Broken Not Dead

23 Dec

Nobody gets a perfect life. We’re all going to face problems, challenges, irritants, annoying people, desperate times and sorrow. Things will go according to plan sometimes, and other times our plans will crash and burn. Sometimes it’s because of decisions other people are making, sometimes it’s because we didn’t get all the information we needed ahead of time, and sometimes we have no idea why things didn’t work out. Whatever happens or goes wrong, we must deal with what’s left in the end. If we’ve suffered through a great loss, the end of a love affair, the death of a loved one, or some disaster that has completely upended our lives, we may feel broken and unable to stand. Terrible things may happen but there will never be anything powerful enough to hold us down indefinitely. Everyone has a cell phone these days and we try to take care of them, but if we accidentally drop them, the glass may crack or break. It’s frustrating when that happens, but usually, even though the glass is broken, the phone itself still works. It will display the damage of the fall, and may look truly awful, but if it’s still functioning, and the damage is only superficial and cosmetic. When we go through terrible times and difficult events, we will carry the damage forward with us, but even though at first we may not realize it, inside we are still strong and capable. What goes wrong doesn’t have to stop us and keep us from continuing ahead. We have more courage and determination than we may realize. No matter what happens, success will still be possible, and by trusting ourselves and standing strong, we will reach it.

When we’re going through a hard time, it can be difficult to face each day. We don’t want to get up in the morning and we may dread seeing others. If they are aware of our situation they may offer advice and solace, which might make us feel better or worse depending on where we are. Some people prefer to suffer alone and don’t want to hear from anyone else, and others like to share their grief with others and get moral support. Neither way is right or wrong. We can do it our way, any way that helps us navigate through and find relief.

Everyone has their own ideas about how things should work. They may think they know more about our situation than we do and try to tell us what we should do and how we should proceed. That’s fine for them and they are certainly entitled to their own opinions, but opinions are not rules and we are not compelled to follow them. We can be polite and thank them for their concern and then decide how we want to proceed. Nobody can possibly know us better than we know ourselves, and we will find the answers we seek.

Today if you’re struggling through something difficult and painful, remember how strong and capable you are. You may be suffering now, but nothing can hold you down forever. Stand strong and trust yourself. All the answers you need are there for you and you will find your way forward. You are more powerful and wise than you imagine, and nothing can keep you from success.

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Just This Once

20 Dec

Our lives are a reflection of our decisions. Every choice we make changes something and takes us somewhere. If we’re mindful and think about all the ramifications of everything we choose, we have a better shot of getting what we want and going where we want to go, but life is busy and can be hectic. We may make decisions on the fly simply because we don’t have time to stop and think. Sometimes that works out okay, but if we don’t think before we jump, things may not go the way we hope. Everyone wants a happy life and we all have things we want to achieve. We may face a time when we can get something quicker if we manipulate the situation dishonestly. Most of us want to be honest in all our dealings, but life is complex, and there are all kinds of people around us making all kinds of decisions. If they get in our way and we just can’t wait any longer, we may decide, just this once, to step away from our personal standards and do whatever is necessary to get what we want. We may bend the truth, tell a lie, deceive someone or use smoke and mirrors to make things seem different than they are. We’re in control of our lives and can do anything we like at any time. We can make any choices we want, but we can’t change the results of those choices. If we start a fire, something is going to burn. There is no way out. We know what we want, and must decide if we want it badly enough to sacrifice our integrity and honesty to get it. If that’s the case, we can go down that road and just crash ahead until we get to the goal. But every gain has a price and we may discover the price is higher than we imagined. By being thoughtful and wise, and taking the time to see where we’re headed before we step forward, we can make excellent choices that will bring us happiness and satisfaction. If we can’t get the goal today, we can patiently continue forward until we do. Every goal is possible, and every success awaits. With clarity and focus, we will reach them all.

