Don't Go Back to Sleep

The newest interview posted on my podcast, Leading With a Whole Mind, is about making meaning and refusing to go back to sleep. Jim Huling is author of Choose Your Life! and CEO of Matrix Resources, an IT staffing firm. Jim and I had so much to talk about that I've split the interview in two parts. Part 1 is posted now. Part 2 will be released in March.

I previously blogged about Jim based on an article he wrote for Motto magazine about living a life with no regrets and then later, after I read his book. 

What struck me about our interview is that he's ten times more inspiring when you hear him speak. I think it's because his stories come alive with the emotion he willingly brings to them. He speaks with an open heart. The words he uses are ones that come with vivid memories, intense joy, and in some cases, deep pain.

In Part 1, Jim and I talk about two questions that changed his life and ones that can change your life as well. I won't ruin it for you by listing them here.

In our conversation, he refers to this quote from the mystical poet, Rumi:

"The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.

Don't go back to sleep.

You must ask for what you really want.

Don't go back to sleep.

People are going back and forth across the doorsill

where the two worlds touch.

The door is round and open.

Don't go back to sleep."

After spending time with Jim, the words that have stuck in my head are the ones that I hope you remember as well, "Don't go back to sleep."  Enjoy the interview.

Click here to listen in.

Comments

[Jim Huling author of Choose Your Life!]

Carol, I've been almost overwhelmed by the feedback on our conversation this past week. It seems that our theme, drawn from Rumi's marvelous poem, has touched a chord in many. I've received emails from people in all walks of life, from CEOs to students, to full-time mothers, all of whom understand how the frantic rush of life can actually drone out the small inner urging of our dreams. They each have their own way of "staying awake" from writing their vision, to watching their breathing, listening with their whole body, journaling and on and on.

I wonder if your readers would share how they stay awake, present, and connected to their lives? It would help us all to be inspired by their ideas.

You already know my favorite – it’s gratitude. My favorite exercise is to simply begin saying all the things for which I’m grateful. Within seconds, I’m centered in my body, fully alive, and fully focused on all that I have and all that I want my life to be.

Carol, what’s yours?

[Carol Ross]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for that tremendous feedback on the podcast. I'm deeply moved and grateful.

Also, thank you for inviting readers of this blog to join in the conversation about how they stay awake to their deepest desires and the moment at hand.

One of the reasons I love coaching is that it forces me to be present to the moment. I can't coach if I'm not listening to whatever is there, and accepting it for what it is, without judgment.

When I'm not with clients, writing helps me slow down and find meaning in my life. Yoga, long walks, and spending time in my backyard all help me to get centered.

Thanks for being a kindred spirit on this journey.