Where you come from (your stance) is the foundation to "where you want to go!"
Do this right, and you to can CHOOSE the life you've always dreamed of...
(This ain't "HYPEY" shit either)
Ask me how I know 👋
Imagine this...
A crowded, plush forest, wherein lies a multitude of telescopes, each fixed to the top of its own tree.
Each "individual" telescope offering a unique lens perspective of the world—some tinted with optimism, others with caution...
Some magnify the small details of life (micro), and others reveal the distant horizon (macro).
Climbing one tree and peering through its "individual" telescope can show you one part of the world - a version shaped by that specific tree’s height, roots, and surroundings.
But get this...
No single tree, or telescope, holds the WHOLE TRUTH!
Because...
When you leap to another tree and peer through that lens, you don’t JUST see a different part of the forest; you begin to see how the forest connects...
where the light falls...
where the shadows linger...
and how everything works together in harmony.
If you only ever stayed focused on one lens, you'd severely LIMIT your perspective.
Endin' up like me, before I got old(er)
yah see...
when I was a young brussel sprout.
I stumbled across a huge tree while pickin' chesnuts for dinner (that's another story) and named it Solace (because it's where I'd go when I wanted to be alone in my "Safe-place.")
Trouble being...
As years passed by, and I watched the birds soar to other trees,
their wings carrying whispers of distant lands.
Travelers came and went, speaking of valleys of golden light and rivers of endless blue (not unlike the constant BIG promises made by internet KNOBS GURU's)
I hid, and listened but never climbed down.
"Why risk falling when I already have this view?" I thought.
Over time, the leaves above grew dense, blocking the sun.
That once vibrant view faded... shadows stretching where light once danced.
Eventually...
I grew restless, wondering about the song of birds that had faded into the distance, the sight of lands I would never see.
But FEAR kept me rooted.
Until...
One day, a fierce storm swept through the forest, shaking Solace to its core. And for the first time, I felt the tree’s fragility, its roots trembling, its branches bending.
And as the storm calmed, I finally realized my mistake:
"by clinging to one solitary tree, I'd missed the chance to explore the whole forest"
The years of stillness had stolen my strength, curiosity, and had "nearly" SET my path.
The courage to leap would have been a distant dream
Until...
I realized the power of "STANCE."
Listen...
You can think positively all you want. But, if your stance is weak - nothin' good will happen.
And you'll be FOREVER tied to solace.
Imagine takin' part in baseball, fencing, dancing, or martial arts.
You always change your stance
Agreed?
It's fully in your power in any given momento.
Your "inner stance" is the position or "mental posture" YOU create to live life from.
YOUR power is the willingness and ability to shift inner stances at WILL.
But, first...
you have to "NOTICE" there is a stance, and believe you can shift it.
Well do you?
And will you?
Any questions, you know where to ask.
Hey there!
I loved the idea of naming your tree ‘Solace’, that really stuck with me. It got me thinking: do we all have our own version of ‘Solace’ in life? Lately, I’ve been wondering if being too comfortable with how I see things might hold me back.
You said, ‘Your power is the willingness and ability to shift inner stances at WILL,’ and it made me curious, how do we know when it’s the right time to change how we think about something versus sticking to what we believe? With everyone always saying we need to ‘adapt’ and ‘grow,’ is there ever a good reason to stay firm in our beliefs?
Would love to hear what you think about finding the balance between changing and staying steady.
Eric
Hey Eric!
Thanks for takin’ the time to leave such a thoughtful response (I appreciate it 😁)
So, back to your question.
“Stick or Twist?”
Altering your beliefs is like renovating a house you’ve lived in for years.
Pros:
New Potential: Knocking down old walls opens space for fresh ideas, just as letting go of outdated beliefs can create room for growth and opportunities.
Stronger Foundation / Stance: Reinforcing the structure with better materials ensures your house (or mindset) can weather future storms.
Better Fit: Updating your home to reflect your current needs mirrors how adapting your beliefs makes them align with who you’ve become (you don’t have to stay the same if it isn’t working for you… YOU can choose)
Cons:
Disruption: The renovation process can be messy and uncomfortable, much like challenging deeply held beliefs.
Uncertainty: You might worry if the changes will work out or if you lose something valuable.
Effort: It takes time, energy, and courage to tear down and rebuild, whether it’s a house or your perspective (Discomfort is the catalyst to change). Or, as I heard from someone years ago…
“Necessity is the mother of invention”.
The Key:
Just as a well-planned renovation turns a house into your dream home, carefully reevaluating and altering beliefs can transform your life – if you’re willing to embrace the chaos of change.
Although…
I wouldn’t advise anyone happy with the status quo to alter ANY of their beliefs.
Knowing you can, or NOT (IMO) makes all the difference.
Thanks again, Eric.
In your corner
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)
PS: I hope I’ve answered your question.
I loved this story and it can be easily compared with our own lives. Many people are scared to take risks in case they fail and rather than fail they will stay rooted to one spot where they feel safe.
