Archive | Difference RSS feed for this section

The Endless Wait

10 Nov

There are lots of people around us and we may develop many different types of relationships. If we want them to be strong and healthy, we must be willing to invest time and attention in them. Since we’re all different, what that looks like may be very different from one person to the next. Some families are very connected and stay intensely involved with each other. Other families are more independent and don’t include everyone in their business. Although they are very different, it doesn’t mean one is better than the other. There are endless ways to express our attachments. We all have ideas about how things should go and if we get intimately involved with someone whose ideas about how to manage our connection is different than our own, there may be complications. If we want to move the relationship forward, and the other person says they want the same thing, but keep putting us off, it may be confusing. We can listen to their promises, and hope for things to change, but if all we do is wait and nothing happens, we may need to re-evaluate what we’re doing. Words are cheap and without action, they mean nothing. All the promises in the world are worthless if there is no follow through. We can wait as long as we like for things to develop, but our lives belong to us and we are in control of what we do. We don’t have to remain in place any longer than we’re comfortable. If we want something different or something more, and the other party isn’t responding, we can look at all our options and change direction. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been connected to them. If what they’re doing isn’t working, we can move on. We deserve complete happiness and by keeping our eyes open and choosing the road ahead we most desire, we can achieve it.

Procrastination is a deadly behavior trait that can quickly kill a relationship. We always do what we want to do most, and when we push something aside and leave it undone, it’s an indication that it’s not important to us. If we ignore our relationship responsibilities or promises, our connection will surely suffer. It’s demeaning and insulting to constantly be promised something that never materializes. Instead of going along to keep the peace, it’s far better to state our true intentions and be as honest as possible. If we don’t want to or don’t intend to do something, there is no need to pretend otherwise.

It’s hard to wait for something we really want. If the goal is something we can achieve on our own, we can make an effective plan and set forth to achieve it, but if it involves the participation of someone else, all bets are off. Someone may agree to doing something just to prevent contention, when they have no intention of complying. Who we are is defined by what we do. If we continually commit to things and don’t follow through, others will learn we cannot be trusted. There is greatness in us, and by being completely honest and keeping our word, we will build great connections and strong relationships that will move us closer to the success we desire.

Today if you’ve been waiting for something to change for a while, remember you are in control of your life. There is no need to wait longer than you are comfortable. Look at everything objectively and openly, and decide how you want to proceed. Your life is precious and valuable and there isn’t anything you can’t do. Trust yourself and choose the road ahead that will take you to the destinations you most desire. Everything is possible if you’re willing to do what is needed to make it yours. Be confident. There is great happiness and success waiting and you will reach it.

Advertisement

Sorry, Not Sorry

24 Oct

Nobody is perfect and although we may try hard to do everything right, and always say the right things, at some point we’re going to falter. We interact with lots of other people and they all have their own ideas about how things should go and what we should say. If we do something without thinking, or if we’re mad and do something on purpose that causes pain or distress for someone else, we may, or may not, feel bad about it. A lot depends on the situation and our relationship with the other party. If they are someone who is very difficult and we struggle to get along with them, and we say something that offends them, we frankly may not care. They can deal with it.  After all, we have to deal with them all the time. Other times we might do something offensive simply because we don’t have all the facts, or our information is inaccurate. When the mis-step is pointed out to us, we may apologize and correct our course moving forward. Life is full of all kinds of differences and interpretations, and it’s impossible to get them all right every time. Every situation is different and we can look at everything objectively and then decide our next step. Most of us want to get along with others, and try not to put obstacles in the road ahead by hurting those around us and making enemies. If we cause a problem we can always do what is needed to fix it. We are intelligent and wise, and there isn’t anything too difficult for us to understand. By choosing wisely and making the best decisions moving forward, we can be sure we’ll reach success.

Not everyone is nice and easy to get along with. Some people are rude, impolite or even mean. They have their own reasons for how they act and we need not spend any time trying to figure that out.  However, if we have to interact with them, we will need to find a way to do it without causing too much distress. We don’t have to succumb to anyone else’s demands if they are not in authority over us. We can listen to them, respond politely, and then make the best choice moving forward. 

Families and relationships are complex. If we’re in a situation with someone we love where they are constantly criticizing and berating us, or telling us what to do, we may feel oppressed and overrun. We’re all entitled to our own opinions but we don’t have any control over anyone else. Everyone gets to make their own choices. Our lives are our responsibility and we always have the power to step away from any situation that isn’t working. We can define how much contact allows us to stay connected without letting others control us. We know who we are and what we want, and with focus and determination, nothing can keep us from success.

Today if you’ve offended someone, look at the situation carefully and completely, and determine the best step forward. Be polite and gracious, even if you disagree, and continue moving toward your goals. You are highly capable and intelligent, and will always find your way. Be confident and wise. Every single blessing is waiting for you. Step forward and claim them.

Smackdown

14 Sep

We share the world with lots and lots of other people, and each of us has our own ideas about what we should do and how things should go. We may find others who share many of our opinions, but no two people are exactly the same. Although we may try to always get along with those around us, we will likely face times of conflict because we don’t share the same viewpoints. If the interaction is civil and polite, we may simply agree to disagree, but some people are very sure their way is the only correct way to proceed. If we don’t agree with them, we may face serious contention, and even become engaged in an argument or worse. If they are strong and have some sort of control over us, and will not tolerate dissent, they may smack us down to shut us up and hold us in place. We may be forced to follow along despite our personal views. Others may be able to hold us down for a time, but nothing is permanent, and the situation will change. If there’s nothing we can do for now, we can remain in place and wait patiently until a new door opens. We are entitled to our own opinions and can live our lives any way we like, and it’s hard if we must temporarily follow something we don’t agree with. By keeping our eyes focused on the road ahead, we will be ready when an opening appears that allows us to modify our situation. Our ideas and perspectives are important and valuable, and we can trust ourselves to find ways to communicate them in ways that are positive and move us forward. There isn’t anything or anyone powerful enough to hold us down forever, and with clarity and patience, we will find the way ahead.

