Project X: Love or Lust

So you've been grinding your way through the week, the month, maybe even through the past year. You are working on this project, this high maintenance piece of work, that causes you at times to lose sleep, grit your teeth, laugh hysterically, cry your eyes out, scream, feel numb, listless, and yet you feel so very determined.

You think back to when you started this project... You had seen the possibilities in it; you had seen the potential; and you had big, big hopes. You started it and now you are determined to finish it. Come what may, you are going to make it happen: THE Project X. And then, there comes a time when you take a look and you wonder what it is really costing you, this big project?

You've realized you've sacrificed free time, sleep, happiness, sunshine, relationship time, an expanding waistline, finances and maybe even your soul. So why do you still have your teeth sunk into this project so deep you can't see past your nose?
Perhaps it is time to evaluate things. Perhaps it's time to ask yourself: Am I in LOVE or in LUST with the project? What's the first thing that comes to you? If it's love, you're doing something that ignites you authentically. If it's lust, it might, it would, it could possibly be ok, (if only...) but bottom line, it isn't really YOU. With lust, you'll see the potential, and only the potential, and you might be trying to change who you are to fit in with it.

Love doesn't require this of you, it will authentically, sincerely, feel part of you (despite some obstacles). So, here is your integrity check: Why are you really trying to accomplish this goal, finish Project X? Be really honest. If anything doesn't really fit you, take note. Then, make a change to create room for Project B-MY-SELF. A project that is based on love and integrity. Your heart and your spirit will thank you! (maybe others will, too).

Here's a list of RED FLAG signs & symptoms to help you recognize Lust Projects:

1) You expend a considerable amount of energy and are not getting much (or anything) back. Don't you deserve something better?

2) Your heart feels sad, but your ego keeps pushing.

3) You hear yourself "convincing yourself" (and perhaps others) how great this project is, rather than just feeling great and abundantly flowing with it.

4) You can't wait to get out of the project, away from it, finish it.

5) Despite the successes you have, you feel little fulfillment, happiness or accomplishment. (Is that all there is?)

6) Your partner or a friend mentions you've changed or don't like what's been happening since or as a result of you being involved with Project X.

7) You feel at times "unreal", "not authentic", "out of sync", "out of balance", "like you just don't belong" (often while trying very hard to not feel any of that). Notice: TRYING HARD. More energy spent.

8) You get great roller coaster highs from the project, big lows, and while it may hurt a lot for a while, you're right back at it.

9) Your spirit quietly whispers: "Please, let this go, please be gentle with yourself". If you ignore it long enough, in the end your spirit may be screaming "I can't take it anymore, it's just not me".

10) Last but not least: your heart keeps getting flutters of love for another, very real, very authentically YOU project. One where it just feels different, where it seems effortless, where your heart does get filled much easier and your spirit does feel happy. (happy note: yes, these really do exist! they ARE for real. Just let yourself go there.)

I challenge you this week, this month, to listen to your heart. To tap into your spirit. And to follow your authentic, true self with love.

Let's eliminate the things that drag you down and create the space to lift you up! Do you have any projects or tasks on the go that take up too much energy? Do you get any red flags when you evaluate the project according to the list above?
If so, write everything down and also how you feel about this.
Take a deep breath. Exhale. Release.
Open your heart. Now begin journaling about your true, authentic, passionate self. What do you really want to be doing?

© Karin Bauer www.GuidanceCards.com