Make Your Life an Exciting Journey of Discovery

When is the right time to begin something new, to break your routine and begin a new adventure? It could be a new business endeavor, moving, or a change in relationship status. It could be a spiritual practice. It might even be taking a vacation for an extended period of time giving you a chance to create a new paradigm for your life.

Think about what goes into getting away. You have to block out a period of time and you have concerns that while you're gone, things will fall apart without you or you'll miss out on that big opportunity.

Changing our patterns for a period of time takes practice. It involves leaving the familiar and exploring new territory, which isn't always comfortable. And there is always that critical voice of judgment that you wish you could silence. "You're not being practical. Wait until the economy picks us. Wait until "this" happens, the "this" being something that might or might not happen in the future. So we hesitate and don't take action. We never reach our full potential. A year goes by and then another and nothing has changed.

There are always going to be voices that get in the way of our moving forward in our lives especially if that is what we focus on. We have to keep filling our tanks on a daily basis with inspiration. Inside of us is another voice that I call the Voice of Inspiration and Praise, VIP, that says, "Yes, you can. You can do it, go for it." The voice that reminds you to have faith that it's all going to work out.

The challenge is to recognize and listen to it. It doesn't necessarily show up in the way we expect and is more prevalent than we realize. It's a voice, an attitude that needs to be cultivated on a daily basis.

As you know I'm a firm believer in synchronicity-those chance encounters that change your life, those remarkable meetings. When I was a young lawyer, one evening a friend told me of a magical swimming hole along a river in Humboldt County. I had just resolved a case that was set for trial and had nothing on my schedule for the next week. I got my car ready, filled up the tank and off I went with my guitar, my dog, and sleeping bag and drove north, arriving at the river just as the sun was setting.

In the morning I awoke at the crack of dawn in search of the swimming hole. I knew that if I hiked upstream I would get there. I continued on my way until a camper offered me some food and coffee. Although I found myself getting hungry and a little bit tired, I said, "No thanks" to the kind invitation, "I want to get to the swimming hole."
After another twenty yards I turned around and said, "That coffee sounds good."

I enjoyed the breakfast. As it turned out, the camper had a guitar and we played music for quite some time. I was full in more ways than one. After thanking the camper, I was ready to be on my way. It was what the camper said in the next few moments that has perhaps made the greatest impact in my life.

"Hey man, the journey you take is probably more important than your destination. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy the journey." I enjoyed the rest of the hike and the swimming hole was fabulous.

Since that meeting, I have taken his advice to heart. It has affected every aspect of my life. There's no better time than now to enjoy your life and experience it as an exciting journey of discovery. Instead of waiting for that ideal relationship, enjoy life exactly as it is. Instead of feeling despair about finding meaning and purpose in your life, enjoy the inquiry. Instead of waiting for that big opportunity, enjoy what you're doing.

There will always be something in the way, which if you focus on it, will affect your ability to enjoy life. You will be tested repeatedly in some manner. Each day you'll have to renew your commitment, but eventually it becomes a way of life. There are eight daily practices and rituals that have supported me on my journey.

1. Take time each day for quiet reflection in the morning including expressing gratitude. It sets the tone for the day.

2. While driving in your car, listen to motivational or conscious music, rather than listening to the news or what's on the various am stations.

3. Make sure that on a daily basis you are in contact with people who inspire and support you. Don't hesitate to take the first step and reach out.

4. Take time to commune in nature.

5. Eat healthy; drink plenty of water and get exercise. This is a choice that you make over and over again that eventually becomes a healthy habit.

6. Don't forget to smile and make sure you make someone else smile.

7. In the evening, take some time to read a personal growth or spiritual book, even if it's just for a few minutes.

8. Reflect upon the most special moment of the day as you are falling asleep. No matter what happened during the day, you have a choice as to how you think about it.

So there you have it. When are you planning your next adventure? You know I love to hear from you. Feel free to share Letters on Life with those in your circle.

