Catapult for sale. Slightly used. Best Offer.

The toughest challenge for most is how to make the leap across the great divide separating the State of Desire to the State of “Be”ing.

The gap is a vast ocean of molten lava. It takes more then the courage to put on your asbestos underpants and jump in.

After much intensive study, it appears that a catapult might be the quickest and easiest way to vault the expanse. Picture yourself braced in the rope basket of a monstrous medieval wooden catapult in a Monty Python-esque way. There you are waiting anxiously for the thick rough rope to be severed. Once cut, the tension is released and off you go …. up and over … clear to the other side. It might not be pretty as you are hurled through the air, arms and legs flailing, screaming in horror. Nor will your landing be soft and graceful, but ….SPLAT….. although a little shaken and bruised, you are there … at long last.

I like the image of a catapult (aka “trebuchet”…according to my dear friend, Webster, is a medieval military engine for hurling missiles with great force). It’s release is sudden. The tension is let loose and things happen. Often it seems we need a catapult to force us to make dramatic changes in our lives.

It is a cataclysmic event in our ritualistic lives that calls us to action. Let’s not confuse a catapult with a catalyst. A catalyst implies a chemical reaction that causes change to occur …. bubbling and fizzing …. over a long period of time. A catalyst does facilitate and hasten change from one form to another but for real kick-in-the-ass type change, most people need a catapult.

Modern day catapults exist and are easy to recognize. It could be a job loss, divorce, heart attack or the death of someone dear.. All are life-altering moments that necessitate change in how we live the rest of our lives. Clearly in these examples, life as we knew it ceases to exist.

The truth is, instances are few when we actually have little control on what catapult we will be in and who is cutting the rope. Those situations are easy. Change is going to come, whether or not we know it, like it or want it. The real challenge, and the most common, are those times when we need to climb in the catapult of our own construct and cut the rope ourselves. These are the instances that require the most determination and emotional strength because we alone are responsible for what happens. There is time, maybe too much time, for fear, hesitation and doubt to set in. All are deal breakers if we dwell long enough, so decisive action is needed. Not impulsive or reckless, but thoughtful yet quick. It takes sound, clear thinking to build a fine catapult.

Another truth is that we often blame others, play the victim and fail to take responsibility for the catapult we wind up in. I would submit to the jury, that we are accountable for most of the baskets we claim are out of our control. Take the “has been” in the office. She doesn’t get it but others do and take action. If it happens to you, you have no choice where it takes you and the condition you land depends on how nimble and versatile you are. Most survive with long lasting wounds and some never recover.

The moral of the story? If we do not make a change ourselves, somebody might make it for us. So the trick is to build your own catapult and not be in the position where one is built for you. It seems logical, doesn't it? If you make it happen, you have control, you have choice and you can set the direction on your terms.

If you can’t buy one, build one. I’m sure somewhere on ebay, there’s a catapult with a low number of sieges, few scares from burning oil and touched up arrow gashes. Better yet, get blueprints to make your own.

Here’s a handy site to help: http://howtomakecatapult.shakshino.russia.emoneysolve.com/medievalcatapult/

There is a short path to “has been”.

There is a short path to “has been”, laced with regret, guilt and feeling of failure.

Such feelings intensify by holding on to those “used to be” dreams and remembering how great it was to be a “be”. But how can you not remember the times when you were on top of the world, heard the crowds cheering, basked by the looks of admiration? Can you ever?

There is really no elapsed time that takes one from “used to be” to “has been” … within reason of course. It is more of a state of mind and realistic longing to return to the gleaming place once held and labored so hard to reach. To be a "be", one mastered the art of “not giving up”, but for a number of reasons, has done just that.

Being on the brink of “has been” is deeply painful ….. desperately gripping the edge as not to fall and complete the journey down.

This is a time to make a choice. You can do one of four things.

First….”Languish in the Past”. As Webster defines “Languish …. 1. a.) To be or become feeble, weak, or enervated (oh my God … another word to look up!), b.) to be in or live in a state of depression or decreasing vitality, 2. a.) To become dispirited. b.) To suffer neglect 3.) to assume an expression of grief or emotion appealing for sympathy. This is not the best option for obvious reasons. The image of a car spinning it’s wheels in the mud ….. messy and going no where. The other image is that cauliflowered ear prizefighter leathered and punch drunk, earning his next drink by reliving his moments of glory in the ring. What comes of this but pity, shame and tired tales that eventually no one wants to hear. The free drinks stop coming.

Second is to “Savor the Past” and look at it fondly. You recognize what it is and all it was. You know in your heart of hearts that you did good, achieved a great deal and will not be going back in mind, body and spirit. When you are reminded of your time as a “be” by some “wanna be”, you will have that knowing smile and say to yourself … “yup, I was there once.” You are at peace.

Third is to “Get back on the Horse”. Seemingly an easy choice but in reality requires more then sporting a cowboy hat and strapping on chaps. Speaking from experience (not by putting on chaps, mind you) but putting on my karate gi after it has been hibernating in a gear bag deep inside my closet for five years. I almost forgot how to wrap it on and tie my belt in a respectable knot. The gi was minor compared to bowing in to the dojo for the first time after so many years. Just like standing on the edge of an open door on a plane, skydiving for the first time.

Fourth is to “Find Another” …… mountain to climb, a language to learn, a second career, a new business, etc.. In other words, recognizing that you don’t want to become that same “be” again but willing to take a new leap as a different “wanna be”. You understand you don’t want to go back but you want to move in a different, exciting direction. The cycle begins!! State of "Be"ing Cycle Diagram

Enervate: 1.) To lessen the vitality or strength of, 2.) to reduce the moral and mental vigor.