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Glare on the Glass

12 Jan

We live in an Information Age. There are endless facts and unlimited information available to us at the tips of our fingers. Anything we want to know or see is quickly available. That sort of information overload can make our lives more interesting or may cause us greater stress. Do we really need to know 40 ways to accomplish something? It’s like going into the old video stores that were stacked with shelf upon shelf of movies we could watch. Seeing so many options never made the decision easier, and often made it harder to choose. But when we want to do something, or buy something, or get something, we can do our research and see what’s available. Once we choose the one we want – which is sometimes the shiniest, most beautiful or easiest looking possibility – we can hope for success. Windows make it easy to look outside, but when the sun is shining and there is glare on the glass, the view may be fuzzy and unclear. When that happens we may get an altered idea of what we’re seeing. The same is true when we choose something we want. At first it may look like the perfect option, but once we get it, and unveil it completely, either by opening a box or starting a process, we may find that what we thought we were getting isn’t exactly what we ended up with. If it’s possible to return, we can do that, but not everything can go back to the beginning and we’ll be where we are. What we do next determines how we’ll proceed. Nobody knows everything every time. We’re all going to be fooled by something at some point. When that happens we can look at everything objectively, and make the best choice for how to continue. We are intelligent and wise, and have all the tools we need to make great decisions. By stepping forward with clarity and confidence, nothing can keep us from success.

Some people are quick to perceive how to get what they want, and can be great actors if the need arises. We may face a situation where someone seems to be exactly what we’re looking for – either for a job, or a relationship, or anything else. They look good, they sound good, and we’re impressed. If they are being honest about who they are, things may go well. But if they’re manipulating us and pretending to be something they aren’t, the results will likely bring disappointment, or pain or both. Mistakes happen but they don’t mean we’re incapable of prevailing. We can correct our course at any time, and move forward toward our goal.

Beautiful, shiny things are attractive, and we may be drawn to them without seeing everything clearly. A beautiful new car is a wonderful thing, but if the price is more that we can comfortably afford, no matter what the salesman says or how much he praises the car, if we buy it, we’re going to struggle. By keeping our wits about us, even when we’ve been captivated, we can ensure we’ll take the best roads ahead.

Today before you make a choice, be sure you’re seeing everything exactly as it is. Look at the situation clearly and decide what works best for you. You are amazing and highly capable, and will accomplish great things. Look ahead with confidence, and choose wisely. Every success is already there for you. Keep your eyes open and you will make them yours.

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One Thing More

15 Dec

Everyday we get the chance to do something good. There is an endless need for good in the world and each day the chance to offer a little more arises. We all have our routines, and things we need to get done. We have our list of errands, and chores, and work, and family and all the rest. As we move along we can keep out heads down only focused on the next item on the list, or we can look up and see what’s going on around us. In the parking lot at the store, someone may be struggling to load bags into the trunk of their car. Of course, we can just walk by and mind our own business, but if we stop and lend a hand, everything will change. We will feel the satisfaction of having helped someone else, and we may lift the other person’s spirits in ways we will never know. There are billions of people in the world, but it’s easy to feel alone when we’re trying to do everything by ourselves. Extending our vision just a little, and choosing to do one thing more than we must, our spirits will be lightened, and we will be uplifted. When we extend ourselves, our self esteem will rise knowing we are being the best we can be. We have the power to change the world, if we only look up and reach out. There is greatness inside us all. By sharing it with those around us, we will bring great light and joy. We are all gifts to the world. By showing how much we care, we enrich not only ourselves, but everyone around us.

It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s ideas and feelings. If someone is intense and angry and brings us into their turmoil, we may also begin to feel intense and angry, even though the issue isn’t ours to deal with. Instead of absorbing the stress around us, we can look at all the blessings we already have, and hold onto our own peace and happiness. There will always be trouble, there will always be pain, but there will always be good as well. By choosing to focus on what works, and seeing the good around us, our lives will be embellished and we will experience real joy.