Enjoy the journey,

Mark

Are you really living the life you Want? What changes are you avoiding making? Find out how the Positive Side of Change Coaching program can make a difference in your life both personally and professionally.

http://www.inspirepossibility.com

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Do What You Like

We all have to make a living to pay our expenses, and that may mean standing on our feet all day or slogging it out in a factory, or in retail, but this is not your true purpose, unless you are a surgeon, a doctor or a specialist of some sort. They have a very big purpose, they help people, they save lives, therefore making them a huge asset to humanity. But not everyone can be this..right? So how do we begin to contribute to a better world through that of living and working along side our true purpose?

Believe it or not there are people already who are changing the face of the world doing just this. They are doing what they like and enjoy making a living. It can't get any better than this can it? They are the people who have stepped out of their comfort zones to make it happen. There is a saying that says.. "If you keep doing the same thing as you always do, then nothing will change. Be the change you want to see in the world."

Be that person who makes the changes you want, don't wait for someone else to do it, you are that person. This is where you must leave your comfort zone - get yourself out there to be seen and heard.

You are a Leader

"Would you believe me if I told you this?" Probably not!

It seems easier to leave all that to someone else doesn't it? We are someone else, all of us are "other people." But we don't see this on a daily basis, we need to have it pointed out to us. If you have thought of an idea, or have a burning desire to accomplish something then chances are it is YOU the universe has selected! Move towards getting the right people around you and begin your journey of a lifetime to make it possible.

Most of us want BETTER! but don't know quite where to begin.

For starters, lets begin here, ask yourself what it is you would really like to do, it may be a hobby of some sort or charity work. It may be a job you have always wanted to do, or better still a business of your own.

Perhaps you have lost countless dollars on trying this & that, or been to seminars that get you all geared up to think you can retire in a year from now,, with a fast talking spiffy dressed guru standing on a platform. Yes.. I've been there too. That's what got me to this website, I have been one of those people who have thrown away countless dollars on share trading courses, and many others to say the least, all in the name of wanting to better my quality of life and have financial independence.

So what does this all have to do with what I do to live my purpose and function as a whole person.

After many so called failures..and believe me I have spent many years failing. I now see that failure is really success in disguise. If I had not attempted to keep getting up and trying and failing, I would not be here right now inspiring you to be the very best you can be in your own right...

Just so you don't need to spend half your life finding your true purpose as to why you are here, please allow me to elaborate just a little on why you and me are here.

We are all survivors, simply because we're here.. Before you existed as a human being with arms and legs you were a mega force of survival..yes you. You began as a being in an altered state..meaning a different state to what you are in now. You fought to penetrate the egg inside your mother's womb while the millions of others perished that state and returned back to the mega force or universal home.

You were the one and only out of millions of other mega forces that fought to get here. So in having explained this so far, can you begin to realize that you have come here as a survivor, we are all survivors, that's what we all have in common, therefore we are perfectly adaptable, having fought and survived to be here, we then begin to evolve from that state inside the womb, and we continue to do so outside of the womb, for many years.

This makes us very powerful critter's wouldn't you say? We all fought to come here to live our truest purpose., or we would have fallen away and perished in our earlier quest to get here. Is any of this making sense to you?...

Our soul knows its true purpose, even if we have forgotten, its only our minds that forget, the soul never forgets nor dies, its your mega force that drives you from your first point of survival.

So what does this all have to do with what I do to live my purpose and function as a whole person.

Some of us see our purpose at a young age..however its not that common. We usually allow others to use US as THEIR purpose for getting what they want.. say no more! an actual fact these types of people rarely have the true inner satisfaction of ever living their truth of soul purpose, and its quite a sad thing to witness. They are under a misconception that using others as their stepping stones to gain wealth by methods of deceit, lies and fake schemes. My life's experiences have shown these types of people up to be ones whom I pity the most, because they are poorer people having had never truly seen their true purpose in value. Take for example Adolf Hitler, I think most people know of the terrible atrocities that were implemented by this one person. He was misguided into thinking he was doing the world a favor, and he never thought once about what his truest passion may have been, he may have had that little voice within, but his greed for power and control drowned out that little voice until it was gone completely. Regardless of his crimes Hitler was a very gifted and clever man but he used his that ability for detriment. Had he known his true purpose allowing that little inner voice to become louder within - his power to live his truth would have been displayed in making the world a much better place, in saving lives instead of doing away with over six million Jewish people.

