SIMPLE THINGS

Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones. 

We first make our habits, and then our habits make us. We all have dozens of habits, many which are beyond our conscious awareness, things we do a particular way, again and again without ever wondering why. There are a lot of writings and teachings on how to change habits. I too may address the topic in a future blog post. My thoughts today are drawn to the combined principles of change and simplicity. By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. I want to encourage you to apply these combined principles and experience the powerful results. We all have habits that we employ first thing upon awakening everyday. Many of us get out of bed and go into our self-awareness chamber (bathroom) first thing. Small simple changes can reap amazing benefits. I want you to try something. Starting tomorrow, set your alarm or arrange to awaken five minutes earlier than you  usually do. During this five minutes, read outloud a verse from the scriptures or an inspirational thought. If you head right to your self-awareness chamber, take your scripture verse or inspirational thought in there with you. Again, the simple thing I want you to try is; awaken five minutes earlier than usual, then read out loud one scripture verse or inspirational thought. Do this seven days in a row and I promise,  you will experience something marvelous. 

"I CAN'T"?

The easiest thing to find in your world is someone to tell you all the things you cannot do. 

The two word phrase, "I can't" reveals the direction in which we are focusing our power. When we think or say, "I can't" we are not bringing to light what we are unable to do. We are revealing what we choose "not" to do. The phrase, "I can't" clarifies that our choice in the matter is, "I can 'not'" do or be something. So, for example, I either choose to be happy, "I can" be happy or I choose to be unhappy, "I can 'not'" be happy. We are choosing to be or do, and we likewise are choosing to "not" do or be. We always have some type or level of choice. 

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

It's been said that we all possess the spark of life. A spark, even in the darkest of environments, always overcomes the darkness. Some physicists say that there is no such thing as darkness. Darkness is simply a term we have created to describe the absence of light. All of us, possessing this spark of life, are or can be a source of light for someone else. We are all connected. There are times that through our words or deeds we are that needed light some else is seeking. Then when we are in need of support, direction or light, someone else becomes that source for us. In writing about this topic I immediately think of one of my aunts who is often a source of light for me. Her quick wit, infectious laugh and life's wisdom are frequently the needed light in my life at just the right moment. We are all illuminated by the light of others, and we help light the way for those with whom we interact everyday when we allow our light to shine by simply being who we are. 

DON'T OVER COMPLICATE

A dear friend from my high school days shared a post on keeping things simple. I really appreciated the reminder. There is great wisdom in simplicity. When frustrations come into our lives, instead of over thinking, simplify. Ask yourself the following questions: what has me upset / frustrated? What is it I want? What have I tried? How well did that work? What am I willing to do? The answers to these questions help us clarify and simplify the situation. 

DISCOVERING PATTERNS

Journaling is an activity that some people find insightful and others find pointless. Spiritual leaders, philosophers and wise men throughout the ages have taught that there is a pattern in all things. They've taught that we can discover the secrets of the universe if we will observe nature and our interactions with others. Modern day researchers rely on journaling to uncover hidden truths. Through observation, we see patterns emerge and the keys to life's secrets are revealed. Unless we keep a record of some sort, it is difficult to detect patterns. Our personal journaling, or record, would contain written descriptions of moments of inspiration, spiritual promptings, even so called coincidences that have occurred during that day. Journaling is a co-creative process; it is a way for you to discover or uncover previously unknown aspects and capabilities of yourself. It is a great way to engage in an active process of inner growth and expanded self-awareness. If you don't already journal, try it for five days. It may surprise you what can be learned in even that short period of time. 

NO COINCIDENCES

I recently had a day where I was called upon to complete several different tasks. The day was going to be very busy. In the midst of getting things completed, I was asked for help from others. I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed and not experiencing much joy in my day. While in one store, I came around the corner of an isle and almost ran into an older gentleman. I apologized and went on my way. Minutes later, in a different store, while hurriedly walking down an isle, I made a quick turn and almost ran into another customer. It was the same gentleman I had almost bumped into earlier. We smiled and exchanged pleasantries and I was on my way again.  About an hour later, at still another store, while rushing to the checkout counter, yes you guessed it, I almost collided with the same older gentleman AGAIN! I paused and then said to him, "apparently I'm supposed to learn something from you or you have some kind of message for me, because I don't believe in coincidences. So... what's the message?"  He looked at me a little taken back and then said, "we'll...slow down. Enjoy the journey. Being in a hurry we miss so much that could lift us up.  Slow down and whatever you're after will still be there when you arrive, if its not, you didn't really need it!"

Wow! That touched me so deeply. First, it was totally unexpected, and second, it was profound.  I did slow down and my day became both more enjoyable and productive. I was reminded, there are no coincidences. 

DON'T MISS THE SEASON

So much of our lives are made up of seasons. We may participate in hunting season, fishing season, football, basketball, wrestling, baseball season, party, wedding season, recruiting season, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn / Fall. We are a people who experience seasons within seasons yet all too often we miss their purpose. Each season brings learning, growth, experience and, if we are aware, lessons of life. It is in the lessons of life that the greatest joy is experienced. Whatever season or seasons you are currently experiencing, please pause, look, listen, and feel, the joy all around you.