How do you stay patient while waiting for something you want to happen? How can you use writing to help you? Of course, journaling is always the answer, isn't it? When in doubt, whip out your friend, journal. She never criticizes, never judges, never talks about herself. Sometimes she even shows us the answer.
Patience is not one of my better qualities. But how do you detach from the result of what you want while you're waiting to see if the Universe will give it to you? The Universe is always trying to teach me patience and I'm a slow learner in that area. I'm more of a rip the band aid off now and see the oozing underneath instead of waiting for the wound to heal kind of person. Sometimes that's good. Other times, not so much.
I'm not sure if this answers the question about patience, but the words of Marianne Williamson resonate with me so I'll share them with you. "And once we have surrendered ourselves to be used for a higher purpose, we give up the obsession with planning that dominates so much of Western civilization."
I'm going out on a limb and saying I don't think Ms. Williamson wants you to stop planning your future. You have retirement, college, jobs and families to think about. Bills to pay, friends to visit with. What I think she's saying is be the best person you can be on your way to your destination. It's about putting positive energy out to the Universe and listening for the soft whisper to respond to you. It's about quieting your mind so you don't miss the answers.
Patience is non judgement. It's the journey that leads us where we're going. It's inner peace. Patience isn't something we find in a bottle. Though I wish I could whip up a batch every now and again.
How do you find ways to be patient?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Courage
I was talking with a friend the other day. She said her daughter thought the only way to be heroic or courageous was to face a tragedy, like having your arm bitten off by a shark. What do you think?
I say, not true! Courage comes in all shapes and sizes. You don't have to have your arm bitten off to prove you have courage. Mirriam-Webster says the definition of courage is "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty."
Fear can materialize in many forms. You might be afraid of the dark. Afraid to fly. Afraid to succeed. Afraid to take a risk. Afraid to ask for help. Courage shows up when fear is faced. One of my favorite quotes from Franklin D. Roosevelt, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (That's a good one. You have to admit.)
When life seems difficult doesn't it take courage to stand tall and not run for cover? What is difficult for one is easy for another. There is no measure for difficulty. But to throw courage on your back and walk through something hard and come out the other side better for having experienced it. That is courage ten fold.
Being courageous might be as simple as joining a new group or taking a taxi ride alone. Perhaps you want to stand in front of a crowd and give a speech. That takes courage. Or you stand up to a bully. Courage.
You don't need a movie made about you to show you have courage. All you have to do is be grateful for the opportunity to try. Trying is courageous too. Your assignment: Go out and try one courageous thing today.
I say, not true! Courage comes in all shapes and sizes. You don't have to have your arm bitten off to prove you have courage. Mirriam-Webster says the definition of courage is "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty."
Fear can materialize in many forms. You might be afraid of the dark. Afraid to fly. Afraid to succeed. Afraid to take a risk. Afraid to ask for help. Courage shows up when fear is faced. One of my favorite quotes from Franklin D. Roosevelt, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (That's a good one. You have to admit.)
When life seems difficult doesn't it take courage to stand tall and not run for cover? What is difficult for one is easy for another. There is no measure for difficulty. But to throw courage on your back and walk through something hard and come out the other side better for having experienced it. That is courage ten fold.
Being courageous might be as simple as joining a new group or taking a taxi ride alone. Perhaps you want to stand in front of a crowd and give a speech. That takes courage. Or you stand up to a bully. Courage.
You don't need a movie made about you to show you have courage. All you have to do is be grateful for the opportunity to try. Trying is courageous too. Your assignment: Go out and try one courageous thing today.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Don't Quit
I need a little help. Explain to me why someone quits before they achieve what they want? I don't get it. Really. I'm talking about anything. From programming the DVD player to having your dream job. I know it's scary, hard, sometimes down right impossible. Hey, I know about hard. I'm a writer looking for a place for my novels to land. In terms of tough goals this is right up there. Maybe not as high as overcoming addiction, but you get my point.
Why quit? Isn't that the easy way out? Do you want the DVD player to beat you? Are you being lazy? Do you want someone else to carry the burden for you? Hmm...I bet I'm getting a few yeses on that one.
Explain to me why someone who could have what it is they claim they want gives up before they get it? Could it be you don't really want it that badly? Hmm again. My guess is that's it. You never really wanted it and when the journey toward this goal got tough you quit. That's okay if that's the truth.
But if you want change in your life: job, relationships, learning a new instrument, then I suggest you dig deep because a long road may be in front of you and you're going to spend a lot of sweat equity getting where you're going. Achieving goals isn't easy, but quitting isn't any easier. You will live with each decision you make. So if you truly want something go after it with all you've got. We only get one life. Don't quit!
Why quit? Isn't that the easy way out? Do you want the DVD player to beat you? Are you being lazy? Do you want someone else to carry the burden for you? Hmm...I bet I'm getting a few yeses on that one.
Explain to me why someone who could have what it is they claim they want gives up before they get it? Could it be you don't really want it that badly? Hmm again. My guess is that's it. You never really wanted it and when the journey toward this goal got tough you quit. That's okay if that's the truth.
But if you want change in your life: job, relationships, learning a new instrument, then I suggest you dig deep because a long road may be in front of you and you're going to spend a lot of sweat equity getting where you're going. Achieving goals isn't easy, but quitting isn't any easier. You will live with each decision you make. So if you truly want something go after it with all you've got. We only get one life. Don't quit!
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