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White Water

19 Nov

It’s fun to go rafting.  As we move through the water we can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river as we float downstream.  In the areas where the water is calm we can lie back and relax, but no river is without some kind of rapids.  Rapids may appear and rush us along quickly and as we navigate them if we want to get through we need to be aware of everything around us.  We can’t see what’s under the water and even if we’re paying attention our situation could change in an instant.  Hidden rocks and unexpected currents may quickly change our situation and we may suddenly find ourselves upended in the water looking for oars and trying to catch our raft as it races past.  We don’t live our lives on a raft but we may go through times when it seems we’re in the rapids trying to hold on while everything around us is changing.  Life can be complicated and nobody knows what tomorrow will bring.  The only thing we can really count on is that whatever we’re going through right now will change in time.  How long that takes is anyone’s guess but while we’re navigating white water and struggling to stay afloat, remembering that nothing lasts forever may boost our courage and give us additional confidence.  We’re highly capable and can adapt to any situation but change isn’t always easy.  We can trust ourselves to make good decisions and find the way forward no matter where we are.  Life is filled with challenges and we can face whatever comes.  There is sufficient strength inside us and we can be confident in any situation that we’ll find our way through and reach the shore.

The world is filled with billions of people constantly making choices and decisions that may affect our lives.  We can’t know everything and sometimes our situation changes dramatically because of events beyond our control.  When the bottom falls out and our plans go up in smoke we may be disoriented as we try to figure out what’s happening.  Change is constant and when it comes we can stop and stand still until we see everything clearly again and understand how to proceed.  We can adjust our plans to accommodate any alteration.  We can be flexible and open to new ideas and try new paths moving forward.

It seems it would be easier to live in world where everything stayed the same and we would know what to expect all the time.  Our days would certainly be simpler if people never changed and our routines were solid and unmovable.  But repetition can’t teach us anything new and life is all about learning and growing.  We can adapt to change and find new ways to accomplish anything.  We’re creative and capable of managing any situation no matter how complex or unusual.  Our experiences teach us many valuable lessons and help us become the people we most want to be.  We can embrace change, navigate the rapids and find our way to any destination we desire.

Today if your situation has suddenly changed and you don’t know how to proceed, take a moment to see everything clearly.  The scenery may be different but there is still a way forward.  There isn’t anything you can’t do.  Remember how strong and capable you are.  All the answers you need are there and you will find the right road forward.

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Courage

13 Nov

We hear all kinds of stories about courageous, brave people who do astounding things that impress us and make us marvel at their fearlessness and stamina. Some events are so noteworthy they become legend and part of our history. It’s inspiring and uplifting to see others express heroism and courage no matter what is before them. In our lives we may never have to face an army of marauders or take out a bank robber but we will likely face times when we’ll have to be brave against a situation before us. Fear is a natural response to threat and courage doesn’t mean we won’t be afraid but that we’ll act even in the face of our fear. Instead of being paralyzed and cowering in a corner we can step out and stand strong in the midst of a difficult and frightening situation. Our lives may be predictable and perhaps we don’t think we have many opportunities to practice being courageous but every time we hold our ground when there is pressure to bend, every time we speak up when someone is being hurt, and every time we extend ourselves to help others, we are being brave. Practicing courage even in small ways gives us the skill to stand strong when serious issues arise. If we fold every time someone disagrees with us, or cower every time we are unsure, we will never be able to express our true selves. We are capable and strong and even if the tide turns against us, can hold fast to what we want the most. We have all the courage and strength within us to do anything we desire. Trusting ourselves and believing we will prevail will move us forward.

We may experience great pressure to conform and go along with common ideas around us. It’s easier for a group to function if everyone does the same things and those around us may press us to follow their views even if we disagree. We can always go with the flow and keep our opinions to ourselves. It’s easier to let others lead and simply follow along than it is to question the road ahead, but remaining quiet will only guarantee that our influence will not be heard. We have a lot to offer and our ideas are valuable. We can be brave enough to speak up, even if we’re different, and share our true selves with those around us.

Life is continually moving forward and if we are timid and don’t express ourselves, we may find we are simply going through the motions instead of grabbing hold of our lives and making the most of our time. Each day we live is a blessing and once the time has passed can never be recaptured. Standing back and staying quiet will never take us to the goals we want the most. We can speak up, step forward and take control of our lives and design them any way we choose. It’s all there for us. We need only reach out and take it.

Today if you’ve been sitting quietly and allowing others to decide what you’ll do next, remember you are valuable and your choices are important. Think about what you want the most and step toward your goals. Everything is possible and you have all the courage and wisdom you need to find success. Be strong. All your dreams are there for you and you can make them come true.

