Demanding More

12 Jan

Everyone on earth is valuable. We all have unique gifts to give that no one else can offer. Our talents differ with our strengths and weaknesses, and the great expanse of differences brings depth and richness to the world. It’s good to be positive and self-confident, but if we get ahead of ourselves, at some point we might begin to believe we are better, smarter or more capable than everyone else around us. We may demand more attention, more money, or more influence than we currently possess. If we esteem ourselves above those we’re interacting with, we may get a false sense of superiority and desire more control. Everyone has something of value to present and recommend moving forward. Some people have more information and can offer more complex and far reaching suggestions. We are certainly intelligent and should be recognized when we are part of any plan or solution, but demanding more than we have simply because we feel we deserve it is a fool’s game. If the facts don’t agree with our heightened sense of worth, we’ll be disappointed. A strong and confident self-image is important but will never move us ahead if we haven’t achieved what is needed to get there. By recognizing exactly where we are and understanding the contributions we’ve made and what we have yet to achieve, we can clearly see the road ahead. Everything we desire is within our reach if we accomplish what is needed to achieve it. We can be patient and focused, and with determination and resolve reach every goal. The whole world is blessed and enriched because we are here. By learning all we can, and contributing every good thing, we will find great satisfaction and happiness.

People work differently and have their own ideas about how things should be done. If we’re quick to find solutions, those around us who are aren’t as fast may seem to be dragging their feet. We may think they aren’t as committed or dedicated as we are, but speed doesn’t define commitment. Working more slowly doesn’t mean there is a lack of interest or devotion to the project. We can accept differences in others, understand our part in the process, and work together to achieve the goal.

If we are very confident, we may believe we have the answers for every problem that arises. We may be very wise and have a lot to offer, but nobody has all the answers for everything. Being open to different suggestions and seeing our situations through someone else’s eyes, will bring a broader understanding and help us see every possible option. We are intelligent and capable, and will find every answer to ensure success.

Today if you feel you’re worth more than you’re getting and are demanding more control, remember everyone has something of value to offer. Be open to other ideas and suggestions, and you’ll have a greater understanding of everything before you. You are amazing and have so much to offer. Listen carefully and let your light shine. The whole world is enriched because you are here. Step forward with confidence and clarity, and every success will be yours.

Being Heard

7 Jan

When we think of people in groups, and assign them to a category, it’s easy to forget that the group or category designation isn’t who they are. Each person is an individual with something to offer, and each is valuable. We all deserve to be heard and treated with respect. If we are ignored, criticized because we are different, and disregarded, we may endure it for a time, but eventually the need to be heard may push us to a breaking point. We may shout to make others listen, or storm the castle to make our leaders remember we are there. Everyone has a tipping point. Treating those who are different with distain, calling them names, disparaging their opinions, or saying they don’t matter, is a recipe for eventual disaster. Nobody is better than anyone else. There is not one perfect way to live life. We are not all the same, and will never agree on everything, but each of us is precious and unique, and brings something of value to the world. Our differences are sometimes difficult to understand but that does not mean we cannot co-exist respectfully and peacefully. We are responsible for what happens after we use vindictive and hateful speech about those with whom we disagree. Every decision has a result and everything we do defines who we are. No idea or ideology is worth the destruction of others. We are all connected more than we realize. By thinking before we act and understanding and accepting differences, we can make the world better and bring peace. We are more powerful than we think we are and can make excellent decisions. By choosing wisely, and being open to every idea, our lives will be enhanced, and we will find greater satisfaction and happiness.

Some people are very sure of themselves and believe their ideas are the only ones worth having. They are confident they have all the answers and if someone disagrees, may strongly criticize them and do whatever they can to make them comply. We are in control of our own lives and may live them any way we like. We don’t have to follow anyone else’s ideas or obey. Our differences are what bring interest and depth to the world. Honoring everyone’s ideas and allowing free expression without judgment enriches our experiences and opens our minds to other possibilities.

