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Turning Around

21 Sep

Life is unpredictable and our situation can suddenly change without warning.  The road ahead may abruptly close because of decisions made by others or we may suddenly see things that completely change our trajectory going forward.  It’s not always easy to get through difficult and unexpected developments.  We’re certainly strong enough and wise enough to manage whatever comes to us but when the road changes all at once and we’re now headed in a new and unknown direction we may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope.  If the goal isn’t important changing direction may be easy, but if we really wanted to achieve something we feel is imperative for our happiness, we can revise our journey and make a new plan.  Turning around doesn’t always mean going backward and giving up.  It can also mean reviewing our desires and deciding what’s most important and then finding another way to make the goal ours.  There isn’t just one road to success.  There are always many ways to get there.  If one road ends, there is another nearby that is open and ready.  A sudden stop is merely an interruption in our plans and we can continue forward another way.  Everything we want to accomplish is possible.  There isn’t anything strong enough or powerful enough to hold us in place.  We can expand our thinking to find new ways to achieve anything we want.  The whole world is there for us and everything is within reach.

When we need to hammer a nail into a board, generally we won’t get it through on the first hit.  We’ll probably have to hit the nail a few times, and if we bend it will have to tap on it to get it straight again before we can proceed.  The same is often true with our plans.  Sometimes things will go without a hitch and we’ll get to the goal quickly and without problems.  But many times there will be things in the way.  Someone may not agree with us and try to stop our progress.  Or we become aware of situations we didn’t know about that hold us up.  But like hammering in a nail, we can keep pushing forward and with determination reach the goal.

If many things get in our way and we can’t seem to make any progress, we can stop altogether and re-evaluate the situation.  Timing is important and sometimes what we’re trying to do isn’t possible right now.  Life is always changing and what’s not available now may be easy to reach in the future.  If we can’t move forward where we are, we can set the goal aside and work on something else.  Setting a goal aside doesn’t mean we’re giving up.  There are many things to accomplish and when we’re ready we can pick up where we left off and start again.  There is nothing we can’t do and with patience and planning every goal we desire will become reality.

Today if you’ve run into a roadblock on the way to your goal, take a look around and see all the options possible.  If there is no way around the problem, make a new plan for going forward.  You can do anything and every dream is possible.  Be confident.  You will prevail and all your dreams can come true.

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Throwing Paint

17 Sep

We can do anything we want with our lives.  We can make good choices or just do things because we can, hoping it’ll all work out.  If we don’t think about the decisions we’re making, sometimes things will work out but other times the choices we’ve made may complicate the way forward and cause problems.  Success will not simply be handed to us and it takes effort to live well.  We’re in complete control of our lives and what we do is our responsibility.  We can lie about what we’re doing but if we lie about the actions of others, we impact the world in negative and hateful ways that may bring extreme pain and despair.  Lying about someone, saying they did something they didn’t or in other ways impact them dishonestly, may taint them until the truth comes out.  It’s like throwing paint around.  Wherever it lands it leaves a mark.  But paint is temporary and can be removed.  When the truth comes out, as it inevitably will, things will change and the mark left by our dishonesty may be removed as well.  Truth is powerful and nothing we do or say can hold it back forever.  It will always rise and if we’ve been dishonest, in time our actions will be uncovered and open for all to see.  We are a reflection of everything we do.  If we want the best lives possible we must choose well.  Every success is there for us if we do what is needed to achieve it.  We can have the lives we dream about if we carefully and honestly move forward.

There are times in everyone’s life when things go wrong.  If we’re in a situation where we’re desperate for things to change we may consider saying or doing something underhanded.  Desperation may make us think about options we wouldn’t normally contemplate.  If we lie or manipulate others to get out of the situation, it may work but the dishonesty will follow us.  We’re accountable for everything we do and at some point, possibly the worst possible moment, the deception will be exposed and we will answer for it one way or another.  It’s hard to manage difficulty and nobody wants to struggle.  When trouble comes if we get through it with virtue and nobility, once it’s over we can move on and there will be no unpleasant reminders of what we’ve done and nothing to clean up afterward.