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Unbelievable

7 Nov

We all have ideas about how things should go and what should happen.  We make plans and try to design our lives in ways that ensure what we want most will come to us and we’ll be on the right road going forward.  We have control over all our decisions but basically everything else is left up to chance.  We can make all the right choices to get to a goal and still not reach it because of situations out of our control.  Sometimes things develop in ways we can’t understand and no matter how we try to wrap our heads around it, can’t make sense of it.  When that happens, we may stand and watch, stunned as the world seems to tilt on its axis and we are left out in the cold.  We may struggle to figure out how to process our new reality.  No matter how well we prepare or how sure we are about the road ahead, things may change suddenly and we may find ourselves standing on foreign ground with no idea what to do next.  Confusing, complicated events may come but we are capable of managing if we step back and take the time we need to see everything clearly.  There are many roads to every destination and if the one we’ve been on has disappeared, we can choose another.  We can let go of any preconceived notions about how we should proceed and alter our plans to fit the new situation we’re in.  Change is constant and even if the change we’re facing is difficult, we can find our way.  We are capable of adjusting our plans, redirecting our way forward and still finding success.

People do all kinds of things.  If someone does something that impacts us negatively we may question their reasoning.  If they value their relationship with us they may do something to amend the situation.  But we can’t make people care about others and if we’re someone they don’t consider worth their time they may continue on without regard to what’s happening to us.  If we can’t eliminate their influence over us we’ll have to cope.  It’s not easy to deal with unpleasant and disagreeable people but we are intelligent and can find a way around them.

When something unexpected and extreme happens that affects our plans going forward, we may shudder in unbelief.  Our idea of what is normal may be challenged and we may struggle to understand our position and how to take the next step.  There may be times when unforeseen developments knock the air out of us and we’ll have to hold on tight to keep standing.  Life is filled with surprises and even if we’re uneven for a moment, we can find our footing by trusting our instincts and remaining calm.  Whatever storm is passing over will abate and we’ll be able to see clearly again.  We are strong and capable and even in the midst of serious turmoil can find our way.

Today if you’re facing a situation that has rocked your foundation and you’re struggling to comprehend what to do, remember how capable you are.  You can stand steady even when the ground shakes.  You can face anything and find the answers you need to get through.  Be confident.  There is nothing powerful enough to hold you down.  Step forward and start again.  There is great success ahead.

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Black Hole

6 Nov

We all want happy, fulfilled lives but nobody lives in paradise where there are no problems or challenges and we’ll all get the opportunity to test ourselves through trial and trouble. Sometimes we’ll suffer because of decisions we’ve made, sometimes because of the decisions of others, and sometimes we’ll have no idea why the rug has been pulled out from beneath us. Trouble will come to us all and when it does if we want to move forward, we must face it and all the complications it brings. Most of the time we’ll be confident that we’ll find our way through but there may be a time when an extreme, terrible situation leaves us breathless and unsure. When disaster comes, we may feel we’ve fallen into a black hole of despair and uncertainty from which there is no escape. We may be overwhelmed and completely unprepared for what’s happening. Seriously bad situations seem powerful and we may be overcome for a moment, but we are always stronger than any challenge before us and can rely on our personal wisdom to get us through. No matter how difficult the road ahead, no matter how painful the trial, we have enough inside us to find our way. There will always be an answer to any problem we’re facing and with patience and determination we’ll find it. There is no black hole from which we can’t escape. We can take the first step forward and trust ourselves to find the next. Each step will take us further from the fire and closer to the light that will guide us forward. There isn’t anything we can’t manage and when we’re tested and pushed to our limits, we will find our way.

We can’t read the future and nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. If our situation changes dramatically, we may suddenly be stopped in our tracks. We may push ahead hoping we’ll be able to muscle through and that might work or we may waste a lot of time trying to do something that can no longer be done. Instead, we can set aside our previous notions about how we should proceed, and find the best way forward. If we are flexible when our path has been blocked, we’ll find a new road ahead.

Life is filled with changes. When we’re in the midst of a difficult and painful ordeal and feel stressed and overwhelmed, it may seem it will never end. We might believe we’ll always suffer and nothing will ever resolve. But life brings continual change to every situation we’re in. Nothing stays the same forever. We will find the answers we need, we will overcome even the hardest problems, and we will move forward. The light is always there for us no matter how heavy and dark the clouds are overhead. We have everything we need to succeed. We can be confident and resolute, and find our way through.

Today if you’re facing a difficult situation and are unsure and worried, remember how strong you are. You are wise and can discern any problem before you and find the answers. The road ahead is there for you. Take your time, trust yourself, and you’ll find the way forward. All blessings are possible and with patience and determination you will reach them.

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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.

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