Covering

9 Jul

We are all responsible for our own lives and what we accomplish.  There may be times when we interact with someone who has a fluid idea of what their responsibility means.  They may let things slide they aren’t interested in or may manage their time in ways that prevent them from being as effective as they could be.  If we depend on them to complete something that impacts what we’re doing and they drop the ball it may stop our progress.  If the issue is important or time sensitive and hasn’t been done, we may jump in and do the job in an effort to keep things moving forward.  It’s good to be helpful but if we find we’re always covering for someone else and picking up the slack because they don’t follow through, we may create more problems for ourselves in the end.  If others begin to rely on us to cover for them there will be no reason to change their behavior.  Why should they do something they don’t want to do if we’ll come in and do it for them?  It can be hard to let something slide because someone didn’t do their part when the task is important to us, but letting others own their responsibilities and be accountable for them is appropriate.  If we stop cleaning up other people’s messes they will remain for them to address.  If something doesn’t get done we can always re-route our way forward.  There are plenty of alternatives for every situation.  We don’t have to wait indefinitely for anyone to do their part.  Instead, we can go right around them.  Our lives are ours and we can do anything we want to do.  It’s great to get cooperation from those around us, but if that’s not available, we can find the way on our own.

Helping others accomplish their tasks opens the door to learning new skills.  Each time we do something new we learn a skill to take forward with us.  It’s great to have a broad scope of understanding in the areas important to us or in arenas we enjoy.  We can offer to help when needed without taking on the full responsibility of the task.  Sharing the load can move things forward more quickly but sharing is only taking on part of the work.  We don’t have to take over the entire project simply because we want to help.  We can allow the others involved to do their part and work together to find success.

Some people don’t like to teach others about their responsibilities.  They may feel if they are the only one who knows how to do a task they will always have a place in the project.  There is security in being the only one who knows how to do something but being willing to show others how to accomplish the task will open new doors for us going forward.  We are all valuable and important and we can be open to working as a team to get things done.  All options are possible and working together will help us achieve every goal we desire.

Today if you’ve been covering for someone again and again, step back and look at your responsibilities clearly.  Do your part and let those around you do theirs.  If they don’t move forward, move around them.  You can do anything and nothing is strong enough to hold you in place.  Choose the best way forward and you will find success.

Step Two

6 Jul

There are all kinds of scenarios we envision for our lives and many different things we want to do and experience.  We can work hard toward our goals and with determination and persistence may achieve many of them.  There will be times when things don’t go the way we planned and what we thought we’d gain escapes us.  There are countless factors always involved in every decision we make and most of them are out of our control.  When we get stopped and everything we thought would work out has crashed and burned, we may get stuck at step one of our plan.  We can redirect our path forward and decide if the original goal is still worth the effort or if we want to let it go and move on to something else.  We can always roll over and give up when the going gets tough.  We’re in charge of our lives and can change anything we like at any time.  But if we still want to push forward toward the destination we’ll have to create a new plan and begin again.  There is always more than one way to accomplish any goal.  If our first attempt doesn’t work, we can try again.  If that fails, we can create yet another plan and can continue until we find the path that takes us all the way there.  Our lives are ours to design and we can do anything we want to do.  We only need to decide exactly what that is.  Everything is possible if we’re willing to do what is needed to succeed.  If one road doesn’t work we can choose another.  There are unlimited possibilities and nothing can keep us from success.

We never have to stay in a situation we don’t want.  It doesn’t matter what others are doing around us, it doesn’t matter what is expected or how things usually go.  We can live our lives any way we choose and if we don’t like where we are, we can move.  We can leave relationships that are unfulfilling or that don’t make us happy.  We can move from locations that don’t offer us the opportunities we desire.  We are always in control of our lives and if we want something different we can get it.  Complete happiness is possible and by directing our lives toward the things we want the most, we will find it.

It’s easy to go along with the routines we’ve established even if we’re unhappy.  There is comfort in knowing what to expect and it takes courage to reach for something more.  But we have sufficient courage to step away from where we are and strive for the lives we most desire.  Every dream is possible and we can begin moving toward them whenever we’re ready.  The whole world is there for us and nothing is too far or too difficult to reach.  We need only take the next step forward and start on the road that will take us where we want to go.  All roads are open and waiting.  The possibilities are endless and we can achieve any goal we desire.

Today if you’re stuck and want a change, look ahead and decide what you want the most.  You can have the life you dream about.  You can make your dreams come true.  Take the next step forward toward the destination you desire.  Every opportunity is possible and nothing is out of reach.  Make your dreams come true and find the happiness you deserve.

Grudge Match

5 Jul

Conflict is a normal part of life. We may not like it and we may try to avoid it but we’re all individuals and differences will happen. We don’t have to agree with everyone and everything and there will be times when we won’t comply with what someone else wants. When there is tension and disagreement we may blame the other party for not agreeing with us and making things difficult. We may understand that we’re all entitled to our own opinions but when push comes to shove, despite that understanding, we may press to get our own way. If we can’t prevail we may hold a grudge against the other party and allow it to color our interactions with them going forward. Grudges have no power over anyone but the person carrying them. If we’re angry we may hold tight to them and they may keep us down and prevent us from moving forward. They can be crippling and will never solve any problems or help us find answers. It can be hard to let go of disappointment. We can blame everyone and everything for what goes wrong but that will change nothing. If we want our situation to improve we must let go and actively step forward. Our lives are always in our control and we can manage anything effectively to move ahead. We can accept differences and with patience and grace find the way forward through any conflict. Life is filled with challenges and we are certainly smart enough and wise enough to manage them. Every success is possible, even in disagreement, and we can find all the answers we need.