If we’re sure we have the answers and know the best way forward, we may try to convince others to follow us. We may say we respect their opinions but if they are different than our own, we may try persuade them to follow us. If they disagree, and we’re adamant, we may try whatever tactics we can find to make them comply. What we do defines who we are, and bullying or forcing others to follow us will never help us build the connections we seek. If we’re willing to bend and listen to other viewpoints, cooperation and compromise will open the doors ahead.

There are many roads to every goal and there is never only one way to succeed. Everyone’s ideas are worthwhile, and by listening to other suggestions, we can find the best way forward. New ideas bring fresh perspectives that may not have been seen initially. We are intelligent and will always have a lot of answers but nobody knows everything. By being open and flexible, we will be able to evaluate many different possibilities that enable us to move ahead with confidence and clarity, and reach the goal.

Today remember that everyone has something to offer. The world is filled with differences that enrich us and enhance the road ahead. Listen carefully to any suggestions you receive and decide on the best way forward. You are amazing and intelligent, and nothing is out of reach. Decide how you want to proceed, and take the first step. Every single goal is possible and nothing can keep you from success. 

The Ending

2 Aug

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes things go well and we sail through happy and content. It’s enjoyable when everything fits into place and we’re moving forward, but change is constant and nothing stays the same forever. We’ll all face times of hardship, trials and trouble. There is no way to know what will come tomorrow and our best plans may disintegrate and fall apart in a moment. Everyone has an idea of how they want their life to go and nobody plans on disasters and detours. We can’t see them until they arrive and when they do, our lives may be upended and confused until we figure out what’s going on and how to proceed. If we’re facing an extremely difficult situation that has us gripped in despair and worry, we may think this is the end. There is no way to survive. But that will never be true. We may struggle mightily, and we may be sure we’ll be overcome, but we have more strength and courage than we think we have. When we’re pushed to our limit we will always be able to stretch further and find the answers we need. The ending isn’t here yet. We will prevail and get through. We have already overcome many difficult challenges and have everything we need to manage whatever comes. By trusting ourselves and looking ahead, we can continue forward toward success.

If we’ve been trying to break away from something we want to change and don’t want in our lives, we may try hard to let it go. Some changes are hard to accomplish and if we’ve been trying for a long time and are still struggling, we may believe we will never win and may as well give up. It’s hard to overcome very serious issues, but just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. We don’t have to do it all today. We don’t have to do everything perfectly. We can take things one step at a time, and focus on the road ahead and what we want the most. One step doesn’t seem like much, but if we take one step toward the goal every day, we will move closer to success. If we persist and keep our eyes focused ahead, we will prevail.

Sometimes it seems like everyone else has it easier than we do. They look happier, they have more money, they have better jobs, and a thousand other things we might believe. Despite the way things may look on the outside, nobody gets a perfect life with paved roads and rainbows. There is no such thing as fate and we are in control of our lives. We can do anything we like, and if we want something more than where we are, we have everything we need to accomplish it. By focusing on what we want the most instead of comparing ourselves to others, we can make a plan to move toward the destinations we desire and find great success.

Today if you aren’t happy where you are, think about what you want the most. The ending hasn’t been written yet and you can do anything you desire. Look at all the options possible and make a plan to move toward the destinations you want the most. You are stronger, wiser and more powerful than you imagine, and nothing is out of reach. Be sure and confident, and step forward. Every success is waiting and you will make them yours.

Prove It

18 May

There are billions of people on Earth, and we’re all different. There are endless types of lifestyles, customs, languages, traditions and other facets that define who and where we are. People who live far apart from each other may have completely different ideas about life and how things should go. There isn’t only one way to live well, and the many expressions possible make up the human race. We are all valuable and worthwhile. We all have something to offer no matter our circumstance or situation. Some people have very defined ideas about the way things should be done and how things should work. If we must interact with them, they may require us to prove we are worthy by doing what they say and following their rules. We can define anything we like for our own personal lives, and can create rules of order for business or other projects, but we don’t have the right to tell anyone else how to live. We are all individuals and do not need to conform to anyone else’s ideas. We never have to prove our worth in order to fit in. We know who we are and what we want, and with confidence and clarity can go anywhere and do anything. Our lives are ours to design, and we all bring great depth and blessing to the world. We are unique and have specific gifts to offer nobody else can give. By honoring all the differences and contributions possible, our lives will be enriched and embellished, and we will find great satisfaction and personal reward.

It’s always easy to move forward when everyone is on the same page and going in the same direction. When the goal is defined and everyone is in agreement about how to reach it, the road ahead may be clear and unobstructed. But we’re all different and have our own ideas about how to proceed. By taking the time to listen to every suggestion and look at all the options possible, we can include everyone’s ideas and still find the best road ahead. We all have much to offer, and valuing every point of view will help bring agreement and success.

There is an old saying that “Rank has its privileges.” Oftentimes that’s true. The president of the company will likely have more influence than a newly hired clerk. But that doesn’t mean he or she has all the answers. Our perspectives are colored by our own personal experiences, and someone else may have a different view that opens up a completely new way of proceeding that will bring great accomplishment and success. We can be open to new ideas, no matter how foreign they may seem, and find the best answers for moving ahead.

Today if you’re being pressured to follow along when you disagree, speak up and share your ideas with those around you. You are amazing and highly capable and can figure out even the most complex issues. Stand strong and be open to every idea. All the answers are there for you and nothing can keep you from success. Trust yourself, and step forward. Every dream is possible. Be confident, and you will prevail.