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One Too Many

27 Dec

We live at a time of plenty. There is a lot of stuff to buy, to try, to eat, to drink, to play with and to explore. We all have responsibilities and may try to avoid excess in most things in an effort to be effective and successful in taking care of them, and getting things done. But there are times of celebration, holidays, birthdays, even depression, and many other things that happen they may cause us to lose a bit of control. Maybe we eat too much, or drink too much, or do too much, or say too much or endless other possibilities. If we go to the “too much” stage, we may have some clean up to do afterwards. If we eat too much, our weight may increase to a point where we’re uncomfortable. If we drink too much, well there’s the inevitable hangover. If we do too much we may suffer physical pain, and if we say too much, there may be difficult situations ahead. Life is complicated and even when we try to keep everything on an even keel, there may be times when due to circumstance or timing we may lose control and go off the rails for a while. Nobody is perfect and there is no way to predict anything. If we get hurt and are depressed we may stumble. If there are celebrations we may overdo. It’s all part of the human experience, but nothing is permanent. Even when we aren’t convinced, we are still in control of our lives. We can stop to get our bearings again and decide how we want to proceed. We are smarter and stronger than we think we are and nothing is beyond our reach. By paying attention and trusting ourselves, we can always change course and move toward success.

Some people have very little self control. They constantly do things that complicate their lives and upend their plans. They are highly influenced by what is happening around them, and if others are going in a different direction than they are, they may drop everything and follow along. Nobody can fix anyone else’s life. We’re all responsible for every decision we make. We can stop to think about where we’re headed before we jump, and use our best judgement to reach every goal.

When we do things that cause us trouble and keep us from success, it’s easy to blame others. We may say they were too convincing, or too attractive, or too powerful or a million other excuses. Nobody can make us do anything we don’t want to do. It’s a true axiom that we always end up with the lives we wanted the most. When our lives are dysfunctional and upside down, odds are they are the result of decisions we’ve made. By taking ownership of what we’re doing and where we’re headed, we can choose success and reach any destination we desire.

Today if you’re weighed down by decisions that went a little too far, be still and think about what you want the most. There is always a road that will lead you to success. Look ahead and determine how you want to proceed, and then take the first step. You are more powerful than you imagine and nothing is out of reach. Be clear and be confident. Every success is waiting, and you will make them yours.

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Peppermint Spinach

13 Dec

There are endless things we can do with our lives and we’ll make many connections as we move ahead. Some things naturally go together and others don’t. Peppermint is delicious on its own and spinach is fine as well, but if we put them together the result will not be appetizing. In many cases, our lives are like that too. With some people we’ll easily relate and be able to build good relationships, and with others, not so much. The trick is being willing to see things as they are and not how we want them to be. It’s possible to remain in a relationship that isn’t working simply because we want it to work and hope somehow everything will change and it’ll be great. The old saying that, “Hope springs eternal” is true, but we only have control over ourselves and our own decisions. Everything else is beyond our reach. There is no way to change anyone else or make them do anything. By looking at everything clearly and openly, and willingly accepting what is real, we will make the best decisions that will bring us happiness and peace. Our lives are ours to design and our happiness is our responsibility. We can make choices that will create the lives we want the most. Everything is possible and with honesty and clarity, we will reach every destination.

Habits and addictions are hard to change. It’s painful to watch someone we love continually do things that hurt them. We may try to stand in their way when they’re headed for trouble, or make excuses when they fall down. We may even lie for them to cover for what they’re doing that is impacting their lives negatively. None of that will ever help them find success. We can be supportive without enabling bad behavior, and show our love by stepping aside and allow them to face the natural consequences of their actions.

We may have a dream we want very much but because of our current circumstances or situations is not possible. We may try and try to make it work, only to fail again and again. It’s like pushing harder and harder against a locked door. Despite all our energy it will not open. It’s hard to let go of something we really desire, but change is constant, and just because something’s not possible now doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. We can set the dream aside for now, and move forward toward something else. When things change, we can try again.

Today if you’re trying to do something that isn’t working, or you’re in a bad situation that isn’t changing, remember your happiness is important. Look at everything honestly and clearly, and decide on your next steps. You are worth more than you imagine. Trust yourself and step forward toward the goals you want the most. Every success is there for you and you will make them yours.

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.

