Living in The Almostby Kristin Mackey
Are you living in the land of The Almost?
You know, that place you dwell that feels almost right - but not quite.
Now of course our heart cannot always sing, but usually when a note has not struck for awhile it may indicate you are not living in alignment with your true joy. Perhaps it is a slippery slope when folks set out to design their lives. Many build their worlds to win the approval and respect of friends and colleagues. They make choices to feel important and worthy over joyful and passionate. When too many compromises are made in the name of winning outward approval, you may just step right into… The Almost – and boy can it get sticky there!
The Almost is so seductive. It lures us with adoring fans when we make a choice that is just ever so slightly more in alignment with someone's (and society’s) values over our own. We dismiss that slither of uneasiness we feel convincing ourselves we are merely “compromising”, not quite realizing the impact of our choice. The Almost feels so much like the real thing it is easy to mistake it for a direct hit. We hold our arrow steady, take position and release the bow landing just one ring off center – “pretty good”, we think. We find ourselves soon rambling the positives of our almost hit, as we cover our passions deeming such pursuits penniless. How unfortunate.
Being a proponent of positive thinking I know well the value of focusing on the bright side of things. However, if we are talking creative power here, how we feel is a far greater force in regard to our ability to manifest our dreams , then mere thought. So I am inclined to rally self-awareness before all else.
It appears to me that living in The Almost may just be the common trap that drives many to seek outside support. The illusion of happiness it projects is so convincing that pinpointing the real problem takes multiple experts or alternatively the resigned distractions we so entertain. But it does not have to be that way.
Hitting the bulls eye when you release your arrow is not about accomplishments, awards, dollars-earned or beauty obtained, it is simply knowing you are leading a life that is a true reflection of who you are and what you value. There is no ideal life blueprint, although society would have you believe so – just your own. And hitting that mark on the first go round a joyful challenge. So by all means, miss the mark – several times, as many times as you need to - just don’t convince yourself you hit it should you happen to get weary trying. Your core, your truth, your voice is worth every bow you send. Nothing feels quite as profoundly satisfying as hitting it, and nothing feels quite as empty as convincing yourself you did. Aim again.
Kristin Mackey, Inspirational Speaker/Transformation Expert/Artist
Recently named by Training magazine’s as "One to Watch" in 2010 and was featured in the July/Aug issue of Training Magazine.
Kristin has successfully lead seminars for groups ranging from 8 to 500 including Lockheed Martin, Mercury Media, PriceWaterHouse Coopers, and TCI Bank Limited etc. with outstanding feedback.
She is invited to keynote large conferences as well as conduct executive leadership retreats. Her unique teaching style has attracted United States media coverage as well as in the Caribbean Islands.
As a consultant for Fred Pryor Seminars, she was ranked first among 250 speakers worldwide for her work in teaching conflict resolution. As a consultant for Franklin Covey, she facilitates several key programs including The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
Prior to her current work, she was a director for a large health care system. She introduced progressive programs and implemented extensive internal changes. She delivered two key milestones in the enterprise’s 5-year strategic plan and increased key performance metrics. Kristin also conducted regular media training for award-winning physician authors on national television and radio book tours.
Kristin was instrumental in planning and executing The Radio Only Management International Conference with Peter Drucker to prepare radio General Managers for change. It was the most attended conference in the program’s three-year history.
She co-authored the custom e-book, I AM Worthy of Greatness with coach Scott Baker to encourage transitioning youth (who aged out of the foster care system) to follow their dreams. Some of her published articles include True Inspiration, Personal Transformation in Three Easy Steps and Embrace Your Wingspan.
Kristin supports organizations such as SOS Children’s Village and Painting for Charity in London.