Archive | December, 2022

Behind the Scenes

6 Dec

Our lives are complex and filled with endless decisions. Every day brings something new and whatever we choose will bring some kind of result. If we’re intent on staying the course moving ahead, and make choices that push us forward, we’ll continue to advance. But there are few times when everything is black or white and easy to see. Many times our decisions may be influenced by what’s happening around us, how we feel, who’s involved and dozens of other factors. Although we may try to be honest in all our dealings, we may face a time when we decide to step off center and do something behind the scenes that will make the road easier. Maybe we fabricate a story that makes us look better, or we bribe someone to say or do something that opens a door we want to go through. Our ethical standards and choices tell the world and those around us who we are. If we fall prey to situational ethics – meaning the situation instead of our standards decide what we’ll do – we may open all kinds of new risks to our project, ourselves, and our integrity. If the goal is very important, we may think it’s worth the tradeoff when we start, but there is no way to see the end or any road from the beginning. One left turn may take us completely off course, or bring more trouble and discord than we expect. It’s not always easy to make the best choices, and sometimes doing something less than honest that appears to pave the way ahead looks very appealing. We must decide what we want the most. Is the goal really worth selling out to get it? Will the reward be worth the cost? Only we can make these decisions, but one thing is certain. When we choose the first step on any path, we are also choosing the last. Choosing the roads that will take us to the destinations we most desire and enhance our credibility and true character will always bring success. We have greatness inside us, and with wisdom and clarity, we can share it with the world.

There are lots of people willing to do whatever it takes to reach a goal. They will manipulate, lie, steal, coerce, whatever is needed to make it happen. They don’t care who they hurt or how much damage they do. Their devious and unethical behaviors may bring them great success, and lots of money, but none of it will augment their character or make them better people. It’s easy to cheat and manipulate to get our way, but nothing can compare to the nobility of true honesty and integrity.

Our lives are ours to design and we can do anything we like. If we don’t care about ethics or morality, there will be lots of opportunities to get what we want without them. However, true happiness comes when we choose what we know is best and hold fast to our personal standards. Not every destination will be easy to reach, but by keeping our eyes on the goal and continuing forward, we can go anywhere and do anything. Nothing is out of reach and every success is possible.

Today if there’s a chance to do something untoward that will make your journey easier, think carefully about the person you most want to be. You have so much to offer and all the wisdom and intelligence you need to accomplish anything you desire. Trust yourself. There isn’t anything too difficult for you. You are amazing and capable, and have everything you need to succeed. Show us your best, and be confident. There is great success just ahead, and you will reach it.

Ho Ho Ho and All That Stuff

1 Dec

The holidays are a busy time and can be stressful and exhausting. There may be parties we’re expected to attend, traditions everyone wants to continue, or other situations we may or may not want to do. Everyone is unique and we all have our own ideas about how things should go and what we should do. Although we all understand that intellectually, there may be times when we are pressed to go along with others. We might even pressure someone else to follow our lead because it’s what we enjoy and we want them to participate. We’re in control of our own lives, but if someone in authority over us expects us to do things a certain way, we may have to comply. Family expectations and traditions are powerful. We may choose to go along just to keep the peace and get through with as little conflict as possible. No matter what’s going on or how we feel about it, we can work through any situation and find the best way forward. We never have to do anything we aren’t comfortable with and we can decline any offer with grace and patience. There may be much to accomplish, but with careful planning, and taking the time we need for ourselves, we will prevail. We know who we are and what we want. By keeping our eyes on the goal ahead, and moving forward with clarity, we will succeed.

Everyone wants to be happy but personal happiness is expressed in different ways. We don’t have to jump up and down, and laugh all day long to convince ourselves or others that we’re content. Our outward expressions are unique. Some people share every emotion with those around them and others are quiet and still even when they feel great joy. We can share our optimism and happiness with those around us if we like, or we may keep things to ourselves. Our lives are ours to design and every option is possible.

If we’re stressed and having a hard time, it can be very annoying if someone near us is bounding with holiday fun. We may wish they’d just put a sock in it and fade away. If we need time to ourselves to regroup and settle, we can step away from the activity around us and zone out for a while. Sometimes just a few minutes of quiet and peace can greatly refresh us and give us the boost we’re seeking. There are endless ways to express ourselves at any moment. We can do what works for us and find the happiness we desire.

Today if you’re tired and stressed, and feel pressure to participate in activities around you, decide what you really want. If you need time alone, take it. You are the most important person in your life. Your desires are important, and every dream is possible. Decide how you want to proceed, and step forward. You are wise and capable, and nothing is out of reach. Be happy and choose the way ahead. There isn’t anything you can’t do.