I have an unexpected 30 minute gap in today’s schedule and so instead of turning to mindless consumption of content, I’m choosing creation. With that being said, I don’t know what this blog will be about but I’m proud that these words are hitting “paper.” I hope you enjoy this short blog and find inspiration to create > consume as you pursue your potential!
___________________________________________________
There’s not a lot of art in my home office but there’s some.
In the closet I have a small drawing from a past client based off of the following quote: “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” – Albert Camus. It’s a simple yet beautiful reminder that no matter how hard life gets, we all have an inner strength that can be harnessed with the right perspective.
In the stairwell I have a drawing (the same one tattooed on my wrist) that represents one of the best quotes I’ve ever heard: “Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.” – Christine Caine. It’s a great reminder that everything is happening for us and for a reason even if we can’t see it during the dark seasons (we must trust).
In the corner I have a print that represents the part of the Bible when Peter attempts to walk on water toward Jesus. This is significant because Peter starts to sink when he takes his eyes off of Jesus and focuses on the storm around him. It’s a simple reminder (for me) that I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus even (especially) when life feels chaotic, troubling and challenging.
Next to the bathroom I have a canvas that holds one of the most impactful quotes that I’ve ever come across: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt. I’ve had this piece for the longest amount of time and got it when I was first leaving my job to start Project Endure. It’s a constant reminder to step into the arena, to do hard things and take risks for the things that matter most.
The most recent piece of art (that is now hanging next to the bookshelf thanks to my wife) is one that I’ve needed a lot. In recent months, I’ve recognized that entrepreneurship has made me a bit rough around the edges (that’s a blog for another time). I want and need to remember that there is a lot of good that comes on the other side of uncertain situations and so this one says: what’s the best that could happen. It’s a reminder that fortune favors the brave and that we can (and should) consider the upside of our actions, not just the downside. It’s a great reminder that we should dream big and pursue the things that will matter in the end.
___________________________________________________
What’s the best that can happen?
“Chaos does not mean total disorder. Chaos means a multiplicity of possibilities. Chaos is from the ancient Greek words that means a thing that is birthed from the void. And it was about that which is possible, not about disorder.”
Jok Church
Do hard things.
Joe Rinaldi
IG: @joearinaldi
P.S. If you enjoy my content and want to support me while getting access to my exclusive email and audio newsletter, please click here. I appreciate your time, consideration and support so much!
Glad you took the 30 minutes to write this great content!