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All Kinds

6 Jun

We interact with all kinds of people throughout our lives.  Some of them will become trusted friends and companions, some will only be passing acquaintances and some will be difficult to deal with.  Everyone makes their own decisions and lives according to their own ideas.  Most people are nice and try to get along with those around them, but some people are cruel and mean, and don’t care who they hurt or damage as they storm through their days.  When they come into our arena we may find it difficult to manage what they throw our way and may negatively get caught up in their choices.  It’s hard to navigate through volatile behavior and nobody wants to become a target.  Trying to find our way through is like trying to walk unscathed through a minefield.  We never know what our next step will bring or which way to turn.  We don’t have to figure out why someone is mean or cruel but if we want to manage the situation effectively we will need to find a way forward that protects us as much as possible and still allows us to be heard.  No matter what others are doing around us we are in control of ourselves.  We can remain calm even if everyone else is upset and patiently look for solutions.  Our choices are ours to make and if we objectively see each situation we will find the best way forward.  We can control our own behavior and make excellent choices even in the midst of conflict.  We know what we want to do and by choosing well we will find success.

The fight or flight reflex is hard wired into us.  When someone threatens us we may instinctively feel the need to fight back or run for cover.  These reflexes protect us and warn us of impending danger, but in most circumstances of conflict our lives aren’t at risk.  We don’t have to run from trouble and we never have to fight to make our point.  We can manage a difficult situation by using reason and influence.  There are always many ways to solve any problem and with patience and careful consideration we will find them.

It takes two to fight and it’s impossible to fight with someone who is agreeable.  We can rant and rave to try and make a point but kindness will always end the fight.  Although we may not agree with someone who is being contentious and rude, we can politely state our position and allow them to answer us.  Being willing to listen instead of forcefully pushing our point often ends disagreements and paves the way to compromise and resolution.  We are strong and capable and understand how to get to the goals we desire.  There isn’t anything too complicated for us to figure out and with patience and grace we will find the way forward.

Today if someone is pushing you around and treating you badly, before you respond take a moment to decide what you want to accomplish.  All the answers you need to move ahead are there for you.  You can control your behavior and make your point succinctly and politely, and exhibit kindness even under duress.  Make the best choices going forward and listen to your opponent’s point of view.  You have all the wisdom and influence you need to win, and with patience and grace you will get there.

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Gaining Wisdom

4 May

All the experiences we go through in our lives teach us something.  Some lessons are easy, some are harder and some may be difficult and painful.  We can take everything we learn with us as we move forward and use it to help us understand our lives more fully and the world around us.  Experience is a great teacher but it only benefits us if we are willing to learn the lessons provided and then use them to help us in the future.  Life is funny.  If we don’t learn as we go and embrace the changes growth brings, situations tend to loop back around and we may get the opportunity to go through the same thing again and again until we finally understand what we need to learn.  Intelligence is a great asset but intelligence is not wisdom.  Intelligence signifies how smart we are, but wisdom is what enables us to use our intelligence in ways that benefit us and help us move forward.  We may be very smart but if we don’t use what we’ve learned and incorporate it into our lives, we miss the opportunity to become wise and discriminating.  Wisdom helps us sort out what is real and what is false, and enables us to make better choices and choose the best options.  If we want to be wise we have to pay attention to what we’re learning and incorporate it into our lives.  Sometimes after learning something new we see things in a completely different light.  We may decide we need to change direction to move forward, or change a connection or relationship we see is holding us back.  Wisdom is a beneficial and powerful asset and as we gain it we understand our place in life and how those around us fit into it.  We are capable of greatness and nothing we want to do is out of reach.  Embracing wisdom and using it in all our decisions will help us find great success.

Problems come to all of us and as we find our way through them we have the chance to explore many options.  We can always find the answers we seek, but when our problems are attached to others we’re involved with it can be harder to find our way through.  Emotional attachments can keep us from the best decisions if we’re trying to make everyone happy and keep the peace.  It’s good to be considerate of others and nobody wants to cause pain but sometimes the way forward will not be the easiest path.  We deserve every happiness and with wisdom and patience we can make the best decisions.

If we’ve made a mistake in judgment and it’s taken us somewhere we don’t want to be, we can carefully consider where we want to go and begin forward on the road that will take us there.  No decision is permanent and no matter what we’ve chosen in the past we can change direction at any time.  Great success is always possible and we can re-evaluate our choices and choose the best road going forward.

Today pay attention to the lessons you’re learning and use the knowledge you’re gaining to increase your wisdom.  You have so much to offer and learning to be wise will help you achieve every goal you dream of.  Take your time and travel the roads that will take you exactly where you want to go.  Be wise and choose well.  You are powerful and strong, and have everything you need to find happiness and success.

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Whatever it Takes

3 May

When there is something we really want to accomplish we may think about it constantly. We set plans in motion to get to the goal and determine to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Although we’re dedicated to success, sometimes there may be something we must do to achieve it we really don’t want to face. We want to succeed and are willing to do anything to get there – except that. Sometimes it will be enough to do most of the work to find our way forward, but other times there will be no way to reach a goal unless we do everything required. We can try to modify the plan and find a way around the one thing we don’t want to do and go in every other direction possible. When success doesn’t come we can try again. We can keep trying as we avoid the problem hoping that without facing it we’ll be able to succeed. When our plans don’t work out we can ignore the real issue and refuse to face it for as long as we like, but if we don’t do what is needed nothing will change. It isn’t easy to embrace difficult challenges but if we want real success we can do everything required. Ignoring or denying a problem will never solve it. We can do what is needed to reach any goal we desire. We have all the wisdom and courage necessary to face anything. By taking the first step and opening all the doors to move forward we will find success. Every destination is within reach and there isn’t anything we can’t do. We can change our focus and accomplish everything we must. We are powerful and strong, and nothing can hold us back.

