A Joyous Perspective on Our Capacity: What is taking up your space?

Hi, Guys and Gals - It's time for another Friday Night Thought Tale Hour with the Henderson's. I have been spending the week doing lots of musing around the subject of capacity, and I'm seriously full of thoughts on the subject (pardon the pun). It's another word that can be viewed from a purely scientific perspective or a more philosophical one. That's a lot of fun for me, as I am about 60/40 on that scale (I'll let you guess the ratio). For tonight's finale, I have gathered up the best aspects of each in an attempt to cause you to think about and examine your internal capacities. To consider honestly what is taking up space in the storage container we also call our 'psyche.' 

It's the source of much of who we are and therefore, what guides us to what we do. 

I settled upon this conclusion after reading the textbook definition of the term "capacity": The capacity of a storage item depends on size, depth, sturdiness, adaptability, and intended purpose. In other words, what you put in the container ultimately says what it's capable of doing. Or at least, what it's designed to do...

"Purpose" is a quite an interesting thing...

It’s a funny thing about purpose: Once you know it honestly and comprehensively, you are invincible, because no one can stop you from living your design.  It is your birthright, your gift from and to the universe and humanity. But it can be denied for years, and you can utilize your capacity to serve other lesser purposes. It doesn't make them terrible; it just keeps you from what you know you should be doing.

Until the time that your intended purpose meets its intention.

Four and a half years ago, my current life and future destiny collided in a small upstairs room in Danville Illinois. Sitting and observing a young boy living with autism, I listened to a woman talking about behavioral therapy.

To most, including me, it was your typical spiel about the nuts and bolts of what she was training me to do, and I must admit, I simply took in what I knew I needed to know to perform well.  It wasn’t until about three years later, stalled by circumstance, that I found my way back to that memory.

In revisiting the topic with a new mindset, I saw what I had missed before. Before me was a golden opportunity to serve my clear and intended purpose in this world. I was fortunate enough this second time around to have the clarity, courage, and wherewithal to step out of my life and re-route.

That was when I realized that behavioral therapy was my calling. And as I sat this week, and watched a precocious four year learning to read, a skill his parents considered potentially impossible, I saw a new level hit on my capacity gauge. It was a magical moment.

You might have to free up some space...

I’ve been finding new levels on my capacity gauge in the past few years. I used to think that I had reached my capacity in many areas. But then, the reflection on my capacity came to me one morning as I examined the Google drive on my computer.  It was only 1/8th full, revealing a vast and seemingly endless potential for storage.

I wondered how often we walk around like our google drive. Either

underutilizing our potential for wisdom, love, passion, and desire -choosing to operate at only a small fraction of our capacity, Or perhaps, even worse - unaware that in harnessing and storing the right information, we can learn to maximize our lives to fulfill our potential and promise.

What I came to realize is that, despite everything, capacity itself is not flexible. Rather, it is determined and measured about what goes in, how much space things take up, and how much is left for everything else. This means that no matter how much potential we have held on to the right things, by holding on to the wrong things, we take up vital space and give the illusion of limitations.

An intended purpose: When we know without a doubt what we believe we were made to do. Then it’s not a matter of how, but rather how soon.  

Unfortunately, we have all fallen victim to negativities. We allow those thoughts to inhabit our minds, often leaving us feeling exhausted, drained, and far below a functional capacity for this life and its challenges.

We are left drowning in the negative self-talk, stuck among the constant comparisons and envy, the “why me” questions, the stifling fears, and the seemingly paralyzing self-doubt.  All these things ultimately deplete our energy and keep us stuck in dissatisfaction.

We must recognize the things, people, and situations that rob us of our ability to do more and invest more. We must give ourselves permission to let go. Release the people and things that hold us back and cloud our minds, hearts, and souls with inefficient thoughts, behaviors, and energies. 

We must decide to be satisfied with what is taking up our space.

Satisfaction results when an understanding of intention and design meets a commitment to living out that purpose.

Then we can just allow the knowledge that this is what we’re made for to guide our hearts, souls, thoughts, and hands. The bonus is that when we understand our talents and potential and follow our internal compass, it’s a lot easier to stay self-assured when dealing with challenges.

I see this so clearly now as I look back on that life-changing and decisive moment.  Two years into my career as a Behavioral Therapist, working daily with children who are living with Autism and their families, I know that I am operating at full capacity. My work fills me with unbounded love, joy, and passion, and it always challenges my perspective on the world.

We are all in the midst of a journey, and it is never too late to turn around, re-calculate, and pursue your intended purpose.

So I ask you: Are you limiting yourself or operating at full capacity? If not, where does your heart lead you, and what steps can you take today to start heading there?

So tonight, we toasting to our levels of capacity with a drink I am calling "Filled to the Brim." It's warm and cheery, and will not leave us feeling wanting for anything more. Yes, now that's something to toast to. CHEERS, FRIENDS!

Joy's Filled to the Brim Cocktail***
INGREDIENTS
FOR TWO:
1 cup brewed coffee
¼ cup milk
¼ cup RumChata
2 oz pumpkin pie vodka
2 oz Amaretto
1 Tbsp. Sugar or Stevia
⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
FOR A PITCHER (8 Cups):
4½ cups brewed coffee
1¼ cups milk
1¼ cups RumChata
½ cup pumpkin pie vodka
½ cup 
¼ cup sugar or Stevia
½ tsp. ground cinnamon

Optional: whipped cream and ground cinnamon for topping

Add the sugar and cinnamon to the hot coffee and stir until dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
Serve warm or over ice.

Top with optional whipped cream ground cinnamon.

***Always drink responsibly. Never drive after over-consuming alcohol.