Knowing Better Now

In order to live more peacefully with the past, it helps to remember that once we know better, we tend to do better. Prior to knowing, we generally do our best, and while it’s true that from the perspective of the present, our best doesn’t always seem good enough, we can at least give our past selves the benefit of the doubt. We did our best with what knowledge we had.

The Impossible Dream

Right in Front of You

When it comes to the things we want, there always seems to be an endless list. No matter how many times we get something off that list, we add new things to replace it. In life, this drama of wanting and getting and wanting is all part of the dance. The things we want motivate us to get up and get them.

And yet, at the same time, we can torment ourselves with our wanting, especially when we want something we can’t have or can’t find. It is in cases like these that it might be fruitful to entertain the idea that maybe what you really want is right in front of you. Maybe you are using this desire you can’t fulfill to distract you from truly engaging the blessings you already have. It may seem like that doesn’t make sense, yet we do it all the time. It may be easier to see in other people than to see it in ourselves. We have all heard our friends wishing they were more this or less that, and looking at them we see clearly that they are everything they are wishing they were. We know people who have wonderful partners and yet envy yours. We wish we could give these people a look at their situations from our perspective so that they could see that what they want really is right in front of them.

It’s not too far-fetched to consider that we might be victims of the same folly. It can be scary to have what we want. We get caught up in the chase and forget to enjoy the beauty right in front of us—like a child who never wants the toy she has in her hand but always the one just out of her reach. Take a moment today to consider the many things you are holding in the palm of your hand and how you might best play with them.

Everything You Do Matters

The Ripple Effect

In a world of six billion people, it’s easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain. Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make can have far-reaching consequences. You can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world.

Should the opportunity arise, the recipient of a good deed will likely feel compelled to do a good deed for someone else. Someone feeling the effects of negative energy will be more likely to pass on that negative energy. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, snowballing until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone’s life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin. You must believe in your ability to be that point of origin if you want to use the ripples you create to spread goodness. Consider the effect of your thoughts and actions, and try to act graciously as much as possible.

A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and associates, out into your community, and finally throughout the world. You have the power to touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with and everyone those people come into contact with. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples moves onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of positivity.

Finding Unqualified Happiness...

If Only

Since most of our experiences are rooted in cause and effect, we naturally want to justify our contentment. We envision grand circumstances, stating that if only we could achieve this goal or obtain that possession, we would finally be in a position to attain happiness. As a result, satisfaction is always just out of reach and the very notion of grabbing hold of it seems like nothing more than a pipe dream. But the truth is that sincere contentment and fulfillment are never wholly the result of external events or situations. Though life’s joyful moments can ignite the spark of contentment within us, that spark is fueled by serenity long established in our souls. When we forget this, it is easy to become stuck in "if only" patterns of thought. If we concentrate on the natural serenity that exists within us, however, we can move forward unimpeded by disappointment.

The circumstances you live through each day have the potential to bring both joy and despair into your life. Relying on the reactions they awaken within you to create an emotional foundation means living on a roller coaster of feeling whose course is determined by chance. Though you may yearn for the object of your desire—be it a new job, financial health, a spouse, or some other symbol of success—you have within you the power to be happy without it. Letting go of your "if only" thinking patterns can be as easy as recognizing that inward emptiness cannot be dispelled with outer world solutions. Try creating a list of your “if only”s. Then literally and figuratively let go of the items on the list by tearing it up or burning it. This simple action can help set in motion the intention to set you free, enabling you to make a fresh and balanced start in the present, unencumbered by regrets and unfulfilled desires.

There will likely be periods in your life in which you find yourself tempted to seek a magic formula for fulfillment that is centered upon a single goal or achievement. But the ingredients that come together to form the seeds of happiness that can sustain your spirit throughout the triumphs and trials of existence come from within rather than from without. When your search for satisfaction is focused on your soul, you will never fail to find the joy you seek.

Unexpected Enlightenment

You Never Know Who You’ll Meet

Our individual journeys take us into many unexpected situations where we encounter a wide variety of people—some quite like ourselves and some very different. We cannot anticipate these meetings, but we can make the most of them when they take place. When we are courteous as a matter of course and open-minded in our assessment of the individuals whose lives briefly touch our own, we are more apt to stumble upon surprising gems of wisdom that open our eyes to new worlds of possibility. Every person we meet can affect us profoundly, just as every situation we find ourselves in can teach us something new.