We all have an inner voice, this comes from the essence of our truest most purest self. And it is never wrong, and having free will..we can choose to drown it out with denial, or we can allow it to become loud, until we do something about it, and evolve into our essence of being our own leader and helping others to reach that point.

My inner voice was there for a very long time it became louder, in fact it was so loud I had to eventually listen, and I'm glad I did, we can either drown it out with denial or say' okay I'm listening carry on please." I'm glad I decided on the latter, I now do not deny my truth and I can speak any truth with ease and no fear of being judged for it anymore.

How do I know what my purpose is where is it how do I find out?

Stop..Listen..Go!!

Just like that, STOP! what you are thinking and listen and take notice of what you are feeling about your current situation in your life. How are you living. Ask questions and answer them yourself don't involve anyone else in this exercise, the ball is in your court. You ask the hard questions and answer them YOURSELF honestly and truthfully!

Ask yourself these questions...

Am I really where I want to be?

Am I happy?

Is there anyone suffering because of how I live my life?

Are the people I currently have around me serving me and inspiring me?

Are people draining me and sucking my energy?

What childhood dreams did I have?

What happened to those dreams..where did they vanish to?

What am I good at and what have I done in the past that has brought me enjoyment and satisfaction?

What hobby would I like to take up that gives me pleasure?

Am I doing what others expect me to do and nothing for myself?

I'm sick of my current job I wish I could make money doing something I LOVE! but how? I may not be able to make money doing what I love.

My one question to the last one to you is..why not?

Kick start Ideas:

Check to see what is happening in your local area. Your area is a goldmine for success, this is how it all began for me. I started taking FREE computer lessons at my local library and neighborhood center and now I build websites like this one, and I meet like minded people how good is that? All free. Browse through your local newspaper if you get one, there are usually classes you can attend for a minimal cost that most can afford.

Book yourself in to a class or two and do this early as depending on the type of free class it is. You'll need to be quick but the good news is that they will normally run the same classes again later in the same year. I usually book into five or more as they begin on different dates and days in the week. I have found they take smallish numbers and that means you get a lot of attention. Take along your little notepad, sometimes they supply this, but I always take my own. This not only kick starts you onto another path, but it your helping your helping your local community.

You can glean a wealth of knowledge from the places I have just mentioned, and turning them into a part or full time business of your own is something that can be done simply with almost zero start up costs, and no fuss. There is so much to choose from, and an excellent place to find your purpose. This where I found mine, and it was right under my nose all along, and after all the fancy seminars I had attended earlier, with it all ending up costing me thousands upon thousands of dollars. I learned the hard way about throwing away big money only to have it end in disillusion.

Last of all you can just take the bull by the horns, and present yourself in person and ask to see the manager. Speak confidently and act causally keen and tell him or her your willing to work for one month without pay. This way you are showing him you are not afraid of work and you are serious, he will pick up on the fact you are also reliable and steady, and you may find this is a much more exciting and more effective way to get a job.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-What-You-Like&id=7462440

Self Reliance

What is Self Reliance? How do You Gain Self Reliance?
A basic definition and explanation for the average person seeking self improvement.

I sometimes read passages and ideas that seem original and not repetitive of anyone else’s ideas written or spoken previously. As the reader you or I sometimes hear an echo in those original ideas of our own sense of values. The only difference may be that someone else has thought to write it down and thus record those thoughts and values as their own. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote of self reliance; “to believe in your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, -- that is genius”. For anyone to state their personal belief as though it is or could be the belief of other people transforms their personal truth into becoming a more universal truth.
Transversely in every work of genius we may recognise our own rejected thoughts. They come back to us with an oddly alienated recollection, we say to ourselves “I thought that once”. This teaches us to rely on our original impression or else tomorrow another person will say with authority precisely what we thought or felt today and we will be forced to humbly take our opinion from someone else. Although the world is full of great ideas nothing can satisfy us as much as our own thoughts and conclusions. No one but you knows what original thoughts you are capable of. There is power within you to be new and original and it can only be realized and executed by your own will. To half express yourself or to feel shameful of the great theology which only you can represent is, indeed, to fail yourself.

