"Got a Dirty Eye, See a Dirty World."
Michael J. Fox, Turning challenge into strength, 90 year old boss ladies, and more little boosts to help you surf hump day
Michael J. Fox recently said something we probably all need to be reminded of from time to time:
“And I realize, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable. If you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to, and you carry on.”
In our next episode of The Uplifters Podcast, launching Friday, you’ll meet Susannah Ludwig, who, like Mr. Fox, has probably faced more than her fair share of challenges but has translated them into extraordinary resilience, love, and gratitude.
I’ve talked to so many people this week who are facing more than their fair share of stuff, and sometimes it can feel like the steady tide of challenge and change is pulling us under. But, what if the only difference between drowning and surfing is our perspective?
My friend Kyia gave me Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening years ago, but I never got around to reading it. Maybe I was just waiting for now, so that I could share this message with you:
Before fixing what you're looking at, check what you're looking through. I had driven 300 miles to see her. She was ninety-four and had been in one room for close to eight months. I was her first-born grandson and she was so happy to see me. But after catching up, we sat in silence on the edge of her bed, and finally, she complained about how gray a day it was.
I realized then that her one window hadn't been cleaned in almost a year. When I said this, she chuckled, as only someone ninety-four can, and uttered with her Russian accent,
"Got a dirty eye, see a dirty world."
It is the same with our minds and hearts. For our very self is the one window we have into this life. And so often, we suffer the mood of a dirty window, believing the brilliant world gray.
Perhaps the purpose of authentic relationship is to help each other keep our minds and hearts clear. Perhaps inner work is the ordinary art of window washing, so that the day is fully the day.
• Sit quietly until you feel centered.
• Now use your breath to wash the ideas from your mind.
• Breathe evenly and wash the film from your heart.
• Breathe deeply and wash the conclusions from your eyes.
What does this mean to you today?
Quick Boosts
If you want a reminder that it’s not too late to go after your dreams, read this article about a 92-year-old woman who joins The Rockettes decades after missing her tryout.
If you need even more proof, read this article about a great-grandma who gets her 90th birthday wish to ride a Harley, courtesy of a biker gang. Shout out to the always-uplifting Alyse for finding and sharing these gems with us!
If you’re looking for a little extra energy as you work toward your goals, spend a minute answering one of the questions that we explored together last week at LiveUp Daily, our coaching community for people who are navigating the highs and lows of dream-making together.
What’s one thing you could do today that you’d feel proud of tonight?
If you’re someone who gets energy from a like-minded community, join us!
Who would you like to hear from on The Uplifters Podcast?
Maybe it’s someone you know that you believe would inspire others. Or perhaps it’s someone you admire from afar. Maybe it’s a specific challenge or skill you want to learn more about. Whatever or whoever it is, let me know by replying to this message, commenting below, or leaving me a voicemail. This show belongs to all of us, so let’s work together to make it something truly valuable to all of us.
See you on Friday! In the meantime, Listen to the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack, or watch us on YouTube.
XO
Aransas