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Being the Fly

19 Jan

“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly…” Mary Howitt

Many of us have heard the story of the spider and the fly. The spider lures the fly into its web with flattering words and compliments, and in the end the fly is captivated and then is captured. In life, there are all kinds of people with all kinds of ideas and agendas. If they want us to join them, they may flatter and cajole us, offering us gifts or constant attention. If we’re careful and sure of ourselves, we may see through the manipulation and be able to walk away, but there may be times we miss the mark. We might align ourselves with someone who looks like a friend and ally, only to discover once we’re next to them that they are completely different than we thought. Once the shine of newness and flattery is gone, the stark truth of what’s happening will appear. If we’ve been caught up in something we don’t want, we aren’t doomed to stay forever. It doesn’t matter what we’ve been promised, or how much they reassure us that what we can plainly see isn’t the truth. We’re in control of our lives and can step away from anything that makes us uncomfortable or is heading somewhere we don’t want to go. Nobody knows everything and there will likely be times when we’ll be deceived. We may have been the fly at the beginning, but we are never so entangled we can’t escape. Once the truth is clear, we can decide how we want to proceed, and choose the best road forward. Nothing can hold us down indefinitely, and with courage, and wisdom we can do what is needed to correct our course at any time, and continue forward toward success.

If we want to convince someone to do something, we might embellish facts, or leave out information that may dissuade them from agreeing. We can do anything we like, but truth is powerful and will eventually rise and become evident. Bending details, and glossing over problems in an effort to get someone’s support may work at the beginning, but as time marches on, all the flaws and issues we left out will show themselves. It’s far better to be completely honest and upfront, explain the facts as they are, and let those around us decide for themselves.

When we are captivated by someone, it may be hard to see everything as it truly is. If they are very attractive, we may be blinded by their beauty and unable to clearly focus on what is real. It’s exciting to feel the thrall of attraction, but we can take our time and stop for a moment to look at everything objectively. Infatuation is intense and fleeting, but we can keep our wits about us and hold fast to reality. We know who we are and what we want, and with clarity and patience, we can make our dreams come true.

Today if you’re being lured to do something you aren’t sure of, think about what you really want. You are intelligent and wise and can discern what is real. Decide what you want the most, and step forward with determination and focus. You are amazing and powerful, and nothing is out of reach. Be confident and strong. Every single destination is there for you and nothing can keep you from success.

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Creating A Label

8 Dec

The world is filled with different people, different ideas, different choices and endless variety.  No two people are exactly the same and what one values, another may not even consider.  There is no one right way to live life.  We all get to decide what we want and who we will be.  Our expressions are unique to each of us, and we all offer specific gifts nobody else could give.  It can be hard to accept an idea that is far from what we understand.  It’s hard to wrap our heads around the complete opposite of what we believe.  But everyone is entitled to their own viewpoints and their own decisions.  Nobody needs permission or agreement to live any way they like.  Some people believe their way of doing things is the only right way.  They may label other people’s choices as stupid or wrong, or call them names because they are different and do not comply with their own ideas.  They may cruelly mimic the way they speak, or walk, or act.  Everyone is different and that will never change. Degrading someone or criticizing them because they believe differently or aren’t like us will only bring darkness and pain. We’re all valuable.  We’re all important, and we all count.  By choosing to be open and accepting, and honoring everyone’s right to choose whatever they like, we will bring great richness and depth to our lives.  We have so much to offer.  We can share who we are, and allow others to share themselves with us.  Life is an incredible blessing and with wisdom and honor, we can live it well, and make the most of it.

There are a lot of people with loud voices and big megaphones. He hear them on the news, we read about them, and they are insistent in their positions and opinions. Opinions are great, but they are only important to those who hold them.  Nobody’s thoughts or ideas are more valuable than anyone else’s.  We all have great worth, and so much to share.  Being loud is not the same as being right.  It’s just sound.  We can decide what is right for us and choose our own way, even if it doesn’t align with those around us.  

We hear all kinds of labels that are derogatory and critical.  They signify different groups of people, different genders, age groups etc.  Nothing good ever comes from using offensive labels to describe anyone. We can have our own opinions and should stand up for what we think is right, but degrading those who disagree will never move us forward.  Our lives are ours to design.  We can choose harmony, respect and grace, and when we do we’ll gain peace and increased happiness.

Today if you’ve been criticizing someone or some group because they are different and don’t hold the same values as you, stop and think again.  We’re all in this together and we’re all important. Hold fast to your beliefs, and honor those who choose a different path.  Be kind and welcoming, and your life will be blessed.  You can bring great light and joy to the world.  Choose the best road forward, and every success will be yours.

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Sandpaper

4 Nov

We share the world with lots of other people. They constantly come and go, in and out of our lives. We have friends, co-workers, associates, acquaintances and all manner of connections. We might face a time when someone we must interact with is abrasive and rude. They may say insulting things to us, demean us at every turn, and seem to delight in making us miserable. It’s very hard to be kind to someone who is mean to us, but returning barb for barb, and insult for insult, will never move us forward. Stooping to their level only makes us like them. By refusing to fall prey to their infernal put downs and disrespect, we can hold fast to our own standards and remain polite and civil. We don’t have to roll over and take whatever it is they’re dishing out, and when we respond with clarity and grace, we will always gain the upper hand. Nobody knows what motivates people to degrade others. Perhaps they suffer from poor self-esteem and putting others down makes them feel powerful. Maybe they are jealous of who we are or what we’ve accomplished. It doesn’t matter what drives their negative behavior. We have no control over what they do, but we have complete control over how we respond. By holding fast to our own values, and refusing to engage them in a negative free for all, we will maintain control over the situation. It’s impossible to fight with someone who refuses to participate. We can stand strong, reflect our best behavior, and refuse to take the bait. There is great success just ahead for us, and nothing and nobody can keep us from it.

