Showing posts with label mindset. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mindset. Show all posts
Thursday, 31 January 2019
Wisdom From the Universe: Discover Your Life's Purpose
By
Dr. Bruce A. Johnson
Do you look at your life now and wonder how you have ever reached this point in time? Do you examine your career and see nothing but failures? Are you approaching an age when many begin to think about retirement, yet you have not had a fulfilling job? Has your life and/or career been interrupted, perhaps more than once, with unforeseen circumstances? Or have you just begun your career and believe you have no idea what it is you are supposed to do in life and you feel a sense of wandering and aimlessness?
It would seem as if these are legitimate questions for any person to ask as part of a natural self-assessment phase in their life or career. Yet these commonly asked questions are based upon the essence of self-doubt and nothing more. The problem is not a life, career, or job not being fully realized. The problem is also not knowing where to start a career or job either. The heart of the issue is a failure to understand what the true purpose of life is all about.
A universal truth is this: Man is programmed to believe life occurs in one certain manner and this indoctrination occurs at birth, continues past infancy and into childhood through stories and books, and then confirmed through institutions such as religious, educational, and governmental. These institutions all reinforce the societal expectations and norms regarding right and wrong, good and bad behaviors, and how the path is established and to be followed for becoming a productive member of society.
People find they either fit in or they do not, and those who do not then find they are at odds with society in one way or another. But the idea of just living is not part of the societal plan. A person is expected to become something, have something, and claim they have accomplished something in their life.
When a person struggles with meeting that goal, what do they think? They often question themselves, cast self-doubt, start using blame, and seek guidance. Most who seek spiritual guidance believe they are living according to someone or some other being's plan, the supreme being who created all the universe and to this being they must pray. So if a person is not successful, logic dictates they must have done something wrong and must appease this supreme being who is likely mad or testing them for some unknown reason, withholding success from them for a greater purpose.
And so the praying, pleading, begging, and bargaining begins. It is done all in an attempt to catch the attention of a being who they believe is in control of their future and how it will play out. This person believes they have no control except to please this being and hope this supreme being will in turn grant them the life they want.
Think for a moment beyond what you have been taught if you can. Does your logical mind accept this type of reality? The reality that some being, unseen to humans, controls all of human life, dictates all their futures, and controls their outcomes?
To those who have awakened, to those who are enlightened, you know there is a being we are all connected to and it is an energy source. This energy source is the source of life. We are all made of energy. We are all part of an energy field. Energy is all around us now, unseen to the human eye. This perhaps is what many would want to call God.
Awaken to the Energy Source of Life
The energy Source of Life contains all the memories, knowledge, and wisdom of mankind. It is a Collective Consciousness consisting of positive and negative energy, just as the universe is made up of positive and negative energy. This energetic Source of Life does not control but instead is a living repository of information that all humans have access to. It is where humans originate and within it, new ideas are born, new physical forms are thought of and lives are planned, and it radiates the purest form of love.
The Collective Consciousness of Mankind flows to and through each human being, as signals received and transmitted through their brain. The mind is consciously aware of these signals as thoughts, ideas, aha moments, and instinct. It is what some would also refer to as a soul. This Collective Consciousness of Mankind does not control anything or anyone. It is an energetic repository and it is an energy core, which means it can sustain life. It can sustain the universe and all living things within it. The control is an individual basis, developed by each human through a plan or blueprint established prior to arriving in a physical form.
The information, insight, and wisdom available within this Collective Consciousness is accessible to all without restrictions. The only restrictions ever placed occur when someone doubts or closes their mind to their own ability to listen. When someone believes they can trust themselves, or rely upon themselves to find answers, then wisdom and insight can flow to and through them. This is important as anyone can access this knowledge to learn of their life and what lies ahead for them.
Learning About Your Life and Your Purpose
The most important aspect of establishing an understanding of your life, and what you are meant to do, is awakening to the realization your life is not tied to anyone else. This is especially important when you want to make comparisons to other people and what they have seemed to accomplish or gained that you have not yet achieved. Your place in life is not determined by society. Your life is not controlled by a supreme being who holds a master plan. This may seem troubling for some to read at first, but if you are reading this to begin with there is already something within you that is telling you there are greater truths available that you have yet to find.
What is expected of you as a human being can be summed up as follows: Live Your Life.
This is the only true way to experience life, by living it and experiencing it fully. If you feel a sense of failure, it is only because society wants everything a person does in their career, along with every job they have held, labeled as a success or failure. But even if you have a job and it "fails", does this mean you have failed to live your life in some manner? Are you not living your true purpose? The challenge for asking questions about having a purpose is that it sounds as if there must be something special or extraordinary accomplished with your life. In other words, you must succeed in everything you do. Every job and every task in your life must be a big win or big accomplishment.
But ask yourself this: Isn't it enough to do a good job and know you performed your best? Isn't it enough to know you lived your life as best you could each day?
Every person is living. Every person is experiencing life. But to just have a steady life with jobs, no jobs, ups, downs, successes, and failures, seems too ordinary for many people. To "do something with your life" means you have accomplished something extraordinary, and you likely live a certain lifestyle to show for it. You've built a career, climbed a corporate ladder, gained promotions, and acquired material possessions.
Learn the Secret to Life
Here is the secret to life: Your life's master plan requires no advanced planning on your part. What you have to do is accept your life now and listen for the wisdom, insight, and knowledge that is available to you through the power of your own mind. Your purpose is to live and experience life.
What can get in the way of fulfilling this goal of living in harmony with your own life? There are powerful internal and external forces which can disrupt your happiness. The first internal force is self-doubt or believing you have to be chasing after something. This is not to state that having goals is not useful. But to constantly wish for a future and then make comparisons to where you are now can be a destructive force. The opposite is true as well, when you are constantly looking back and remain stuck in past memories, reminding yourself of decisions made or not made, trying to understand why, and assessing the past, as if this can or will ever change it.
Another powerful interruption occurs whenever you give into doubt or despair, or turn control of your life over to the belief someone else is in charge. You will then find yourself stuck in a cycle of pain, frustration, and anxiety. This comes from the powerful external forces that want you to believe you are not in control of your future and must appease a supreme being in the hope you can have the life you want. When you remember you created this life and your life's plan is already set, you become resistant to those forces.
