Season 2: Episode 011

Script

Welcome to my inner musings as I plan for wonder. I’m Crystal, founder and creator of mylifePlanners.ca

The world is broken, or perhaps an improved perception is that it’s a work in progress always. I woke up this morning to a stunning view of the last of the moonlight shining over the snow draped over the wood slats of my back deck. The sky is an insane series of beautiful shades of blue, and it is aware that the morning sunrise is on its way to overwrite the scene.

Sitting in my office as the warm rays seep through my window blinds almost like a hug. Taking in the beauty of these moments even as I reflect on the setbacks, billions of progressives like myself want more, better, for everyone feeling like the rug has been pulled from under us all with the intention of meeting the needs of those who have been sucked into an ideology that fears others.

I wonder about the human condition; yes I am one, and so are you. And I wonder if there is an internal disruptor that holds us back from better because we know everything is fragile and can be taken away. So instead of pushing through and doing what’s best, we falter so we will always be out of reach of what we want. Avoiding the pain of loss that we fear will likely happen.

As a solo business, I hold all the cards. There is control in that. I have the capability to create and reach my dreams, but I haven’t. Why?

One of my biggest hangups has been project management. The myLife tools have been my stopgap to ensure that I reduce the number of balls dropped. I know keeping things on paper is holding me back, and as I have been diving into the world of Notion—learning how to build a system that is customized to my needs—I can see the potential of these two tools collaborating to meet all of my needs.

Systems are the invisible world that those who understand it can leverage as well as impact them. Our world is an interconnected set of systems, biological, emotional, digital, and intellectual (yes I literally am just making this up - but it’s my interpretation of life).

Seth Godin recently released his latest book, This is Strategy: Making Better Plans. And if we want to plan for more wonder in our lives, strategy is part in parce of creating a self-determined future. And it’s in reading the beginning of his book, he focuses on systems and tries to explain what they are, how they work, and how, in order to develop a good strategy, you need to account for systems already in place so you can create versions that can bring your dreams to life.

We are complex beings, and for some reason in our complexity and lack of valuing ourselves, we are turning to artificial reasoning to guide us. I’m currently writing this in the Notion app, and I hate the little Notion AI chat bubble that follows me everywhere. I want to be the mind that creates my life. I don’t need some automated system telling me what to do. Will I make mistakes, heck yeah, that’s the part of life experience that makes life fun to breathe in.

As with any digital tool, there is a function, and I don’t dismiss the value of freeing our time from menial tasks that are based on systems we have created ourselves for our lives. But honestly, the creative work that is being pushed is annoying. When working on a design project and searching for stock images, I turn off the Generative AI option. I will admit that some of the images are striking but there is something about the ‘perfection’ in them that doesn’t sit well with me.

People aren’t perfect, no art is perfect, and that is the perfection in life, the lack of it.

I’ve been struggling with the blow to progressive equality and the ones with the power who feel entitled to determine futures for people who don’t have power.

A good future is one that is based on a person’s freedom to self-determination, one that respects and understands the interconnections that are the path to growth and improvement.

I wonder, do our systems ensure the status quo? So in order to change the status quo, we need to address the systems and as much value as there is in marching and protesting to raise our voices to be heard, after a while it all becomes noise when there are digital terrorists who are sneaking into the media we give so much value to. Real change maybe isn’t burning it all down, but instead building something so bright that you can’t not see it even when you close your eyes.

So where do we start? Now, isn’t that the magical question? I’m ready to start answering it.

Making better plans starts with understanding the systems we have to work with. This allows us to move forward, understand, and learn to create better without the status quo holding us hostage.

Seth’s introduction of “This is Strategy” explains that the best way to use the book is to read and process it with a group of three to four people. I took this to heart and invited a couple of amazing humans who I felt would be keen on the topic and I respect and value their insight. it just goes to prove that solutions don’t happen in a bubble of one. So, as you are processing how and what you do can make a positive impact on those you love and those in the community around who support you, embrace the benefits of interconnections.

Moving forward, I wonder about surrendering to the systems that work so hard to keep our status quo stagnant. I don't mean surrender as giving up, but instead surrendering to get smarter and more creative with smart people around me. I know in my core that the potential of a population of self-determined people who respect each other wants positive change not for self-indulgence but simply because it can be a happier and less traumatic way to live.

So in the next few weeks, sit in your thoughts, process challenges and allow your inner voice to offer ideas to consider.

Above all, I really need you to understand that I value what you have to offer. I value the core of my being, and it isn’t possible without also valuing everyone else’s.

It’s hard to get off this rollercoaster of emotional drama. I think it’s time to get off the rage ride and search out the tunnel of love.