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Mirror Mirror

30 Jan

The world is full of illusions.  Things may look one way when in fact they may be something entirely different.  Often this is done purposefully to entice us to do something, buy something or go somewhere.  It’s like a big sales convention.  Everywhere we turn we see pictures that have been altered to look better than they are, and we are bombarded with suggestions and promptings to do things others are promoting.  It’s sometimes difficult to discern actual truth when there is so much deception all around.  In our personal lives if we feel we should be one way or another in order to please others or move forward, we may begin to pretend we actually possess attributes we don’t have.  We may tell others we can do things we don’t know how to do, recreate our personal history to reflect what someone else wants to hear, or in other ways fake our way through.  All of that might work for a while, but truth is powerful and will always rise.  When we look in the mirror we see ourselves as we are.  Accepting ourselves exactly as we are now will help us clearly decide how we want to move forward.  We don’t have to pretend to be anything.  We don’t have to look like or act like anyone else to get ahead.  We can be genuine and true to the attributes we possess.  If we want to change, we can do what is needed to get there and move forward with confidence.  Illusions may be pretty, and they may captivate us, but they aren’t real.  Deciding to be honest about ourselves and truthful in all our interactions will give us the confidence and power we need to do anything we desire.

If we’re unhappy, we can bemoan our situation and spend all our time dreaming of how things could be.  Wishing and hoping for change is a waste of time, and sitting around waiting for something to happen that will turn our course toward the goals we want is foolish.  If we want the lives we’re dreaming of we must define what is needed to make it happen and then actively pursue it.  Our lives are our responsibility.  We’re always in control of our decisions and what we do going forward.  Every dream is possible and if we’re determined and focused, we can achieve the lives we want the most.

Nobody is perfect and there may be times when we feel disappointed in something we’ve done in the past.  Carrying around disappointments that are behind us can hold us back and keep us from happiness.  We can learn everything possible from the experience and take the lessons forward to help us make better choices.  Life is a continual process of learning.  We can make excellent choices going forward and find the success we seek.

Today if you’ve been pretending to be something you aren’t in an effort to move ahead, remember you are worthwhile and valuable just as you are.  Trust yourself and be confident.  We need your influence and there is nobody else like you.  You are amazing and have gifts nobody else can offer.  Share them with us and the whole world will benefit.  There is great success ahead and you will reach it.

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Leading On

29 Jan

There are many kinds of leaders in the world. There are kings and magistrates, presidents and ambassadors, and different influential and powerful individuals. The world is filled with billions of people and when there are righteous, honest, valiant leaders to help them, much good can be accomplished. In our personal lives there are people around us who can teach us things and show us the way when we’re confused or lost. They may not be formal leaders but they are available when we need help finding the way forward. While we depend on them at one time or another, we are all leaders in our own way. We all have gifts to share but we can only lead as far as we’ve gone. We can’t share what we don’t possess, and there is no way to teach someone something we don’t know. Before we can have influence and share our knowledge, we have to gain it. Everything we do teaches us something and if we expand our reach and step beyond where we are, we learn more and gain greater skills and insight. Knowledge brings confidence and helps us move ahead with clarity and power. When we share that knowledge with others and push forward toward a goal, there is nothing that can keep us from success. We may not think of ourselves as leaders, but everything we do changes the world in some way. By sharing what we know we can expand our influence and reach every goal we set.

If we want to lead those around us, we must be willing to step forward into the unknown and forge the way ahead. What we know is comfortable and predictable but can never afford great change or growth to enter our lives. If we stay within our comfort zones, we may have an easier time but we won’t experience the thrill of knowing what we can accomplish. We are capable of amazing experiences if we allow ourselves to step beyond where we are. A new road will take us to new destinations that will enrich us and broaden our understanding of life. Once we embrace the road ahead, we can show others the way forward and reach any destination we desire.

Everything we do is visible and open to those around us. We are setting an example with each choice we make. If we live true to the standards we’ve set for ourselves, our integrity and honesty will impact those around us and may affect the decisions they make. They will learn to trust us and rely on our judgement and wisdom. We can change the world by choosing to be valiant and true in every decision. There is greatness inside us and we can make good, strong choices that guide our lives and lead others toward excellence.

Today if you want more experiences in your life, step away from what you know and try something new. Choose a new path that will take you somewhere different. Make the unfamiliar yours and then share it with those around you. Take control and show others the way. Life is filled with experiences that will enhance and delight you. Do everything you dream and be the person you most want to be. The whole world is there waiting and everything is possible.

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Reflection

10 Jan

Each day we make many decisions, and every decision we make takes us somewhere and tells the world who we are. We can say anything we like and act out in different ways, but our lives are the true reflection of the decisions we make. We can choose anything we like at every opportunity. If we’re rushed or desperate, we might make a bad choice simply to get out of a difficult situation. Bad decisions may bring immediate gratification and quick relief but they cannot provide lasting happiness. If we choose badly, chances are we’ll pay a big price for it. Sometimes, we may go the wrong way because we only consider ourselves and our own personal interests, and may not think of the impact the decision may create on those around us or what will happen next. We are responsible for the lives we have. If we find we’re continually tangled up in complications and distrust, odds are the decisions we’re making are putting us there. We are capable of living strong, noble, happy lives but we must create them. Nobody gets a paved road with all the answers provided in advance. We must weigh each situation carefully, look at all the options before us, consider where our choices will take us, and then decide. Our best decisions won’t always be the easiest to make but we are capable of choosing wisely and doing what is needed to live happily and peacefully. By making good, sound decisions that take us where we most want to go, we can have the lives we desire.

