As some of you may know, I have worked toward my Masters in Holistic Nutrition as an on-line study programme. While I am in Tokyo, I seem to have time to spend on assignments, courses and projects. I was working on it slowly, taking my time with each course. In August of last year (2010), I received notification that the college (Clayton College of Natural Health) had filed for bankruptcy after being in business for 35 years. Before I applied for the programme, I researched a few schools. CCNH seemed to have a solid programme and their graduates worked on big projects and some even authored books on natural health and holistic healing. I liked their philosophy and applied. Now, as I was nearing the end of my courses, CCNH has gone under. There were several options – transfer to another institution that was willing to accept courses completed, take part in a ‘teach-out’ or just make a decision to let it go. I had about 6 courses left and I had paid all my fees. I felt that going through a transfer to another institution would be too much work, so I applied for the teach-out. My application was accepted, however the condition was that all my courses, assignments, and requirements were to be completed by the end of January 2011. It turned out to be a challenge, but with help from friends and family, I was able to complete my courses just in time. The courses are all mailed in and I now await confirmation that they are truly completed and that my diploma is on its way.
As I approached the deadline, they were days when I wondered whether it was all worth it, as the stress built, there moments when I was ready to let it all go, after all it was not my fault that the college went out of business. It could have waited until my courses were complete (chuckle). However, I am thankful that part of me kept remained steadfast in my quest for success. That got me pondering - so why is it important to us to see things through to completion? Granted, the completion of a diploma or certification is satisfying, but is it enough to keep us motivated? It is ways interesting that some people are driven to completing everything they start, while others are not. I have often encountered people who proclaim that they have worked on a project (house, work, etc.) for a few months or even years, but the project is still unfinished. As for me, I could not have a project ‘hanging’ for such a long time. A lot of my energy, time and thoughts would be consumed by this unfinished task. So, instead of constantly wasting energy thinking about it, I would prefer to have it completed. It gives a sense of relief and lightness and excitement that I now have time to start something new or embark on a new adventure. It brings me to a place of quiet, like the picture I included at the top.
I believe that for something new to come in, there has to be a space created for it. If my space it too bogged down with old issues, uncompleted projects and old energies, then how do I move into a fresh, new world? How can I welcome a new adventure, a new project, a journey into my life, if it is being held down by old collections? Any project or dream begins with a thought or an idea. Success means taking that thought and turning it into action. However, projects or assignments come in many forms. Some are easier to work towards, while others are more challenging. For example, it would be easier for me to work towards a degree than it would be to start a strict diet or exercise programme. Others may find, dieting and exercising easier. So, the question is – does it matter what is completed or what is not? Does it matter whether the diet was successful or the degree was obtained? How much does it matter? How much difference would it make and what sacrifices are needed? Perhaps in the case of dieting, health is at risk. For some that would be enough of an incentive to begin, complete and change lifestyle. Yes, even under the threat of ill-health, others can not find enough drive to complete a lifestyle change.
So, what is drive? Why are some motivated enough to become ‘movers and shakers, some others are inspired by these people, yet others carry on without a thought for change? For some, completion only occurs when, where they are is more uncomfortable than where they need to go. Others are able to see how important change is and go there without being forced to. There is a sense that unless one is proactive and makes conscious choices, choices are made for you.
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
Anatole France
Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
