Keep An Open Mind
When I first started looking for an illustrator, I remember saying to myself “how come all the people I like are from Pakistan or Indonesia”. I discounted all of them and continued searching. I decided that I want someone from the U.S. Then an African American. And even further an African American female. I went through 3 illustrators: one African American female, one African American male, and one Black female from South Africa who I thought was the one, because after all, I had just gone on a tour of South Africa. Well one was not able to depict the spirit of the character. The second was not able to provide an interesting background. The third was not able to meet timelines even after 2 extensions.
After 3 strikes I was out and decided to set aside the search and give myself a moment to reflect on what I really wanted. What is most important. I determined that the vision and value of what I was creating was more important than a specific characteristic of the person. After about 2 weeks I went back to looking for my illustrator. And once again the person whose work I resonated with was from Indonesia. There is truly a lesson to be learned here.
Sometimes what you’re looking for may not come in the manner or package that you expect. Sometimes we set criteria for important areas in our lives and by doing so we may limit potential other great possibilities. You may have an idea of what you want your spouse to look like and overlook someone next to you who is the right one. You may have your heart set on attending a particular university and pass by an opportunity to attend a different university. And it is that different university that would have opened doors for a fantastic job or maybe where you would have met the love of your life. You may be looking for the perfect job, the perfect client, the perfect deal, the perfect child, the perfect partner, the perfect time to do something with all sorts of perfect criteria. And as a result, you may turn down an opportunity that would have elevated your career or enhanced your life beyond what you imagined. When you focus on external or superficial criteria it blurs the vision and you can lose sight of your values.
We don't know what the universe has in store for us. We don’t know what doors God will open or what opportunities God will place in your path. Sometimes it is better to have an open-minded view of what you want so you don't discount the right person or place or prospect based on aspects that ultimately are irrelevant. When it seems like you are not finding what you are looking for, go back and ask yourself, what is it that you really want. What is it that you are trying to accomplish? What is it that you value? Sometimes you must pause and reflect on what is most important. Give yourself a moment and put your vision and values at the forefront. When vision and value are the focus, you allow the universe to resonate with your needs. You allow the presence of God to intervene. When vision and value are kept in mind you will know when you have the right person or place or prospect. When vision and value are given the lead, success, happiness and satisfaction will follow.
Is there something you are wanting or looking for in life? Pause for a moment and reflect on what your vision and value are for that issue. What is most important in this matter? Keep that as the focus and the rest will come. Share your reflection and thoughts below.
