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Slightly Committed

27 Feb

Life is filled with all kinds of opportunities and possibilities. We decide what we want to do, where we want to go and how we will live our lives. For some it’s enough to simply get by with whatever comes. Others strive for difficult, hard to reach goals that push them forward toward where they want to go. We’re all different but no matter what our goals are, we will only achieve them at the same level of our commitment. If we’re determined to succeed no matter what and continue pushing forward despite what may be in the way, we’ll likely reach success. However, if we’re only slightly interested in moving forward, chances are we’ll only be slightly successful. Our focus will often determine how close we get to the destination we desire. It’s easy to talk about what we want and dream our days away thinking “if only” this or that happened we would be happier. But talking and dreaming will do nothing to change our situation. Every option is always possible but it’s up to us to actively pursue what we want. Our dreams won’t happen just because we’re thinking about them. Every dream can come true, but nothing will change until we do what is needed to make it real. Every option is possible and if we commit ourselves to doing what is necessary to achieve them, we will succeed. Nothing is ever too far to reach. We can have the lives we want the most and reach every goal. The whole world is there for us and with focus and determination, we can make it ours.

It’s easy to complain when we aren’t happy with our lives. We can bemoan every missed opportunity, and every unlucky break. Life happens and we have little control over anything outside our personal choices. Things won’t always go our way, but no matter how many detours or roadblocks we must face, we’re in control of what we do next. We can always give up and resign ourselves to a life we don’t want, or we can make a plan to push ahead toward anything we choose. Complete happiness is always possible but we must make it happen. With commitment and focus we can achieve any goal we desire and live the lives we want the most.

It’s easy to live a common, mediocre life, but mediocrity keeps us from the intense happiness and satisfaction we gain from personal success. Nothing can compare to the gratification we feel when we’ve accomplished something extraordinary. When we’ve run a hard race and made it to the finish line, we’ll feel great pleasure and fulfillment. Those moments can change our lives and bring us unexpected rewards. We can push further and accomplish more than we think we can. Every dream is possible and with determination and focus we can make them all come true.

Today if there’s something you’ve been wanting but haven’t done anything to achieve it, make a plan to start. There isn’t anything you can’t do. Decide what you want the most and take the first step toward it. Be committed and create the life you want. Everything is possible. The world is filled with opportunities. Be confident and begin. All your dreams are achievable and nothing is out of reach. Everything is possible and you will succeed.

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Carrying It

25 Feb

Every decision we make has a consequence and expresses who we are. Most of us try to make the best choices every time, but people are complicated, and sometimes because of fear or other influence, we may falter. If we make a bad choice, we carry the impact of it forward with us. If it’s an insignificant situation with people we don’t know, we might be able to ignore it and just move on. However, if it involves those who depend on our integrity and we’ve been dishonest, it will be harder to let it go. We always know what we’ve done and even if we’re able to hide, the burden of carrying something negative forward will become heavy and may hurt us in the long run. Nobody’s perfect and everyone makes mistakes from time to time. If we’ve done something that’s outside the person we want to be, it will never feel right. Carrying guilt forward will become heavy and may prevent us from achieving the goals we most desire. Thankfully, nothing is permanent and we can correct the situation by telling the complete truth, clearing the air and starting again. Owning up to our mistakes and errors in judgement does not diminish us in any way. Course corrections will help us live the lives we want the most. We have the potential to become anything we desire and go anywhere we choose. By living openly and honestly, and owning every decision, the road ahead will always be there and we can make our dreams come true.

Our ethical standards define who we are. We never need to succumb to situational ethics or change our values when our position becomes difficult. Situations never define our choices – we do. Every day will bring us the opportunity to choose and what we do tells the world who we are. We are strong enough to always choose in ways that honor our values. We have everything we need to succeed. By being honest in all our dealings we will achieve our goals and bless everyone around us.

For some, there’s a sliding scale when it comes to ethics and honesty. If they want something badly, they will do whatever it takes to gain it. They justify their behavior through their desires, and don’t care who gets hurt. They take what they want regardless of who is in the way or any consequences that may arise. They may get the prize but the cost will be high. They will lose the trust of those around them and it will be impossible to build strong relationships. We can choose the best road at every turn. Our lives are ours to design and with clarity and honesty, we will find satisfaction and happiness in choosing well.

Today if you’re in a situation that’s pushing you to make a choice you don’t feel good about, hold fast to your standards. You know how to make excellent decisions and need not bend your ethics to get through. Keep your eyes focused on the life you want the most. Show us who you are and set the bar high. You are a blessing to the world and we need your influence. Choose wisely, be confident, and show us the way.

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Deadlock

22 Feb

Everyone has their own opinions and ideas about how things should go. We’re all entitled to our viewpoints and can live our lives any way we choose, but if we must cooperate with others and we disagree, we may get stuck. If agreement is necessary before we can move forward and we can’t find common ground, we will remain in place until something changes. It’s not always easy to find compromise when we are diametrically opposed to the other party’s viewpoint. If we’re on opposing ends of the spectrum, it can be difficult to form an alliance in an effort to move forward. Everyone’s opinion is important, even if we disagree. If we want cooperation, all voices must be heard. We’re all unique and our perceptions are specific to each of us. We can do anything we like individually, but if we’re part of a group, we may need to bend in order to find agreement. There will be few moments when everything goes our way and we get everything we want. Other viewpoints may seem intolerable at first, but by listening carefully and patiently we can find common ground on which to agree. Each side can hold onto what’s most important and relinquish areas of contention in order to move ahead. If we want success, we must learn to compromise effectively. A deadlock situation will hold us in place and keep us from our goals. We are intelligent and have the wisdom we need to find the best arrangement where everyone feels heard and the impasse ends. We can reach any goal we desire by being open to suggestion and allowing others to engage and participate.

