Tag Archives: Foreign

Moving On

11 Jul

There are all kinds of people in the world. Some embellish our lives and bring us fun and happiness. Others may bring complication and drama. There are limitless experiences and we might face times when we get hurt because of our association with someone. The human race is a mixed bag and from day to day we never know what we’re going to see. When we have painful experiences with others and are hurt deeply we may want to get as far from them as possible, and sometimes we can do that. But if we must continue to interact with them because of professional alliances or personal connections we can’t break such as family relationships, it may be hard when they are near us. If the pain is raw it may be difficult to breathe when they appear and very hard to navigate the situation. Even if we’ve been successful in staying away from them for a time, if they unexpectedly re-enter our circle it may be hard to get through. The memory of the pain from our previous experience may come flooding back and we may feel we’re suffering through it all again. Even if it feels we’re right back where we were it’s only an illusion triggered by memory. We can take a breath and remember how far we’ve come. We need not re-live anything that is painful and if old feelings wash over us we can see them objectively and let them go. Old wounds always heal if we let them and memories only have the power we give them. We have so much to offer and can keep moving forward no matter what has passed. Each day brings a new promise and we can create happy and successful lives going forward.

Deception is a destructive tool. It can be used to create convincing mirages that mislead us. If others use deception to pull us in we may find ourselves walking foreign territory, unsure of what is real and where to go. Often there is much confusion and misdirection but we may miss the cues if we value those leading us along. When the deception is revealed, as it inevitably will be, we may feel lost or shame that we fell for the lie. But there is no fault when we have faith and believe in others. The blame and responsibility belong to those who deceive and not those who are taken in.

Honesty is an all or nothing position. We’re either honest or we aren’t. There is no sliding scale or gray area. When we are honest in all our dealings our lives are easier to manage and clearly understood by those around us. If we manipulate the truth to suit our needs, or pretend to be something we aren’t, in time our deception will be uncovered. Hurting others through deception will never bring us lasting happiness. It’s far better to live cleanly and openly, even when the truth is difficult. Using dishonest plans, following those who deceive or reshaping what is real to fit our personal desires will only bring us hardship. We can live noble and honest lives and choose what is best at every turn and when we do we’ll find lasting happiness.

Today if you must face a situation that carries with it bad memories from the past, remember who you are and how far you’ve come. You are strong and resilient and capable of living an excellent and successful life. The past is behind you and has no power over your future. Go forward with confidence. There isn’t anything you can’t do.

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Into the Unknown

24 Jul

What if someone offered you anything you wanted if you would do something for them?  The catch was they wouldn’t tell you what you had to do until after you agreed to doing it.  Would you take that leap?  Would you risk it to get to the prize?  It’s impossible to know what lies ahead in our lives.  We try to set things up so we feel safe, but sometimes we’re faced with a situation where we have to go forward into the unknown.  It’s disconcerting not to know where a journey is taking us, or what will happen when we get there.  It might be a great surprise that will bring us joy, or it might go the other way.   The routines of our lives give us the illusion of security, but really nothing is guaranteed.  Although it may be unsettling to do something completely new and strange, it can enhance our experiences.  If we only do the same things every day we don’t get the chance to stretch.  And stretching teaches us about life.

Sometimes we have the opportunity to take on dramatic changes in our lives.  Perhaps we are offered a new job that’s a step up, but is in a new location far different from where we’ve ever been before.  Maybe it’s an opportunity to travel to a strange and distant place where customs are vastly different from our personal experiences.  Or perhaps it’s the chance to be involved with others whose beliefs and lifestyles are extraordinarily different than our own.  Experiences like these may be foreign to us, and may cause us some discomfort as we go through them.  But if we allow ourselves the opportunity to venture into the unknown, we may learn things about ourselves and others that will be valuable.

One time I was asked to volunteer for an event at the local arena.  I didn’t know what was scheduled for that night, but I agreed to help out.  When I showed up, I discovered the event was extremely foreign to me, and the attendees were unlike anyone I was accustomed to interacting with.  I was assigned to work the concession stand for the evening with several others.  It was  interesting, and unusual to work with people who were so different than me.  Afterward I reflected on the experience.  I was way out of my comfort zone, and yet it had been rewarding.  I learned a lot about myself and those I interacted with.

Today if you’re offered the opportunity to do something you’ve never done before, something that may be somewhat unsettling, think about it before you say no.  There is a lot to be gained by stretching our experiences into areas that are unusual for us.  Try something new.  It will enhance your understanding of life, and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn about yourself.  This life is an adventure.  Today, stretch it a little.   Step into the unknown and take a look from the other side.  Your perspective will be enriched in ways you cannot imagine.

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