Welcome life as it is now. Your life is going to have bumps in the road so to speak, physical and emotional bruises, physical and emotional pain, joy and happiness, sorrows and loss, and so much more as part of daily living. This is part of being human. Yet this is not to say you are helpless either. You do have control as you have access to the wisdom of the Collective Consciousness of Mankind. As you learn to listen for this wisdom, you will know what actions to take and when.
You will know when you are following the right path and when to take action or make changes. You will soon discover that the need for measuring success and failure is not as important as it used to be as your fulfillment comes from a different source. It is personal fulfillment or living the life you have planned for yourself. This is how you can live your life with a sense of balance and well-being. No longer will you ask questions about where you have been or where you are going as you have established an internal sense of peace. This is what is means to discover and live your life's purpose.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10047731
Do you look at your life now and wonder how you have ever reached this point in time? Do you examine your career and see nothing but failures? Are you approaching an age when many begin to think about retirement, yet you have not had a fulfilling job? Has your life and/or career been interrupted, perhaps more than once, with unforeseen circumstances? Or have you just begun your career and believe you have no idea what it is you are supposed to do in life and you feel a sense of wandering and aimlessness?
It would seem as if these are legitimate questions for any person to ask as part of a natural self-assessment phase in their life or career. Yet these commonly asked questions are based upon the essence of self-doubt and nothing more. The problem is not a life, career, or job not being fully realized. The problem is also not knowing where to start a career or job either. The heart of the issue is a failure to understand what the true purpose of life is all about.
A universal truth is this: Man is programmed to believe life occurs in one certain manner and this indoctrination occurs at birth, continues past infancy and into childhood through stories and books, and then confirmed through institutions such as religious, educational, and governmental. These institutions all reinforce the societal expectations and norms regarding right and wrong, good and bad behaviors, and how the path is established and to be followed for becoming a productive member of society.
People find they either fit in or they do not, and those who do not then find they are at odds with society in one way or another. But the idea of just living is not part of the societal plan. A person is expected to become something, have something, and claim they have accomplished something in their life.
When a person struggles with meeting that goal, what do they think? They often question themselves, cast self-doubt, start using blame, and seek guidance. Most who seek spiritual guidance believe they are living according to someone or some other being's plan, the supreme being who created all the universe and to this being they must pray. So if a person is not successful, logic dictates they must have done something wrong and must appease this supreme being who is likely mad or testing them for some unknown reason, withholding success from them for a greater purpose.
And so the praying, pleading, begging, and bargaining begins. It is done all in an attempt to catch the attention of a being who they believe is in control of their future and how it will play out. This person believes they have no control except to please this being and hope this supreme being will in turn grant them the life they want.
Think for a moment beyond what you have been taught if you can. Does your logical mind accept this type of reality? The reality that some being, unseen to humans, controls all of human life, dictates all their futures, and controls their outcomes?
To those who have awakened, to those who are enlightened, you know there is a being we are all connected to and it is an energy source. This energy source is the source of life. We are all made of energy. We are all part of an energy field. Energy is all around us now, unseen to the human eye. This perhaps is what many would want to call God.
Awaken to the Energy Source of Life
The energy Source of Life contains all the memories, knowledge, and wisdom of mankind. It is a Collective Consciousness consisting of positive and negative energy, just as the universe is made up of positive and negative energy. This energetic Source of Life does not control but instead is a living repository of information that all humans have access to. It is where humans originate and within it, new ideas are born, new physical forms are thought of and lives are planned, and it radiates the purest form of love.
The Collective Consciousness of Mankind flows to and through each human being, as signals received and transmitted through their brain. The mind is consciously aware of these signals as thoughts, ideas, aha moments, and instinct. It is what some would also refer to as a soul. This Collective Consciousness of Mankind does not control anything or anyone. It is an energetic repository and it is an energy core, which means it can sustain life. It can sustain the universe and all living things within it. The control is an individual basis, developed by each human through a plan or blueprint established prior to arriving in a physical form.
The information, insight, and wisdom available within this Collective Consciousness is accessible to all without restrictions. The only restrictions ever placed occur when someone doubts or closes their mind to their own ability to listen. When someone believes they can trust themselves, or rely upon themselves to find answers, then wisdom and insight can flow to and through them. This is important as anyone can access this knowledge to learn of their life and what lies ahead for them.
Learning About Your Life and Your Purpose
The most important aspect of establishing an understanding of your life, and what you are meant to do, is awakening to the realization your life is not tied to anyone else. This is especially important when you want to make comparisons to other people and what they have seemed to accomplish or gained that you have not yet achieved. Your place in life is not determined by society. Your life is not controlled by a supreme being who holds a master plan. This may seem troubling for some to read at first, but if you are reading this to begin with there is already something within you that is telling you there are greater truths available that you have yet to find.
What is expected of you as a human being can be summed up as follows: Live Your Life.
This is the only true way to experience life, by living it and experiencing it fully. If you feel a sense of failure, it is only because society wants everything a person does in their career, along with every job they have held, labeled as a success or failure. But even if you have a job and it "fails", does this mean you have failed to live your life in some manner? Are you not living your true purpose? The challenge for asking questions about having a purpose is that it sounds as if there must be something special or extraordinary accomplished with your life. In other words, you must succeed in everything you do. Every job and every task in your life must be a big win or big accomplishment.
But ask yourself this: Isn't it enough to do a good job and know you performed your best? Isn't it enough to know you lived your life as best you could each day?
Every person is living. Every person is experiencing life. But to just have a steady life with jobs, no jobs, ups, downs, successes, and failures, seems too ordinary for many people. To "do something with your life" means you have accomplished something extraordinary, and you likely live a certain lifestyle to show for it. You've built a career, climbed a corporate ladder, gained promotions, and acquired material possessions.
Learn the Secret to Life
Here is the secret to life: Your life's master plan requires no advanced planning on your part. What you have to do is accept your life now and listen for the wisdom, insight, and knowledge that is available to you through the power of your own mind. Your purpose is to live and experience life.
