Are you really ready for abundance? Do you remain open at any moment to the possibility of having, being or gaining more good in your life? Or, like so many before you, do you show up to the endless waterfall of life's abundance with nothing but a thimble in your pocket? If you want more you must be open to change and be prepared to capture all the good you can from every changing moment.
Look around today and ask yourself, if someone showed up with a truck full of money, a million dollar idea, or a chance of a lifetime would I be ready to fully embrace the opportunity? Are you even aware enough to recognize the good that already exists in your life? Remember, if you are hanging your head the only view you have will be of the road as it passes beneath you. Lift your eyes and keep them open wide on the horizon. Welcome the changing view and you will be amazed at the opportunities that will appear before you.
Keeping our eyes, minds and hearts open are only the first steps in being prepared. To receive good requires being a vessel for good. If you want the most life has to offer remember when you head to the river of life's good... you better bring the biggest bucket you can find!
If by some chance you've never seen The Wizard of Oz, you may not know the story of the cowardly lion. The lion known to most as the king of the jungle is anything but in this wonderful classic tale of self-discovery. This lion is lost in a prison of his own fears and limitations. Fears that cause him to lash out at the world rather than rule it but soon finds hope in the promise of a magical wizard.
It is only when he finds himself engaged in a journey to success that he discovers his inner strength and the courage to stand up for himself (and his traveling companions). The cowardly lion learns that he must stand tall in the face of adversity if he is to stay on the path to see the wizard. Even though his knees are shaking he defends his right to be successful and in doing so finds his faith and courage renewed.
We could all learn from this icon of courage to overcome our fears and strike out in the direction of our dreams. First, we must believe in our desires more than our fears, next we must take one step after the other in the direction of our dreams, and finally we must accept that everything we need has been deep within us all along. The way is not made easier for those who fall prey to fear but those who feel the fear and face the challenge anyway. With every small victory our confidence continues to grow until the drive to succeed becomes unstoppable.
If you are a person determined to succeed, work is NOT a four letter word. Work is just part of the plan. In fact, truly successful people never shy away from getting to work, they live for it. To get in and DO something about accomplishing their goals is paramount to their goals achievement and they realize and embrace this thought.
If you are someone who worries their Sunday away over having to "go to work" on Monday, then perhaps you are NOT the right person for the job. If you are not the right person for the job then you are standing in the way of the person who is ready to do the work. More importantly, it may be time to consider that if YOU were doing your right work, you would be happy to start a new week.
Some of the most successful people are not only happy but eager to get back to work. Today, I count myself among those who look forward to going to my office tomorrow and for that I am truly grateful. I know when it comes to helping people lead happy and successful lives I am doing my right work... and work is good!
Yes, that's right, LEAP! If the pool is cold, or the road hard, or the view plain they will be so whether you climb in one toe at a time or rush full forward with all your might. However, if your heart is calling you forward over the edge of a personal precipice perhaps it is telling you that it is YOUR time to FLY!
So many people I've known have stood at the edge of life's changes fearful and full of dreaded trepidation over the what if's of what might happen next only to see those who bravely stepped into change move forward into a whole new world of possibility. Some of these people are still there, clinging desperately to the glory days of their past, while all around them the sandcastle is washing back out to sea. I wonder when they will listen to the voice within, when enough will be enough, and the strain of clinging will be too great. My hope is that everyone can believe more in their own divinity and grace than the misplaced comfort of a job, a relationship, or even a community.
Amazing things are possible to those who believe in possibility. We can change our lives moment to moment but it is an inside job. To truly be successful at it one must learn to get out of the way and take a flying leap!
When I find myself in large gatherings I am always struck by those who's behavior is grating, irritating or just plain obnoxious. When I was young some might say I would "act out" in front of friends just to get some form of attention. So, it is sad to watch people fall into the trap of "any attention is good attention" thinking. Now, after many years of self realization and reflection, it is clear to me that each of us is magnificent enough just as we are to be recognized, celebrated and appreciated.
The following phrase from the age old poem, Desiderata, always springs to mind in that instant as I witness the crowd stepping away or avoiding such people.