Some people don’t care what it takes to win. They will do anything, and break every rule just to get to the prize. They are ruthless and the feelings of others mean nothing. If they are in a position of power, they may cause a lot of destruction as they push ahead. Once they reach the goal, they are happy but that happiness is often fleeting, because there will always be something bigger, something shinier, something more prestigious just ahead. Getting to each goal is important, but how we get there defines who we are. We can be relentless and merciless, and burn every bridge as we move forward, but that will never bring lasting happiness or peace.

Nobody is destined to remain the same forever. Change is constant, and we can change any behavior traits we want. If we’ve been unwise in the past, and have broken relationships because of our choices, it will take work and diligence to win back the trust of others. Change takes works and continual determination, but when we’re ready we can do anything. There is greatness in us all, and we can reclaim our nobility and wisdom at any time. Our lives are ours to design and nothing is out of reach. We really can have the lives we want the most by being mindful, patient and focused on the road ahead.

Today if there’s a chance you’ll win but only if you cheat, before you begin, stop and think about who you really want to be. You are defined by the choices you make so decide what you want the most, and then step forward. There is greatness in you and you have so much to offer. Show us your best and bring light to those around you. You really are amazing and worth more than you can imagine. Choose wisely and be confident. Every success is waiting and every dream is possible. Be honest and determined, and you will reach them all.

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One Thing More

15 Dec

Everyday we get the chance to do something good. There is an endless need for good in the world and each day the chance to offer a little more arises. We all have our routines, and things we need to get done. We have our list of errands, and chores, and work, and family and all the rest. As we move along we can keep out heads down only focused on the next item on the list, or we can look up and see what’s going on around us. In the parking lot at the store, someone may be struggling to load bags into the trunk of their car. Of course, we can just walk by and mind our own business, but if we stop and lend a hand, everything will change. We will feel the satisfaction of having helped someone else, and we may lift the other person’s spirits in ways we will never know. There are billions of people in the world, but it’s easy to feel alone when we’re trying to do everything by ourselves. Extending our vision just a little, and choosing to do one thing more than we must, our spirits will be lightened, and we will be uplifted. When we extend ourselves, our self esteem will rise knowing we are being the best we can be. We have the power to change the world, if we only look up and reach out. There is greatness inside us all. By sharing it with those around us, we will bring great light and joy. We are all gifts to the world. By showing how much we care, we enrich not only ourselves, but everyone around us.

It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s ideas and feelings. If someone is intense and angry and brings us into their turmoil, we may also begin to feel intense and angry, even though the issue isn’t ours to deal with. Instead of absorbing the stress around us, we can look at all the blessings we already have, and hold onto our own peace and happiness. There will always be trouble, there will always be pain, but there will always be good as well. By choosing to focus on what works, and seeing the good around us, our lives will be embellished and we will experience real joy.

Some people just love to complain. This is not working, that sucks, I hate him/her, this situation is awful, etc. etc. We do not live in nirvana and the world is a complex place where a lot can go wrong. Nobody gets a clear, paved road to all the goals they desire. Problems will arise, people will annoy, and crap will happen, but that doesn’t mean we have to embrace it and make it our focus. Every problem has a solution, and by focusing on moving forward and solving issues as they arise, and not only seeing the barriers but the answers as well, we will find greater peace and happiness.

Today if you’ve been focusing on what’s going wrong and what’s not working, step back and see the big picture. You are amazing and capable, and have so much to offer. Extend yourself a little more, reach a little further, and you will find great success. Your life has incredible value and you bring so much light to us all. Remember you are precious and a blessing to the world. Be confident, be happy and nothing will keep you from your dreams.

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Peppermint Spinach

13 Dec

There are endless things we can do with our lives and we’ll make many connections as we move ahead. Some things naturally go together and others don’t. Peppermint is delicious on its own and spinach is fine as well, but if we put them together the result will not be appetizing. In many cases, our lives are like that too. With some people we’ll easily relate and be able to build good relationships, and with others, not so much. The trick is being willing to see things as they are and not how we want them to be. It’s possible to remain in a relationship that isn’t working simply because we want it to work and hope somehow everything will change and it’ll be great. The old saying that, “Hope springs eternal” is true, but we only have control over ourselves and our own decisions. Everything else is beyond our reach. There is no way to change anyone else or make them do anything. By looking at everything clearly and openly, and willingly accepting what is real, we will make the best decisions that will bring us happiness and peace. Our lives are ours to design and our happiness is our responsibility. We can make choices that will create the lives we want the most. Everything is possible and with honesty and clarity, we will reach every destination.

