Permanent Ink

19 Sep

As children, we learn many things. We watch and quickly understand how our behaviors bring different results. We learn what is acceptable and what is forbidden, what is ridiculed and what is praised, and we understand how to navigate all that information to get what we want. As we grow into adulthood we may carry many of the patterns we’ve learned with us and incorporate them into our lives. Some of them help us achieve the goals we desire, but some may hold us back. Childhood patterns can be powerful and even if we don’t know why something is done a certain way, we may continue it even if it no longer makes sense. There is the story of a woman who always cut up her Sunday pot roast and cooked it in two pots. When her daughter asked why she cooked it that way she said that’s the way her mother did it. The daughter then asked the grandmother and she laughed and said, “I never had a pot big enough for the whole thing!” Traditions often start out of need but over time, even when that need is no longer there, the tradition may remain. We may repeat a pattern in our lives that no longer works because it’s what we learned in the past. Keeping things the same is like using permanent ink to write our story. But life changes, and we change as we move forward. We can modify anything to find the best answers and make the best choices. There are few permanent rules that cannot be broken or changed. Our lives belong to us and we may design them any way we like. We can shake off what doesn’t work and forge a new path that is uniquely our own. When we choose the road that’s best for us and takes us where we want to go, we will find happiness and satisfaction going forward.

We may feel pressure to conform and stay within the bounds of customary patterns with those around us. Everyone has their own ideas about how life should look and what is acceptable. But we are all individuals and what is right for one may be uncomfortable for another. We can choose what is best for us even if it doesn’t fit into someone else’s model. The gifts we present to the world are unique and nobody else can give them. Our influence is important and we can share who we really are, honestly and completely.

There are many kinds of families in life. We have biological families, adopted families, work families and others. Every group has its own interpretations about how things should go. If we are comfortable with the patterns presented we may adopt them into our lives, but if we disagree we don’t have to go along. We can be who we really are and make choices that reflect our individual personalities and desires. We can find joy in being true to ourselves. There is no permanent ink to hold us in place. We can change and modify, and find happiness our own way.

Today if you’ve been following a pattern that’s holding you back, change your focus. You have a lot to offer and the world is eager to share your gifts. Be confident and go forward with courage. You are perfect just as you are and there isn’t anything you can’t do. You bring blessings to us all.

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Sidelines

18 Sep

When we go to an event and aren’t performing, we sit on the sidelines.  It’s fun to be observers of things we enjoy and sitting on the sidelines watching can be gratifying and exciting.  In our lives we have countless opportunities to join into different activities and decisions.  Sometimes we may sit back and watch as things progress but other times it’s important to be involved.  If we are unsure about what will happen or feel concerned about the outcome, we may decide to sit it out, simply choosing to wait and see what happens.  For some situations that may work but if we don’t participate and our voice isn’t heard we will have no influence over what comes.  If the issue is very important to us, stepping back and letting things simply roll out as they will may not bring us the results we’re hoping for.  We know what we want and the only way to ensure the road goes to the destination we desire is to be involved.  The sidelines are great when the show doesn’t involve us but in our personal lives, allowing others to make decisions that impact us and not speaking up will never take us where we want to go.  We are wise enough to know the way forward, and strong enough to do what it takes to get there.  Our lives belong to us and allowing someone else to decide what they’ll look like will never bring us happiness.  We know what we want and what we need, and have all the power and control necessary to make it happen.

When we have someone in our lives who has a forceful and strong personality and they disagree with the decisions we make we may find ourselves acquiescing to their opinions even we want to do something else.  It may seem easier just to agree with them than try to make them understand our point of view.  The first time it may seem like no big deal, and then the second time comes, and then the third and before we know it we may find we’re in a pattern of doing everything they suggest without questioning.  Even if someone strongly disagrees with us, we can do things our way.  We don’t have to explain our point of view, we don’t need permission, and everyone doesn’t have to agree.  We know who we are and what we want, and we can forge our own path regardless of the opinions of others.

Sitting on the sidelines when there are complex issues to solve may be easier than getting involved and being part of the decisions going forward.  If we don’t voice our opinion, nobody can disagree.  If we don’t give a suggestion, nobody can ignore it.  But everyone has something to share and we all have a perspective with valuable insights.  The way we see things is unique and worthwhile, and sharing it with others will bring us great growth and satisfaction.  We are powerful and wise, and the world needs our input.  We are brave enough to join in, speak our minds, and share in the experience.

Today if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines and not joining in with the issues around you, speak up.  You insights are unique and your opinion is valuable.  Be confident.  You can change the world by sharing who you are.  You have so much to offer and we all need to hear your perspective.

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Holding On

15 Sep

Lots of things happen as we go through our lives.  We have many good experiences and also many hard times to navigate.  We may go through very difficult situations that don’t go well and end up leaving us with bad feelings moving forward and we may hold onto the pain for a time.  If something terrible unexpectedly happens, it may scar us and prevent us from moving forward.  Life is unpredictable and things will go wrong from time to time.  Generally we’ll be able to navigate them and move on but sometimes the pain is so great, or the grief so intense that we get stuck and hold onto it indefinitely.  Our lives belong to us and we can manage them any way we like.  If we allow something painful to take over we may lose the opportunity to be successful.  We will all face hard times in our lives.  We may suffer greatly but no matter what we must face we will always have enough courage and strength to get through it.  There will never be anything so severe and devastating that we cannot recover.  Our reserves for healing are immense.  We can hold onto pain for as long as we like but as we hold onto it we will be unable to progress.  If we set the pain and sorrow down, and leave the disappointment behind we can continue on.  We can reach any destination we desire.  Recognizing the power we possess and allowing ourselves to heal will move us forward to wherever we want to go.  There isn’t anything we can’t overcome.  We are powerful and strong, and we will prevail.

