Are good intentions a waste of time?I don't think so.
For me, thinking about doing something is the first step. I walk all around it in my head like a new dance step. It might take several turns on the dance floor to make the right moves, so in my head a smooth move is the result of the mental practice.
Trying something new takes courage. Making positive changes can be "ouchy". Uncomfortable.
Stepping out of the comfort zone is taking the first step. Sometimes it is a new adventure. Occasionally taking that first step leads to amazing growth and wellness. It all began with a thought, then became a good intention that morphed into a healthy change.
Drawing found on Google.
Good intentions are a great first step, it's the second step I have problems with.
ReplyDeleteamen to that! you are spot on!!!
ReplyDeleteI do exactly that, though I wouldn't have expressed half as well. Superb post.
ReplyDeleteGood intentions are great - just be aware that there are people who will take advantage...
ReplyDeleteyeah, i hear you...a little thought, a little intentionality...next thing you know...but it does take change and that can be painful
ReplyDeleteI rarely think about good or evil. I just act and try to do what's right in the moment and if it works out well for all concerned then cool. If not..fuck it I tried with the hope that it would work out to the best possible outcome for all concerned.
ReplyDeleteBe Well
Ms.A, yes, moving a thought to a deed can be difficult.
ReplyDeleteShadow, Thanks. Glad to see you posting again.
Dave, Yes you would.
RC, I have had people like that in my life and I understand what you are saying.
Brian, Sometimes fear can hold us back from making change.
walking man, I know what you are saying. Thanks for stopping by.
I love the imagery of the dance steps in your head. I fear that my good intentions sometimes end up having two left feet.
ReplyDeleteI think it's the same for me: I rehearse the intention and then sometimes it just follows naturally. Other times I must take those painful first steps. Good post.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Sometimes we trip over our own feet when taking those steps.. other times we dance.
ReplyDeleteAwww ... how SWEET! Good food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, sister!
ReplyDeleteOh man, its hard when you are older, trying something new, nearly impossible!
ReplyDeleteMy colleague here at work likes to say that no good deed goes unpunished. Then there's others who say that a good deed is its own rewards. I lean towards the second thought.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and it really resonates for me right now as I ponder my future and some big changes.
ReplyDeleteI for one, definitely need that first step of contemplating something new. This hit home with me.
ReplyDeletejust found your blog. enjoyed the writing and look forward to coming back.
ReplyDeletecadan
The way I look at it, if we stay in our comfort zone we'll grow stagnate, grow mold, wither up and die.
ReplyDeleteYa gotta shake things up and do something new, different and exciting...feel life. Heck, I'm thrown into all sorts of situations I never dreamed of here on the Ponderosa. It's never dull to say the least! Heeeheehhe
God bless ya sweetie and have an amazin' day!
Yes..... good intentions need motivation and taking those first steps.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what it is you are intending to do!
Maggie X
Nuts in May
may all your following steps be in a straight row!
ReplyDeleteI think that having good intentions and acting on them is a really powerful thing. And yes, it does take courage.
ReplyDeleteI agree whole-heartedly. Action is preceded by thought. Always doing without thinking can't lead to much. Alas, the best intentions do not always guarantee outcomes. Even so, your 3 step approach to change that you closed with makes a lot of sense to me.
ReplyDeleteI like to view it as a balance. Living on the edge is not so survivable but it doesn't hurt to take a look at the edge once in awhile.
ReplyDeleteThe intentions are always good, never bad.
ReplyDeleteBetty, I wish you success in whatever you feel is right for you.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, you made me laugh. Two left feet for sure.
DJan, We have much in common.
Hilary, when dancing is easy and relaxed, we are in the right place.
Silver Strands, Thanks so much.
Kristina P, We must be tuned in.
Gary, not impossible. You have no idea how much I have changed over the past four years.
Big Dave, I would like to believe that a good deed is its own reward.
Coyote, I know you are contemplating major changes and I wish you much success.
terri, glad this hit home with you.
cadan, welcome and look forward to checking out your blog.
Nezzy, your positive outlook is refreshing and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteMaggie May, Motivation is such an individual thing. I have learned to make difficult changes even when the motivation is a whisper instead of a roar.
Jillsy Girl, You know me, I prefer things crooked.
Sometimes I don't even realize how much courage things take until I have worked through something and made changes.
Stickup Artist, The things I write about here are new for me. That is why they are so interesting to me.
lisleman, indeed, balance is a good place to visit, I just wouldn't want to live there. For me, it sounds too much like being on the fence.Ha.
Ocean Girl, I know your intentions are that way. You rock.
I think it depends on the motive behind the good intentions. If the motive is based on selfish reasons (wanting to change someone's behavior we don't agree with) then the good intentions become meddling.
ReplyDeleteI know we have a lot of "helpful advice" we would like to help our adult kids with. For the most part, we keep our good intentions to ourselves.
So very well expressed!
ReplyDeleteGood intentions are always good and never wasted!
Margie
Very well said. Though it isn't the only consideration, intentions matter, and are where most things begin.
ReplyDeleteThe intention of all behavior is positive, they say.
ReplyDeleteBut for who - whom - etc is always the next question!
Er..talking of good intentions, don't flowers need a little rain (giggle)? That picture kind of illustrates how a lot of my good intentions often back-fire! But like they say, it's the thought that counts, eh? My intentions are usually pure!
ReplyDeleteI do something similiar myself.
ReplyDeleteYep, you have to start with that as a base.
ReplyDeleteYes you are so right. I made the decision to buy James' music from his itunes button and it is part of my collection of music to walk to as I stroll. His songs are just what I need to keep motived and work well when I need a slower pace. Actually he's part of a trio, Leonard Cohen's More Best of.., Yanni's If I Could Tell You and James' Bipolar Shaman. His music is totally a different style but I like it. My intention is to keep trying new stuff in all sorts of genres. That's my way to stimulate and keep hoping for good days.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Have the desire to do something good is a major first step.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you: I try my best to do right by people. And that's why I often feel shaken to my core when my intention is misconstrued. People have become more and more cynical (myself included) and sometimes I will not do something simply because I do not want my good intentions to be misunderstood...
ReplyDelete