Camp Calibration

cal·i·bra·tion  (kl-brshn)

n.

1. The act or process of calibrating or the state of being calibrated.

2. A set of gradations that show positions or values. Often used in the plural: the calibrations on a pressure gauge.

This is as defined by the Free Dictionary, http://www.thefreedictionary.com.

Today I am thinking about calibration, for me personally, more of a sense of re-calibrations, setting things back to the values and positions they previously were set at. I have been off on a medical leave for ten days as of Saturday and my routine and regime have been disrupted, but for good purpose and value. I have slowly over the past two days begun to put things back in their place for several reasons. When I return to work, I need the reassurance that my routine brings me as a person. I feel a comfort level in doing things in certain routines and manners, and stress is more evident when one returns to work, and their energy levels become depleted more easily in such situations.Setting myself up for success, is much better for me than the flying by the seat of the pants process utilized by some folks. 

What I realize is that what works for me does not necessarily work for the next person. I thrive on schedules, lists and such items. This can be stifling and non-productive for many people. I think we all have to find our personal comfort zone and strive to stay within that MOST of the time. My comfort level is not yours, and vice verse. Sometimes we can observe others actions and figure out changes we can make within our own lives to use their method of making life work for them. At 56 years of age, I have found what works for me, in most circumstances. There are times when I need to break free from routine, and just let everything go so I can be totally unencumbered. Those times I am glad I am able to release myself from the "chains" of my  routine. Life is seldom scripted, so once again, for me keeping a semblance of order helps me dramatically in those times that things go haywire or unexpected good and bad things occur.

Simple in theory, but complex in some ways to carry out. It requires a firm ability to follow some kind of order or routine, and that requires discipline and organization. To many all of this may sound dull and boring, but when my free time comes to the top of the list, it truly is that. My mind is not wandering off on the should have and should be's in life, but I am free-wheeling and footloose to enjoy life in the manner in which I enjoy it to be lived. That is the key element, finding what is good for you, and striving to achieve that in the best manner that works for you and your life.How each of us find our joy is not the important thing, but finding it is what counts!

~balance in all things~ 

Attitude and Gratitude

Seems so many folks forget how closely related the above two words truly can be and are. When our feelings of gratitude are high, our attitudes are around the same level. There are times in life where we need to work hard to keep both of those items in check and that can be a very difficult thing for certain, almost a daunting task at times.

For example, when all is going well our satisfaction level is high, giving us much gratitude and one heck of a great demeanor, or attitude. When we find ourselves on the bottom of the heap dejected and down, we are sorely lacking in thanks or gratitude and often have a thankless attitude to match. At times like the latter, I seek out what the message the universe is trying to give me. What lesson or warning is contained within this situation? Do I need to slow down and pay mind to everyday items better? Have I taken a shortcut I never should have thought of in the first place?  If I really look and listen to all the facts that lesson will come rising to the surface in no time at all. Problem is so many of us get caught in the downward spiral that negativity, or the anti-gratitude can propel us headlong into. Once we let that wave of negativity and hostility catch us we surely have a job climbing from the depths that propels us down to. The bad attitude proliferates down there in those dark and negative places, holding us there like some super-charged electron magnet does to metal.

How do we break free from the shoes when we get super glued to the farthest depth of anger, despair, regret and sadness? The answer is simple yet not easy to do, the easy button does not function in this situation, though belief that it could may well help us. We need to leave those super glued shoes on the bottom, allowing ourselves to float back to the surface where the air us fresh, the stale and moody thoughts decline and we can feel better about things, slowly and purposefully. In essence we need to shed the stuck shoes and put new ones on that help us walk a path to self healing as well as self awareness. All this involves change, and as easy as change sounds, it is a difficult step to take as well as frightening to ponder for any length of time. Often the best way to attack change is head on jumping into it with abandon. If you find yourself unable to do that, then dipping ones bare toes in a little at a time may be the way to work towards that all important change. One has to find the solution that works best for them and utilize it. Stop looking for and finding excuses, just take some kind of action be it radical or minimal, to start you in the direction you need to be heading.

Working diligently, any of us can have the gratitude and the attitude that gets us to the place we need to get to. Sure it takes work, but anything in life is borne of blood, sweat and many tears. Figure out your path, and get on it.

~balance in all things~