I can remember a specific message my grandmother often repeated during my childhood: "Variety is the spice of life!" One of her primary motivators was exposure—exposure to activities, foods, cultures, information, people, and careers. She was nurturing me and developing me by curating a well-rounded life experience. I hold deep appreciation for my grandmother's vision and intentionality in my life.
Over the years, her message became a mantra, and within that mantra are lessons, skills, and even affirmations.
Lessons about Perspective. Skill of Adaptability. Affirmation of Courage.
Saphronia Nyiema Steen, my maternal grandmother, was a wise woman!
Take a moment to consider how you experience variety in your life. Is it plentiful or scarce?
Now, let's go broader. Replace the word 'variety' with 'flexibility.' In your life, which would you consider to be a more frequent companion: flexibility or rigidity?
Many people travel through life with rigidity as their companion and co-pilot. Rigidity often offers unsolicited advice on what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and what not to do. It’s controlling, with all the rules! It can be quite annoying at times—being irritable at home, hostile at work, and even aggressive during social events. Rigidity insists that things HAVE to be a certain way, running around being judgmental and punitive ... all the while, secretly hiding fear.
On the other hand, some people travel through life with flexibility as their constant companion and co-pilot. Flexibility is chilled, easy-breezy, and cool to be around. It’s open to varied perspectives in life—one might even say, flexibility Seeks Opportunity for varied perspectives for increased awareness and greater understanding. Flexibility demonstrates patience; it isn’t rushed. It opens the door to new experiences, new connections, and new memories. Flexibility is encouraging, it motivates, and offers options. Yes, options—decreasing fear and frustration associated with a lack of control. Flexibility reflects strength, resilience, resourcefulness, and wisdom. It’s accepting and forgiving, welcoming instead of isolating. Flexibility is strength-based and identifies points of learning and accountability without criticism. Flexibility is a wonderful companion.
Interested in spending more time with flexibility—having a cozier relationship? Here are a few examples of variety, reflecting and promoting flexibility:
A variety of spices in the cabinet
Multiple colors in the sock/underwear drawer
Identifying alternative driving routes
Engaging in diverse social activities
Trying out different hairstyles
Allow someone else to Speak, Clean or Cook
So now … TAG, you're it! Go find flexibility and Be Great!
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