It’s been six months since the launch of my first book, “Happiness is Over There” – and you can buy a signed copy at www.paperclipthinking.com or you can email me at travis@paperclipthinking.com to arrange book delivery. 

As I complete my 11th year of intense study, writing, workshops, reading, and coaching on the topics of self-improvement, introspection, vulnerability, dialogue, and mindfulness, I’ve had a handful of earth shaking epiphanies and the most recent one deals with vulnerability, over-sharing, and superiority.

The further I go into my own personal search for meaning I’ve recognized that I’ve had moments of total superiority – the belief that my opinions, my studies, my perspectives are RIGHT and everyone else (who isn’t in full support of me) is WRONG.  This debate of right vs. wrong does me no good (and it does no good for anyone around me). This belief led to frustration, arguments, and other negatives that I don’t want in my life, anymore.

I believe that I’m on this planet to have fun, enjoy the journey, meet new people, share and receive love, and to learn as much as I can from those around me.  In the event that some of my experiences could add value to someone else, I’ll share (when I’m asked). The when I’m asked portion of that last sentence is the new change, for me.

How will they know to ask?  They’ll see the way I’m living and grow curious.  See…If I’m not living peacefully then my stories and thoughts on these topics are just that – stories.  If I’m not listening for other perspectives, loving the people who are sharing them, and willing to support true dialogue – then I’m not in a place that is healthy, for me.

I want to be peacefully quiet, which has been a challenge for most of my life.  Making statements to prove my worth or to garner appreciation & attention only led me to isolation.  True joy occurs when I engage in the learning of others and this fuels my personal belief that peace and productivity are derivatives of vulnerability and sharing (crucial is being able to indirectly share through action: when your actions elicit the questions that spark the vulnerable dialogue).  As a good friend shares with me, often, “It’s so much more powerful to see a sermon than hear one.”

Cheers to all of you and your journeys, whatever they may hold.  A poem from me to you:

Why do I choose to tell you these things?

Something went dark years ago…

The belief in myself, it melted like snow.

What was left after the melt had begun…

An ego with depths like a majestic canyon.

I’ve explored those depths and realized this…

The journey I’m on is for me, my gift.

To squander this gift – its love and peace - because of words like right or wrong…

Is but ego’s attempt to live above ground.

You ask why I choose to tell you all of these things?

It’s to support YOU someday, when you too, choose your wings.

TFurlow