The Effort to Gain Self Reliance

You will be joyful when you have put your heart into your work and have done your best. You may have had this experience at some time in your life. But to give less than your best efforts will not give you that same feeling of satisfaction. You might then lose faith in yourself and in your abilities should what you set out to do or say be left incomplete. Trust yourself. Great men have always done so. Just as children are fearless in accepting their own ideas you can shine as brightly and freely in your original thoughts and embrace a youthful enthusiasm for your own exceptionality. We should make efforts to not allow intimidation or internal doubt to stifle our own good ideas or prevent us from sharing our inner brilliance with others.

Forms of opposition will always arise. People sometimes busy themselves with evaluating the weight of their opposition to an extent that they may doubt the strength their own truth. Even if your message is lost in language barriers it is no less valid. You may have the strength to deliver your platform to your own group but falter with a different audience. This is not the fault of your beliefs or convictions. Communication barriers can be overcome. As your own truth is repeated it will become clearer and more defined;, recognisable even to those who did not hear it the first time. By focusing on our inner strength and positive feedback we can find the inner strength to become and remain true to ourselves building our self reliance.

One Voice in the Crowd

I have been referring to those voices one hears in the solitude of their own heart. Self reliance thus becomes the enemy of conformity. Society would have us each assimilate to the greater ideals and to lose our own self reliance to a greater concept. To follow your own voice fearlessly you may be labelled a nonconformist but nothing will ever be as sacred to you as the integrity of your own voice. To know your inner voice and not confuse it with any other voice is to develop and know a higher self. To live wholly from within is to come to know your truest self. Following what you know to be right regardless of what influences come from society or colleagues will ground you to your own sense of goodness. This is the development of your personal values.

Your Goodness Must have Some Edge To It

Society may present you with laws and guides; but if they are in conflict with you your own inner decency must have a greater voice. If in your mind there is no goodness in the publications of others do not bend for the sake of acceptance. Stand firm to what you feel is in the right. Be open to discussion and yet as clear as possible in your own communications. If a cause or idea is constructed out of fear or hatred and you recognise it to be that way and not born from goodness you should neither let it taint your own good virtue or allow it to silence your goodness with fear or hatred.

The greater task will be to recognise what is of concern to you. There are always going to be those who feel they know your duty better than you know it yourself. You will feel your own inner strength when you can stand independent in your own thoughts in the midst of the crowd. Do not expect to be understood by all and do not think that those who understand you today will understand tomorrow or that those who do not understand today will not understand tomorrow. Everyone has their own voice and their own experiences. Self reliance involves trusting in your own voice and your own virtue even in opposition by one or by many.

The Ones Without Self

Men may become meek and apologetic who lose themselves to the crowd. You will not know happiness and inner strength if you surrender those things to the crowd and lose your own individuality. Should you adopt the view of the greater voice without also firmly having a voice of your own you may easily be drawn into the mentality of the mob. When the mob voice is heard within a person louder than their own inner voice the whole world will appear to be in conspiracy for lack of individuality. To be in the crowd yet build your inner voice and your inner strength as an individual who recognises right-mindedness you will not be devalued in your time.

Your inner voice, your virtues, and your self reliance are things that grow within you. It is up to each individual to nurture them within their own experience and protect them from corruption and negativity. They are yours alone not to be diluted in the press of society. Be yourself, speak your truth, and trust yourself and self reliance will become and remain a great part of who you are. This is needed to recognise the strength that lives within you and keep it firmly there by your own goodness and your truest voice. By this practice you will find your inner self and develop reliance in your own worth.

http://suite101.com/article/self-reliance-a407806