To fully embrace this fact, it is essential that we acknowledge that everyone is valuable in their own way and capable of expanding our horizons. Since we never know when we will happen upon those individuals who will unveil truths before us, we should extend to all people the same generous level of kindness, care, compassion, and understanding. When we assume everyone we meet is special and treat them as such, we can develop a strong rapport quickly. By making an effort to adopt a positive attitude toward others at all times, we ensure that our emotions do not blind us to wisdom that may be lurking in difficult or distressing situations. We are accordingly receptive to knowledge that comes to us in the form of examples, advice, and direct teaching.

These brief relationships ultimately have the potential to enrich our lives in a very concrete way. But the wisdom we gain is proportional to the attention we pay to the world around us. The responsibility is on us to maintain a state of awareness that allows us to recognize when we are in the presence of someone consciously or unconsciously in possession of knowledge that will change us significantly. When we are cognizant of the potential for unexpected enlightenment, we make a habit of turning strangers into friends, thus ensuring that we are never without a font of wisdom from which to draw.

Philosophies Reflected...

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words;
it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the
choices we make are ultimately our responsibility."
-Eleanor Roosevelt

I do like to think that I have a philosophy of life. If there's congruency between my philosophy and the choices I make in life, then the world will see a person who is at peace, even when things seem to be going poorly. If there's incongruity between my philosophy and my choices, though, then I'm probably not living up to my responsibility of making choices that reflect my life view.

I make choices every day, and I hope that they'll be positive ones, choices that contribute to the peace and love and compassion in the world, even in my own small way. I hope that my feeling that life is to be lived fully will be reflected in those choices, and that I don't make choices based on whatever happens to be easiest at the moment, or on whatever will benefit me the most if it will hurt other people.

My life is out there for all to see, and I can only hope that people see a person who makes good choices that benefit the greater good, and not just himself. I have a responsibility to the world to be the best me I possibly can be, and to be genuinely and authentically me--and whether I am or not is definitely a result of the choices I make, today and every day.

If you see me live my life, I truly hope that you can get a very good idea of the philosophies that guide my life.

Not Always Easy

Meant To Be

Some of our goals and dreams come to fruition so easily that it is as if an unseen hand has done much of the work for us. When this happens, we say it must have been meant to be. On the other hand, when dreams and goals require a tremendous amount of effort, we may interpret this to mean that our dream is not meant to be. However, difficulty is not necessarily a sign that our hopes and plans are ill-fated. On the contrary, difficulties and challenges along the path can be important parts of the project’s overall meaning.

When everything goes smoothly, we feel blessed by the universe, as if a fleet of angels is guiding and supporting our every move. When things are rough or ambiguous, we sometimes feel that we have been abandoned. And yet, the truth is that we are blessed in both cases. Our angels and guides are always present. They may choose at times to back off and let us figure something out for ourselves, and this is when things seem difficult. But when things are difficult, we learn and grow in specific ways. There is a unique satisfaction that comes to us when we succeed at something that has been a challenge. Our sense of self-reliance expands, and our ability to endure and keep the faith is stronger for having been tested. We learn that we are capable of confronting and overcoming the obstacles in our path, and this empowers us to dream still bigger dreams, knowing that we will not be daunted by the challenges inherent in birthing them.

When we find ourselves facing difficulties with a particular plan or project, the chances are we know already whether we are meant to continue on or let it go. We simply need to look within ourselves for the answer. When an idea is meant to be, it comes back to us time and time again. Then we know we can go forward, no matter what challenges arise, knowing that it is meant to be.

Uncharted Territory

Feeling Lost

The beauty of being lost is the same thing that makes it scary—it asks us to look within ourselves to find the way. If we have no map, we must go on instinct, relying on our inner compass to show us which way to go. This can be scary because so much seems to be riding on it. We fear we might go too far in the wrong direction, or become paralyzed and make no progress at all. And yet, this is the very challenge we need to develop our ability to trust ourselves. We are also learning to trust that the universe will support and guide us. We may believe this intellectually, but it is only through experience that it becomes knowledge of the heart. Learning to be okay with being lost and trusting that we will be guided, we begin our journey.

