Archive | September, 2016

3:00 a.m.

30 Sep

When things go wrong in our lives, people hurt us, we are disappointed or worried, or have pressing complications on our minds, it can be hard to relax. When we’re processing a lot and have much to ponder it may be hard to let it go long enough to rest. We may fall asleep only to wake in the wee hours with our minds reviewing everything we’re trying to resolve. As we lie in the dark and all our worries and concerns roll around inside, despite our fatigue we may search for answers. What will we do? How will we get through? What’s our next step? What will happen? These thoughts may consume us and instead of drifting back to restful repose we may find the hours ticking by wide awake. Sometimes the answers come but other times our sleepless night doesn’t resolve anything. While we’re lying there and everything is knocking around in our heads, it is helpful to remember times in our past when we’ve resolved difficult problems and faced hard challenges. We’ve survived hard times before, we found our way through and we’ll succeed in doing the same this time. We can find comfort in what we’ve already overcome, and know we’ll conquer this situation as well. This life is filled with all kinds of complications and unexpected problems. We are certainly capable of handling anything that comes to us, and if we’re awake at 3:00 a.m. facing an issue we must resolve, we can remember that. We can relax and be strong knowing we’ll find all the answers we need.

When we’re young we have ideas about how life works and how our lives will go. We imagine what we’ll do and who we’ll become, and dream of all the things we want to accomplish. We never think about all the problems we’ll face or consider all the trials we’ll endure. But the problems and trials will come and with each challenge we’ll learn something new about ourselves and about our world. As we grow and face our days we may realize that some of our ideas about what is real are a little different than what we’re experiencing. Our plans don’t always work out and our lives don’t always reflect the image we thought they would. But we learn to adapt as we go and if we’re wise, day by day we begin to create the lives we most want. Sometimes the life we want now isn’t anything like the plans we made before. Each experience and each problem helps us fine tune what we want and teaches us how to navigate the road ahead.

The only control we have in this life is over ourselves. We can’t control what other people do, or what comes to us. We can only control how we manage our experiences and what we take away from them. Deciding to learn as much as possible and take those lessons forward will help us forge a path that is strong and defined. Overcoming problems builds confidence. This life is a blessing. Everything we experience can bless us in some way. Understanding and accepting that will make the journey easier.

Today if you’re worried or upset, concerned about a situation in your life, be confident. You’ve been through difficult challenges before and you have prevailed. You will find your way through this as well. You have everything you need. Be strong. Keep your eyes focused on the road ahead and you will find your way.

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Pretty Packages

29 Sep

There is something alluring and exciting about a stack of beautifully wrapped packages waiting to be opened. Whatever the occasion, pretty wrapping paper, graceful bows and shiny boxes are captivating and draw us in with all the possibilities. Although we don’t know what’s inside, just looking at them can bring us excitement and wonder. What’s underneath may be the prize but the packaging is what pulls us close. The bright colors tantalize us, the shimmer enchants us and we may feel almost mesmerized by the sight. Wrapping things up in pretty packages is very effective. It’s a tool sometimes used in our everyday lives to captivate us and get our attention. If there is something we don’t want to face, or something someone wants to sell us, dressing it up in lovely illusion may bring us close. And the closer we get the harder it may be to see things objectively. If we get caught up in the beauty and fail to see what lies at the heart of the matter, we may get lost. Shiny boxes and beautiful paper may capture our attention, but what lies inside is what’s important. It may be something wonderful or something entirely different. Turning our focus away from the sheen and luster, and really seeing things as they are will help us find what’s real.

Personal beauty is a powerful force. If we see someone who is physically very attractive we may feel strongly drawn to them. Even before they say a word we may want to be close to them. The way they smile is enchanting, the way they move is hypnotic and we may feel unable to look away. But outward appearance tells nothing about who is inside. Are they honest, kind, loving, sensitive, and sincere? We may believe they are wonderful without any evidence simply because they are so appealing on the outside. But the wrapping only covers what lies beneath. Although the attraction may be great we must discover what is real before we can proceed with confidence. Sometimes outward beauty is all there is. Discovering the truth before traveling too far down the road will help us move forward more effectively.

