orchid into your home as shown in last week's TSLL Home Tour post of my dining room, I share specific tips on how to care for your very own orchid in this week's Petit Plaisir.
If by chance you too are curious about Bend or where my trip took me, be sure to perusing my Instagram feed for more pictures.
I do hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead of you that you are eager to begin,
and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.
Shannon