What can get in the way of fulfilling this goal of living in harmony with your own life? There are powerful internal and external forces which can disrupt your happiness. The first internal force is self-doubt or believing you have to be chasing after something. This is not to state that having goals is not useful. But to constantly wish for a future and then make comparisons to where you are now can be a destructive force. The opposite is true as well, when you are constantly looking back and remain stuck in past memories, reminding yourself of decisions made or not made, trying to understand why, and assessing the past, as if this can or will ever change it.
Another powerful interruption occurs whenever you give into doubt or despair, or turn control of your life over to the belief someone else is in charge. You will then find yourself stuck in a cycle of pain, frustration, and anxiety. This comes from the powerful external forces that want you to believe you are not in control of your future and must appease a supreme being in the hope you can have the life you want. When you remember you created this life and your life's plan is already set, you become resistant to those forces.
Welcome life as it is now. Your life is going to have bumps in the road so to speak, physical and emotional bruises, physical and emotional pain, joy and happiness, sorrows and loss, and so much more as part of daily living. This is part of being human. Yet this is not to say you are helpless either. You do have control as you have access to the wisdom of the Collective Consciousness of Mankind. As you learn to listen for this wisdom, you will know what actions to take and when.
You will know when you are following the right path and when to take action or make changes. You will soon discover that the need for measuring success and failure is not as important as it used to be as your fulfillment comes from a different source. It is personal fulfillment or living the life you have planned for yourself. This is how you can live your life with a sense of balance and well-being. No longer will you ask questions about where you have been or where you are going as you have established an internal sense of peace. This is what is means to discover and live your life's purpose.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10047731
Thursday, 24 January 2019
Self-Knowledge: Can Someone Feel Like A Victim If They're Out Of Touch With Their Unconscious Mind?
By Oliver JR Cooper
In both mainstream society and the self-development world, it is not uncommon for the focus to be on the conscious mind. In both of these areas, what is taking place in this part of ones being can be the only thing that matters.
For example, let's say that someone wanted to improve their life; they could end up being told that this shows that they need to believe in themselves. This could then end up being a time when they will start to change their thinking, in order to have more positive thoughts.
A Similar Outlook
Therefore, regardless of whether one looks towards mainstream society for guidance and ends up working with a cognitive behavioural therapist, for instance, or goes a different route and ends up working with a self-development coach who uses positive thinking and affirmations, for instance, one approach won't be radically different to the other.
Through getting their head right, one can believe that their life will start to move in the right direction. Now, there is also the chance that this approach will lead them to their desired destination.
Another Outcome
Then again, one could try this approach and find that their life doesn't really change. Or if it does, they might only be able to get so far and, before long, their life could go back to how it was before.
Consequently, one will be doing what they can to change their life, but it can be as though they are wasting their life. If one felt powerless and as though they had no control over their life before they tried to change their life, this experience could return once again.
A Slightly Different Scenario
Alternatively, could just find that one area of their life is not going as they want it to but they might not look for guidance. For example, someone could be clear about what kind of person they want to be in a relationship with, yet this might not happen.
Instead, they could have the tendency to attract people who are not a good match for them, and they may even be abusive. There will be the kind of person who they want to be with and then there will be the kind of person who they actually end up with.
No Control
As a result of this, it can be normal for them to come to the conclusion that they are unlucky. If this is something that has been going on for quite some time, one could even see themselves as a victim.
In their mind, they will be clear about what they want, and they may have even done what they could to make sure their external appearance is up to scratch. They may even come into contact with people who are surprised that they can't find a decent mate, adding even more weight to their view - if they have this view - that they are a victim.
An Analogy
One way of looking at these two scenarios above would be to say that they have a lot in common with an engineer who tries to fix a computer by focusing on the screen. In this case, it will be clear that the engineer needs to stop focusing on the screen and to look into what is taking place below the screen - the computer itself.
The screen will show that there is something wrong down below, which is why this part will need to be fixed. Trying to fix what is taking place above will just be a waste of time.
A Big Difference
However, while this is something that is going to be clear, the same can't be said it comes to looking at what is taking place at a deeper level of a human being. What is taking place down below is something that is often overlooked in both mainstream society and the self-development world.
It is then as though there is no such thing as an unconscious mind, with someone's life being a reflection of what is taking place in their conscious mind. The part of someone that has the biggest effect on how they behave is then going to be completely overlooked.
The Answers
What someone is likely to find, if they get in touch with what is taking place at a deeper level, is why they are experiencing life in a certain way. But, without the knowledge that is within them, it will be perfectly normal for them to feel like a victim.
It will seem as though the external world is victimising them; when in reality, they will most likely be the ones who are victimising themselves. Now, when it comes to their unconscious mind (body), this is typically the part of them that contains the painful feelings and memories that they are not willing to face.
Out of Mind, But Not Out Of Sight
These feelings and memories will have been forgotten about by their conscious mind, but the unconscious mind will be fully aware of them. And, as their conscious mind is not willing to face these aspects directly, the unconscious mind will have to reveal them to them indirectly and in a symbolic manner.
This part of them can communicate with them in a variety of different ways such as: through dreams, the people who they attract and are drawn to, how their body responds to different food and environments. The trouble is that if one is not aware of these sings, they won't be able to take advantage of them.
Awareness
There is a quote by Carl Jung that is highly relevant here, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." When someone's starts to work through the trauma that is in their body, they will most likely find that their life gradually starts to change.
The assistance of a therapist or a healer, for instance, may be needed here.
Teacher, prolific writer, author, and consultant, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over two thousand in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10065002
In both mainstream society and the self-development world, it is not uncommon for the focus to be on the conscious mind. In both of these areas, what is taking place in this part of ones being can be the only thing that matters.
For example, let's say that someone wanted to improve their life; they could end up being told that this shows that they need to believe in themselves. This could then end up being a time when they will start to change their thinking, in order to have more positive thoughts.
A Similar Outlook
Therefore, regardless of whether one looks towards mainstream society for guidance and ends up working with a cognitive behavioural therapist, for instance, or goes a different route and ends up working with a self-development coach who uses positive thinking and affirmations, for instance, one approach won't be radically different to the other.
Through getting their head right, one can believe that their life will start to move in the right direction. Now, there is also the chance that this approach will lead them to their desired destination.