When we go through hard times we may feel great disappointment.  If we choose to, we can hold onto that and all the pain it brings with it.   But if we hold onto trouble we are doing just that – holding onto trouble.  Holding onto difficult situations will not bring us happiness.  It can only weigh us down and may prevent us from finding success.  There isn’t anything too difficult for us to face and we are wise enough and brave enough to walk through any problem we’re carrying.  We have all the confidence and wisdom we need to move ahead and be happy.

Learning to let go allows us to be free of pain and trial.  We cannot prevent what comes to us, and we cannot stop trouble from darkening our door from time to time but we can determine that no matter what comes we will walk through it to the other side.  Life can be difficult and challenging, and we may face some dark days, but no storm lasts forever and in time, no matter what the issue is, things will change.  We can trust in our ability to navigate anything we must and find happiness.  Every day will bring something new.  Letting go of heartache and sorrow and allowing ourselves to openly face what lies ahead will give us greater confidence going forward and help us reach every destination we desire.

Today if you’re facing a very difficult situation and you feel hurt and overwhelmed, remember how powerful you are.  There isn’t anything too strong or difficult for you.  You have everything you need to prevail.  Let go of the pain and take another step.  Be strong and confident.  There is joy just ahead and it’s waiting for you.

 

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Connections

14 Sep

There are billions of people on the earth. We will never meet them all but we are connected to them in many ways. We influence each other constantly as we navigate our lives. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we change every situation we’re in just because we’re there. We have more influence on those around us than we may realize. If we’re happy and feel good, our positive energy will show and those who see it will be drawn to us. We have the power to lift others by our example and can be a great influence for good. Conversely, if we’re struggling we may push others away. The impact we make is up to us. Our connections to those around us may be invisible but will always be present. We can be mindful of our influence and remember how important we are in everything we do. We can share ourselves in ways that are comfortable and allow others to share with us in return. When we keep our connections strong we feel more confident and supported. We’re all in this together and that bond can be the glue that takes us from trial to success. We have millions of brothers and sisters around us who can help us through difficult trials and rejoice with us when things go well.

We all process trouble differently. Some people like to talk things out with others, some people bury themselves in activity as a way to get through, and some of us just want to be left alone. Being alone can give us the space we need to clear our heads and find the answers we seek. It can be helpful for a time but being locked away will also keep the influence of others away. Everyone has different experiences and someone near us may know things about our situation that are helpful. We can reach out to those we trust and allow them to share their advice with us. A different perspective may open new options we hadn’t considered and those options may help us find our way forward more easily.

There is a grove of over 40,000 aspen trees growing in a forest that are not individual organisms but in essence all one tree. They share the same network of roots and each tree is a clone of the one next to it. In some ways, we are like that grove of trees. Although we are all individuals, as people we share a common ancestry and even though our desires are different our needs are the same. We can lean on each other in times of discomfort and enjoy each other’s company when things go well. Remembering and strengthening our connections to those around us will bring us comfort and confidence, and help us find new ways forward to success.

Today if you’ve set yourself apart and are facing a problem alone, remember the help available from those around you. Reach out for answers and let others in. We’re all cheering for your success. You’re a valuable member of the team and we’re glad you’re here. You deserve the very best of everything. Strengthen your connections to those around you and let them help you make your dreams come true.

 

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Aimless

13 Sep

We can do anything we want with our time as we live our lives.  We can wander around aimlessly taking things as they come, or purposefully set goals and achieve the things we desire.  Our time is ours to use as we like and anything is possible.  If we have no compass for the way forward, or lack confidence in our ability to accomplish things we dream about, we may spend our days simply going through the motions of whatever life presents to us.  There are always plenty of things to occupy our thoughts and distract us, and if we choose to, we may spend all our time merely watching the constantly changing landscape.  It’s all up to us but if we are aimless in our direction with no specific destination or goal in mind, we may discover that years have drifted by and nothing has changed.  While it’s comforting to be in situations that are familiar, change can bring great satisfaction.  We all have unlimited potential and there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish.  We are the only ones who can make our dreams come true and direct our lives to the places we want to go.  Sitting back and waiting for things to come to us will not bring success.  Every day is a gift and we can capture each moment going forward and design our perfect life.  Sitting back will never move us forward.  We can pursue any dream or desire, and we can succeed.  There isn’t anything out of reach and all things are possible if we’re willing to work for them.  Our lives are ours and we can make them any way we choose.  We can be happy and fulfilled, and find joy living the lives we want the most.

It can be hard to think about changing our lives.  Even if we want something very badly it may be intimidating to begin doing the things needed to bring it to pass.  When we step onto an unknown path we may feel unsure of our ability to continue.  But the unknown is just a place we haven’t yet visited.  We have all the courage and wisdom needed to open new doors and take new roads going forward.  The scenery and players involved may change but soon they will become familiar and our confidence will rise.  We can trust in ourselves to manage whatever comes and find success.

Nobody can give us the lives we want the most.  Wandering aimlessly through our days will not bring us happiness.  We must take action to create the lives we want.  Real joy comes when we do the things needed to take us to the destinations we desire.  Each step we take brings us closer to the goal.  When we live fully aware of where we are, and push to move forward to where we want to go, we will find happiness.  We deserve complete happiness and choosing to live on purpose, pointed in the direction of our dreams will bring it to us.

Today if you’ve been drifting through your time and just taking things as they come, stop and think about what you want the most.  Where do you really want to be?  Take the first step forward toward the life you dream about.  You can do anything and go anywhere you desire.  Success is always there for you but you must choose it.  Move forward and direct your course to fulfill your dreams.  You can do anything.  Start today.

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