Family relationships can be powerful and are sometimes tricky to navigate. No family is perfect, and there may be varying levels of underlying tension and frustration. If one member is particularly critical or negative, it may be hard to deal with them. If we aren’t living our lives the way they think we should, it may be hell to pay when we’re around them. Of course, our lives belong solely to us, but that may not stop them from telling us we’re doing it all wrong. Their opinions belong to them and have no bearing on our decisions. We know what we want and where we want to go, and can do anything we like.

Some people love to complain. No matter what’s going on in their lives, they find problems and disappointments. If we must interact with them, their continual grumbling may wear us down. Everyone has their own ideas about life, and we never have to follow anyone else’s lead. We can keep our eyes focused on our own goals, and trust ourselves to achieve every success. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says or does. We know what we want, and have everything we need to achieve anything.

Today remember how amazing you are. You have gifts to offer that nobody else can bring. You possess great light and potential, and every goal is possible. You are strong and powerful, and the whole world is blessed and enriched because you are here. Nobody can take your dreams away. Be confident and step forward with clarity and purpose. Every success is waiting, and you will make them yours.

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Exempt

5 Oct

We share the world with billions of other people, and there will always be people coming and going in and out of our lives. They interact with us, work with us, share families with us, or just see us in passing. Everyone is different and we’re all doing different things. In an effort to make things go more smoothly, there are rules for civility and politeness that help us all get along without increasing friction. Most of us try to be pleasant and polite, and don’t get up in other people’s faces just to annoy them. We try to get along and be positive, but there is always the exception. No matter where we are, there may be someone who is rude and difficult, who may make our lives miserable. They have bad manners, interrupt us when we’re speaking, leave a trail of trash behind them, and ignore any suggestions for improvement. They don’t care how they affect others or if they degrade those around them. It’s very hard to deal with people like this. They can complicate our days and when they come around, we may try anything to avoid them. People will do what they will do, but we can hold fast to the standards we set. There will always be many roads to get to our goals, and we can find ways around any problem that arises. We can be polite even if those we encounter are not. The road to success is rarely paved and clear, but we have everything we need to move ahead, no matter what is standing in the way.

Some people are very good at telling others what they should do, how they should act, and where they should go. They constantly preach and pontificate, giving instructions regarding whatever is happening around them. They are great at explaining the rules and demanding compliance, but because they see themselves as set apart on a higher plane, feel they are exempt from following them. They simply do what they want, and expect others to accept it. It is never appropriate to set standards for others we do not intend to follow. We are all part of the whole, and if one must comply, we should all comply.

We are all human beings sharing the planet at the same time. Although some may have fame and fortune, some may have privilege and power, nobody is more worthwhile than anyone else. Our circumstances do not determine our value. We are precious and priceless because we are unique, and there isn’t anyone now, nor has there ever been anyone who can offer the gifts we have to give. We deserve complete happiness, and can do what is necessary to achieve it. Every blessing is there for us, and every dream is possible.

Today if you must deal with someone who is unpleasant and rude, remember how valuable you are. Set the example for excellence and step forward with confidence. You know what you want and nothing is out of reach. Be the best you can be, and every destination will be yours.

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Back Again

20 Sep

Everyone has their own ideas about how we should live and what we should do. We’re all unique and individual and what works for one, may not even be in the ballpark for another. When we see something in ourselves we want to change, we may think we should be able to change it immediately. We know what we want to do, or stop doing, and may believe that should be enough to facilitate a permanent turn. People are complex and there are many layers of our personalities. Just because we’ve identified something we want to change doesn’t mean it’s going to change today. Habits and patterns are strong, and if we’ve had them for a long time it will take constant attention and diligence to alter them. If we are successful for a time and then revert back again to our old ways, we may feel we’ve failed. It is never failure if we keep trying. Some things are hard to change and take time to accomplish, and if we fall down we can get back up. We have unlimited times to try and will never fail unless we give up and stop. It doesn’t matter if it takes a long time or how many times we have to start again. If we keep pressing forward, we can overcome anything. We know what we want, and already possess everything we need to get it. By being determined and remaining focused on the goal, we will prevail. Nothing is out of reach and every success is possible.

When we want to change something, we may think big moves will help us get there faster. If we want to lose weight, we may cut our diets back severely, and decide we’ll never again have dessert. If we want to be fit, we may decide that no matter what, we’ll go to the gym for three hours every single day. Big overtures look good on paper, but they rarely succeed in reality. It’s hard, if not impossible, to completely overhaul everything at one time. Instead of going for broke, we can take things one step at a time, and make small adjustments that help us move closer to the goal. Everything is possible, and with patience and clarity, we can achieve anything.

Everyone is happy when they are able to move ahead toward a goal they desire. But life is complicated and there are few times when we go from where we are to where we want to be in a straight, unbroken line. Most often, something will happen that gets in the way, or something changes that holds us in place. We can’t control anything that comes, but we can keep our eyes focused on the road ahead, and when things change, move forward toward success. Everything is possible and nothing can keep us from the goal.

Today if you’ve been trying to change something but keep slipping back again to where you were, be confident. Nothing can keep you from anything you desire. Trust yourself and begin again. Every single blessing is there for you. You are more powerful than you imagine, and can accomplish whatever you desire. Stand strong and step forward. Success is just ahead, and you will reach it.

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