Another Outcome
Then again, one could try this approach and find that their life doesn't really change. Or if it does, they might only be able to get so far and, before long, their life could go back to how it was before.
Consequently, one will be doing what they can to change their life, but it can be as though they are wasting their life. If one felt powerless and as though they had no control over their life before they tried to change their life, this experience could return once again.
A Slightly Different Scenario
Alternatively, could just find that one area of their life is not going as they want it to but they might not look for guidance. For example, someone could be clear about what kind of person they want to be in a relationship with, yet this might not happen.
Instead, they could have the tendency to attract people who are not a good match for them, and they may even be abusive. There will be the kind of person who they want to be with and then there will be the kind of person who they actually end up with.
No Control
As a result of this, it can be normal for them to come to the conclusion that they are unlucky. If this is something that has been going on for quite some time, one could even see themselves as a victim.
In their mind, they will be clear about what they want, and they may have even done what they could to make sure their external appearance is up to scratch. They may even come into contact with people who are surprised that they can't find a decent mate, adding even more weight to their view - if they have this view - that they are a victim.
An Analogy
One way of looking at these two scenarios above would be to say that they have a lot in common with an engineer who tries to fix a computer by focusing on the screen. In this case, it will be clear that the engineer needs to stop focusing on the screen and to look into what is taking place below the screen - the computer itself.
The screen will show that there is something wrong down below, which is why this part will need to be fixed. Trying to fix what is taking place above will just be a waste of time.
A Big Difference
However, while this is something that is going to be clear, the same can't be said it comes to looking at what is taking place at a deeper level of a human being. What is taking place down below is something that is often overlooked in both mainstream society and the self-development world.
It is then as though there is no such thing as an unconscious mind, with someone's life being a reflection of what is taking place in their conscious mind. The part of someone that has the biggest effect on how they behave is then going to be completely overlooked.
The Answers
What someone is likely to find, if they get in touch with what is taking place at a deeper level, is why they are experiencing life in a certain way. But, without the knowledge that is within them, it will be perfectly normal for them to feel like a victim.
It will seem as though the external world is victimising them; when in reality, they will most likely be the ones who are victimising themselves. Now, when it comes to their unconscious mind (body), this is typically the part of them that contains the painful feelings and memories that they are not willing to face.
Out of Mind, But Not Out Of Sight
These feelings and memories will have been forgotten about by their conscious mind, but the unconscious mind will be fully aware of them. And, as their conscious mind is not willing to face these aspects directly, the unconscious mind will have to reveal them to them indirectly and in a symbolic manner.
This part of them can communicate with them in a variety of different ways such as: through dreams, the people who they attract and are drawn to, how their body responds to different food and environments. The trouble is that if one is not aware of these sings, they won't be able to take advantage of them.
Awareness
There is a quote by Carl Jung that is highly relevant here, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." When someone's starts to work through the trauma that is in their body, they will most likely find that their life gradually starts to change.
The assistance of a therapist or a healer, for instance, may be needed here.
Teacher, prolific writer, author, and consultant, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over two thousand in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10065002
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
How To Unlock Your Hidden Creativity
By Reshali Balasubramaniam
Maybe you feel just like you're not a creative person generally, or maybe you merely desire a little a push to get the solution you're seeking either way, there are many small actions you can take to become more creative. These tips can make you see things from different perspectives and develop the habit that will make you feel more productive and inspired.
Here are ways to unlock your hidden creativity:
Brainstorm with Others
Sometimes all it requires to get from exhausted to motivate or from a relatively ineffective idea to the perfect solution to your entire problems is a few moments of chatting about your ideas with another person. Having a brand new perspective can assist you remember ideas you might have forgotten, develop ideas you currently have, and come up with things you never would've considered by yourself. If you are really stumped, make an effort to have an instant brainstorming period with a pal or a coworker. Ask when you can run some ideas past them and find out if indeed they have any thoughts.
Speak To Yourself
It isn't about having imaginary interactions with yourself. It's about conversing through your ideas and thoughts so that you can do better. Spend some time speaking what you're considering a loud, or describing things you read or listen to back again to yourself. It can help you to learn and process things better and in new ways.
Make Lists
Write down everything you want or need relating to what you're focusing on sometimes the act of writing things out and looking at them can assist you work out how to deal with something from a fresh angle. Jot down any ideas you have, then think about how precisely those ideas will continue to work with what you will need to accomplish. Proceed through your list until you select a remedy that works or discover a way to incorporate them.
Keep a Notebook with you
If you wish to become more creative, you will need to be sure you're for motivation to strike since it can strike everywhere. Keep a notebook and pen on or with you all the time all the time so you can jot down any ideas you have when they come your way, otherwise you may forget them. Plus, always getting a notebook means you will have a location to write those lists you will be making.
Ask Yourself Questions
Whenever you feel just like you hit a creative wall, try asking yourself questions about whatever it is you're focusing on or trying to resolve. Even if indeed they appear like foolish questions you have response to, ask yourself anyways just like you were another person who was interested in assembling your project. Forcing yourself to ultimately articulate what you're focusing on, either a loud or in writing can assist you see what areas you will need to focus on and what must be changed. If you ask yourself a question you do not know the response to, you might locate a new perspective.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9962291
Sunday, 25 November 2018
Hope Out of the Loneliest Experience of My Life
By Steve Wickham
Some days, weeks and months become etched into the folklore of our lives.
The week of 4-10 October 2003 is one among two of the most significantly harsh lived experiences that have been carved into my psyche thus far.
Each day had its own memorialised narrative. Each 24-hour period profound in the breaking of me, which ultimately had the effect of remaking me, not that I knew anything but the despair of these occasions at the time.
The loneliest experience of my life was moving the few belongings I had left out of my parents' house and into the company vehicle I had at the time and driving to the dingy little flat I had rented.
This little flat, for me, on 10 October 2003, had the presence of death about it. There was no life within its walls. It was a spiritually vacuous place.
I stayed there six months, though many nights I could not sleep there.
It was a real and present reminder that my life at that time had completely imploded. It was a Friday, and I shifted alone. It was two days after I had a calamitous breakdown that felt as if our worlds were ending, yet there was no sympathy from whom sympathy was sought.