We can support ourselves by confirming that we don’t need to know exactly where we are going in order to take our first steps. We are learning to feel our own way, rather than following an established path, and in doing so we learn to trust ourselves. It is this trust that connects us to the universe and reminds us that no matter how lost we feel, and even as we journey, on the inner level we are already home.

Thought to Ponder...

When you acknowledge that all people are deserving of love, compassion, consideration, and dignity, you are naturally more apt to treat them in the manner you yourself wish to be treated.

I think it goes without saying. Too bad more people don't realize this.

10-13

You Are There

In the evening
When the kettle's on for tea
An old familiar feeling settles over me
And it's your face I see
And I believe that you are there

In a garden
When I stop to touch a rose
And feel the petal soft and sweet against my nose
I smile and I suppose
That somehow maybe you are there

When I'm dreaming
And I find myself awake without a warning
Then I rub my eyes and fantasize
And all at once I realize

It's morning
And my fantasy is fading like a distant star at dawn
My dearest dream is gone
I often think there's just one thing to do
Pretend that dream is true
And tell myself that you are there

Journey to Discovery...

By making an effort to explore new ideas and experiences, we call in exciting new energy to stimulate our lives. While we may be comfortable and satisfied with our lives the way they are, we can also make an effort to explore stimulating ideas and experiences. This will simply build upon the satisfaction we already enjoy. Even small efforts to expand our horizons can infuse our lives with positive energy and make us feel more vibrant, interested, and excited about life. We then benefit from a sense of enrichment and meaning that will positively enhance the quality of our lives.

Mirror of Life...

"Life is always a mirror. Who we are at the moment is reflected ever so loudly through the experiences of the moment, and through the people we associate with and surround ourselves with. As we evolve, life reflects back different experiences, which are presented as change." -Dragon Guru

My curiosity is sparked by this, simply because it speaks absolute truth. The present experiences in our lives are always the end results of what we have been creating through our actions in the past, whether we want to believe it or not. It's easiest to see it in the people we've attracted into our lives, whatever caliber or quality they may be. What we feel we are missing or how we value ourselves at that moment is reflect back to us, more than likely it's the latter.

I've always found myself to be surrounded by wonderful, outgoing, humorous, adventurous and vibrant people, and they're still entering my life on a daily basis. It's never brought me to question why someone was presented to me, something just didn't feel right, and suddenly our paths diverged. We simply didn't resonate on the same level.

What a mystery life must be to someone that doesn't or chooses not to see that the answers to their present questions, lie not in the distant future, or in a different location, but rather right in front of them at that very moment.

Look around you, and see exactly what you've attracted into your life. The place you call home, the events of your day, and the people whom you call friends and acquaintances. Are you happy? Yes or no? If not, then change your present circumstances. Change will happen when you give yourself permission to release your white-knuckled grasp on the stories that you keep telling yourself that are only re-enforcing your present moment.

We have such potential to dream beautiful dreams, and yet we choose to suffer in the shadows of the nightmarish stories that we tell ourselves on a daily basis, that only exist in our minds.

Change your stories, change your life!

Release Control...

Making an effort to be responsive to at least one new idea helps us relinquish our need to feel control over a situation. Needing to be in charge often means that our fear of letting go overshadows everything else. Our feelings of power give us a false sense of security. We might think that things will remain constant, but change is the very essence of life. When we remember that the only thing we have control of is our minds, however, we become more open to the world around us. Change no longer scares us and we are able to feel our resistance to new ideas softening.

Honestly...

Getting in touch with the truth of our actions allows us to look at ourselves openly. It can be easy for us to rationalize our words, actions, and emotions when we simply reflect on what has occurred. True introspection, however, involves being able to see the full extent of our actions—both the positive and negative - and to accept that picture in its entirety without trying to fit our view of ourselves into an ideal. Admitting our flaws and being honest with ourselves can then bring us to a greater understanding of who we are and how we function in our relationships.

When you say good-bye to someone or decide not to see them again,
remember you are a moment in their story.
Make it a story that doesn't leave a scar.

Haven't met you yet

I'm not surprised
Not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times
I stop keeping track.
Talk myself in
I talk myself out
I get all worked up
And then I let myself down.