Our life experiences teach us new things about ourselves and the world around us. If we’ve been hurt by something in the past it may color how we feel about our future. It’s hard to trust the future after a painful experience. Our confidence may be negatively impacted and even though we want to move forward, may get stuck where we are. Each day brings new possibilities and no matter what has happened before, there are always endless chances for happiness again. We can be confident in our ability to find the road ahead and reach the goals we desire. We can bravely move forward toward any destination.

We all have things we doubt we can accomplish. Some goals are very difficult and we may not yet have the skills to conquer them. Life is filled with opportunity and we can learn anything necessary to gain any success we choose. Expanding our sphere of influence to include those who will help us and seeking out the learning necessary to move forward will take us to the goal. We need not fear anything we must do to succeed. We are more capable than we realize and nothing is out of reach.

Today if you’ve been holding back because there is something you don’t want to do to achieve a goal, remember how strong and powerful you are. There isn’t anything you can’t do and do well. Open every door and walk forward. You are amazing and powerful and nothing is beyond your abilities. The whole world is there for you. Take the first step now and keep moving forward. Nothing will keep you from success.

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Swept Up

1 May

There are endless varieties of people in the world. No matter how many people we come in contact with, each one will be unique and different. Sometimes we may connect with someone who is well spoken, charismatic and extremely attractive. When that happens, we may get caught up in their words and swept up into their personal world. Charismatic people are magnetic and can pull us into their circle with seemingly little effort. If they are strong, ethical people we want to emulate, their example may become a guiding influence in our lives. But charisma does not reflect personal values. There are charismatic geniuses who are good and noble and there are others just as attractive who are criminal and dishonest. When we first come in contact with them we may be blinded by their flattering words and inspirational messages and fail to see who they really are. If they say things we really want to hear, we may be led away from where we want to go and pulled instead in their direction. We may follow along and believe everything we see and hear but if we’re headed in the wrong direction we will never achieve our goals. Words are powerful but actions speak louder. When someone says all the right things but their actions belie what they are saying, if we’re paying attention we will see what is real. We can go anywhere and do anything we want. We can be in control of our lives and direct our way forward until we reach our goals. There is nothing strong enough to take us off the path we want to travel. With wisdom and determination, we can reach any destination we desire.

If someone comes along and says they know what we want and can help us get there more quickly and successfully, we listen. Someone who seems intensely interested in our success may be very alluring and we may believe what they tell us even if there is no evidence they will help. Others may have good suggestions for us but nobody knows the true desires of our hearts but us. We can listen to any advice that’s offered and trust ourselves to make the best choice going forward.

When we’re around charismatic people who tell us what we want to hear, we may fail to see the entire situation objectively. Their positive affirmations and strong, powerful suggestions may blind us from what is really happening. It’s like seeing only the glitter on an old, broken toy. Glitter and charisma are superficial, and all the glitter in the world never solved a single problem. We know what we want and we know how to get it. We have sufficient intelligence and courage to accomplish anything. We can do things our way and find success.

Today if you’ve been swept up in someone else’s ideas about what you should be doing and where you should be going, remember who you are. You know what you want and where you want to go. You are strong enough, wise enough and smart enough to accomplish anything on your own. See everything around you and set the course you want to travel. Every destination is there for you, and in your own special way, you will reach it.

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Festering and Ready

13 Apr

When everything is going right in our lives the road ahead is easy to travel.  Things line up the way we want them to and there are fewer complications as we sail through without delay.  But things will inevitably go wrong and when they do may block our path.  If the situation is painful or complex, instead of addressing it, we might decide to set it aside, try to ignore it and find another road forward.  When we tuck something away that needs our attention we may be able to hold it down for a time but if it’s important it will fester while it waits and may grow in intensity.  Like a festering wound we may be able to hold the infection at bay for a time but eventually it will grow and cause enough pain to make us acknowledge it and take care of it.  When we have personal issues that cannot work themselves out on their own, if we want to move forward we will have to address them.  If we continue to ignore them, they will continue to grow and fester and reach a point where they interfere with our happiness.  We deserve to be happy and doing things that keep us from complete and full happiness will never bring us what we really want.  Trying to hold back problems that need our attention is wasted energy that does nothing for our personal growth.  We have enough courage and intelligence to look at any issue openly and find a resolution.  Every blessing we desire is possible.  We can face any situation that is holding us back, do what is needed to resolve it, and move forward with confidence.  There is no need to look away when things get complicated.  We are capable and strong enough to manage anything and find success.

Conflict is a normal part of life.  Sometimes it’s easy to navigate and we simply solve the issue and move on but when it gets intense and complicated we may be tempted to escape instead of face it.  If we run away from a situation without resolving it, things will never improve.  As we wait, the situation may escalate and when we’re finally ready to see it, things may be far more intense than if we’d faced it at the beginning.  Problems don’t generally disappear on their own.  It’s better to be open to everything as it happens and find the answers we need when they first begin.  We know how to find answers and nothing is too complicated for us solve.

There are a lot of distractions all around us and it’s easy to look away from serious situations and get involved in other activities that keep us busy and away from issues we don’t want to face.  Denial is an effective tool to help us look away but it never works for long and in the end the problem we avoid will return and require our attention. We can stand strong in the face of trouble, see what is before us, and find all the answers we need.

Today if there is a situation you dread and don’t want to face, step forward and look at it openly.  See everything as it is and determine to solve the problem.  All the answers are there for you and you have all the wisdom and patience you need to find them.  You have everything you need to resolve any issue.  You are capable and strong and nothing is out of reach.  Be confident and sure, and go forward toward success.

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