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Radiating Outward

3 Dec

We live in a world filled with people and everywhere we go there are others around us.  What demeanor we project and how we interact with them has influence over every situation.  If we’re feeling bad we may emanate sadness or ill will out to our environment, and if we’re happy our influence may be very different.  We are integral to every situation and there is no way to eliminate the influence we have over our surroundings.  When we’re distracted and busy we may not be aware of how we’re impacting those around us.  As we rush from one thing to another we may not notice how our behavior changes the atmosphere or feelings of others but everything we do changes something else.  We own every decision we make, even those we make without thinking.  If we are aware of our presence and do what we can to make our influence positive, our lives and the lives of those around us will be embellished and enhanced.  We can improve any situation we’re in and if we’re welcoming and accessible many new doors will open for us.  Our demeanor can define our position and we can change everything with a smile and a kind word.  We don’t have to pretend to be happy when we aren’t but can be mindful that the messages we send out have consequences.  People will react to what we do and say.  We can be open and honest, and receptive to those around us and pave the way forward with good intentions.  Every goal we want is attainable and when we’re agreeable and kind, all the doors ahead will open.

Some people are very stoic and keep their feelings hidden and tucked away.  Others wear their hearts on their sleeves for everyone to see and every emotion they experience is clearly visible.  No matter what type of personality we have our behaviors impact those around us.  If we’re abrupt and secretive it may be hard to develop close connections.  If we’re very emotional we may make those around us uncomfortable.  We’re always in control of ourselves and can behave in ways that bring others closer and build strong alliances.  The connections we create and the bonds we form will help us moving forward in everything we do.

There are some who have little control over their emotions and spread them all over those around them.  If they’re unhappy, mad, or upset, they may gripe and complain and smear their ill will everywhere.  Misery loves company but only because it justifies bad behavior.  If we’re miserable, making those around us feel bad will never solve anything.  We all have bad days from time to time but we can manage them without bringing others down in the process.

Today if you’re struggling with something and don’t feel happy, try to manage your feelings in ways that will improve your situation.  If you need help, get it and find your way through.  You are stronger than you think you are and nothing is powerful enough to hold you down.  Lift your head and move forward with confidence.  Every blessing you hope for and every destination you dream about is there for you and you will reach it.

Around and Around

15 Nov

There are many things that may occupy our time and endless activities we may be involved in. Every day brings new opportunities and we can use our time any way we desire. If we’re focused on a goal and doing what is needed to make it reality, we’re likely to find success. But life is filled with all kinds of distractions and even if we’re intent on doing something, if we allow those distractions to alter our focus, we may not achieve the goals we want to pursue. There are a lot of people in our lives who may want our time for one thing or another and if we value our relationship with them, we may give it. It’s good to be helpful and supportive to those around us but if we constantly say yes to the needs of others, we may end up sacrificing the things we want the most. Time is a defined commodity that cannot be expanded or recaptured. We can’t stretch our days longer in an effort to get more done. We must manage the time we have and judiciously make decisions that will allow us to help those in need and still accomplish the things we want most. Our lives are important and our dreams can come true if we do what is needed to make that happen. Constantly being busy doing all sorts of things for everyone else may make us very popular but won’t help us achieve our personal goals. We can plan our days in ways that allow us to serve others and still have time to continue toward the destinations we desire most.

Being busy doesn’t always mean being successful. If we’re spinning around and around in circles, we are active and busy but aren’t moving forward. Continually stepping off the road that takes us to our goals to do other things will not help us achieve them. There is much to be learned by doing many different activities and we can try everything we like. However, if we spend all our time trying new things, we will never master anything. We know what we want and we know where we want to go. We can keep our eyes focused on the goals we want most and with determination we will reach them.

There are endless opportunities to do unlimited things. We can accomplish many personal goals but before we begin, we must decide what we want to do. Making lists and plans is only the first step. All the planning in the world will get us nowhere if we never move. We must actually step out and start our journey if we want to reach any destination. We are strong and capable and there isn’t anything we can’t do and nowhere too far to reach. The whole world is there for us and we can find great success and achieve all our goals.

Today if you’ve been busy doing lots of things that haven’t moved you closer to the places you want the most, revise how you spend your time. Your life is precious and your dreams are worthwhile. Make a plan to achieve the goals that mean the most and begin your journey toward them today. You can do anything. Step forward and make all your dreams come true. They’re always available to you and you will reach them.

Intermission

1 Nov

Years ago, when there was a long movie, the producers would put an intermission near the middle of the production. It was a time for movie goers to get up and stretch, purchase refreshments or visit the bathrooms. They were several minutes long and gave everyone a break from sitting and watching. Those days are behind us now but the idea of intermission is a valuable tool we can use in our personal lives. When we’re involved in a long, complex project or trying to complete a difficult goal, we may be encouraged to hurry and continually press forward to reach it. It’s good to be focused but it’s helpful to stop from time to time and take a breather, review where we are, and look ahead to plan our next steps. There is nothing to be gained by rushing forward without looking, getting tangled up somewhere we didn’t intend to go and having to backtrack to start again. It’s far better to stop from time to time to look at where we’re headed and make sure we’re going in the direction that will bring us success. The old saying of “haste makes waste,” may come into play if we hurry toward our objectives without taking time to think about where we’re going. Rushing around doesn’t always mean making progress. We can take an intermission, stand still for a moment, review our objectives and then plan the way forward. Just a few minutes of careful consideration in advance may save us hours of revision later. We can get to any destination we desire and by thoughtfully preparing our way forward will arrive at the perfect time. We know where we want to go and can reach any goal we choose. All options are possible if we plan effectively and use our time wisely.