We all have the right to choose anything we like, but we don’t have control over anyone else. We will never have all the answers or inspiration over anyone else’s life. It’s good to be confident in our decisions but that doesn’t make us ruler over the decisions of others. Everyone is valuable and worthwhile and has something to offer. By respecting the rights of others to make their own choices and honoring the gifts they offer, we bring light to everyone around us, and richness to the world.

Today if you’ve been critical of those who are different, and want them to comply with your beliefs, remember every idea has value. We all have personal inspiration unique to each of us. Listen to others and be open to new ideas. You are a great gift to the world and have so much to offer. Be confident and be wise, and the road ahead will open and take you to success.

Not Exactly

6 Jan

The words we choose, and the things we say as we go through our lives explain who we are, what we want, and what we need from those around us. It’s good to be truthful, but sometimes the truth isn’t exactly what we want everyone to know. Maybe it will reflect poorly on us or expose a bad decision that has taken us somewhere we don’t want to be. We can say anything, make up any story, and create our own little reality, but truth is powerful, and even if we try to hide it now, it won’t stay hidden for long. We can justify and excuse manipulating others with half-truths or even all out lies if the circumstances are difficult or we’re afraid of what the real facts might cause. We can say anything to cover ourselves or someone else, and we may get away with it – at least for a while. However, whatever short term benefit we get will be outweighed by the long-term losses we may suffer. Each time we sacrifice our integrity to do something dishonest, we lose a little bit of confidence and self-respect. We know we’re being deceitful and if we continue misleading others, we will suffer. We are valuable and worthwhile, and there isn’t anything worth losing our self-respect or personal dignity. Every answer we need will always be there for us and we are intelligent and highly capable. There is no need to lie or bend the truth to get ahead or accomplish our goals. Nothing is too difficult for us to accomplish by being honest and truthful. There is greatness in each one of us, and we are impressive just as we are. We already possess everything we need to do anything we want. By trusting ourselves and stepping forward with clarity and focus, we can reach every goal and every destination. Nothing can keep us from our dreams, and we will succeed.

Fiction is a great diversion, but there is no place for it in our everyday lives. We live in reality, and pretending or lying that things are different than they are will change nothing. If we don’t like where we are, we can move. If we don’t want the situation we’re in, we can change it. We’re in control of our lives and never have to stay anywhere we don’t want. Every option is possible, and we have everything we need to prevail.

Who we are and how we’re seen by those around us is a reflection of the things we do. We can design our lives any way we like. We are never frozen in place and nothing can hold us down when we’re ready to move. By facing things exactly as they are, warts and all, we can decide how we want to proceed. If we want something different or something more, instead of just talking about it, we can make it happen. Every single goal is possible, and we are wise enough and strong enough to make them ours.

Today if you’ve been embellishing the truth or hiding facts as you interact with others, think about who you really want to be. There is greatness inside you and by choosing well and being completely honest, you can reach every destination you desire. Be the best you can be, and every door will open for you. All your dreams are waiting. Step forward with clarity and claim them.

Cheater

5 Jan

We make millions of decisions as we go through our lives. Each choice, bad or good, will clearly define who we are and what we want. Lots of people say they are honest, and many people are. But the idea of real honesty may differ from person to person. For some, it’s clearly defined – do what is right according to our standards and the culture around us, and never waiver. Others see it more fluidly. If they mostly do what’s right and only bend the rules and cheat when they absolutely feel they must in order to win, they are honest enough. Maybe they’ll pay their bills on time but add an hour or two to their timesheets to make ends meet. Or they’re honest in the small things like making sure they don’t accept too much change at the store but will do whatever is needed to make sure they get that promotion at work – even if it means breaking the rules. Desperation may make us so determined to win, we may choose to cheat, lie or whatever else we think will get us there. Cheating does work. It will give us an edge and push us over those around us, but winning by cheating isn’t winning at all, and the advantage is counterfeit and fake. It will look like a win to those around us, but we’ll know we took it dishonestly. The stain of hypocrisy will be permanent, and like a bad tattoo, impossible to remove. Cheating is a characteristic of weakness, and the cost to our integrity will be intense. Once we step over that line and lie to get ahead, it’s hard to step back. We will never be the same and the possibility of doing it again will be easier. If we continue, the road of deceit will be etched in our minds and we may forget what it was like to be completely honest and true. Every decision we make tells the world who we are. Nothing is more important than our self-worth and by choosing wisely, we will pave the road ahead to success.