People lie for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it’s because the truth is hard to face, or because the lie will get them something they desire. Lies can camouflage facts for a time and may make the road ahead a little easier – at first anyway. The first time we tell a lie we may feel great remorse and disappointment but if we lie again, it’s easier to look the other way. Repetition relieves guilt and if we make lying a pattern, eventually we may do it without even thinking. But truth is powerful and no matter how we bend it or manipulate it, will always rise and become obvious. There is nothing worth sacrificing our integrity. There is no goal worth selling our honesty to achieve. If we are truthful in all things, we’ll have the lives we want the most and the trust and respect of those around us.

There is an old saying that “the ends justify the means.” If what we’re seeking is very important to us, we may be tempted to do anything or make any decision, even a bad one, to get it. The “ends” may seem critical but nothing is worth giving up our personal integrity to get it. We can achieve anything we desire by making excellent choices. Each decision we make defines who we are, and with patience and wisdom we can become the people we most want to be.

Today if you’re considering a bad decision to get out of a difficult situation, think carefully before you act. Every decision you make reflects on who you are. Make choices that show the world your personal integrity and honest principles. Embellish and augment every situation by choosing wisely. You are a blessing to us all. Share your best with us, move forward with confidence, and every success will follow.

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Where We Are

20 Dec

As we go through our lives, we make countless decisions. Each choice takes us somewhere and affects us in some way. Although we try to make the best choices at each opportunity, things don’t always go the way we think they will or take us where we thought we were headed. One thing leads to another and if we aren’t mindful, before we know it, we may end up doing things we never planned on in places we never intended to go. We may find ourselves living lives that don’t agree with what we want the most, wondering how we ended up where we are and how we can change direction and get back on track. Our lives belong to us but if we don’t pay attention to where we’re headed and simply let things roll out on their own, they may reflect someone else’s ideas and goals instead of our own. If we aren’t living the way we want to or are on roads that won’t take us to the destinations we desire, we can step away and start again. No matter where we are or how far we’ve gone, we can change direction. We can make our personal goals a priority and re-chart the way forward to achieve them. Every option is always possible and we can begin toward our dreams no matter how long we’ve been away. Life is a great blessing but how we live it is up to us. We can coast through and be happy enough, or we can purposely move toward our dreams and find complete satisfaction. We deserve every happiness and by making mindful choices can do what is needed to get it.

Mediocrity is easy to achieve. We need only do the minimum required to get through and go along with everyone else’s choices. We don’t have to come up with new ideas or plans, and can sit in the back seat indefinitely, allowing others to drive us where they will. It takes no effort to live a common and expected life. However, if we want to make the most of our days and see how far we can go, and if we want a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, we must do more. We have incredible potential but must act to unlock it. We will never know what we can do unless we push ourselves beyond where we are and test our limits. The whole world is there for us and every dream is possible if we’re willing to do what it takes to make it ours.

Nothing is permanent in life and change is constant. Even if we’ve been in the same position for a long time, we can move. There is no glue holding us in place and every option to explore is possible. We are the only ones who can make our dreams come true. There is no magic wand or genie in a bottle to grant our fondest wishes. We have all the power we need to do anything, and by taking control of our decisions and stepping forward toward the goals we most desire we can create the lives we want. Every happiness is possible and we have everything we need to get there.

Today if you’re unhappy with where you are or what you’re doing, decide what you want the most and take the first step toward achieving it. All your dreams are possible. You are powerful and strong, and nothing is out of reach. Begin forward and design the life you want. Every blessing is waiting for you. You have everything you need to reach any goal you desire and succeed.

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Showing Up

30 Nov

There are a lot of different things we can do with our lives, many activities we can become involved in, many goals we can achieve and many connections to build.  Everything we want to do is possible but we will never accomplish anything unless we show up and become part of the experience.  It’s fine to dream about the things we want to do and we can talk about them forever but until we actually start doing something it doesn’t mean much.  The old saying that “talk is cheap” is correct.  We can talk about who we want to be, what we want to do and how we’re going to live indefinitely but until we put action behind our words they are empty and meaningless.  We can pretend to be moving forward without doing anything, we can talk a good game about all the things we’re planning to do and we might fool some people but we’ll never fool ourselves.  Our lives belong solely to us and what we do with them is our responsibility.  We can sit and dream or we can get up and move forward toward our goals.  Nobody will make our dreams come true for us and there are no fairy godmothers who will appear with a magic wand to make everything different.  It’s all up to us.  If we’re unhappy where we are, we can complain about our lot in life or we can step forward and change it.  It’s easy to stay in the same place and bemoan our situation but that will never bring us real happiness.  Life is an incredible gift and we can do anything we like but if we want to make the most of it, we have to do what is needed to move forward.  There isn’t anything out of reach and with determination and commitment we can achieve anything.

It’s important to be honest in everything we do including being honest with ourselves.  If we tell lies to others we damage our integrity and may lose the trust of those we care about.  Lies always bring disharmony and complications and if we lie to ourselves about what we’re doing and who we really are, it can hold us in place and keep us from moving forward.  We have incredible potential but potential is unrealized expectations and can’t become reality until we do what is needed to achieve it.  We are capable and wise and nothing can keep us from our goals if we are committed to accomplishing them.  We can make our dreams come true by being honest and changing what is needed to bring us success.

Everything worth having is worth working for.  No matter what we want to do, we can find a way to accomplish it.  Some things come easily and we move forward quickly but others may take a lot of time, planning, preparation and work.  Success is always possible but we must show up and do what is necessary to make it happen.  We can make all our dreams come true and have the lives we want the most.

Today if you’ve been thinking about a change you want to make but haven’t done anything to move toward it, take the first step.  Your life is yours to design and you can achieve any dream you desire.  Decide what you want the most and start moving toward making it a reality.  You are amazing and deserve every happiness.  Step forward and create the life you want today.

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