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Time to Stop

29 May

Everyone has goals and dreams they want to pursue. We all have our own desires and dreams about what we want to accomplish. We can do anything we like, but not everything will always be possible. We may dream of running a marathon, but because of circumstances beyond our control may not be physically able to accomplish it. Maybe we imagine being a super model but we’re far too short to make the cut. We can dream and wish and hope, but if we aren’t physically able to run the distance, or meet the standard, there will be no way to succeed. Nobody gets a perfect life with only paved roads to success. Everyone one has their own issues and limitations. If we’re determined, we can try to do everything in our power to overcome whatever is in the way, but if all the trying, and working, and pushing doesn’t help, it may be time to stop. Although every dream is possible, there will likely be times when what we want isn’t available to us. If it’s something we really desire, it’s disappointing to realize and hard to accept the goal is not within our reach. If we can’t actually run the marathon, or walk the runway, there will be other ways to be involved. It’s possible to modify our plans when we must, and still find fulfillment. Recognizing what is truly possible, and then moving forward with clarity and wisdom will help us find success. There are endless dreams and opportunities and if one road is closed there will always be another to take. We can decide how we want to proceed and by looking at everything openly and honestly, will find great satisfaction and happiness.

When a child is born with a talent, their family may push them to pursue it to perfection. They may see any other possibility as a waste. Talents are wonderful gifts, but just because we’re born with an innate ability to do something doesn’t mean it must define our whole lives. A gifted musician may push toward concert performance, and endure endless hours and years of practice to reach that goal. Or they may instead decide to use their gift in other ways. There is no one perfect way to do anything. We can decide how we want to express and share whatever gifts or talents we possess and find personal contentment our own way.

Tunnel vision may help us effectively reach a goal, but if all we see is the road ahead, we will miss the enrichment and embellishment of what’s happening around us. Everyone around us has something unique to offer, and different perspectives give us a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We can pursue the goal, and still take time to look around and interact with others. There are answers everywhere, and when we’re open to seeing them, the road ahead will be easier and more joyful.

Today if you’ve been trying and trying to reach a goal but because of things you can’t control it has been unattainable. Look at everything objectively and decide if it’s time to stop and go in a new direction. There are endless destinations possible and the inability to reach one doesn’t mean you’ve failed. You can choose another way forward and find success.  You are amazing and more powerful than you realize. Choose your next step forward and proceed with confidence. There is great success just ahead, and you will reach it.

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Looking Down

9 Mar

There are all kinds of people in the world with all kinds of cultures and ideas. We’re all different and our choices are unique to each of us. Because of our differences, there is sometimes conflict and we might think the world would be better if we were all the same. Well, it might be easier if everyone was on the same page all the time, but there would be no way to grow, and boredom would be constant. It would be like going to Disneyland and all the rides are exactly the same. It’s easy to spend time with others who share our values and opinions, but there will always be someone in our circle we disagree with. If the differences are hard for us to understand, we may think they’re odd and beneath what we’re doing. We can look down on anyone we like, but being different does not mean being less. Chocolate ice cream is very different from vanilla, but they are both delicious. The world is a big, busy place and there is no way to completely insulate ourselves from others who are different that we are. Nobody will ever be exactly like us and there is nothing to be gained by judging those with other expressions. They aren’t dumb or stupid – they are just different than we’re accustomed to. Instead of judging what we may not understand, it’s better to accept others for who they are. We don’t have to adopt their point of view, we don’t have to follow their lead, and we don’t have to change our lives to fit anyone else’s narrative. The old saying, “Live and let live,” is the best approach. We are intelligent and highly capable of managing any situation that comes. Life is full of variety, and we can be welcoming even when we don’t agree, and find enrichment in contrasting viewpoints. 

Some people are very confident and sure of themselves. They may believe they have all the right answers and anyone who disagrees just doesn’t understand the issue. If we don’t follow their line of thinking, they may criticize and ridicule us in an effort to get us to follow along. It can be difficult to deal with them, and hard to be patient if we must. No matter what anyone else is doing, we always have the power to choose our own way. Nobody is in control of our lives but us. There are many roads to every destination. We can go left when they go right, and still find our way to the goal.

Family pressures and cultural influences may be strong. When we’re young it’s easy to go along with whatever our parents are doing and what’s happening around us. But as we mature, we develop our own ideas about what we want to do and how things should go. Our ideas are important and our choices are ours to make. Just because something has been done one way for a long time doesn’t mean we have to continue on the same road. We know who we are and what we want, and with courage and determination, can live our lives exactly the way we desire.