What do you recommend to help enable people and get them to move into life’s next adventure? Reading this article for one brings in a few home truths. I look forward to see future articles from you.
Hey Michel!
Nice to see you again, and thanks for taking a “risk” by leaving your comment.😁👋
(believe it or not, some people DON’T leave comments because they’re afraid to.)
Anyway back to your request.
A little story from my distant past.
Years ago, on honeymoon, I decided to go for a nighttime dip in the ocean. The scorching sun had vanished, replaced by a stifling, sticky evening, so slipping into the water felt like peeling off a layer of heat and diving into a lukewarm bath. (Yes, lukewarm – romantic, I know.)
Paddling in the shallows, minding my business, when a friend dared us to swim out to a buoy in the distance. Naturally, I said yes – because, c’mon…
who doesn’t want to look like a hero on their honeymoon, right?
As we swam further, the water got colder, the harbor noise faded, and the silence grew deafening.
That’s when…
“THOSE” thoughts started creeping in:
“Colder water means deeper water.”
“Deeper water means dangerous water.”
Cue Jaws theme. I could practically hear it – da-dum, da-dum.
Panic hit me like a tidal wave.
I turned tail and swam back to shore, heart racing.
Meanwhile, my friend?
He kept going, calm as a cucumber, and made it to the buoy (zero drama).
Long story short: we both ended up safe and sound.
The only difference?
His courage and my lack of it – thanks to the horror show playing in my head.
But… that’s life in a nutshell, isn’t it?
Do you listen to the fear-fueled voices in your head, or just change the channel?
My friend had a different story running through his mind.
He swam on, while I swam back.
Two humans. Two stories. Two outcomes.
So…
Staying in your comfort zone is like clinging to a kiddie pool because it’s warm and safe – sure, you won’t drown, but you’re also missing out on the cannonballs, water slides, and the chance to show off your “legendary” belly flop in the big pool.
This ain’t NO rehearsal
All the best
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)
Hello,
What a thought provoking article. I think I’ve been stuck in ‘Solace’ for too long and need to break free. Your article made me think deeply about my own situation and how I need to move my journey forward.
Your analogy with the trees and forest is perfect.
So, you’ve made me consider moving on to see the rest of the ‘forest’. Do you have any suggestions on how to start. I’m sure baby steps will have to be my speed but would like to hear your view the first little step needed.
Thank you
Jackie
Hey Jackie!
Thanks a ton for stopping by and sharing your thoughts – I truly appreciate it! 😁👍
And can I just say…
I’m thrilled the article shed some light on your current stance (or perspective)?
So, just for you, Jackie, here’s a little something I’ve cooked up…
Picture this:
You’re standing on a stepping stone in the middle of a stream. Your footing feels solid for now, but the water’s rising, slowly turning that stream into a rushing river.
Sooner or later, it’s going to push you to move.
But there it is – the next stone.
Bigger, sturdier, with a spectacular view of the horizon.
You KNOW you can make it.
Everyone’s cheering.
All it takes is one tiny step to shift your footing and claim that better spot.
Now, I get it.
That first leap?
It’s terrifying.
But here’s the thing…
Nobody knew how to be a mother until AFTER the baby was born.
Nobody knew how to swim until AFTER they jumped in.
It’s scary because it’s new.
But once you leap, it’s a whole new world (ask me how I know👋)
So, Jackie…
Make that move.
(Not the baby part—🤣)
We’ve got your back!
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)
This is a beautifully written metaphor for the importance of broadening our perspectives. It’s a reminder that sticking to one viewpoint can limit our understanding of the world.
I resonate with the idea that we shouldn’t let fear keep us from exploring different viewpoints. It’s a powerful lesson on adaptability and growth.
I’m curious, have you found that changing your “stance” in life has led to personal growth or new opportunities? It’s a concept I’m definitely going to ponder and apply in my own life. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking piece!
Hey Shaun!
Thanks…a virtual handshake is on its way 🫲 (don’t leave me hangin’).
Now, to pop that curiosity bubble for you…
Yes, I’ve changed my stance plenty of times in life.
Back in the day? Totally on autopilot.
These days? It’s more intentional.
You might remember that old TV gem, Mr. Ben, if you’re in the UK.
The setup was simple:
Every episode, Mr. Ben would stroll into a costume shop, pick an outfit, and – BAM – he’d be living out an adventure tied to that costume.
Knight? He’s off slaying dragons.
Astronaut? He’s moonwalking.
Costume = Role.
Role = Stance.
Same thing, different label.
But, here’s the kicker…
The show had a deeper message for anyone paying attention: you choose the stance you take.
But life’s funny that way.
Most people eventually glue themselves to one “costume,” forgetting it’s just a role, not their actual identity.
(BTW “Identity” is a fascinatin’ idea)
So the question is Shaun…
What stance (or “costume”) are you rockin’ today?
And is it REALLY the one you want?
In your corner
Dedo (Chief MEME Officer)