It was a day after my father had had surgery that would push his mental health to the brink over the coming months. It was one of those rock bottom times that all families endure. Even after 15 years it is hard to comprehend just how hard that time was.
It was the loneliest time of my entire life. I truly don't know how I held on, other than through the receipt of love that was poured into me, much of which came from unexpected sources.
What inspires me about my own story is that there were myriad times I wanted to give up. There were occasions when I seriously considered ending it all. I have massive empathy for anyone who has been on the receiving end of this kind of hell, whatever the outcome.
This period was merely the beginning of a long and tiresome campaign for recovery. It was a crusade to recover the concept of normal. And it took years. Perhaps in some ways it is an ongoing work.
But the loneliest time of my life came when I felt completely abandoned and forsaken. And yet I know God did not take me there without reason, for as I look back I can see him there, I just couldn't see it at the time.
15 years ago, this week, I cannot believe the contrast between that life, then, and this life, now, even amid losing Nathanael in 2014. I could not have contemplated then being in the situation I am in now.
And that is life.
It is in the loneliest seasons that great change is birthed, the sort of change we would never choose, but the sort of change that inevitably chooses us, and when we move with it, great is the transformation in us.
We never think we have what it takes to make it through such change.
If we are wise even though we are weak, however, we will rely on God, the provision of caring companions he provides to get us through, and our own increasing resources of resilience.
If only I go back there to that time, to sling that heavy bed on the roof rack, and how it took every ounce of my physical strength to do it, and how I did so in tears, I am thankful for that version of me that kept going.
If you are in that place now, or you know someone at their rock bottom, be encouraged, and be an encouragement. The night is darkest just before dawn, and the sun will rise on your day soon.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10021331
Some days, weeks and months become etched into the folklore of our lives.
The week of 4-10 October 2003 is one among two of the most significantly harsh lived experiences that have been carved into my psyche thus far.
Each day had its own memorialised narrative. Each 24-hour period profound in the breaking of me, which ultimately had the effect of remaking me, not that I knew anything but the despair of these occasions at the time.
The loneliest experience of my life was moving the few belongings I had left out of my parents' house and into the company vehicle I had at the time and driving to the dingy little flat I had rented.
This little flat, for me, on 10 October 2003, had the presence of death about it. There was no life within its walls. It was a spiritually vacuous place.
I stayed there six months, though many nights I could not sleep there.
It was a real and present reminder that my life at that time had completely imploded. It was a Friday, and I shifted alone. It was two days after I had a calamitous breakdown that felt as if our worlds were ending, yet there was no sympathy from whom sympathy was sought.
It was a day after my father had had surgery that would push his mental health to the brink over the coming months. It was one of those rock bottom times that all families endure. Even after 15 years it is hard to comprehend just how hard that time was.
It was the loneliest time of my entire life. I truly don't know how I held on, other than through the receipt of love that was poured into me, much of which came from unexpected sources.
What inspires me about my own story is that there were myriad times I wanted to give up. There were occasions when I seriously considered ending it all. I have massive empathy for anyone who has been on the receiving end of this kind of hell, whatever the outcome.
This period was merely the beginning of a long and tiresome campaign for recovery. It was a crusade to recover the concept of normal. And it took years. Perhaps in some ways it is an ongoing work.
But the loneliest time of my life came when I felt completely abandoned and forsaken. And yet I know God did not take me there without reason, for as I look back I can see him there, I just couldn't see it at the time.
15 years ago, this week, I cannot believe the contrast between that life, then, and this life, now, even amid losing Nathanael in 2014. I could not have contemplated then being in the situation I am in now.
And that is life.
It is in the loneliest seasons that great change is birthed, the sort of change we would never choose, but the sort of change that inevitably chooses us, and when we move with it, great is the transformation in us.
We never think we have what it takes to make it through such change.
If we are wise even though we are weak, however, we will rely on God, the provision of caring companions he provides to get us through, and our own increasing resources of resilience.
If only I go back there to that time, to sling that heavy bed on the roof rack, and how it took every ounce of my physical strength to do it, and how I did so in tears, I am thankful for that version of me that kept going.
If you are in that place now, or you know someone at their rock bottom, be encouraged, and be an encouragement. The night is darkest just before dawn, and the sun will rise on your day soon.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10021331
Saturday, 24 November 2018
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Saturday, 10 November 2018
Thursday, 8 November 2018
The Importance of Having a Good Perspective on Life
How many times have we had an opinion on something, been convinced that we were right, only to have someone else turn up with previously unconsidered information or introduce a different viewpoint, thus prompting a whole new way of thinking? Being ready to listen to another perspective is important. It keeps our minds flexible and adaptable and is an important part of staying youthful and tolerant of what else is happening in the world.
When we share how we feel about something and discuss our approach we're expanding all our minds. We're giving an indication of how our thinking works, our perspective on life. Some people's automatic default is negative. They're convinced that things are bound to go wrong, seem to always anticipate the worst. Others think differently and are more positive and optimistic. Our outlook pre-determines how much we let external factors influence us. That's why having a good perspective is so important.
- If we regard something as scary then we're bound to behave in a more measured, cautious, apprehensive way. Feeling nervous or afraid can deter us from trying too hard. We protect ourselves by not stepping too far from our safe place. Yet we could instead treat setbacks as minor hurdles or learning points, which will often result in us hardly noticing them. We won't think twice as our concentration flows into looking for options or solutions in order to keep going.
When we feel confident and hopeful about a situation we're more relaxed and focussed on a positive outcome. There's a saying that if you expect something to be good or bad, hard or easy, guess what - you're right! We set in place a framework based on how we see things working out.
- Our mindset automatically seeps into our approach to life and influences how we handle relationships, what we expect from people, what we anticipate happening. That mindset then impacts on how others treat us. Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly said, 'we teach people how to treat us'. Our expectations can alter the dynamics of a relationship. A winning philosophy generates the best chance of a good experience.
- If we're feeling happy or sad, that too can colour our interpretation of a situation. For example, seeing several people we know chatting and laughing can be viewed in two completely different ways, dependent on how we're feeling at the time. On a bad day we may be sensitive and feel uneasy, convinced that they're talking and laughing about us. We may already be feeling embarrassed, unhappy and witnessing their laughter reinforces our already fragile mindset.