Lies are an effective, if dishonest, way of dressing up distasteful or unpleasant situations. We can make things seem prettier by saying they are different than they really are. We can embellish the truth to make a situation more beautiful and more attractive, and we can use distraction to help get our message through. All lies are eventually uncovered and just like unwrapping a beautiful package and finding something unappealing or offensive inside, we will find the truth in every situation. If we can be perceptive enough to remember pretty words and shiny paper mean nothing and wise enough to see through the shimmer, we will find the truth more easily. We don’t need pretty packages to face our lives. We are capable of understanding and accepting things as they are and smart enough to find the truth.

Today if you’ve been fooled by something alluring and attractive, and now see things are different than you thought, accept the complete truth. You know what’s real and are strong enough to face it. You can understand everything. Move forward with confidence knowing the whole story and you’ll find great success.

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Emergency

28 Sep

Lots of things can happen as we go through life.  There may be unexpected surprises that suddenly change everything, emergency situations that require us to think fast, and we may lose our breath trying to figure out what’s happened.  Everything can change in an instant and when it does we may feel confused and shaken.  Sometimes we have to act quickly and our first instinct is exactly what we need to do.  But there may be times when we are pressed by others to hurry and do something that feels wrong and we aren’t sure.  If the situation isn’t life threatening we can take a moment to step back and catch our breath and assess what’s happening.  We can review all the possible options before we leap.  The answer we find may be what we’ve been told, but sometimes we discover the best road forward is in the opposite direction.  Taking the time to stop and see the situation clearly before running ahead will help us prevent further complications and make mistakes that may take us far from the answers we need.

Some people jump to action the moment a sudden change arises.  They run forward eager to solve the situation and get through it as quickly as possible.  In the rush they miss important cues and subtle suggestions that will help.  We can’t see everything clearly when we’re running past it.  If we want the best answer we have to see the whole picture and rushing through any situation will often prevent us from being able to see everything.  If we jump the moment something happens and react instead of respond carefully we may find ourselves in a more complicated situation.  Doing the first thing that comes to mind is sometimes the best answer but often it’s just the first answer.  Every problem has a solution and if we stop before we jump and think about everything that’s happening we will find options.  Then we can choose the option that works best overall instead of the one that works fast.  Getting the problem solved fast isn’t always the best plan.  Getting it solved well is the objective.

When others are involved in a sudden issue there may be conflicting ideas about what needs to happen.  If the situation is intense extreme ideas may be thrown out and a lot of information may be presented in a short amount of time.  The confluence of all the chatter may create more confusion.  The loudest voice is sometimes the voice chosen simply because it can be heard above the fray and may not be the best solution.  Even in complicated times of duress we can take control and find a moment to evaluate before we proceed.  We have everything we need to find the best way forward.  We can manage whatever comes to us and we can find the answers to any situation.  There is generally enough time to evaluate, and we can carefully and calmly find our way through any problem before us.

Today if you’re suddenly in a situation where you have to find an important answer and there is pressure to get there quickly, evaluate the whole picture first.  You have everything you need to succeed.  Don’t rush, be wise and listen carefully.  All the answers are there and you will find the best way forward.

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Moonlight

27 Sep

There is something magical about being outside under the moonlight at night. The darkness is softened by the subtle and soothing light emanating down and everything looks velvety and smooth. The edges aren’t as sharp, the landscape is luminous and the world looks gentler. It’s nice to experience and wonderful to see. But moonlight is only magical at night. During the day the moon is still there, shining down on us but the bright intensity of the sun takes first priority. We need the sun during the day when we’re busier and there is much to accomplish. We need to see all the fine lines and every detail, and the brightness and clarity the sun provides is exactly perfect. Each has its place and time, and provides what we need at precisely the right moment. If we had darkness and moonlight all the time it would be hard to accomplish everything easily. And if the sun were beaming throughout the night it would be difficult to rest. The perfect symmetry of each completes our days and brings order and structure to our existence. They are dependable, reliable, and helpful. We need them both but only at their designated times.

