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Not Shrinking

23 Jun

We all face millions of situations as we go through our lives. Unless we live on a desert island alone and isolated, chances are there are people all around us and at some point someone is going to annoy, anger, or irritate us in some way. We’re all different and those differences can sometimes cause conflict, which can sometimes become intense and if we’re tired of defending ourselves, we may choose to go on the offensive. There is nothing wrong with standing up for ourselves and stating our positions plainly and clearly to those around us. If we feel empowered and safe, we may stand strong even if we are the only one on our side. But if the others are more powerful than we are, or carry more influence, when things go wrong and we’re on the outside, we might decide to shrink back and stay quiet instead of speaking up. Silence may keep us from the fray for now, but going along simply to get along may not work out for us in the long run. Remaining quiet can be interpreted as agreement, and we might find ourselves in situations we never wanted because we didn’t say something at the beginning. We’re all entitled to our own opinions and beliefs, and we can be confident that even if our ideas are very different from those around us, they are worthwhile and can be expressed. Everyone sees things from their own perspective and through the filters they have gained by their own experiences. We may see things in a unique way that opens up new possibilities not previously considered. Confidently and clearly sharing our views will add great depth and richness to any discussion or plan. We are intelligent and capable, and have greatness inside us. We know what we want and have what we need to get it. We can step forward toward the goals we desire most and be sure of success.

If there is disagreement and someone becomes angry and attacks us, our first instinct might be to attack back. They started it, and we’re going to finish it. Well we can certainly do anything we like but contention added to contention will never bring peace. We don’t have to sit quietly and allow anyone to run us over and destroy us, but we can maintain our composure and answer them with clarity and confidence. Yelling will only make the situation more difficult. No matter what the issue is, there will be a compromise possible. We can be calm even in conflict and find the answers we need to resolve the situation and then move forward.

It’s hard to stand up to someone who has a lot of power and control. If they come for us and are loud and angry, we may wish to disappear or in some magical way be able to escape without them noticing. Feeling threatened doesn’t mean we are weak, and we need not shrink from the challenge. We are stronger than we imagine. We don’t have to be loud in return, and speaking quietly will cause those around us to step closer and listen more carefully. We are powerful and wise, and with patience and resolve can face any situation with courage and strength.

Today if you’re in a difficult situation with conflict and trouble, remember how powerful you are. You are stronger and wiser than you think and nothing can overcome you. Stand strong and be clear. You are valuable and a great asset to the world. Be confident and trust yourself. Nobody has the gifts you have to offer and we’re all blessed because you are here.

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Blowing Leaves

26 May

Lots of people will come in and out of our lives and as the years pass, we’ll have countless experiences. What we do in each situation and the decisions we make define who we are. We communicate our thoughts and ideas through our actions and the way we communicate. We may be reserved and keep quiet much of the time, or we may be talkative and expressive with those around us. Speech is our most common form of communication and once we say something, it can never be taken back. Like leaves blowing in the wind, there is no way to go back and collect all the words we’ve said. They may be passed from one person to another, and spread far and wide. We all face times when we’ve expressed something we’ve regretted. If we’ve spoken harshly and hurt someone else, there is no way to reverse engines and make it go away. It will remain indefinitely. Of course, we can apologize if we feel remorse, but the past is unchangeable and permanent. Instead of trying to constantly repair what’s been done, we can stop and think before we speak. In the heat of the moment, our vision may be clouded by anger or despair, and we may lash out without considering the consequences of our words. When we feel the intensity rise, before we do anything, we can step back for a moment and look at everything objectively. There will always be a way out of every situation that won’t compromise us. We are smart and strong, and with focus and clarity, can find our way through any situation or issue. By trusting ourselves and taking the time we need to consider every option before proceeding, we can pave the way forward and prevent problems. We have everything we need to succeed at anything we like, and can make the best decisions moving forward.