On a good day we may not even notice those people, or we may simply think that they're having a pleasant time. Our perspective is influenced by our personal circumstances and inner dialogue. It affects how we interpret their behaviour. The right perspective makes all the difference and is a huge factor in how we then choose to respond.
- Taking time to ask questions, being genuinely interested in the answers and caring enough to try to understand what's being said is also relevant in supporting us having a good perspective. Knowledge, interest, information and genuine discussion gives us a forum in which to explore other viewpoints and opinions. Mental growth occurs grow when we're happy to respectfully question and understand other peoples' attitudes, ideas and views. Patience and tolerance are part of this approach.
- Our background, parents and schooling, how we've been raised, all have a massive bearing on our perspective on life. We may have clear views, for example, on the role of men and women, what constitutes a good marriage, the importance of looks and material possessions. We may feel incredulous that other people have different viewpoints, that the things that matter to us are of little significance to them. Understanding or at least being able to respect and defend their right to their opinions is an important part of forming successful adult relationships.
- Communication should be a two-way activity and sharing our opinions helps us negotiate ways to comfortably live together, helps others understand where we're coming from, why we feel the way we do and then perhaps be able to refine our perspectives. Just as we may feel strongly about how other people should behave, so others may also hold their own definite views, views that are diametrically opposed to ours.
And they will, no doubt, have valid, justifiable reasons for having those views. Sharing and learning about their reasoning may enable us to moderate or modify our perspective and help us become more tolerant and flexible. Listening provides an opportunity for reflection and then to evolve with each other.
Having the right perspective on life helps us improve our outlook, have a more vibrant, upbeat approach to life and oil the wheels of our interactions with others. Everyone benefits when we have a good, open-minded perspective on life.
By Susan Leigh
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6465821
When we share how we feel about something and discuss our approach we're expanding all our minds. We're giving an indication of how our thinking works, our perspective on life. Some people's automatic default is negative. They're convinced that things are bound to go wrong, seem to always anticipate the worst. Others think differently and are more positive and optimistic. Our outlook pre-determines how much we let external factors influence us. That's why having a good perspective is so important.
- If we regard something as scary then we're bound to behave in a more measured, cautious, apprehensive way. Feeling nervous or afraid can deter us from trying too hard. We protect ourselves by not stepping too far from our safe place. Yet we could instead treat setbacks as minor hurdles or learning points, which will often result in us hardly noticing them. We won't think twice as our concentration flows into looking for options or solutions in order to keep going.
When we feel confident and hopeful about a situation we're more relaxed and focussed on a positive outcome. There's a saying that if you expect something to be good or bad, hard or easy, guess what - you're right! We set in place a framework based on how we see things working out.
- Our mindset automatically seeps into our approach to life and influences how we handle relationships, what we expect from people, what we anticipate happening. That mindset then impacts on how others treat us. Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly said, 'we teach people how to treat us'. Our expectations can alter the dynamics of a relationship. A winning philosophy generates the best chance of a good experience.
- If we're feeling happy or sad, that too can colour our interpretation of a situation. For example, seeing several people we know chatting and laughing can be viewed in two completely different ways, dependent on how we're feeling at the time. On a bad day we may be sensitive and feel uneasy, convinced that they're talking and laughing about us. We may already be feeling embarrassed, unhappy and witnessing their laughter reinforces our already fragile mindset.
On a good day we may not even notice those people, or we may simply think that they're having a pleasant time. Our perspective is influenced by our personal circumstances and inner dialogue. It affects how we interpret their behaviour. The right perspective makes all the difference and is a huge factor in how we then choose to respond.
- Taking time to ask questions, being genuinely interested in the answers and caring enough to try to understand what's being said is also relevant in supporting us having a good perspective. Knowledge, interest, information and genuine discussion gives us a forum in which to explore other viewpoints and opinions. Mental growth occurs grow when we're happy to respectfully question and understand other peoples' attitudes, ideas and views. Patience and tolerance are part of this approach.
- Our background, parents and schooling, how we've been raised, all have a massive bearing on our perspective on life. We may have clear views, for example, on the role of men and women, what constitutes a good marriage, the importance of looks and material possessions. We may feel incredulous that other people have different viewpoints, that the things that matter to us are of little significance to them. Understanding or at least being able to respect and defend their right to their opinions is an important part of forming successful adult relationships.
- Communication should be a two-way activity and sharing our opinions helps us negotiate ways to comfortably live together, helps others understand where we're coming from, why we feel the way we do and then perhaps be able to refine our perspectives. Just as we may feel strongly about how other people should behave, so others may also hold their own definite views, views that are diametrically opposed to ours.
And they will, no doubt, have valid, justifiable reasons for having those views. Sharing and learning about their reasoning may enable us to moderate or modify our perspective and help us become more tolerant and flexible. Listening provides an opportunity for reflection and then to evolve with each other.
Having the right perspective on life helps us improve our outlook, have a more vibrant, upbeat approach to life and oil the wheels of our interactions with others. Everyone benefits when we have a good, open-minded perspective on life.
By Susan Leigh
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6465821
Monday, 5 November 2018
Dealing With Reality
We all want to win, but we all need to train for it. That is reality. Without real, hard earned understanding, we just hack at life and cannot live efficiently. When we take the time to learn the in, out and everything in life, we get better results. It is just like when there is a difference between flying to the top of a mountain in a helicopter, plane or air vessel and genuinely climbing a mountain.
When I think about the genuine nature of reality, genuine winners genuinely do not try to cheat. I use the words "try to cheat", because ultimately the very concept of cheating is unrealistic, and ultimately harder than if the honest path were taken to the same goals. Honest "overnight greatness and success" is years of visualization, training and understanding all facets of what is being done. If anyone says otherwise, they are cheating at a very deep level, not only themselves, but the people they are telling that big lie to. It is almost like the concept of the payday loan saying "get three months pay now" without the full disclosure of "get three months pay now, but pay three years pay worth of interest on it" at the very least! So, get this: Cheating is the big fantasy trip, dealing with reality fully straight is the genuinely winning trip anyway. If you travel the real road, you will achieve your genuine goal. Fake it genuinely and you will not make it.
