A Joyous Perspective on My circus. My monkeys....Managing life in the Big Top

It's Friday, and time for another Thought Tale Hour at the Henderson's.  I had the pleasure of reading two thought-provoking pieces this week, which left me feeling quite satiated with ideas for managing a full life.  The first one, written about efficiency here, reminded me that: 

If I lack the energy to accomplish what is needed, I will not only miss the mark but find the frustration of performing beneath my ability.  

The second one, written about evaluating your place in the lives of others in need here, gave me a nice list which I found can be used anytime we come upon an opportunity to help. Indeed, these two significant directives are part of the foundation for a balanced and fruitful life.  So I stepped back and took a joyous perspective look at my life and how they fit. I quickly quipped, 

"Well, they ARE my monkeys, and this IS my circus...I live in the Big Top, doing multiple shows per day...."  

My choice perhaps, but one I will not wilt from. So how I can assure the Lions stay in their cages and the net is secured for the Tight Rope Walker?  I don't see hanging up my top hat any time soon.

I would like to sound ethereal and tell you that I live a life of balance in which I feed my mind, body, and soul with all the things that will assure unending strength... Right…  I do know that the truth of needing to take care of your mind, body, and soul is the fact that no human can avoid - well at least not for long.  I realize that you gravitate toward what you enjoy, and you find ways to include those things in your life - come hell or high water.  If your life is one of high energy, circus-like, 

You might start with admitting that there is something about the spinning top that mesmerizes you, and you enjoy the prospect of finding ways to keep it going.  

I have come to the conclusion that we people of the Big Top actually get energy from those around us.  Even during the breaks in the show, we are thinking about the next act. I am happiest when I have something to look forward to, not when I have an empty schedule.

For this reason, I see my calendar as my inspiration journal.  

I not only put commitments in there of place and time, but also things like 'call catch up time' 'creative time' 'garden time' and, my favorite, 'flex time.'  My strength is in my ability to respond, and I am only as capable of doing that as my calendar allows, so I guard it with a passion.

The secret to a good 3 Ring Circus is that it looks effortless, but don't kid yourself.  The ringleader is always aware of what's going on, and this takes the ability to listen as well as you direct. The best source of information for us circus folk is the still small voice within us.  Some say it is from above, others might think it's magical, but that intuitive thought is something of staff of life when you find yourself in the Big Top.  I've learned to wait to say 'how high?' when my intuition says jump, because life has given me experience, and I value the lessons I've learned very much.  I take time to listen, carefully, and that is often a matter of quieting some of the screeching monkeys and loud elephants while I tend to the purring tiger in the corner. Yes, it looks like the ringleader is at ease, but they are really just listening and organizing according to priority. 

What about the times an elephant goes rogue or an acrobat did a somersault when they were supposed to backflip?  

There are some weeks that the show just doesn't seem to flow, and perhaps we just missed a queue causing the sound of a loud crash backstage. Well, my perspective has never allowed me to justify errant behavior, so it doesn't mean I can give up and let the Big Top fall.  These are the times we go to our trusted Co-Producers and find a way to tame the elephant and mend the broken rib of the acrobat. These are the times when you look to the Tiger and emulate the look you see in its eyes. It's impressive how well the members of the circus respond when you can whisper or demonstrate, 

"I am here.  I'm not leaving.  I'm sticking."  

They are part of MY circus and I'm in it for the long haul.  

Eye of the tiger.

So tonight, we will raise a glass to our circus, and smile at the monkeys who give us a reason to go on with the show.  We are drinking a cocktail called "Eye of the Tiger," because it is through that determination of spirit and quiet confidence that we will endure through every act ahead, no matter how many more there may be.  CHEERS FRIENDS!

Joy's Eye of the Tiger***

1 oz gold rum

1 oz coconut rum

1 oz cranberry juice

1 oz lemon juice

1 oz sugar syrup

1 oz orange juice

1/2 oz dark rum

Shake all ingredients (except dark rum) and strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Sprinkle dark rum on top, and garnish with a blueberry for the eye. Serve with straws

***Always drink responsibly.