Some people have volatile temperaments. They may fly off the handle and lash out without first thinking or even getting the whole story. Others will learn quickly not to trust them and they are very difficult to deal with. If they get in our way they may destroy our plans without giving it a moment’s thought. After the damage is done, we may be left to clean up their mess and regroup. We are only responsible of our own actions and decisions, but that doesn’t mean someone else’s won’t impact us. No matter what happens or who enters the picture, we can be clear about what we want and how we’re going to proceed. The road ahead will always be there for us and with patience and determination, we will prevail.

If something is bothering us, we don’t have to go overboard to make our point. You don’t need a grenade to kill a fly, but if we’re furious, we may grab one anyway. If we find something simply intolerable, we may let go of every restraint and blast our way through. We can do anything we like, but destroying others to make a point will never move us ahead. By remaining calm, and clearly stating our position, we can maintain control over the situation and get the results we desire. Nothing is too difficult for us to manage, and every success is possible.

Today if you’ve said too much or gone a little too far, step back and see the situation clearly and objectively. You are intelligent and wise, and will find all the answers you need. There isn’t anything you can’t manage, and with patience and focus, you will find your way through. Every road you desire is waiting, and nothing can keep you from success. Be confident and step forward toward the goal. There is great success just ahead, and you will claim it.

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Still Waters

14 Feb

Everyone wants an easy life where everything always goes well and there is no stress or complication. It would be great if all our stories had happy endings, and nothing terrible, painful or disastrous ever happened. That works in storybooks, but isn’t generally the case in real life. Some roads are paved and clear, and when we sail along without trials or problems, life is great. There are sunny skies overhead and we feel good. But change is constant and nothing can stay the same forever. Trouble comes to us all. Lovers leave, jobs disappoint, others hurt us, we’re short on money and patience, and there are dark clouds looming. Everyone’s experience is different, and even when we know someone well, we may have no idea what they’re going through inside. Our personal sorrows are private and we may not wish to share them. Instead of putting everything out in the open and letting everyone see what’s wrong, we may slap a smile on our faces, and pretend all is well. We might push ourselves through the heartache and keep going. There is no way to know what anyone else is really going through unless they tell us, and private pain is just that – private. Still waters look lovely, and the sun glistening on the surface can never expose what is happening underwater. There may be piranhas, sharks, poisonous plants or a number of other terrible possibilities. If we only see the surface, we only have part of the story. People are the same way. They may look fine on the outside, and be suffering a terrible pain on the inside. Life isn’t always easy and we’re all going to suffer at some point. By being patient and listening, even when things look fine, we can be supportive and helpful to those around us.

Some people guard their emotions. They don’t share their troubles with others, and when things go wrong, they may prefer to face them alone. We may learn of their difficulties through someone else, and want to help while still honoring their privacy. By extending ourselves we can do something for them without prying into their personal lives. Just being there and offering our friendship can soothe a difficult situation and make the road ahead a little easier.

Sometimes people are short, impatient or rude with those around them. Maybe they’re just impolite, or maybe there is something more going on. Painful situations can cause a lot of stress and if someone near us is acting out in difficult ways, before we lash out we can step back and look at everything objectively. There may be more to the story than we can see. Being supportive and kind, even in difficult situations, may go a long way toward healing a broken heart or painful experience. We’re all in this together, and by showing we care, and helping those around us, we can bring great light into the world.

Today, remember that things are not always as they seem. Be kind and supportive to those around you, and willing to help when needed. Your light can lift others and brings comfort and cheer to those in need. The whole world is blessed because you are here. There is greatness in you, and you bring goodness to us all.

