“The most certain way to succeed is always try just one more time.”- Thomas Edison
No matter what our bank account reads, or how much cash we have in our pocket, we all have two things that we can spend any way we see fit. Our time and energy are given to us each day, free of charge. How we invest these resources determines much about the way we experience life, and what we get out of our time here on Earth.
This is important to remember, especially when we are tempted to judge ourselves harshly, or compare ourselves to others, based on material measures. No matter how well-off someone has it in the financial department, or in the form of wonderful relationships, they are still blessed with the same number of hours in a day. We all must choose how we are going to spend those hours. This is something to celebrate, as it truly levels the playing field in life.
Artist Darrell Fusaro often reminds me that avoidance is a full-time job. That is to say that the energy we invest in avoiding what we are afraid of only increases, as that which we are avoiding grows from neglect. It is, therefore, more valuable to face whatever we are running from, and choose how we want to respond and proceed. Most often, whatever we were attempting to escape from was not nearly as difficult as the energy we were investing in avoiding it.
We see this all the time with the young people in our district. It is the students who feel powerless on the inside that typically cause the most disturbances on the outside. These disruptive behaviors are, when seen in a neutral light, an attempt to communicate something that they do not feel capable of communicating effectively through the appropriate channels. That is why disruptive and self-limiting behaviors tend to decrease or disappear when the real challenge is addressed and confidence is restored.
I once worked with a student who was getting into all manner of trouble at school. He was getting into frequent fights, and had a few scrapes with the law. As we spent time together, and addressed the obstacles that were getting between him and success, his whole demeanor changed. He was more relaxed, and stopped looking outside of himself for approval. He no longer needed to look elsewhere for confirmation of his worth because he was getting it from within. He recognized how capable he really is and his outer world changed dramatically over time.
If you are feeling stuck in a certain area of your life, and tempted to hide in the shadows, take heart. The most valuable things you have to spend are your time and energy. By showing up and staying in the active flow of life, you will be more receptive to the good that is surely on its way. Life is a gift, no matter what our checkbook or job title says at the moment. More than anything else, your job is to show up and smile. The value that your smile has on the world and the people around you is priceless.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com or send an email to: EdwardBiagiotti@ccusd.org