We may be in a situation where we’re pressed to give quick answers and find fast solutions. We are wise and capable and can find any answers we need but we don’t have to jump on the first ones that come to mind. We can step back for a moment and allow ourselves time to consider all the possible options before choosing the next step. Giving ourselves time to let ideas rise will give us a wider perspective of the situation and help us uncover the best way forward. There isn’t anything we can’t understand and if we pause for a moment, will find every answer we need.

Sometimes when we step back and look at everything openly we see things we didn’t notice before. We may discover our ideas about what we want have changed, and the goal we were striving for is no longer where we want to go. Instead of continuing forward toward something we don’t want, we can turn toward a new destination and start on a new path. We can do anything we choose and by taking time to look at where we’re headed will ensure we reach the destinations we most desire.

Today if you’ve been pushing forward and focused only on the goal ahead, take a moment to step back and look at everything again. Think about where you’re headed and consider every possibility going forward. The whole world is there for you and you can go anywhere you want to go. Look around and choose the road that takes you to the places you desire most. You deserve every happiness and by making the best choices moving forward will achieve it.

Endurance Test

29 Oct

It would be great if every objective or project we had to complete worked out easily.  It would be wonderful if every time we had to do something, no matter what it was, that all the doors would open automatically, everyone would be helpful, and there would be nothing in our way.  That would be perfect, but sadly, those situations tend to be the exception and not the rule.  Most of the time we’ll have to push through something in our way or process a complication or issue preventing us from advancing.  Continual problems may make us consider giving up even if what we want to do is important to us.  Of course, we can change direction any time we want to and let anything go whenever we choose.  But if we want to continue instead of giving up, we can work on our ability to endure a little longer.  Endurance is simply our ability to withstand whatever we’re going through and is a skill we can improve and make stronger.  When we learn to endure well and hold on despite strong winds blowing against us, we have a better chance of achieving our goals.  Some things are hard to accomplish.  They take serious effort, lots of time and energy, and may test our ability to tolerate the challenges they present.  But anything worth achieving is worth our best efforts.  There isn’t anything strong enough to keep us from a destination if we’re willing to navigate whatever is in the way.  We’re stronger than any complication, and smarter than any problem.  We can find our way through and reach our goals.

When we’re on a road trip, if snow begins to fall and accumulate on the highway, our situation may become treacherous.  We can slow down in an effort to continue safely and push forward toward our goal.  Slowing down gives us the chance to carefully see everything in front of us and determine how to navigate forward.  Our progress will be affected but not stopped.  In our personal lives when things get complicated, sometimes we need to slow down to review all our options.  We can keep moving forward with caution until we’re sure the road ahead is exactly where we want to go and can see the destination before us.

There may be times when our situation changes and we must stop our plans completely and re-evaluate where we’re headed.  Perhaps there’s something preventing us from moving forward on the road we’ve been traveling.  The goal may still be possible but we need to redirect how we get there.  We can achieve anything if we’re determined but we might need to change direction to succeed.  It doesn’t matter how many times we correct our course or how may tries it takes to get moving again.  If we’re persistent we will find the way.  Nothing is out of reach and with patience and planning we can reach every goal we set.

Today if you’re facing lots of complications and the road ahead is blocked, remember there are many roads to every destination.  Look around and see all the options possible.  You can go anywhere you choose.  Be strong, endure well and press forward.  Every dream can come true.  You are wise and capable, and nothing is too far to reach.

House of Mirrors

18 Oct

We’re all different and our experiences as we go through our lives make us into the people we become.  Most of us learn from things that go wrong and adjust our lives to prevent making the same mistakes going forward.  But some people have trouble discerning the mistakes they make.  It’s hard for them to understand how their actions connect to what happens to them.  It’s not our place to judge what anyone else does but if we have people like this in our lives, we may be affected.  It’s hard to have a relationship with someone who continually makes choices that bring heartache and trouble.  We may find ourselves continually adjusting to the next disaster and trying to find a way around it.  Although we are only responsible for the decisions we make, we may be seriously impacted by those made by others close to us.  Like paint, they can smear their dysfunction all over our lives and before we know it we may get caught up in their problems in ways that are not helpful.  If we remember we are individuals and have complete ownership over our own decisions, we can stand beside someone who struggles and be supportive without becoming part of the issue.  We can be friends without getting caught up in turmoil and confusion.  Learning to stand beside someone and still stand apart will help us navigate through any difficult relationships we have.  Life isn’t always easy but we have everything we need to find the right road going forward that will bring us comfort and peace.

We don’t know what we don’t know.  Sometimes we may begin a relationship with someone that seems positive and satisfying.  We connect with them, we think we understand them and they seem to understand us.  It’s great to make connections with others that make us feel good and brighten our lives.  But sometimes people hide their true selves and it takes time for their real behaviors to shine through.  When things change, if the turn is dramatic enough, we may feel we’ve entered a house of mirrors.  Nothing is as we thought and we aren’t sure what to do next.  We are always in control of our lives and never have to stay in any situation that is uncomfortable.  We can make a turn and change our lives at any time.

We may get into situations where the people we’re associating with begin to make decisions we aren’t comfortable with.  They are choosing to continue toward a goal we don’t want or their methods are ideas we don’t agree with.  We always have the power to change any relationships in our lives.  We aren’t assigned to others and can move in a new direction away from those near us at any time.  Our lives are ours to design and we can decide how we will proceed.  We can be confident when we make choices that take us where we want to go and courageously continue forward toward success.

Today if you’re in a relationship that isn’t working or have been caught up in a situation that is moving you toward a destination you don’t want, take control.  You know where you want to go and have everything you need to get there.  You don’t have to stay in any situation that isn’t comfortable.  Change direction and move forward toward success.  You can do anything you desire and every option is possible.