What’s Your One Thing?
June 21, 2011 by confab
Filed under Zen & Wellness
Photo Credit: Wind Blown by Photography League
I am blessed with friends who are strong, courageous, inspiring, intelligent, and wise women. On a recent “girls getaway” with my friend Tricia, a renowned author and intuitive counselor, we engaged in a compelling conversation about “that one thing.”
Let me explain…
It seems we all have one thing that is so coveted that we feel we might cease to exist without it. Perhaps we are impervious to the white knuckle grasp we have on this particular attribute or aspect of our identity. But, it is one thing that remains consistent throughout our life. We subconsciously vow to protect it without compromise.
Examples may be helpful.
My friend Gina comes to mind. Her “one thing” is her commitment to fitness. I have known her 27 years and her weight has fluctuated a total of 5 pounds during that time, including three pregnancies. She is in better shape now than she was in her 20’s. Outside observers might consider her obsessed, but that isn’t the case. Unless she exerts her physical body daily, she feels disconnected and off-kilter. She calls it “staying in her body”. It’s just that simple. As a result, her life incorporates fitness without compromise.
My friend Tricia is committed to her spirituality—it’s her one thing. Her life is devoted to her own personal growth. Through her books, workshops and personal coaching, she has helped thousands of people gain clarity in their life. There is no thing and no one that would tempt her to give up this calling. Her commitment is unwavering.
For my friend Alicia, her one thing is her involvement with the church. She went into crisis recently when that relationship was suddenly challenged. An unexpected threat to her one thing brought out the Mama Bear and my gentle natured friend confidently took a stand against the “evil saboteurs.” Situation resolved.
Photo Credit: Bear by Iskra 85
That’s the thing about our one thing. When threatened, we’ll go to extreme protective measures because we know the very essence of our identity is at stake. Our one thing has us find courage, strength to overcome threats and challenges. In the process, we grow.
Photo Credit: No Compromise by SRDrummer boy
Whether we realize it or not, we organize our life around our one thing. At the same time, it can be very elusive. When Tricia asked me about my one thing, I was stumped. I said “my freedom?” and she laughed. “You are not free,” she said. “Your life is filled with the burden of compromise.” It wasn’t exactly the answer I was expecting but with much love and great finesse, she lead me to the answer—my creativity. Looking back even into the dark corners of my childhood, I realized that no matter how my life has evolved, no matter what challenges I faced, I have found ways to express my creativity. This blog is a perfect example–it is an outlet for creativity.
Photo Credit: Creativity by Blue Eco freak
Why should you care about your one thing? When you understand the essence of you, the roots of your choices and the impact on your relationships become clear. With clarity, you are one step closer to creating a life filled with intention, joy, freedom, love and purpose. And that, my wise and wonderful readers, is a beautiful thing.
Photo Credit: This is Freedom by Dreaming Photographer
What’s your one thing?
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Hi! This is my first visit here after following you on BLOGFROG, and will most definitely not be my last. I am now a follower here too. But getting to the important point…I must tell you that out of the multitude of blog’s I follow, I have NEVER read anything that touched me like this post! Truly! I will be returning often to see what other treasures you have buried here. I’d love for you to wander over and check out my blog and maybe even follow too. Be well, and keep touching lives! Kudos!
Keala,
I just took a visit to your wonderful blog. Glad to meet you and thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I have recently been battling a bad case of the blogging blahs, and took a little time off to regroup. Coming back to a comment like this really gave me some encouragement. Thank you!
Kim
Now you have me thinking…what’s my one thing!? I’m going to ponder this for awhile and see what I come up with!
xo Susie
It’s kind of fun to go through the process. I am telling you though…it is tough to do on your own. Ask your best friends, because it is probably what they really love about you.
Thanks for coming by my blog. It’s nice to meet you.
Kim
My one thing would have to be, at this point in my life:)
My friends and the church which are intertwined!
Hi Zombiemommy,
You must have a great support system which is really a luxury today. Enjoy it. Embrace it. You are blessed!
Kim
Wow – I love this blog. You write with such an engaging voice that I couldn’t help but be drawn in! Thanks for sharing in such an entertaining way. This post is particularly engaging, and I’ll be, like Susie, pondering my ‘one thing’ for awhile.