Hard Choices

31 Oct

We will make millions and millions of decisions as we go through our lives. Some of them are consequential and have serious results, and others we may make on the fly without any impact. Choices that have clear and defined likely results may be easy to make. We can look at what will happen based on what’s happened before, and then decide how we want to proceed. The hardest choices are often those that have no right or wrong answer. There is no best way to proceed, but only the way we choose. When there is a wide open possibility no matter which way we go, we may struggle with making the decision. For instance, when deciding on a change in our career, we may apply for a lot of positions. If we get offered two very good options, with comparable benefits and we like them both, how will we choose?  It can be hard to discern between equally beneficial options but if we take our time and look closely, there will be some differences that may help us decide. Every decision we make will bring a result. By looking at everything clearly, and deciding how we want to proceed, we will make excellent choices and reach the destinations we most desire.

We may face a time when we must make a choice that will dramatically change our lives. If we’re unhappy in a relationship that we’ve had for a long time, and we want to step away and go in a new direction, it may be painful even if we’re sure it’s the right decision for us. If it’s too hard, we might give in and just remain despite how we feel. Breaking away from someone we’ve been attached to is never easy but we deserve complete happiness, and if we want something different, we have all the wisdom and courage to do what is necessary to get it.

When we were children, chances are our parents did everything they could to protect us and keep us safe. As we grew and matured, in order for us to learn and grow, they had to step back and let us make our own decisions, even if we were headed down the wrong road. It’s hard to watch someone you love do something you are sure is going to hurt them, but each of us is responsible for our own lives, and we can trust ourselves to make choices that will take us where we want to go.

Today if you’re facing a hard decision and aren’t sure how to proceed, look at everything objectively and clearly. Take the time you need to discern everything to find the best road forward. You are extremely capable and can make excellent choices. Focus on what you want to achieve, and be confident. Every success is possible, and you will reach them all.

Flight Plan

20 Sep

When flying a plane, the pilot doesn’t simply enter the course information into the flight computer and then lie back and relax. There are many factors that affect the plane’s trajectory and altitude, and the pilot must constantly watch what’s happening and continually make small changes to correct course. Auto pilot can assist but will not perceptively re-adjust for storms, winds or other complications, so the pilot must always be awake and aware. In our lives, we make plans for the things we want to do. We know where we want to go and what we want to accomplish and can review every option until we come up with the best plan for achieving the goal. We may make a list of things to accomplish in a specific order, or create a map of exactly how we’re going to proceed. It all looks good on paper and if we get lucky, and everything works in our favor, all may go exactly as planned. But life is complex and there are usually unforeseen complications, unplanned detours and unexpected problems. Our original plan may have been good, it may have been perfect on paper, but once we start to implement it, we may find that what works on paper may not translate into real life exactly as planned. Nobody can read the future or see what’s coming. There is no way to predict how things will go or what will arise. If we want to succeed, just like the pilot, we must find a way to constantly adjust our course. Everything is possible, but the road ahead may not be straight and paved. We are intelligent and if the goal is important enough, we will find our way no matter what happens. By thinking clearly and trusting ourselves, we can do anything we desire and find great success.

Everyone is different and our ideas are unique and specific to our own lives. If everyone was just like us, we could predict what they would do and how they would act, but that isn’t the case. We may think others will respond a certain way based on what we would do, only to be surprised that we were way off base. It doesn’t mean anyone’s response is wrong, but points to the differences between us. Our intentions may be misunderstood because our paradigms are different than those we are interacting with. The best we can do is get as much information as possible before we proceed, and then move forward. Then if things don’t go the way we planned, we can adjust and continue on.

Some people are so sure of themselves that even when it’s obvious their plan isn’t working, will hold fast to it hoping if they just keep doing the same things eventually it’ll all work out. If we’re going in the wrong direction, continuing to press forward will never take us to the goal. By keeping our eyes open, and being willing to change course if needed, we can move ahead and be confident of success. Life is all about change and no matter where we are or what’s happening, if we want to achieve the goal, we can do what is needed to make it ours.

Today if you’ve been pushing toward a destination you desire but are no closer, stop and look at everything objectively. Choose the best way forward and adjust your plan. Keep your eyes open and as things change, modify your direction so you can stay on course. You are very smart and highly capable, and nothing is out of reach. Be confident but remain open to change. You know what you want and every destination is there for you. Success is waiting, and you will reach it.