A Life with Square Wheels

I’ve been taking a wonderful class (Heart of Business Momentum) from Mark Silver. On his website he used the concept of “square wheels.” I got to thinking about what it would be like to drive a car with square wheels. Sounds goofy, but just stay with me here–there is a point. Sometimes I feel like my life is slowly rolling along on square wheels. I prefer things to happen quickly, easily and with some modicum of clarity. Does it happen that way? Not so much!

It’s just not real life, but… Imagine getting everything you want fast, easily and clearly. It would be a presto-change-o life.

Here’s a couple examples of “magical, round wheels thinking!”  Maybe you can relate.

• Being diagnosed with an eating disorder. Okay, let’s get it on with this treatment stuff, get it over and move on. I thought there was a pill or training that would get me back to my size 12–my “happy” place. Surprise, surprise! There’s work and trust involved in wellness. Ah shucks. So you mean I have to trust the process of making peace with food? Over time? No, no…I said right now, didn’t you hear me? I want it now with minimal work on my part. We know that not realistic. Here’s the FLIP: My intention–I am committed to a daily relationship with food and my body that is mindful and in balance. There’s accountability.
• Believing my hubby will joyfully notice and respond when the house needs to be vacuumed (we have two labs with hair, lots of hair). I actually expect him to see it and to do it–without conversation. He is not “wired” that way! It’s a crazy-making expectation! Here’s the FLIP: My intention–I am committed to an authentic, open and loving relationship with my hubby. He no longer has to be a mind-reader; I no longer have to be angry because he doesn’t miraculously vacuum! There’s responsibility.

I want to be driving that brand new bright red Porsche with round wheels speeding down the highway of life. I’m the one with the red scarf blowing in the wind–you can see me, right? I want the fast road–and things just naturally fall into place. The REALITY: I have the maroon Saturn with over 200,000 miles on it that definitely has problems–especially the square wheels and a clutch that’s about to go out!

You might just be thinking…woo-wee…she’s a brat. And you might be right at times. Unrealistic thinking, unclear expectations and not thinking we have to actually work to get something we really want is a kind of brat-ness! And most of us have some of this some of the time. Right?

I have come a long way since the day I first got married (mid-60′s) and I couldn’t understand why we ran out of toilet paper. I realized that my dear Mother bought all the toilet paper for all these years–she worked hard at providing a great home for her family. She did it so effortlessly, that I never noticed– yikes! (FYI…this a hard one to go public about–talk about naivete.) You’ve also come a long way and I bet you could share some stories too!

Anyway, the truth is that it’s actually  the “easy road” life when you:

• Patiently trust your process.
• Diligently do your work.
• Passionately celebrate your heart’s desire.
• Gratefully connect with wise people to help you.
• Generously invest in you.
• Lavishly love.

My hope is that you will find a place of gratitude for square wheels–I do. It’s a “slow down zone” where you can drink in the yummy-ness and joy of your daily life.

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world…as in being able to remake ourselves.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi

Blessings! Lee