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The Next Place

9 Apr

We go through many experiences in our lives. Nobody gets a perfect life, and we’ll all go through ups and downs, highs and lows, disasters, and joyful reunions. Although we may wish for a life filled with only good times, we don’t live in paradise, and we’re going to face trouble at some point. When we’re going through a difficult passage, we may wish we were someplace else – anything to get us away from where we are. It’s natural to want to avoid suffering, but we are living in this moment and wishing for the next will never help us through. Although we may have some perfect days when everything goes well, the sun shines, and we’re blissfully happy, they cannot last forever. Problems will arise, conflict will come, and we may feel overwhelmed and discontented. While we’re suffering, we may believe that our happiness is in the next place, the next job, or the next connection, and if we hang on until we get there, we’ll be fine. If we continually believe our happiness is somewhere else, it can’t be where we are. It’s possible there are great blessings just ahead, but constantly believing what’s next is where we need to be is a fool’s game. We are living now, in this moment. If we’re going through a difficult time, we can believe we’ll prevail, trust in our ability to overcome, and step forward with confidence. There is no need to wish for tomorrow. Every situation, even very bad ones, give us something of value. We can live in each moment, treasuring the benefits there for us, and be sure we’ll find our way forward. We don’t need to wish for tomorrow to get through today. Everything necessary to prevail and reach happiness is here for us at every moment, and we are wise enough to find all the answers we need. Today is the most important day of our lives. Yesterday is gone and can never be changed, and tomorrow is ahead. We are here now, and every happiness we desire is possible.

We all have things about ourselves we want to change. It’s good to have goals that move us closer to where we want to be, but there is no need to put our happiness off until we achieve them. We can be happy where we are, even if it’s not exactly where we want to be. There is goodness in every step, and by embracing what is positive and uplifting, we will find great satisfaction as we move ahead.

Happiness isn’t something we earn. We don’t get it after we’ve marked off enough boxes or filled enough requirements. It’s a gift we give to ourselves and can be found in every situation. There is always something for which to be grateful and by recognizing every blessing, we can uncover great personal joy. Hard times will come and we’re going to struggle, but if we keep our minds focused on where we are, and all the good around us, we will find peace.

Today look at your life exactly where you are and notice every blessing. You are perfect just as you are and exactly where you need to be. Decide how you want to move forward and begin toward the goals you most desire. There is great joy in living today well. Be confident, and every blessing will be yours.

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Come What May

7 Apr

Our lives belong solely to us and we’re in control of everything we do.  There are endless roads to travel and unlimited destinations to reach.  Every goal is possible, but life is uncertain and unpredictable, and we never know what will happen next.  We don’t have any control over what others do, or what happens, but we are in charge of how we handle whatever comes and what we do.  We know what we want, and our decisions are ours to make.  There isn’t anything we can’t achieve if we’re willing to do what is necessary to make it ours.  As we plan the way forward, we can choose the best roads ahead to reach the goals we most desire.  Those close to us may want us to be happy but they might not agree with the choices we’re making.  When we decide on the path that’s right for us, others may be disappointed or unhappy with what we’ve chosen.  We are responsible for our own happiness, and nobody else’s.  Some may say it’s important that we get agreement from family, friends, or associates before we proceed, but that isn’t necessary.  Every choice we make belongs to us and there is no need to get approval or permission to do the things we most want to do.  If our choices make others uncomfortable, that will be their issue to manage.  Life is filled with opportunity and every dream is possible.  Nobody knows us better than we know ourselves or knows what we want most to accomplish.  We can be confident in our choices and step forward toward the destinations we desire.  Some things will come easily, and others will try us, but come what may, we can succeed.  Each day is a blessing and as we move closer to our goals, we will feel great satisfaction and happiness.  Nothing can keep us from the destinations we want, and with focus and determination, we will reach them all.

