Edit Often. Your life story, money story, career story, love story…. body story, food story…
I just love my friend
Kelly Epperson’s (now Simmons) posts. She is one of the funniest, kindest and wisest people I know. So, this month, I am sharing her post which really resonated with me. It has so many applications. As we start a brand new year, what better opportunity to put this practice in place?
I added my comments in bold.“Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.” Those words are from a quote card currently on my desk. I imagine you, like me, have heard over and over that we get to write our own life story, we are the captains of our ship, the creators of our own destiny. I totally dig that. I did wake up and realize my life was up to me (a bit late in life perhaps, but better late than never) and I am over the moon happy. Grateful. Joyful. Tickled pink.The part of that quote above that grabbed me were the two little words: Edit often. Ah, that resonates. This past decade has been a major metamorphosis. Why? Because I edit often.Making a conscious effort to not fall back into autopilot mode is the key to success in all things, life, love, business, writing. Let’s use writing as an example. Not only do you edit the piece you are working on, you also get to edit what kind of work/writing you want to do. Several authors step out of their familiar territory to try something new. If it feels good, do it. (And if doing the same thing feels good, do it! Stephen King still enjoys creeping us out, and he partnered with his son Owen on a project to give his writing and his life a new jolt of fun. Mesh the best of all worlds.)How often do you edit your wardrobe? Edit often. Twice a year. If you don’t wear it, bye-bye. If it doesn’t fit, adios. If it doesn’t flatter or no longer reflects your personality, ciao. It doesn’t matter how much you paid for it or if it was a gift, this is your life, your closet, your image. Edit often. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels.Here I would add, your body story, your food story… edit often.Amen! This is so important as your body adjusts…and as you adjust to your new body…In addition, I have noticed - often! - that editing “stuff” often results in weight loss.I surround myself with inspiration, and that too I edit. Cards, trinkets, pretties, happy mail. Rotation of items that you love makes them fresh again. A bouquet of flowers is an amazing pick-me-up but after a couple weeks, the stems go limp and need to be rejuvenated. Edit often.Those words “edit often” simply mean to pay attention to your life, all areas of it. Make choices that reflect where you are at this stage of your journey. Honor yourself.If I didn’t edit my life, it is possible I could still be working at the IRS, or not married to my Prince Charming, or not rocking my hot pink hair. Just kidding on that one. I’m still gray and glad of it.It all comes down to choices, and we get to choose more often than we realize. Edits don’t have to be grand strokes. Tweak. Course correct. Try this. Try that. Say yes. Say no. You can edit your money story. Your love story. Your career story. Your life story. Your body story… your food story.I’ve heard that when you keep a clean, uncluttered space, you invite more possibilities, opportunities, and abundance into your life. I totally believe that’s true because I’ve experienced how things open up when I make room… now THAT’S editing!The result? You feel lighthearted… and possibly lighter! Calmly excited. Joyously peaceful. That outcome is most definitely worth a little bit of attention. “Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often.”