This week, I’ll forge ahead on my Blue Zones Power 9 journey by exploring the Positive Pack principle. This principle has everything to do with the people in our lives–our friends, family, work associates, and those we spend our free time with.
Finding our own identity and how we fit into this vast world is part of the human condition. Thank goodness we have many years of self-discovery before we settle developmentally, and life choices form into patterns for the rest of our lives, for better or worse. And then, here we are as adults living with the consequences of the choices that have gotten us where we are today. Are we the people we always imagine ourselves to be? Are we living the life we want to live? What choices can we make to be more like the person we’ve always wanted to be? I think a lot of this has to do with the people and influences that we have allowed in our lives. And yes, I know that some of us would have chosen to be born into other homes, had different parents, etc, etc. All those things are out of our control and it is what it is.
I suppose this is where we have to step back and, to the best of our abilities, look at our lives objectively. I’ll start. First of all, I would probably choose to have been born into another family. But then again, would I be the person I am today had I not lived the life I’ve lived? The answer is obvious: No, not at all. Then I wouldn’t be me. So no, I am not happy with the family the universe chose for me to be born into, but I have found peace and acceptance.
The second question that comes to mind is this: Am I living the life I imagined myself living? No again. I thought I was going to be a nurse until I took a microbiology class in college and promptly changed my degree to communications, thus setting me up to do what I do today. I am a mother of three of the most beautiful human beings I have the privilege of knowing, but I am also divorced. Not at all a part of my “and they live happily ever” after idea of marriage. And I am well into that new chapter of my life, unafraid and curious to see how it all plays out.
Here’s the thing about disappointment when life doesn’t pan out the way we anticipated. Failure is a healthy sign of growth. How else can we change if we don’t fail at something, reevaluate, and make changes in our journey? I have no regret for my failed marriage. I don’t see how I could have failed at something I gave one hundred percent of myself to. Also, my family might look different than some families but very similar to others. I am picking up the pieces and eagerly moving forward, expecting new and glorious horizons. Why should I hope for anything less?
And here is where the Power 9 Positive Pack principle comes in. I am largely who I am because of my associations, whether it be family, people I work with, friends, or casual acquaintances. It all matters. When I surround myself with people who build me up and influence me to be the very best I can be, my head sits a little higher on my shoulders, my stride grows a little longer, my mind clears, my goals set, and I find new dreams to chase. Does it really get better than that in life? If it does, bring it on! I’m ready to live the fullest, healthiest, happiest life possible. And if that means I have to reevaluate friendships, family, work associations, and my career, so be it. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to make huge life-changing decisions.
I can honestly say that in every current relationship in my life, I am content. Is every relationship in my life perfect? Nope. I have a feeling that will always be the answer because it is a part of our human condition. We balance what we can control and accept the things we cannot. And in the midst of the two, we find peace while we take the next step forward, followed by the next step, and then the next.
For what it is worth, if you are reading this, I consider you to be a part of my Positive Pack and hope that I can be for you, too. It’s not just about me being the best I can be; there’s room for all of us to be the very best we can be. And in doing so, we can make influences that reach farther than we ever imagined. And if that isn’t a reason to get up every day, I truly don’t know what is. Let’s remember that it’s never too late to make changes; the only certainty we have is that tomorrow is still uncertain!
Click here to learn more about the Blue Zones Project Lake County and the Power 9 Principles.