If we believe in something strongly and someone questions that belief, we may feel personally assaulted. Our defenses may rise and we may go on the offensive regarding our position. We’re all entitled to our own beliefs and ideas, and it doesn’t matter if others disagree with us. We can listen to opposing viewpoints without being threatened, and if we choose, can modify our stand. But our lives are ours to design and we can make our own choices even if they are in opposition to those around us.

When there are disagreements, it’s up to us how we respond. We can get angry and try to muscle the conversation in our direction. Trying to make others adopt our choice with force rarely works. Instead, if we respond patiently and politely, we may open the conversation effectively and allow everyone to express their own opinions. Respectful discussion can open the door to compromise and help us move closer to our goals. We are smart enough to know how to proceed and with confidence and understanding will reach any destination we desire.

Today if someone else’s ideas are keeping you from moving forward, be receptive to their point of view and express your own ideas confidently and patiently. Find a compromise that lets you step ahead and allows them to hold onto what they need. You are amazing and wise, and will find every answer you need. There isn’t anything that can hold you back from the goals you desire. Speak up and step forward, and you’ll reach success.

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Becoming Real

19 Feb

Becoming Real

“You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.” Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit

We have the opportunity to experience many things as we navigate through our lives. Everything that happens changes us in some way. We learn about what works and what doesn’t, what brings us pain and what brings happiness, and how to find our way forward. It isn’t always easy, and sometimes we may be overwhelmed with what we must face, but in time the answers always come and we find our way. Each day brings us something new and we learn as we go, taking our lessons forward to help in the future. Life is constantly changing and as we struggle through difficulty, we learn to be strong. As we face sorrow, we gain insight and understanding. Over time and with each step, we can let go of superficial ideas and become more authentic. Growth comes when we learn to accept and trust is what is real. We have enormous potential and can accomplish anything we desire, but first we must be willing to see things as they truly are and embrace truth going forward. Life doesn’t always go the way we wish it would, things don’t always work out and sometimes we’ll fail. But every challenge teaches us something valuable and if we remain focused, each step will take us closer to where we want to be. There isn’t anything we can’t do and no destination is too far to reach. We are strong and capable, and when we embrace things as they are, can do anything.

As adolescents our primary concerns are generally focused on our personal lives and those in it. Being part of the group is important and we may not be ready to stand alone or express anything unique or different. But as we grow, we learn more about life and understand we’re important just as we are. We step into adulthood knowing what we have to contribute is valuable and worthwhile, and find our way forward.

Letting go of childhood and embracing life as an adult is imperative if we want to find success. There are few things more annoying or disappointing than adults who act like children. Holding onto the past will never move us forward. We can step up and embrace our lives where we are, choose the paths we want to travel, and take charge of our futures. Every blessing is possible and we can achieve any goal we set.

Today if you’ve been afraid to let go of something that’s holding you back, trust yourself and remember how strong you are. Embrace your life as it is and choose the road that will take you where you want to go. You are amazing, and nothing is too far for you to reach. Make your dreams come true and live the life you desire. Be confident and step forward. Everything is possible.

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Personal Time

13 Feb

We make many decisions every day. Some are easy, but others are more complex and can be quite difficult. If we must make a decision in a hurry our judgement may be impacted, and we might miss possible complications that may result. If there are others around us pressing us to agree with them, they may insist we don’t need to think about anything. They’ve already looked at all the parameters, and we need only agree so the plan can move forward. When people are convinced they have the answers they can be very persuasive. If we buckle under the pressure and give in before we’ve had time to think, everything might be fine and go exactly as expected.  But if the situation fails because something was overlooked, we may become part of a mess we never planned on. We’re always in control of what we do and when we want or need time before making a decision, we can take it. Personal time to review everything is important and as we ponder our next steps, we can be open to inspiration and personal direction. Taking time to think before making an important decision will always work in our favor. It will allow us to examine any developments that may arise and give us time to be confident in the choice we’re making. There are few decisions that must be made immediately, and there will often be time to think before we choose. We can take the time we need to plan the way ahead. We can be wise and careful, and make decisions that will take us where we most want to go.

Trust is a valuable asset when dealing with others. If someone we trust asks us to do something we don’t feel comfortable with, we may agree because of our relationship with them. But trust is fragile and if something goes wrong or we find they weren’t completely honest, everything will change. We’re always entitled to our own personal reflection in every situation, and can take time to consider all options before deciding what works best going forward. We have all the insight and wisdom we need to make excellent choices that bring us the results we seek.

We live in a hurry up world. Time is always of the essence and we are often pressed to rush through one situation after another. There’s nothing wrong with accomplishing much but if we do things before we have time to think, chances are some of them will fail. If we don’t take the time we need for personal reflection, our decisions may be negatively impacted. We know what we want and we don’t have to be rushed to get it. We can take our time and choose carefully to ensure we create the lives we desire.

Today if you’re pressed to hurry through an important decision, step back for a moment and take the time you need to see all the possibilities going forward. You are wise and capable, and know how to choose well. Give yourself the personal time you need to make the best decisions you can. You are amazing and powerful, and have everything you need to succeed. Every destination is there for you. Choose wisely and move forward with confidence.

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