Everyone has their own ideas about how life should go and what we should do.  We’re all entitled to our own opinions, but the opinions of others do not determine our actions.  We don’t have to swim downstream with everyone else if the goal we’re seeking is in the other direction.  We are certainly strong enough, and powerful enough, to do anything we like.  By trusting ourselves and setting our course for the goals we want the most, we can find great success and gratification.

Our families and those close to us may know us very well.  They may have ideas about what we want to do and how we should do it, and give us lots of suggestions and advice.  We can listen to everything they offer, and then do what’s best for us.  The destinations ahead are ours to choose, and we can accomplish any goal we desire.  Nothing can keep us from success and every dream is possible.

Today if someone is disagreeing with your plans, listen respectfully, and then step forward toward your goal.  You know what you want and where you want to go.  Trust yourself and be confident.  The whole world is there for you.  Move ahead and claim success.  You are amazing and capable, and nothing can keep you from it. 

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Valuable

1 Apr

There is value in everything in life. How much value we place on something depends on our paradigms of what things are worth, their rarity, and how much they influence our lives. Simply because something costs a lot of money, doesn’t determine its value in our personal lives. If we don’t like diamonds, the most precious and rare specimen may mean little to us. However, if we love sports, the championship game may carry great worth and bring us intense pleasure. It’s all a matter of perspective. No matter what happens in the world or how much societies change, nothing can ever replace us. The world is filled with messages about how we should be. There is the constant suggestion that in order to count we must have wealth, and possessions, and be noticed and talked about, but none of that really matters. We are unique and specific, and there never has been, nor will there ever be anyone else exactly like us. We don’t have to have anything more than ourselves to be an asset. It isn’t necessary to be good at pretending to be someone else. We can be perfect at being ourselves. We are priceless, and nothing we do or don’t do changes that. We may not be proud of something we did in the past, but we can still be proud of who we are today. Being priceless and valuable doesn’t mean we are perfect. Perfection is unattainable, but we can choose the very best we can be and find great satisfaction in our lives. Every day is a gift and when we live it to the fullest and give our very best, we find intense gratification and happiness. We are all amazing and recognizing our real value, and understanding what a blessing we are to the world and those around us will help us realize our true worth.

In every society there are norms and traditions which are practiced and valued. They may be long standing and highly encouraged. We can follow them and fit in, and go along or we can choose a different road and design our lives going in a new direction. We can be respectful and honor the choices of others, and still make our own. Our lives belong solely to us, and we know what we want. By being true to who we are and moving forward toward the goals we desire most, we will achieve great happiness. Every blessing is possible, and we can make them ours.

Some people think we must look and act a certain way to be valuable. It doesn’t matter what color we are, what kind of clothes we wear, where we live, or who we know. Those are all external markers that have nothing to do with our intrinsic value. We are precious because of who we are. We bring gifts to the world nobody else can offer. Everything we do changes everything in some way. Nothing is more important or treasured than the benefits we bring.

Today if you feel like you don’t matter, and aren’t important, remember you are unique and precious. You enhance the world with the gifts only you can offer. Nothing could ever replace you and we are all blessed by your presence. Stand tall and recognize your personal worth. It’s beyond the value of anything in the world. You are priceless and unreplaceable. Be confident. You are amazing just as you are.

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Flawless

23 Mar

Life is a great experience, but it isn’t without pitfalls. There are always lots of options for every decision we make and although we may try hard to be perfect, we are only human. Everyone makes mistakes and nobody is perfect. There is no road map telling us which way to go, or guidebook advising us about what to avoid. We make our choices and learn as we go. If things fall apart, we learn what doesn’t work. If we do something that hurts us, we learn what to avoid. Every day we step a little closer to the person we want to be. Some people are very critical and may point out a time when we did something they find unacceptable. They may call us out or make us an example, choosing to highlight a bad decision we have already acknowledged and corrected. There is nothing to be gained by ridiculing others for making mistakes. Nobody is flawless, and we will all stumble from time to time. Falling or taking a wrong turn teaches us a lot about ourselves and the world around us. Holding someone continually accountable for previous errors in judgement serves nobody, and reminding others of their mistakes doesn’t make us better or superior. One thing is certain, none of us are flawless. We will all make errors in judgement from time to time, may choose the wrong road, take a wrong turn, or say something we regret. Those actions don’t permanently define us. We are always learning and growing, and can move forward with confidence, even though we’ve missed a turn or two. There is greatness in all of us, but if all we focus on is the missteps, it will be hard to recognize. Life isn’t always easy. By being aware of what we’re doing and choosing the best we can, we can move forward toward success and achieve it. The past can never predict the future. We are in control and can reach any goal we desire.