It isn’t always easy to take the high road and hold fast to our ethical and moral standards.  There are unlimited excuses for the decisions we make.  We’re always free to choose but we are never free to choose the consequences of those decisions.  Everything we do impacts our lives in one way or another.  By choosing well despite the inconvenience or effort, we have a better chance of getting the results we desire.  Choosing to be the best we can be in every situation will bring us satisfaction and happiness and pave the way forward to the lives we want the most.

Today if you’re in a situation that seems unbearable and you’re considering a lie to get out of it, think again.  Your integrity is valuable and precious.  You can handle anything and nothing is too powerful for you to navigate.  Stand firm in your honesty and hold tight to your values.  Great success lies ahead.  You will reach it by being true to the very best you have to offer.

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Bottom of the List

10 Sep

We all want positive connections with those around us.  Good, strong relationships embellish our lives and when we feel supported and loved things go more easily, even during times of stress.  It’s nice to have someone in our corner who cares about us and helps us when we need it.  Helpful and happy relationships are a great asset every day of our lives.  But sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to.  If we have a connection with someone who continual breaks their promises or ignores us when we need them, we can feel like we’re at the bottom of their list.  They may say we’re important but it’s hard to believe we matter if we’re treated like we’re insignificant and aren’t heard.  Some people take a very casual view of their relationships and don’t value them as strongly as we may desire.  We deserve to feel cared for and certainly are worth the very best friendships and connections possible.  There are always plenty of options available and if we aren’t getting what we need we can build new relationships that will be more supportive.  We are important and valuable, and having others around us who cherish our friendship and love is important.  We can take the steps we need to make connections that bring us the support we desire.  Every happiness is possible and we can have it in our lives.

We’re all connected to each other and what we do affects those around us.  If we fall down on promises we make or pretend to care when we don’t, our influence will have a negative impact on those around us.  We may have good intentions but good intentions mean nothing if there is no action to back them up.  Ignoring those we say we care about will eventually ruin the relationship.  Continually breaking our word will destroy any trust others may have in us.  We own every single decision we make and if we go about our lives without any thought for those around us, we may find ourselves standing alone.  We can be wise and considerate and remember our actions speak far louder than anything we say.  If we choose to, we can make excellent choices and build strong connections that bring us happiness and joy.

There may come a time when what we thought would be a good connection turns out to be something else entirely.   We can only know what others show us and some people may pretend to be something they aren’t or to have feelings they don’t possess to get something from us.  Truth will always rise and if we’ve been deceived we may struggle to understand what has happened.  We only answer for the choices we make.  If others deceive us they are responsible for the results of that decision.  We are worth the very best of everything including our relationships.  We can move forward from a disappointment with confidence, taking any lessons learned with us.  Happiness is always possible and we will find it.

Today if you’ve been pushed aside again and again, and feel like you don’t matter, remember you are precious and priceless.  The world is better because you are here.  Go forward with confidence.  You deserve the very best of everything and you can have it.  Nothing can stop you from achieving complete happiness.

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Overdrawn

23 Aug

Most of us don’t have unlimited amounts of money and are so rich we don’t have to track or be concerned about what we spend. Generally, we have to carefully watch our expenditures so we don’t get overdrawn in our accounts and cause problems. There are unlimited things to buy and it takes continued diligence and attention to make sure we stay solvent and manage our transactions. Everyone understands this idea when it comes to money but we may not see it when it comes to our personal well-being. There is give and take in everything and no matter what’s involved, if we give away more than we take in we’ll be overdrawn. If we are working hard at our jobs and doing the best we can and yet our superiors never recognize or thank us for our efforts, we may feel unappreciated and unvalued. In our relationships, if we give our time and consideration to someone who never follows through or reciprocates in ways that show they love us, we may feel unfulfilled and unhappy. In every situation if we’re giving our time, efforts, and attention and receive nothing in return, eventually we’ll feel the loss and may give up altogether. We’re all valuable and important and if those around us fail to notice or show their appreciation for what we’re doing and who we are, we can change the situation. We never have to stay anywhere we aren’t happy and can move forward in a new direction. Our lives are precious. We can do what we need to find complete happiness and satisfaction in every arena. If we’re overdrawn, we can stop spending our assets and move forward with confidence.

