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This is one of the hardest commitments I’ve ever made. And still to this day I sometimes drift in and out of it. Fortunately, I’ve been on this path long enough that it’s easier to get back up after being knocked down. The downside of this is that the knocking downs grow in stature, as do the coming backups.
What is being committed to growth?
This can take many forms. For example:
Learning something new every day
Playing with Your cat when You are tired.
Getting up in the morning when You don’t want to.
Staying in bed when You need to rest and regroup.
Breaking apart and doing nothing for a while…
Listening to Your family, friends, and spouse. Not necessarily in that order.
Doing work, even just a little every day. Some days more, on other days less.
Being with Your pain. And happiness. Both are equally important.
Showing up when You really don’t want to.
Saying no when You mean no. (This is one I find sometimes really hard to master).
Saying yes when You mean yes. Equally hard as saying no.
Playing when it’s play time and working when it’s time to work.
Communing with friends. Being open and vulnerable and at the same time challenging others when necessary.
Chopping wood.
The list goes on.
It is mostly about doing the little things daily. This will accumulate over time. Although hard to see in the present moment. It will lead to Your growth and You will gradually find out new things about Yourself. And about this world. This in return will give more meaning to this sometimes empty existence.
Why is this even important?
For me personally, it is about finding some meaning in this world and society that at times feels very lost. I believe we are at a turning point in human history. We have to make new commitments and find a new purpose for ourselves. Something deeper, something more meaningful. Doing those things I listed and more will hopefully show You the way to this. And from there You can share it with others. Which in return will again give more meaning to Your own life.
To the little things in life.
Ian Altosaar