"As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit"
Excerpt from Desiderata
written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s
I wonder when, if ever, the vexatious person will notice they are the cause of other people's retreat. If they have any idea that there behavior is literally sucking the spirit out of their companions. I hope that they do and that they too find the inner peace to just relax and be present in the company of their fellow human be-ings.
Remember this mythical two-headed creature from the original Dr. Doolittle? It was a llama with two front ends facing two different directions, both ends fighting for control over which direction it would go. Sometimes I think people are like that; one side clinging to the past and the other longing for the future. Never realizing that one of the greatest strengths we have in creating our ultimate best is learning to let go.
If you find yourself desiring something more of your life while feeling stuck in the constrains of your current habits, lifestyle, or work environment then I encourage you to ask yourself if you are behaving like a Push Me - Pull You. If so it may be time to gently remind yourself that you can never move forward while trying to cling to the past. Embracing change is a vital part of embracing the path to success.
In talking with a client about overcoming anger I was reminded of a story I heard many years ago. I'm not sure who wrote the original story but the gist of it is this;
A couple of men were out camping in the forest, they went off into the woods and left a kettle full of food over the fire. The kettle was boiling away and a bear became curious with the noise and smell of food. When the bear reached for the kettle he was burned but instead of running away he grabbed the kettle and was burned even more. The more the bear was burned the tighter he hugged the kettle until unfortunately he expired.
I often remind myself, and my clients, that when we hold on to the thing that makes us angry we only hurt ourselves. To help move quickly through moments of anger I'll simply repeat the following statement; Bear Hugs Kettle. It's a quick way to regain my own composure and often times when shared with a friend, colleague or client can bring a knowing smile to their face. I encourage you to give it a try the next time something gets under your skin and threatens to get your hackles up. Just remember the tighter you hold on the more YOU will be burned.
Originally Posted 07.2009
I've been thinking about the word responsibility today and realized that if you break it down you get - respond and ability - or better yet, the ability to respond. Viewed this way it really loses some of the negative connotations people burden it with. Instead, it becomes a point of power. To be responsible is to be ABLE TO RESPOND. I know that just saying that aloud fills me with strength. I am responsible now becomes I am able to respond. To me it is about embracing the possibility of making a difference; calmly and assertively choosing to meet the situation head on.
However, if you still harbor resentment or negativity about having to be responsible you may be someone who falls prey to reacting or attacking the person or incident that presents itself. If so, why not step back and view the situation from a new angle and learn to accept your responsibility - knowing that in doing so you are also able to choose how you will respond.
How often do you find yourself claiming your good? Are you one of the many people today who can't wait to share your misfortune, discordance, or physical ailments with others. Is it any wonder our papers, TV commercials and web ads are full of prescription drug ads all designed to help us feel better. Perhaps they are only answering OUR cries of distress. What if WE decided to spend our valuable time sharing and claiming our good with each other.
Maybe its time we all took a look, or better yet, a listen to our communication and how easily we grasp on to the tragedies and dis-ease of society. Why not make the change today to share all that IS well and good in your life. Why not focus our attention on what we do want rather than bemoan the negative possibilities that may never come. I mean, have you ever said, "I think I'm starting to feel sick...." only to indeed FEEL SICK.
Let's do a little experiment - every time you hear someone say they are starting to feel sick just say that you help they feel better soon and then add (aloud or to yourself), "I'". I'd love to hear from those of you who take this challenge on, I think we'll see some amazing results.
Feeling down, distracted...just down right drained? Try looking outside of yourself for a while and watch the world around you with soft and compassionate eyes. As you do, your energy will shift, you will become lighter and more relaxed.
As people pass you (on the street or the hallway) see them as a fellow traveler, a beloved child of an all encompassing and compassionate Universe (One-Song). You may even notice, if you watch closely, that they become softer, lighter and they may even spontaneously smile. Continue engaging the world with this compassion throughout the day and you will tap into a well spring of natural energy.
It is said that the entire world is simply patterns of energy and that it is all connected - if so, then your compassion may be just enough to fuel a power shift. Change your mind and you can change your world.
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