Some people are natural givers. They like to serve others and help whenever they can. It’s normal for them to offer their time and energy when they see a need, and they find great reward in serving others. It’s noble to help others and reach out in kindness, and when we can our lives will be enriched. But there is a tipping point in every scenario and if we reach the place where we’re giving and giving and still there is more need, we can step back and realistically evaluate how much more we can offer. We can sacrifice our time and still recognize and honor our personal needs. We need not give to the point of complete exhaustion. We’re in control and can ensure we aren’t giving so much to help others that we’re hurting ourselves in the process.

Our personal needs are important and deserve our attention. Taking care of ourselves is the most important thing we do every day. It’s difficult to serve others when we’re exhausted and worn out. If we take the time we need to be healthy, rested and strong we will be more effective and helpful. We can always take time to restore and recharge. By being wise and mindful not to overdraw our personal account we’ll ensure we are ready when a need arises and prepared to help.

Today if you’ve been giving too much in a situation and feel drained and worn out, step away and take the time you need to restore. You are important and valuable, and there isn’t anyone else like you in all the world. You are a great blessing and bring amazing gifts to us all. Be wise and take the best care of yourself. You’ll feel better and stronger, and more confident moving forward.

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Different Color

15 Aug

It’s easy to be around people who are like us.  If they have similar values, see the world in basically the same way we do and share our views of what’s right and wrong, it’s easy to be around them and share our lives with them.  But everyone is different and even if we’re sure our way of thinking is best for us, it’s foolish to believe it’s the way everyone else should live.  There are endless ideas and expressions possible and we all form our own views based on what we’ve experienced and what we want to gain.  What’s important to us may mean nothing to someone else.  It doesn’t mean either is wrong.  It’s just a difference in interpretation.  If we draw a hard line in the sand and require others to be like us in order to have a relationship with us, we may have a very lonely life.  We all have some things in common – we’re human beings, our basic needs are the same and we’re sharing the earth at the same time.  Other differences don’t change those parameters.  A horse of a different color is still a horse after all.  But everything else for us may be different than those around us and that’s fine.  We are unique and our expressions and desires are specific to our personal experience.  As long as nobody is getting hurt, allowing others to express themselves according to their own wishes is wise.  We may not understand their viewpoint but we can respect their right to it and honor their choices.  We don’t have to do anything that isn’t right for us and can follow our own specific paths.  As we do we can walk beside others who are taking a different road and create friendships despite the difference.

Hatred is a caustic emotion.  It never brings peace or anything of value to us.  Hating others because they are different than we are will never bring us happiness.  Even if we have no understanding of why someone would choose something we can understand and accept their right to make the decision.  We don’t have to agree or support anything that is contrary to our personal values but we can’t impose our beliefs on others.  We all have the right to live our lives any way we choose.  Respecting that right will help us clarify where we stand and define the paths we want to take.

Our personal experiences are unique to us.  Nobody is living our lives but us and nobody else is privy to the insight and understanding we gain as we go through different passages.  We can be confident in our choices and sure of our decisions.  It doesn’t matter if everyone else is going left, we can turn right if it’s right for where we are.  There are limitless roads to travel and the ones we choose are up to us.  We are unique and perfect in our own way.  Honoring that uniqueness in ourselves and others will bring us true and complete happiness.

Today if you’re confused about the decisions made by others around you, remember you only have insight into your own life.  Your experiences are unique to you and you can make any choices you like.  Honor the same in others and your life will be enriched.  We’re all different.  You are perfect in your own way.  Be welcoming to others and show the world your best.

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