Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
The Power300
Do you ever wonder why we continue to do things the same old way just because it’s the way we were taught or it’s the accepted way? I’m finding that I’m questioning everything I ever learned and wondering if there is better and more efficient ways to accomplish my goals. I’m pretty sure that there is, and I’m determined to find each and every one of them. As a part of my own self-development, I’ve realized that it’s my responsibility to find the most serving ways to live, grow, and effect change for myself and the world around me. And Blindly following the ways of our forefathers, parents, teachers, and the media does not give us opportunity to be totally authentic and fulfill the passions of our hearts.
[Tweet “Doing things a certain way “just because” is no longer acceptable to me. “]
My son recently showed me something that, as simple as it was, blew me away as an object lesson for this very topic. He asked me if I knew how monkeys peel bananas. I assumed that it was the same way we do. He smiled and said, “Wrong! Watch this.” I could tell he was overjoyed that he knew something cool that I did not. He then proceeded to turn the banana upside down, pinched the end gently, and easily peeled it with minimal effort. My first reaction was wondering why the hell no one had ever shown me this before and why does everyone do it the other way. Don’t know about you but I’ve squished countless of bananas just simply trying to break the stem, let alone actually peel it. Really?
It was one of those WTF moments that really showed me something about following the crowd and their sometimes ineffective methods and results. Who thought that peeling a banana would open my eyes to a new world of discovery and powerful life-lessons. Next time you get bananas try peeling it the monkey’s way. You will love how easy it is! And, you will also notice that you have a nice little handle to hold while you eat it from the opposite end.
What things do you do a certain way just because someone else told you to? Could there be a better way? I’m bettin’ YES!
Kellie, what an insightful post! (can’t wait to try the banana tip). I agree when we step out of our routines and old programming we allow ourselves to discover our own path… Not always easy but always worth it in order to live an authentic life.
Thanks for visiting, Linda! I’m questioning everything these days. Finding the balance that fits my life and purpose.
Now that is unbelievable! Who knew? Not me! I’ve noticed that people tend to follow what they’ve been taught instead of questioning if it’s what they choose to believe. Great analogy Kellie!
Thanks, Lisa! I have since found some other interesting things to do differently.
Yes, yes Kellie – question EVERYTHING! De-programming feels wonderful. 🙂 Those monkeys have learned a thing or two eating so many bananas! My Mom told me about this last year and I tried it…it even takes those little strings off along with the peel that normally you have to pull out after peeling. Just learned a trick like that with oranges. Slice both ends off and make a slice through from end to end….roll it out and voila all orange segments ready to pluck out. Enjoyed your post!! 🙂
Thanks for your thoughts, Debra! I am going to try the orange trick! If anything, we are starting a peeling revolution! LOL!
What a clever, insightful post! I say we get rid of the words “just because” entirely! We should always ask ourselves why and demand an answer. That way we know if we’re just following along or actually being deliberate in our choices!
Monkeys are pretty darn clever and so am I when I listen! Happy to spread the word about this important message. Thanks for you comment!
My husband taught me how to do this and I’ve never peeled a banana the same way! Monkeys are so darn smart…LOL…And the banana is so much easier to hold while driving to work…it comes with its own handle! I still have much unlearning to do 🙂 xo
I know, we all have plenty to “unlearn” if we want to get to the summit of our dreams. I know it seems so simple and insignificant, but it’s really a message of deep intent and life fulfillment. Thanks for your thoughts, Peggy.
I love learning new ways of doing things! You’re right… we do things the way we do, usually because we’ve been programmed that way.
So here’s to doing things differently and figuring out what works for us on our own!
I love being bowled over by new things. I even get a little angry that I never thought of it or heard of it before. But then I get really happy about how much time and effort I save. Thanks for you thoughts, Shelley!
Kellie, love this post and will have to try peeling a banana like a monkey. It’s amazing how these WTF moments can create such powerful moments of inspiration and transformation when we least expect them!
Since this I’ve found some other interesting new ways to do things. I’m considering doing a month of discovery posts.
Thanks Kellie for the lovely reminder about habits. As humans, we are creatures of habit…some good and some not so good. But it’s important that we examine our mindsets beliefs and habits all the time so that we continue to transform. Blessings Debra
It is really amazing how we follow the habits of others even if they don’t serve us well. I’m committed to breaking free of this.
This reminds me of the workaholic idea that good things only come to us when we work hard–very hard! I’m opening to the idea that welcoming the good into one’s life is as much about receiving, willingness, and faith as it is about work. It seems like many of us are learning that the path of ease is often the truest and best–more genuine and more fun, richer and more durable, than the path of effort. Thanks for writing about how a different or easier way is worth exploring.
I think women tend to make things harder sometimes because we want to feel our experiences as deeply as possible…well, some do. I love that we always have the choice to change though.
I love this analogy. It took me a while to realise that I don’t need permission. I can just go right ahead and do it! It does still get me though!
Giving ourselves permission is so powerful! Thanks for you thoughts!
Oh my, that is SO funny. I feel I have been cheated of awesome knowledge. 🙂 Love the post and I hear you on your thoughts about following the crowd.
I felt cheated, too, Carina. It made me wonder what else have I been doing just because I was told to.