Some people just love to complain. This is not working, that sucks, I hate him/her, this situation is awful, etc. etc. We do not live in nirvana and the world is a complex place where a lot can go wrong. Nobody gets a clear, paved road to all the goals they desire. Problems will arise, people will annoy, and crap will happen, but that doesn’t mean we have to embrace it and make it our focus. Every problem has a solution, and by focusing on moving forward and solving issues as they arise, and not only seeing the barriers but the answers as well, we will find greater peace and happiness.

Today if you’ve been focusing on what’s going wrong and what’s not working, step back and see the big picture. You are amazing and capable, and have so much to offer. Extend yourself a little more, reach a little further, and you will find great success. Your life has incredible value and you bring so much light to us all. Remember you are precious and a blessing to the world. Be confident, be happy and nothing will keep you from your dreams.

Wiper Blades

15 Nov

Windshield wiper blades help us see when it’s raining or snowing outside. They move everything off the glass and clear the way ahead. Without them, when the weather gets bad, it may be impossible to see the road and we may have to stop until things change. When they are new, they work perfectly but as they wear, there may be areas that don’t touch and over time it gets harder and harder to see the road. It’s the same for us when we are doing our tasks and working our way through. There are always endless complications and details that may move us off course, and endless tasks to accomplish. If we keep our minds clear and focus on what needs to be done, we will likely find success. But all those details and complications may wiggle their way to the front of our vision, and we may get distracted and stuck, unable to see the way forward. Life is filled with all kinds of unexpected developments and we may tire trying to solve them all. We know where we want to go, and setting aside the journey to take care of this over here, or that over there, will never help us reach the goal. We only have control over our own decisions and there is no way to predict what will happen. Sometimes, everything gets jumbled up and the road gets blocked. But many times the distractions that come can wait. The journey we’re on is important and if we’re determined to succeed, we can find a way to attend to whatever comes up and still continue forward. We know what we want, and already have everything we need to get it. By choosing to stay on track and doing what is needed to make the goal ours, we will prevail. Nothing is out of reach if we are determined to win. We are smart enough to know what to do at every turn, and we will succeed.

Life is complex and we may face a time when we’re so busy taking care of details we neglect to take care of ourselves. Yes, it’s important to solve problems as they arise, and make new plans when necessary, but we are in control of our time and how we use it. There will always be more work to do, no matter what we accomplish. We can be diligent and work hard, and still do what is necessary to ensure our own safety and good health. By taking the time we need to rest and restore, we will more easily find the answers we need, and reach the goal ahead.

If we’re exhausted from too much work, our judgement will likely be compromised. It’s hard to see details when our vision is blurred by fatigue. When we’re tired we may miss important clues we need to move ahead. By being proactive and taking time when we need it, we will be clear and aware of everything we need to do, and where we need to go. Success is always possible, and with patience and wisdom, we will reach it.

Today if you’ve got a lot going on and there is much to accomplish, remember you are the most important person in your life. Be mindful of your needs and step back when you need a break. You are amazing and highly capable and nothing is beyond your grasp. Plan carefully, and step forward confident of success.

Sorry, Not Sorry

24 Oct

Nobody is perfect and although we may try hard to do everything right, and always say the right things, at some point we’re going to falter. We interact with lots of other people and they all have their own ideas about how things should go and what we should say. If we do something without thinking, or if we’re mad and do something on purpose that causes pain or distress for someone else, we may, or may not, feel bad about it. A lot depends on the situation and our relationship with the other party. If they are someone who is very difficult and we struggle to get along with them, and we say something that offends them, we frankly may not care. They can deal with it.  After all, we have to deal with them all the time. Other times we might do something offensive simply because we don’t have all the facts, or our information is inaccurate. When the mis-step is pointed out to us, we may apologize and correct our course moving forward. Life is full of all kinds of differences and interpretations, and it’s impossible to get them all right every time. Every situation is different and we can look at everything objectively and then decide our next step. Most of us want to get along with others, and try not to put obstacles in the road ahead by hurting those around us and making enemies. If we cause a problem we can always do what is needed to fix it. We are intelligent and wise, and there isn’t anything too difficult for us to understand. By choosing wisely and making the best decisions moving forward, we can be sure we’ll reach success.