When we want something intensely, we may decide on shady and dishonest options to help us open the doors ahead. Some things may be very important to us, but there will never be anything so important it’s worth the cost of sacrificing our integrity. Others may be fooled the first time we cheat, but once we are exposed and the truth is clear, we may lose their trust indefinitely. Like breaking glass, we may try to glue the pieces back together, but it will never be whole again.

When we tell people about ourselves, we may say anything we like. If we want to impress them, we may embellish what we’ve done and who we are. But in the end, we are what we do, not what we say. Our actions define us in every sense. The world decides who we are by the choices we make not the beautiful words we use. Every choice determines our standards and what we value. When we choose honestly and valiantly, we bring great success and satisfaction to our lives.

Today if you’re desperate to get to a goal and are considering lying or cheating to reach it, think about your personal worth. You are valuable and worth more than you imagine. Show us how valiant and honest you are by the excellent decisions you make. You have the power to bring greatness and light to us all. Be the best you can be, and the whole world will be blessed.

Cloud Break

30 Dec

Our lives are filled with different experiences. We never know what’s coming around the bend. Some days go easily, and our plans work out the way we want them to, and other times the bottom falls out and the sky is dark and threatening. Nobody gets a perfect life where everything always goes well. We all face troubling times of uncertainty and doubt, and situations that complicate the road ahead. Stressful times may come, and we might be so inundated with the struggle that it seems we won’t survive. The darkest storms may push us against trials we never imagined. Just because the sky is black, the rain is pounding and we can’t see the road ahead, doesn’t mean it’s not there. If we look hard, we may see a break in the gloom where a tiny pocket of sunlight is peeking through. The sun is shining brightly above the ceiling of clouds and even if it’s not visible, we can trust it’s still there. It’s always there waiting to shine down on us after the storm passes. When hard times press and we feel overwhelmed and overcome, we can trust that the answers are waiting and will show the way through. Every answer we need will always be there for us. Each moment we endure gives us greater strength and courage to continue on. There isn’t anything that can hold us down indefinitely. We can be sure we will prevail no matter how hard or complex the problem may be. Life has already taught us many powerful and helpful lessons, and we have all the experiences we’ve already faced pushing us toward success. There will always be enough power and wisdom for us to draw on, and we will find the way forward. Change is constant, and in time, however long that takes, things will change, and we’ll be able to move ahead. By trusting ourselves to prevail, and taking each step as it comes, we’ll reach every success we desire.

Trouble may come when we already have a lot to deal with and we may feel overwhelmed and unable to manage. We don’t have to do everything at once and can take the time we need to look at everything objectively and decide on the best way forward. We are smarter than we think we are, and nothing is too complex for us to overcome.

There may be times when we may be tempted to simply walk away and ignore a problem we don’t want to face. If we need time to think about how we want to handle something, we can set it aside until we’re ready, but we must return once we’ve decided how we want to proceed and take care of it. We can unravel any issue and find the solutions we need. Nothing is too difficult for us to manage and we will succeed.

Today if you’re overwhelmed with a difficult problem and aren’t sure you can succeed, trust yourself. The sky may be dark but there is sunshine overhead waiting to shine through. You have all the skills and intelligence you need to accomplish anything. Nothing can overcome you. Every success is there for you, and you will reach it.