Some people are very judgmental and feel it is their responsibility to point out everyone’s shortcomings. Putting others down can never raise us up. Instead of focusing on the perceived shortcomings in others, we can look inward and choose our own road ahead. By honoring ourselves and those around us, we will gain more grace and gratitude for the blessings we possess and focus on the goals we want the most.

We may strive for perfection and try hard to always make the best decisions, but life is complex. Although we may do our best to choose wisely, there will always be a lot of factors we can’t control. Unexpected situations may arise, others may alter our direction, and our plans may go sideways. That doesn’t mean we’re incompetent or insufficient. We know what we want and have everything we need to achieve it. It may not work out the first time we try, or the second, or third, but with determination and clarity, we can continue forward until we reach success.

Today if you’re hesitating because of a mistake you made in the past, recognize how capable and strong you are. You know how you want to proceed and have everything you need to reach any goal. Be confident and trust yourself. You are more powerful than you realize and can accomplish anything. Every dream is possible, and you can have the life you desire most. Stand tall and step forward. Happiness is just ahead.

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Money and Fame

19 Mar

The world has all kinds of ideas about success and what equates to value. How much money we make, who we know, how much clout we possess, how famous and well known we are, and a million other things are touted as evidence of our self-worth. Many interpretations include great perks and attributes connected to them, but what happens on the outside of our lives isn’t always a reflection of who we really are. Money and influence don’t automatically reflect goodness and light. There are lots of examples of very bad people living very affluent lives. But the world can only see what’s on the outside. We are responsible for every choice we make, and nobody knows what goes on in our own minds. Our lives and the real success we achieve is a reflection of what we think about and the decisions we make. The world will do what it will, but our lives are ours to determine and design. If we’re honest and genuine, kind to those around us, caring and considerate, our influence will be helpful and beneficial. If we choose instead to only think of ourselves, and get what we want, no matter who gets hurt in the process, our influence will be different. Our personal self-worth is determined by how we live and who we are. It’s nice to accumulate money, and fame always has its allure, but what we do in the quiet moments, when nobody is watching, will define who we really are. There is greatness in all of us, and we all have the potential to bring great light and goodness to the world. Our choices are ours to make and each step we take will take us somewhere. Whether it’s where we most want to go, or we end up in never land depends on what we decide. Life is a precious experience. By choosing well, and holding fast to our personal nobility and integrity, we can create a life that brings us great satisfaction and joy. We know what we want, and where we want to go. We can accomplish anything we desire and be a blessing to the world.

Everyone has a past. We can’t control the circumstances we’re born into, who our parents are or who raises us. Some of us have better situations than others, but our beginnings can never control where we go. All the roads are there for us, and every destination is possible. We already have all the courage we need to accomplish anything we desire. By planning carefully, and continuing forward no matter what happens, we can reach any goal. The road doesn’t have to be paved for us to travel forward. We are more powerful than we realize, and we will succeed.

Our dreams are important, and possible. It would be nice to be born into privilege and wealth and money can pave difficult situations for us. But money is just a tool that greases the wheels. We must be the driver to get us there. We control our own destinies. If we don’t like where we are, we can move. Change is always possible. There isn’t anything we can’t accomplish if we’re willing to do what is necessary to make it ours. Every destination is waiting, and we can achieve greatness.

Today think about who you are and what you want. Decide how you want to live your life moving forward. You can reach any goal or destination you desire. Trust yourself and be confident. The whole world is there for you, and you will win.

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