Being real is always worth it, then is it not? A life based on lying and cheating at deep levels always costs more anyway ultimately. Real is the most direct path there is to any goal. It is the genuine journey of the hero, anyway. Reality will deal with you on this level: If you are genuinely willing to take the honest path, reality will rise up to meet you as you meet that challenge. When I say willing as a word, I mean wanting your goal and working your goal so fully and so consistently, with perseverance, that nothing will break you from going for it.
So, in the end, every limitation disengaged and you have fully evolved past it all, were you real or were you a cheater? only your heart and reality can answer that itself within yourself when you face yourself. Think about it. Only you can answer that question genuinely for yourself when you are evolved enough, nobody else can.
By Joshua Clayton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10021967
When I think about the genuine nature of reality, genuine winners genuinely do not try to cheat. I use the words "try to cheat", because ultimately the very concept of cheating is unrealistic, and ultimately harder than if the honest path were taken to the same goals. Honest "overnight greatness and success" is years of visualization, training and understanding all facets of what is being done. If anyone says otherwise, they are cheating at a very deep level, not only themselves, but the people they are telling that big lie to. It is almost like the concept of the payday loan saying "get three months pay now" without the full disclosure of "get three months pay now, but pay three years pay worth of interest on it" at the very least! So, get this: Cheating is the big fantasy trip, dealing with reality fully straight is the genuinely winning trip anyway. If you travel the real road, you will achieve your genuine goal. Fake it genuinely and you will not make it.
Being real is always worth it, then is it not? A life based on lying and cheating at deep levels always costs more anyway ultimately. Real is the most direct path there is to any goal. It is the genuine journey of the hero, anyway. Reality will deal with you on this level: If you are genuinely willing to take the honest path, reality will rise up to meet you as you meet that challenge. When I say willing as a word, I mean wanting your goal and working your goal so fully and so consistently, with perseverance, that nothing will break you from going for it.
So, in the end, every limitation disengaged and you have fully evolved past it all, were you real or were you a cheater? only your heart and reality can answer that itself within yourself when you face yourself. Think about it. Only you can answer that question genuinely for yourself when you are evolved enough, nobody else can.
By Joshua Clayton
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10021967
Sunday, 4 November 2018
Don't Go Through Life Quitting. Anything Substantial Requires Seeing It Through To The End
Life Doesn't Have A Timeline For Us
Quitting is easy though we rarely achieve anything when we abandon our goals. Knowing that, take a moment to reflect on something you're contemplating giving up on right now. It may be career related, health or otherwise. Why do you want to give up? Is it the only way? Have you considered other options? Once you've had a moment to reflect on it, think about why you undertook the goal in the first place. It might be that having a passion or purpose makes it harder to quit because of the emotional investment required to achieve it. Sometimes, we undertake goals we don't resonate with but fill a void in our life. Pursuing a goal or a dream ought to provide us with a sense of value and meaning in our lives, otherwise we're less likely to see it through. Does this make sense, insofar as being committed to the goal instead of wishing for something better to come along?
To go through life quitting weakens our character and erodes our self-esteem since we become habituated to taking the easy way out. As you know, life is not meant to be a bed of roses, nor is it riddled with pain and suffering. When we make choices aligned with our core values and highest intent, we are likely to pursue actions aligned with them. Sometimes, chasing after a goal or dream means toiling away in the trenches, for months, if not years with no respite. Occasionally, it requires walking away from situations that no longer serve us or our core purpose. This is difficult because there are no assurances we're making the right choice. The one measure we have is whether it feels right. Our emotions become our barometer if we're in it for the right reasons.
To achieve anything substantial requires hard work, determination and a resolute will to overcome the obstacles and challenges that lay ahead. It requires facing our demons and wrestling with them repeatedly. It involves revisiting the past and dredging up baggage we thought we once healed. I don't believe life has a timeline for us because sometimes we must gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding which cannot be rushed. Just as a flower blooms at the right time, so do the fruits of our labour when the conditions are right. To quit means to throw away the time and energy invested pursuing a goal. What I'm saying is: We mustn't allow difficult moments to define whether we will achieve our goals and dreams. This is the advice echoed by the American psychologist and author Angela Duckworth who writes in her bestselling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance: "Many of us, it seems, quit what we start far too early and far too often. Even more than the effort a gritty person puts in on a single day, what matters is that they wake up the next day, and the next, ready to get on that treadmill and keep going."
Nothing Substantial Comes Easily
Invariably, we will face difficult moments and make tough decisions anyway, so we might as well be doing it pursuing our passions and aspirations. How does this idea appeal to you? Can you see how sticking with something long term can be a great benefit to you? It's worth rendering a caveat here that sometimes we ought to quit when things are not working out. I don't intend the advice in this article to mean you mustn't ever give up. The message is simple: if you are passionate about something and you want it, find a way to get it and let go of why you can't have it.
In this wicked world of illusion, sometimes miracles can happen overnight. Life works in mysterious ways and when least expected. Circumstances can fall into place only if we labour and toil away at our respective goal. Nothing substantial comes easily and if it does, it is likely to slip from our hands just as quickly. For example, if you're in a relationship that has run its course, your only option may be to walk away from it, but what about investing the time and energy to work it out? Might it be in your best interest to keep trying before you quit? I don't have the answers and neither will you until you embark on the hard work which can be tiresome and plain ugly. The hard work is not cut out for everyone and this is why many people quit ahead of time. Decide on what you want for your life and create the structure and foundation for it to rest on. Do everything in your power to complete the task, the goal or dream and then if you want to give up, at least you will have a compelling reason to do so.
Whether you want to improve areas of your life or achieve your goals and dreams, my online Mentoring and Coaching Program will offer you the improvements you're looking for. The sessions are one hour in duration and geared towards: coaching and guidance, conversations and of course powerful transformation.
By Tony Fahkry
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10007987
Quitting is easy though we rarely achieve anything when we abandon our goals. Knowing that, take a moment to reflect on something you're contemplating giving up on right now. It may be career related, health or otherwise. Why do you want to give up? Is it the only way? Have you considered other options? Once you've had a moment to reflect on it, think about why you undertook the goal in the first place. It might be that having a passion or purpose makes it harder to quit because of the emotional investment required to achieve it. Sometimes, we undertake goals we don't resonate with but fill a void in our life. Pursuing a goal or a dream ought to provide us with a sense of value and meaning in our lives, otherwise we're less likely to see it through. Does this make sense, insofar as being committed to the goal instead of wishing for something better to come along?
