Stephen Covey, in his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizes the importance of taking care of the Goose that Lays the Golden Eggs. He says we need to take the time and set the intention to care for what is most precious in our lives. We can’t just look at the production of the Golden Eggs; we need to take care of that Goose.
We kill the Goose when we over-fish, overgraze, over-plant, over-log, overbuild, over eat, and over-busy our lives. The hills of Lebanon used to be covered with a forest of cedar trees. Our oceans used to have 90% more big fish. We have not taken care of our soil, and our food contains a fraction of the nutrients it used to. This not taking care of the Goose isn’t just personal–it’s a global problem, perhaps our greatest global problem.
I believe wholeheartedly that we need to take care of the Goose. I practice it daily. And yet, and yet–it turns out I accidentally killed my Goose.
A Cosmic Oops!
It turns out I’ve been trying to beat the eggs out of my Goose as I was building my business.
I believe I was put on this planet to reach thousands, perhaps millions of people. I believe I’ve been in a Cosmic PhD program for many years now. I have been given assignments from my Angel Committee, assignments designed to teach me to persevere, be grateful, and trust humility and authenticity.
A year ago I made a decision to do whatever it would take to get myself out in the world in the way I feel called to be in the world. I’ve spent a lot of time, money, and effort this last year doing what I thought I needed to do to build relationships and connect with people all over the world.
Instead of tending my sacred Goose, the producer of my creativity, joy, wisdom, and optimism–instead of tending and trusting my Goose, it turns out I’ve been trying to stick my arm up there and grab those Golden Eggs before their time.
I didn’t mean to be doing this. I thought I was Trusting the Universe. I knew that a sense of urgency was stalking me and I didn’t trust the frenzy that seemed embedded in my trying to market my movement, but I thought I was in integrity and having fun as much as possible.
Confession
I now realize I have not been taking good care of myself all these months and I’ve been trying to become someone I’m not. I am not a salesman. Money does not motivate me. I need money to fuel my passion and purpose in this world and I want opportunities to be of service to the greatest number of people.
But I’ve worn myself out marketing three to five hours a day as I was told I must if I wanted my business to be more than a hobby. The Goose isn’t dead really, she’s just stunned and motionless. I will not beat her with a stick to get her up and going again. I will not shame her or me. I will not despair, extrapolating this feeling I’m having right now into the future.
I am going to sit with my stunned, exhausted Goose, and stroked her, and let her know how much I love her. I will not urge her into action; I will wait to hear from her. How long this will take I do not know.
Trusting Everything
I’d been getting feedback from readers that my articles have had perfect timing and have been a comfort. I believe in synchronicity. I believe that my authenticity is not just about me or just for me. I am trusting that my sharing this process, my willingness to pull back the curtain and share what is really going on inside me instead of sharing only the positive part of my journey, is what is called for right now.
I’m sick to death of hype. I’m tired of over eager positive-ness. I’m tired of being told only part of the story when I know the true story of doubt, confusion, and exhaustion that is unspoken in many of the newsletters I receive in my inbox.
What is in this for you?
If you are reading this right now, I believe there is a reason. I believe there is something in you that wants to be known, something in you that is seeking a Voice. Let yourself know what you know and trust that you will be led to the next step.
Maybe you need to rest and stroke your Goose for a while too.