Some people like to argue and enjoy the intensity and dynamic of heated discussions. When we interact with them it may be difficult to find answers as they question every statement we make. It can be hard to get our point across if they dissect everything we say and oppose every suggestion. We don’t have to defend our position and we don’t need complete agreement in order to move forward. There are always possible compromises and adjustments to any plan. If we are open and flexible we will find the answers to address every concern and reach understanding.

There will be times when we won’t get our way and things will turn in a direction we don’t want. We may feel like we’ve lost the battle and carry anger away from the situation. Life is sometimes an uphill battle and sometimes we’re going to lose but that doesn’t mean we aren’t important and valuable. We can be open to new ideas and accept change when we must in order to keep moving ahead toward the goals we want the most. We can do anything even when things go wrong. We are strong and capable and with patience and determination we will find success.

Today if you’re struggling with a decision and unhappy about what’s happened, let go of any anger and look at your options going forward. Disappointments are just turns in the road. You can still get to your goals and succeed. Change direction and re-chart your course. Every destination is possible and you are strong enough and wise enough to get there.

Fabricating Happiness

3 Jul

We interact with many different types of people on a daily basis. We connect with them as we move through our lives and build relationships with those we enjoy, those we love, and those on whom we rely. Many times, those connections bring great pleasure and security to our lives but sometimes we may build a relationship with someone who makes choices that bring us disharmony and confusion. If we want strong and healthy relationships there must be complete honesty in our interactions. But some people aren’t consistently honest and bend the truth to suit their needs. It’s not pleasant to confront a lie and we may choose to give them the benefit of the doubt despite their choices. It’s difficult to be in a relationship with someone who lies or pretends that things are different than they really are. Truth is truth and the only way to live successfully is to face it openly and completely. Wanting to believe in a lie will never make it the truth. Looking the other way in the face of dishonesty will never bring us happiness. Everyone makes their own decisions and we are all accountable for every choice. We can choose to be honest in all our dealings and build strong relationships based on real trust. We never have to go along with a lie. We can live straight and true to the values we honor and choose the right at every turn. When we do we will find happiness and peace going forward.

Few things in life are constant. Things change continually and just when we’re sure we know what will happen next, something turns us around and everything is different. Our situations are constantly in flux and if we want to reach success we must be clear and honest about our intentions and desires. We can’t control what may happen but we are always in control of our decisions. If we are honest and up front in our interactions we will more effectively find the path we need to travel and reach the goals we desire.

Honesty doesn’t come on a sliding scale. There is no such thing as being somewhat honest, or honest most of the time. We either are honest is our dealings or we aren’t. If we bend the truth, color the facts to get what we want, or pretend that things are different than they are, we are lying to ourselves and those around us. Lies may bring us immediate gratification but they will never bring us lasting happiness or success. We can face our lives as they are even if they aren’t where we want them to be. Change is always possible and if we aren’t happy we can truthfully and honestly do what is needed to modify our course to reach the happiness we desire. Our lives are our responsibility and our choices make us who we are. We can choose well and find great contentment and success.

Today if you’re dealing with someone who isn’t honest with you, look at the situation openly and completely. Let the facts show you the truth and decide how you want to proceed. What you choose tells the world who you are. Show us your best and lead the way to success.

 

One Step Forward

2 Jul

There is much to learn as we navigate through our lives.  There are things we need to master to be effective in our jobs or responsibilities, things we want to accomplish that bring us pleasure, and things that must be learned in order to survive.  The road to understanding anything takes time and effort.  We gain some knowledge simply by living our lives and interacting with others.  But much of what we want to understand and fully embrace requires time and diligence.  We push forward to conquer one step and that leads us to the next.  One thing upon another takes us down the path of comprehension until we fully grasp what we’ve been seeking.  When we want to move quickly we may try to take shortcuts as we process everything before us and sometimes they help but can backfire and require us to take a step back and try again.  It’s hard to be patient when we’re trying to master something important and it requires a long time.  It’s hard to wait for understanding when the knowledge we desire will move us closer to where we want to be.  One thing is certain, if we stop we will never succeed.  Even if what we’re trying to do takes years to achieve we can be diligent in pressing forward a little each day to eventually reach the goal.  By keeping our eyes forward and taking one step at a time we can reach any destination we desire.  Nothing is out of reach and success is always possible.  We have everything we need to do anything we choose.  It’s all there for us.  With patience and determination we can reach every goal.

If we decide to tackle a huge goal that requires much time and effort we may struggle pushing forward.  Those around us may offer their support or they may discourage us perhaps believing the goal is too difficult and we will never win.  They may advise us to be happy with what we already have and to let go of the desire to gain more.  Our choices are ours to make and we may abort any plans at any time.  But if we want to achieve the things we truly desire it doesn’t matter how hard the road gets.  We can continue forward and manage any difficulty required to reach the goal.  We are strong and capable and can make all our dreams come true.

When the road is long it’s natural to tire and desire rest.  We can always step away from any struggle when we need refreshment.  Taking a break doesn’t mean we are giving up.  If we need time to regroup we can take it.  When we’re ready to begin again the road will still be there waiting for our return.  We can have the lives we dream about and do all the things we imagine.  The whole world is there for us and every destination is possible.  We can move forward one step at a time and find success.

Today if you’re pushing toward a goal and aren’t sure you can keep going, decide what you really want in your life.  Every dream is possible and you are strong enough and wise enough to make them come true.  Look ahead.  Decide how you want to proceed, chart your course and continue forward.  Success is always there for you and you will reach it.