To go through life quitting weakens our character and erodes our self-esteem since we become habituated to taking the easy way out. As you know, life is not meant to be a bed of roses, nor is it riddled with pain and suffering. When we make choices aligned with our core values and highest intent, we are likely to pursue actions aligned with them. Sometimes, chasing after a goal or dream means toiling away in the trenches, for months, if not years with no respite. Occasionally, it requires walking away from situations that no longer serve us or our core purpose. This is difficult because there are no assurances we're making the right choice. The one measure we have is whether it feels right. Our emotions become our barometer if we're in it for the right reasons.
To achieve anything substantial requires hard work, determination and a resolute will to overcome the obstacles and challenges that lay ahead. It requires facing our demons and wrestling with them repeatedly. It involves revisiting the past and dredging up baggage we thought we once healed. I don't believe life has a timeline for us because sometimes we must gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding which cannot be rushed. Just as a flower blooms at the right time, so do the fruits of our labour when the conditions are right. To quit means to throw away the time and energy invested pursuing a goal. What I'm saying is: We mustn't allow difficult moments to define whether we will achieve our goals and dreams. This is the advice echoed by the American psychologist and author Angela Duckworth who writes in her bestselling book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance: "Many of us, it seems, quit what we start far too early and far too often. Even more than the effort a gritty person puts in on a single day, what matters is that they wake up the next day, and the next, ready to get on that treadmill and keep going."
Nothing Substantial Comes Easily
Invariably, we will face difficult moments and make tough decisions anyway, so we might as well be doing it pursuing our passions and aspirations. How does this idea appeal to you? Can you see how sticking with something long term can be a great benefit to you? It's worth rendering a caveat here that sometimes we ought to quit when things are not working out. I don't intend the advice in this article to mean you mustn't ever give up. The message is simple: if you are passionate about something and you want it, find a way to get it and let go of why you can't have it.
In this wicked world of illusion, sometimes miracles can happen overnight. Life works in mysterious ways and when least expected. Circumstances can fall into place only if we labour and toil away at our respective goal. Nothing substantial comes easily and if it does, it is likely to slip from our hands just as quickly. For example, if you're in a relationship that has run its course, your only option may be to walk away from it, but what about investing the time and energy to work it out? Might it be in your best interest to keep trying before you quit? I don't have the answers and neither will you until you embark on the hard work which can be tiresome and plain ugly. The hard work is not cut out for everyone and this is why many people quit ahead of time. Decide on what you want for your life and create the structure and foundation for it to rest on. Do everything in your power to complete the task, the goal or dream and then if you want to give up, at least you will have a compelling reason to do so.
Whether you want to improve areas of your life or achieve your goals and dreams, my online Mentoring and Coaching Program will offer you the improvements you're looking for. The sessions are one hour in duration and geared towards: coaching and guidance, conversations and of course powerful transformation.
By Tony Fahkry
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10007987
Saturday, 3 November 2018
Message From the Universe: Understanding the Power of Your Thoughts
"There are some folks who think that life isn't fair, and to them I say, "Touché!"
Obviously, they see themselves as unlimited Beings of Light for whom all things are possible. They recognize that their thoughts become things, giving rise not only to dreams, but to worlds. And they appreciate that their very existence in time and space proves that they're loved beyond imagination.
Yes, these are the folks who understand that with dominion over all things, the cards of life are indeed stacked in their favor.
N'est-ce pas?
The Universe"
There is no limit to your power of visualization. You can decide what you want to do in your life, as it is your life anyways. You can change the perception of yourself by realizing how special you are. You have talents and it is important to share it with the world. Your thoughts are becoming things every day and accompanying your dreams with actions, you are ready to take over the world. I am aware that fear will sometimes take over your psyche and stop you on your tracks but you can't be afraid. You can't be stopping yourself from reaching your dreams. They are yours, you need to protect them at all cost. No one else would want to make that happen, so start taking action today.
Your life will change as you start taking the first step to accomplishing greatness. You will achieve everything you put your mind into, so always learn to keep your vision clear. If any negative thought enters your mind, brush it off with positive thoughts, as it takes a whole lot of negativity to affect your productivity. As you built habit to accept only peaceful and positive thoughts, you will train your subconscious mind to form a new bridge between both minds which in return, will create an incentive to achieve more in life, especially financial success, if that is a priority to you,. Patience is needed though, so as you train everything else in life, do not forget to train your patience skills as well. Let me tell you, it will be all worth it.
By Daniel A Amzallag
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9984976
Obviously, they see themselves as unlimited Beings of Light for whom all things are possible. They recognize that their thoughts become things, giving rise not only to dreams, but to worlds. And they appreciate that their very existence in time and space proves that they're loved beyond imagination.
Yes, these are the folks who understand that with dominion over all things, the cards of life are indeed stacked in their favor.
N'est-ce pas?
The Universe"
There is no limit to your power of visualization. You can decide what you want to do in your life, as it is your life anyways. You can change the perception of yourself by realizing how special you are. You have talents and it is important to share it with the world. Your thoughts are becoming things every day and accompanying your dreams with actions, you are ready to take over the world. I am aware that fear will sometimes take over your psyche and stop you on your tracks but you can't be afraid. You can't be stopping yourself from reaching your dreams. They are yours, you need to protect them at all cost. No one else would want to make that happen, so start taking action today.
Your life will change as you start taking the first step to accomplishing greatness. You will achieve everything you put your mind into, so always learn to keep your vision clear. If any negative thought enters your mind, brush it off with positive thoughts, as it takes a whole lot of negativity to affect your productivity. As you built habit to accept only peaceful and positive thoughts, you will train your subconscious mind to form a new bridge between both minds which in return, will create an incentive to achieve more in life, especially financial success, if that is a priority to you,. Patience is needed though, so as you train everything else in life, do not forget to train your patience skills as well. Let me tell you, it will be all worth it.
By Daniel A Amzallag
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9984976
Thursday, 1 November 2018
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