Habits and addictions are hard to change. It’s painful to watch someone we love continually do things that hurt them. We may try to stand in their way when they’re headed for trouble, or make excuses when they fall down. We may even lie for them to cover for what they’re doing that is impacting their lives negatively. None of that will ever help them find success. We can be supportive without enabling bad behavior, and show our love by stepping aside and allow them to face the natural consequences of their actions.

We may have a dream we want very much but because of our current circumstances or situations is not possible. We may try and try to make it work, only to fail again and again. It’s like pushing harder and harder against a locked door. Despite all our energy it will not open. It’s hard to let go of something we really desire, but change is constant, and just because something’s not possible now doesn’t mean it’s gone forever. We can set the dream aside for now, and move forward toward something else. When things change, we can try again.

Today if you’re trying to do something that isn’t working, or you’re in a bad situation that isn’t changing, remember your happiness is important. Look at everything honestly and clearly, and decide on your next steps. You are worth more than you imagine. Trust yourself and step forward toward the goals you want the most. Every success is there for you and you will make them yours.

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Behind the Scenes

6 Dec

Our lives are complex and filled with endless decisions. Every day brings something new and whatever we choose will bring some kind of result. If we’re intent on staying the course moving ahead, and make choices that push us forward, we’ll continue to advance. But there are few times when everything is black or white and easy to see. Many times our decisions may be influenced by what’s happening around us, how we feel, who’s involved and dozens of other factors. Although we may try to be honest in all our dealings, we may face a time when we decide to step off center and do something behind the scenes that will make the road easier. Maybe we fabricate a story that makes us look better, or we bribe someone to say or do something that opens a door we want to go through. Our ethical standards and choices tell the world and those around us who we are. If we fall prey to situational ethics – meaning the situation instead of our standards decide what we’ll do – we may open all kinds of new risks to our project, ourselves, and our integrity. If the goal is very important, we may think it’s worth the tradeoff when we start, but there is no way to see the end or any road from the beginning. One left turn may take us completely off course, or bring more trouble and discord than we expect. It’s not always easy to make the best choices, and sometimes doing something less than honest that appears to pave the way ahead looks very appealing. We must decide what we want the most. Is the goal really worth selling out to get it? Will the reward be worth the cost? Only we can make these decisions, but one thing is certain. When we choose the first step on any path, we are also choosing the last. Choosing the roads that will take us to the destinations we most desire and enhance our credibility and true character will always bring success. We have greatness inside us, and with wisdom and clarity, we can share it with the world.

There are lots of people willing to do whatever it takes to reach a goal. They will manipulate, lie, steal, coerce, whatever is needed to make it happen. They don’t care who they hurt or how much damage they do. Their devious and unethical behaviors may bring them great success, and lots of money, but none of it will augment their character or make them better people. It’s easy to cheat and manipulate to get our way, but nothing can compare to the nobility of true honesty and integrity.

Our lives are ours to design and we can do anything we like. If we don’t care about ethics or morality, there will be lots of opportunities to get what we want without them. However, true happiness comes when we choose what we know is best and hold fast to our personal standards. Not every destination will be easy to reach, but by keeping our eyes on the goal and continuing forward, we can go anywhere and do anything. Nothing is out of reach and every success is possible.

Today if there’s a chance to do something untoward that will make your journey easier, think carefully about the person you most want to be. You have so much to offer and all the wisdom and intelligence you need to accomplish anything you desire. Trust yourself. There isn’t anything too difficult for you. You are amazing and capable, and have everything you need to succeed. Show us your best, and be confident. There is great success just ahead, and you will reach it.

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