Today if you’re dealing with someone very different from you, whose ideas and choices are foreign, remember we’re all unique. You can choose any road you want to travel. You know where you want to go and already have everything you need to reach any destination you desire. Decide how you want to proceed and begin your journey. Nothing can keep you from success.  The whole world is there for you.

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One Too Many

27 Dec

We live at a time of plenty. There is a lot of stuff to buy, to try, to eat, to drink, to play with and to explore. We all have responsibilities and may try to avoid excess in most things in an effort to be effective and successful in taking care of them, and getting things done. But there are times of celebration, holidays, birthdays, even depression, and many other things that happen they may cause us to lose a bit of control. Maybe we eat too much, or drink too much, or do too much, or say too much or endless other possibilities. If we go to the “too much” stage, we may have some clean up to do afterwards. If we eat too much, our weight may increase to a point where we’re uncomfortable. If we drink too much, well there’s the inevitable hangover. If we do too much we may suffer physical pain, and if we say too much, there may be difficult situations ahead. Life is complicated and even when we try to keep everything on an even keel, there may be times when due to circumstance or timing we may lose control and go off the rails for a while. Nobody is perfect and there is no way to predict anything. If we get hurt and are depressed we may stumble. If there are celebrations we may overdo. It’s all part of the human experience, but nothing is permanent. Even when we aren’t convinced, we are still in control of our lives. We can stop to get our bearings again and decide how we want to proceed. We are smarter and stronger than we think we are and nothing is beyond our reach. By paying attention and trusting ourselves, we can always change course and move toward success.

Some people have very little self control. They constantly do things that complicate their lives and upend their plans. They are highly influenced by what is happening around them, and if others are going in a different direction than they are, they may drop everything and follow along. Nobody can fix anyone else’s life. We’re all responsible for every decision we make. We can stop to think about where we’re headed before we jump, and use our best judgement to reach every goal.

When we do things that cause us trouble and keep us from success, it’s easy to blame others. We may say they were too convincing, or too attractive, or too powerful or a million other excuses. Nobody can make us do anything we don’t want to do. It’s a true axiom that we always end up with the lives we wanted the most. When our lives are dysfunctional and upside down, odds are they are the result of decisions we’ve made. By taking ownership of what we’re doing and where we’re headed, we can choose success and reach any destination we desire.

Today if you’re weighed down by decisions that went a little too far, be still and think about what you want the most. There is always a road that will lead you to success. Look ahead and determine how you want to proceed, and then take the first step. You are more powerful than you imagine and nothing is out of reach. Be clear and be confident. Every success is waiting, and you will make them yours.

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Peppermint Spinach

13 Dec

There are endless things we can do with our lives and we’ll make many connections as we move ahead. Some things naturally go together and others don’t. Peppermint is delicious on its own and spinach is fine as well, but if we put them together the result will not be appetizing. In many cases, our lives are like that too. With some people we’ll easily relate and be able to build good relationships, and with others, not so much. The trick is being willing to see things as they are and not how we want them to be. It’s possible to remain in a relationship that isn’t working simply because we want it to work and hope somehow everything will change and it’ll be great. The old saying that, “Hope springs eternal” is true, but we only have control over ourselves and our own decisions. Everything else is beyond our reach. There is no way to change anyone else or make them do anything. By looking at everything clearly and openly, and willingly accepting what is real, we will make the best decisions that will bring us happiness and peace. Our lives are ours to design and our happiness is our responsibility. We can make choices that will create the lives we want the most. Everything is possible and with honesty and clarity, we will reach every destination.

Habits and addictions are hard to change. It’s painful to watch someone we love continually do things that hurt them. We may try to stand in their way when they’re headed for trouble, or make excuses when they fall down. We may even lie for them to cover for what they’re doing that is impacting their lives negatively. None of that will ever help them find success. We can be supportive without enabling bad behavior, and show our love by stepping aside and allow them to face the natural consequences of their actions.

We may have a dream we want very much but because of our current circumstances or situations is not possible. We may try and try to make it work, only to fail again and again. It’s like pushing harder and harder against a locked door. Despite all our energy it will not open. It’s hard to let go of something we really desire, but change is constant, and just because something’s not possible now doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. We can set the dream aside for now, and move forward toward something else. When things change, we can try again.

Today if you’re trying to do something that isn’t working, or you’re in a bad situation that isn’t changing, remember your happiness is important. Look at everything honestly and clearly, and decide on your next steps. You are worth more than you imagine. Trust yourself and step forward toward the goals you want the most. Every success is there for you and you will make them yours.

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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.

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