Not everyone is nice and easy to get along with. Some people are rude, impolite or even mean. They have their own reasons for how they act and we need not spend any time trying to figure that out.  However, if we have to interact with them, we will need to find a way to do it without causing too much distress. We don’t have to succumb to anyone else’s demands if they are not in authority over us. We can listen to them, respond politely, and then make the best choice moving forward. 

Families and relationships are complex. If we’re in a situation with someone we love where they are constantly criticizing and berating us, or telling us what to do, we may feel oppressed and overrun. We’re all entitled to our own opinions but we don’t have any control over anyone else. Everyone gets to make their own choices. Our lives are our responsibility and we always have the power to step away from any situation that isn’t working. We can define how much contact allows us to stay connected without letting others control us. We know who we are and what we want, and with focus and determination, nothing can keep us from success.

Today if you’ve offended someone, look at the situation carefully and completely, and determine the best step forward. Be polite and gracious, even if you disagree, and continue moving toward your goals. You are highly capable and intelligent, and will always find your way. Be confident and wise. Every single blessing is waiting for you. Step forward and claim them.

Bandaids

19 Sep

Life is full of surprises and we never know what will happen next. We’ll go through things we never dreamed of and there will be times when things will go wrong, and we’ll suffer. Nobody gets a life filled with paved roads, rainbows and roses. Everyone will have challenges to overcome and painful experiences to get through. When trouble comes we may be able to look at it objectively and quickly find the answers we need to address the issue and move on, but not every problem is that easy. Some things are complicated and painful, and take a lot of time and thought to figure out. If we’re confused and overwhelmed, we may be unable to see everything clearly. If the situation is very painful, we may need time to gain the clarity necessary to proceed. When we get a scrape or cut that is bleeding and painful, we may put a bandaid on it. It will cover the wound and protect it until it heals sufficiently for us to remove it and continue on. We can do the same thing if we’re facing a very hard situation. We can take a step back and give ourselves cover for a while so we can think about everything clearly and decide how we want to proceed. Stepping back isn’t giving up. It’s like a bandaid – a short break for us to regroup and focus. When we’re ready we can step back in and begin to unravel the issue until we reach resolution. Life is complicated but we are intelligent and wise, and nothing is too complex for us to manage. We can trust that no matter what comes, we will find the answers we need, and be able to continue toward success.

Everyone has their own methods for doing things. Some people tackle problems head on and push their way through regardless of how difficult the road ahead is. Others take their time to look at everything before they make their first move. There are endless ways to move forward no matter what is happening and never only one perfect way to handle things. What works for one may be impossible for someone else. By doing things our own way and in our own time, nothing can keep us from moving forward. We know who we are and how we want to proceed, and with patience and determination, we will win.

There is no end to the many variations of things that could happen. Even when we plan well and do everything we can to ensure success, they will be times when everything falls apart. We don’t know what we don’t know, and there may be people making decisions we know nothing about that impact our lives. When our plans go up in smoke and we can’t even see the road ahead, we can stand still until things clear and then begin again. We are stronger and more capable than we think we are, and there isn’t anything we can’t do. Every single goal is possible, and we will reach them all.

Today if you’re facing a difficult situation and you feel unable to move, step back and look at everything objectively. The answers you need are already there for you. Stand still and let your mind rest for a moment, and you will find your way. You are amazing and smarter than you imagine. Every single dream is waiting. Trust yourself and step forward. Success is just ahead, and you will make it yours.