I found a way to get back on track to get my ideas blossoming again during these turbulent times.
These past few weeks have been exhausting and disorienting and I’ve been struggling to stay positive despite all the turbulent mess that’s been going down. Furthermore, I’ve got stuff to do, and it’s been hard staying focused. The videos, commentary, and images were becoming etched in my mind and occupying a lot of space as a constant reminder that America has got a lot of soul searching to do…each and every one of us.
I never thought that I would ever echo the words of GW, but during the Dallas memorial he said it best,
It’s prime time for us to do some serious soul searching, y’all.
Because I’ve been practicing yoga for the past 6 months, I work at not holding my breath. Breathing deeply has kept me grounded and helped me come out of a fog, even though I’m still emotionally torn by the events that continue to rip our nation apart.
Out of curiosity, I posed this question on Facebook and Instagram:
“What are you doing to stay focused on making your ideas blossom during these very turbulent times?”
A few of my social media followers responded and offered suggestions like:
- Detox
- Pray
- Unplug from social media; all media
- Do something for yourself
- Get some sleep
- Engage in deep family time
- Stay focused on your purpose (which can affect change)
- Listen to music
- Do nothing
- Talk to God
I explored some of their suggestions in addition to deep breathing, but I found it hard to totally unplug. I found myself shutting down for long stretches of time though, allowing myself to breath deeply before taking in another onslaught of mess going on in the world.
I’ve decided that the best way for me to get through this is to deepen my commitment and contribution to make this world a better place. To get my thoughts straight and in a better head space, I did something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while. Instead of a Netflix and Chill, I did a Ted Talk and Chill and it was just what I needed. (Unfortunately, I didn’t hook up with my hubby while I did it because it wasn’t that type of party, if you know what I’m saying.)
Here are some of the best videos to inspire, uplift, and motivate people like us (who are striving to make their ideas blossom), especially during turbulent times.
When you’ve finished watching them all, let me know which video was your favorite and any insight that you’ve gained from watching them.
The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers
Adam Grant’s take on common habit that many of us have took me by surprise. (In the post Lessons From a Reformed Procrastinator, I shared my struggles with one such habit so this video was high on my list of favs). Who would have thought that this habit and a few others habits aren’t bad after all. They can actually serve us as we make our ideas blossom? A must watch!
Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are
Consider applying what Amy Cuddy suggests in this video during tricky social situations to see yourself differently. I know. It sounds a little strange, but trust me, her talk on power posing may just help us in ways that we never imagined. Two thumbs up!
Embrace Your Inner Girl
By far, this is one of my favorite Ted Talks of all time. I made reference to it in What’s in My Treasure Trove in 2012. In it, Eve Ensler proclaims that there is a powerful “girl cell” in all of us, yet we’ve been taught not to activate its power. I grappled with this concept a little in Girls Want to Have More than Just Fun concluding that despite abhorrent challenges that many girls face in the world, the word girl connotes vibrancy, youth, energy, and freshness. Much of the mission of GoneGirlGo is to help us reclaim what I call our girl-essence, thanks for Eve and this talk. An all time favorite watch!
Maya Penn: Meet a Young Entrepreneur, Cartoonist, Designer, Activist
This talk is a perfect follow up to Eve’s. At 13, Maya’s age at the making of this video, she has accomplished more than I have as a 48 year-old woman. She has a vibrancy, fire, and sensitivity that’s contagious. I’m so glad that I watched this because now I know that when the stuff that’s going on in the world gets into my heart, that’s when me and my ideas can truly blossom. A wonderful video!
Never, Ever Give Up
Diana Nyad at 64, did something that I can never imagine doing.
- I can’t swim that good.
- I have a fear of drowning in the ocean.
- I have a tendency to retreat if I’m overwhelmed by the thought of something.
Despite these 3 issues that I have with myself, what she accomplished absolutely amazes me, which was no small feat. She never gave up her attempts to swim from Cuba to the Florida Keys 5 times before actually making it. Are you kidding me?!?!? I love this woman and her talk too. Enjoy.
Even if you only watched one video, wasn’t that a nice dose of inspired goodness?
Hasn’t your soul been soothed just a tad?
Can you focus on making your ideas blossom during these turbulent times?
Which talk especially resonated with you?
What insight are you going to apply now?
Feel free to share your comments below or on the GoneGirlGo Facebook page. You can email me too at zoe@gonegirlgo. I’d love to hear from you.
Before I go, I just want to let you know that I’m working on a new project that I can’t wait to share with you! Stay tuned for an exciting announcement that I’ll be making in the next couple of weeks!
Peace