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Best Friend

29 Apr

Everyone has their own ideas about how things should go and what they should do. Most of us want to be successful completing what’s important to us and try to move forward a little every day toward the destinations we desire. Life is complicated and sometimes our progress doesn’t exactly go the way we hope it will. Problems arise, we make decisions that don’t always work out and it seems we have to continually modify and adjust to push through. We might get to a point where we think we should be further down the road than we are or that somehow, we should be doing better in some way. We may set our personal standards very high and if we don’t meet them, become critical of our performance. There is always room for improvement no matter what we’re doing, and we can always do a little more, but we can honor how far we’ve come and what we’ve already accomplished. Berating ourselves for not getting to the goal fast enough, or doing everything perfectly isn’t helpful. We aren’t perfect – nobody is. We learn with each step we take, and as long as we keep stepping forward, we’re winning. It’s fine to have high standards and want to do our best, but we only have control over our own decisions, and things we know nothing about may derail us. We can learn to accept complications and the delays they may cause without tearing ourselves down for not getting to the goal fast enough. We know what we want and have everything we need to get it. We can do anything we like, but we can’t do it all today. Trusting ourselves as we push through, and being patient when there are detours and setbacks will give us the confidence we need to succeed.

If our best friend comes to us upset because they didn’t reach a goal as planned, instead of ridiculing them for not getting it done, we probably would offer them support and kindness. Because we care for them, we may encourage them not to get discouraged, and help them start again. However, we are often harder on ourselves in the same situations. We expect more of ourselves than we expect of others, and that can work against us. Learning to allow the same patience and support we give to others for our own individual struggles will bring us great relief and encouragement. There isn’t anything we can’t accomplish. We can trust that no matter what comes, or what goes wrong, we’ll find our way forward.

Perfection may be our goal, but it’s not likely to be our achievement. There is no way to know everything, and there are endless situations that may enter our lives and disrupt everything we have going on. Learning to bend when things go wrong, and keep our eyes on the goal, even when the road turns, will help us reach success. We are stronger and wiser than we think we are, and nothing can keep us from our goals.

Today if you’re disappointed in yourself because you haven’t gotten as far as you think you should, stop and look at how far you’ve already come. You are amazing and nothing is beyond your reach. You know what you want, and each step takes you closer to the goal. Be confident and continue forward. Every success is there for you and you will prevail.

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Pause

19 Dec

When we’re working on completing a goal or pushing through an important project, the last thing we want is an interruption. However, this is life and unexpected developments come to all of us. When they do and we’re busy we may push them off in order to get back to the task at hand. It’s good to be focused and nobody wants to go around in circles with continual detours. But some things may happen that need our attention and ask us to stop for a moment to address them. If something happens to someone around us where they are hurt or confused, or need our help, we can stop what we’re doing and turn our focus to them. Projects, goals and deadlines are important but nothing is more valuable than the human spirit. Often what is needed won’t take long before we’re back on track again, and the time spent giving assistance may change someone else’s life. Being the best we can be isn’t just about what we accomplish but about the attributes we gain as we travel forward. Who we are is far more important than what we’ve done. Achieving goals, being ambitious and getting things completed are all great assets. Becoming compassionate, caring and kind are attributes that will change our perspective and benefit the entire world. We can accomplish anything we set out to do but we don’t have to get it all done today. If someone needs us, really needs our help, we can take a break from the journey and share our lives with them. When we do, we will find greater joy and a deeper understanding of who we are and what we really want.

It’s easy to get tunnel vision when we’re trying to complete something. We can tune out everything around us and become immersed only in what we want to do and where we want to go. We may not hear other voices, we may not see anything but the road ahead, and we may miss a lot of information as we push through. If we are oblivious to everything but what we want to accomplish, we may miss the needs of a friend, or the request for help when someone is falling. Our goals are important but keeping them in perspective will help us live our lives more fully and effectively. We can be open to what’s going on around us even when we’re pushing forward, be available when someone needs us, and still accomplish the goal.

Pausing to help someone is thoughtful and kind but we may get into a situation where someone abuses our kindness. We can evaluate each situation objectively and decide how much we can offer. We can be helpful and still manage our time carefully to ensure we achieve what is most important. There isn’t anything we can’t do and being mindful of those around us and managing our time will help us succeed.

Today if you’ve only been focused on the goal you want to achieve and zoned everything else out, look around. If there is a need, offer your help. You can accomplish your goals and still be available to those around you. Learn to be giving and compassionate, and carry those attributes forward. Share your life with others and everything you desire will come to you. Be a gift to the world. You have the power to change everything.

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