Thinking_Stepping Outside the Box

Every time

I pick up a box of life experiences,

one that tries to confine me,

I rummage through the lot

and discard the anchors

************ Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2014 ************

New Posting Schedule from 7 July:

Monday – Random Thoughts & Scripts

Wednesday – Altan Mukhali (Fiction)

Friday – over at – My Write Business Way

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60 comments

  1. Life experiences can be shared so you can gain new boxes of experience. When we choose to anchor it, indirectly we stifle ourselves. Impart or discard so we can fill in more.

    Like the way you put it.

    1. Very true, Jasey dearest,

      The trick is to know what to retain (for future use) and what to discard.

      Many simply drag their boxes around – you see it everywhere, I reckon.

      I’ve been guilty of that too – but would like to think to that my box(es) are lighter now – much lighter 🙂

      Luv and hugz,
      Eric

  2. This is a good one Eric. Sometimes the problem is recognizing the box – so often its presence eludes us and then discarding the anchors is hard – rather like the elephant. If there weren’t men like you who are able to see the container we would still be on flat earth.
    Cheerio,
    Jane

    1. Hello Jane,

      I believe your current project and grandchildren are keeping you out of trouble 🙂

      I love your take – some don’t even recognise the box!

      I’ve resorted to pithy replies whenever pompous people spew the cliché – “We need to think outside the box.” Usually these are the very guys who remain behind iron cages. My reply – “Good idea, let’s first describe the box – as we see it!” Yes, the elephant syndrome – and most people don’t see the elephant in the room.

      That’s a lovely compliment, Jane, and I take it that you meant “men” as in a generic word that encompasses “women”. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful women trail blazers.

      All good wishes,
      Eric

    1. Hello Sarah,

      Thank you and yes, that’s one part of “housekeeping” that will not wait for spring. It’s something that demands constant review.

      All good wishes,
      Eric
      P/s Incidentally, now you know why they call it “housekeeping” – instead of getting on with it, most “keep” postponing what needs doing and “keep” junk. LOL – a feeble attempt at being a smart alec!

  3. Great advice Eric. Best to let go of that kind of baggage even though it might be hard to acknowledge they are confining, and harder still to rummage for those anchors 🙂

    1. Hello Madhu dear,

      All of us have these boxes – some are neat, well organized and easy to locate/retrieve the relevant life experiences. And junk is clearly labelled. But for most, I fear – it’s all junk, simply because the useful is lost among the useless.

      One simple exercise – take a peek into the store room, basement, work shed, whatever – quite revealing, I reckon 🙂

      Peace,
      Eric

  4. Sometimes people are happy and contented to stay within the box, a comfort zone. They only talk about the experience in that box. Any thoughts outside the box is not proven, hence are considered unattainable.

    An interesting post you came up with.

    1. Hello Rekha,

      When we set aside time to dwell – it’s revealed to us – for we drink from the same well spring, I reckon.

      Peace and blessings,
      Eric

  5. Thi sjourney of ours brings us into many ports, it’s interesting the anchors we take with us…got me thinking my special buddy, as always. Much love and hugs to you. Xx

    1. Ah, my lovely friend who always shines light – no matter what dark clouds threaten to douse her.

      From what I know – you’re quite adept at discarding anchors. You’re a beacon and I’m proud to count you as my buddy.

      Luv and hugz,
      Eric

    1. Hello Susan,

      I certainly don’t mind. Use away – there’s plenty to go around 🙂

      How are the boys doing? Never mind, I’ll pop over in a short while and take a look.

      Cheers,
      Eric

    1. Hello D,

      I believe all of us get afflicted with this oversight every now and then – but some make a hobby of it.

      I’m like you – not really a hobbyist 🙂

      All good wishes,
      Eric

    1. That’s the idea, Reshma

      And depending on what we discard – we learn new experiences or keep relearning old lessons. The worst is, we sometimes miss lessons because of fear – the fear to push open the door again.

      Thank you for your visit and comment,
      Eric

  6. Good philosophy! Over the years when someone said “It can’t be done, don’t try,” that’s exactly what I wanted to try. The majority of times I found it could be done.

  7. Lots of truth there. There are those things that can weigh us down no matter how hard we try to shake them off, and let it go.

    1. Very truly observed, Joyce

      We see people, burdened with life, and wonder – Hey, set some of that down. Travel can be so light 🙂

      Peace and blessings,
      Eric

    1. Thank you, Beth,

      Nothing changes like change but many cling to their so-called “life experiences”. Like our garden, we need to discern and weed out some – I reckon.

      Peace and blessings,
      Eric

  8. There is so much powerful logic hidden within this short perfect piece; it speaks in volumes, not words. This has me pondering things; a self-reflection which is positive.

    I am so happy that I read this. Thank you.

    1. Hello Michael,

      Thank you for your visit.

      People who know me – know my penchant for using coded language. These have proven extremely useful especially when I need to keep matters private in a crowded environment.

      One of my famous codes – The Elephant Syndrome.

      The back story: an elephant calf caught in the wild is chained and tethered to a strong tree. The beast tugs, trumpets and makes all sorts of frightening noises. The mahoot ignores the calf. In time, the calf settles down and accepts its lot. Then, the mahoot chains the elephant, but this time, anchored to a flimsy post. The elephant knows what a chain means and does not tug.

      When I whisper to my executives – That guy is suffering from the elephant syndrome, my executives take the cue. What brought on the smiles – people seated around us wonder 🙂

      All good wishes,
      Eric

      1. I don’t mean to have the last word, Michael,

        My regular readers know that I don’t usually do. But as you’re new here –

        My post is a mere hook (you’re a published author and I don’t need to elaborate) – quite often the meat is in the comments section. Some of my readers provide marvellous snippets.

        A good week to you too, kind sir,
        Eric
        P/s Lunch time is over – back to work 🙂

    1. Thank you, Martin

      Whenever people thump their chests about – “been there, done that” – I can’t help wondering how much they brought back and whether they did any house keeping.

      All good wishes,
      Eric

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