They say timing is everything. When we are able to plan well and organize our activities things often go more easily than when we let things happen on their own. We’ve all been in situations when something we’re trying to accomplish won’t work and we have to wait until things change and try again. Learning to wait for the timing to be right takes patience. If we’re trying to do something we want badly it’s hard to wait. We can try to push the ball forward and hope it will stick and sometimes that works but often no matter what we do we can’t make things move until the time is right. We can wait and as we do we can prepare for the moment when we’re ready to proceed so when it arrives we have everything set to go. Patience isn’t just waiting but taking the time to prepare as we wait. All things come in their appointed time. We can wait and be ready.

Sometimes because of uncertainty or fear we may wait beyond the point of return. The moment we need to act may come and go and because we did nothing we lose our opportunity. Some situations only come around once in a while or even only once in a lifetime, and if we are unsure and hesitant and let them pass us by our chance to grab them may be lost. If we have clearly identified our goals and know where we want to go, when the opportunity to step up arrives we’ll be ready to take it. But if we put off the preparation, are afraid of the challenges or aren’t sure where we want to end up those chances may be lost. If we want to be truly happy we must be ready to take the leap when it arrives. Our lives belong to us and we can do anything we want. We can plan and watch and be ready, and we can succeed.

Today if you’re waiting for a change so you can move forward, use the time to prepare. If you feel unsure, decide the best way forward and plan your future. There isn’t anything you can’t do. Your time is now and everything is waiting for you. Grab your dreams and make them come true.

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The Water is Wide

26 Sep

There are times in our lives when we simply cannot get to our goals alone. Although we accomplish much, there will be moments when the water is too wide to cross by ourselves and we need the help of others to get across. If we are very independent, it may be hard to accept assistance. If we are shy, we may be afraid to ask. If we are arrogant, we may try to do it ourselves even when we know it’s impossible. Getting help when we need it is beneficial. It’s wise to understand our limitations and asking for help doesn’t mean we’re weak or incapable. Nobody can do everything. When we need others to get across and ask for help it shows we are strong enough to accept the situation and work around it. If we want to do it alone we may feel disappointed that we need support and it might be hard to admit we can’t get there on our own. But the goal we’re seeking is the focus. If we can’t get to it alone, working with others will often help us achieve it. We are capable of understanding the big picture and finding a way to succeed even if we can’t do it by ourselves.

Personal success is defined in many ways. Some people prefer to accomplish many things alone and like to fly solo in their endeavors. If they hit a snag they can’t navigate by themselves, instead of including others they may change their plans to get around it. They eventually find their way but it may take longer than if they had asked for the assistance of others. We all have different talents and perspectives. If we allow others to share theirs with us, we often find the answers more quickly. We can embrace the experiences of others and invite them into our journey to navigate the path forward more easily. Listening to many other interpretations of the situation may bring us the answers we’re seeking. We can open up and bring others in and get the help we need.

Competition is a normal part of the human experience. Some of us are more competitive than others and if we need to feel like the winner in every endeavor, we may try to get to our goals before anyone else. There is reward in being first but there is much to be learned by collaborating. If we’re in a situation that stops us and are struggling to find our way through, allowing others to collaborate and share in the victory may help us find our way to success more easily. But if our desire to do it alone supersedes our willingness to allow others in, success may elude us. There is much to be gained by allowing others into our journey. We are capable of doing many things well, and often we won’t need assistance. But when we do, the door is always there for us. Opening it and allowing others in will help us get to the goal we’re seeking. And getting to the goal is the primary objective.

Today if you’ve been struggling with something that has you stumped and aren’t sure how to proceed, ask those around you for their advice and counsel. You may be surprised by what you learn and you’ll find your way to the other side. The water may be wide but by working together you will find your way across. There isn’t anything you can’t do. Get the help you need and you’ll succeed every time.

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