I tried so very hard not to lose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought I thought of every possibility

And I know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait
I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing
And the other half's luck
Wherever you are
Whenever it's right
You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazing
And baby your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

And somehow I know that it will all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all's fair
In love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right
And we'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazing
And being in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

Oh you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
Yeah I just haven't met you yet

I said love love love love love love love
I just haven't met you yet

Hidden Gems

Experiences We Don't Understand

Sometimes we have an experience that we don’t understand, but if we look deeply, or wait long enough, a reason for that experience will usually reveal itself. All the events in our lives lead to other events, and all that we have manifested in this present moment is the result of past events and experiences. We cannot easily tease apart the many threads that have been woven together to create our current reality. Experiences that don’t make sense, as well as any that we regret, are just as responsible for the good things in our lives as the experiences we do understand or label as "good."

This is especially important to remember at times when we feel directionless or unsure of what to do. It is often at times like these that we take a job or move to a place without really knowing if it’s the right thing to do. We may ultimately end up leaving the job or the place, but often during that time we will have met someone who becomes an important friend, or we may have an experience that changes us in a profound way. When all the pieces of our life don’t quite make sense, we can remember that there may be some hidden gem of a reason that we are where we are having the experiences we are having.

It’s fun to look back on past experiences with an eye to uncovering those gems—the dreadful temporary job in a bland office building that introduced you to the love of your life; the roommate you couldn’t tolerate who gave you a book that changed your life; the time spent living in a city you didn’t like that led you into a deeper relationship with yourself. Remembering these past experiences can restore our faith in the present. Life is full of buried treasures. Chances are, you’re sitting on some right now.

...

Once in a While

From bad luck, I'm walkin' away
I'm not gettin' stuck, I'm not gonna stay
To good things, I'm movin' ahead
I'm tired of dyin' an' I'm livin' instead

Once in a while I'll wake up
Wonderin' why we gave up
But once in a while
Comes and it fades away

The sun's up and lightin' the sky
I never could see it, it just passed me by
Good things keep movin' along
I'm not lookin' backward for something that's gone

Once in a while I'll wake up
Wonderin' why we gave up?
But once in a while
Comes and fades away

I don't know what love is? It's weird and it's hazy
And when I get scared, I can act like I'm crazy
When I think of your kisses, I'm still gonna smile
I'm still gonna miss you once in a while

Once in a while I'll wake up
Wonderin' why we gave up?
But once in a while
Comes and it fades away

Good things keep movin' ahead
I'm tired of dyin', I'm livin' instead

Am I a Fish?

"The fish in the water is never thirsty..."

So why do humans hunger for Love? We are surrounded by it, and it's even inside of us. I guess we just have to realize it. In order to see what we are, we must first see what we are not. :)

What a beautiful day it's turned out to be, and an even better evening coming up! :)

Raincoat

Lyrics By: Kelly Sweet

Raindrops bang like rocks
On my windowpane
I thought they'd never stop
Never see the sun again

And I've been sleeping in
For way too long
Wake up, enough's enough
Yeah, those days are gone

I'm gonna throw out my raincoat
I hope it's all right
Gonna go find me a rainbow
And hang it up in the sky
Blues pass me by

You left me a wreck
Just like a rusty trombone
But some things, they just sting
Enough to move you along

I'm gonna throw out my raincoat
I hope it's all right
Gonna go find me a rainbow
And hang it up in the sky
Blues pass me by

I'm not gonna wait around
I'm throwin' this old thing out
Blues, blues, blues pass me by
I don't need those blues hanging around

Let Go and Let Flow

Taking a Leap of Faith

Many people, in heeding the guidance of their souls, find themselves contemplating goals that seem outrageous or unattainable. In the mind’s eye, these individuals stand at the edge of a precipice and look out over the abyss at the fruit of their ambition. Some resist the urge to jump, paralyzed by the gap between their current circumstances and the life of their dreams. Others make a leap of faith into the unknown, unsure of what they will encounter but certain that they will gain more in their attempts than they would bowing to self-protective instincts. This leap can be exceedingly difficult for individuals with control issues because the act of embracing uncertainty requires them to trust that surrender will net them the rewards they seek. Yet when you make a leap of faith, believing without a doubt that you will land safely on the other side, you can accomplish almost anything you set out to do.

There have no doubt been times in your life when you chose to go where the universal flow took you. Yet you may encounter instances in which your objectives require you to step outside of the boundaries of your established comfort zone so that you may freely and actively jettison yourself into a new phase of your life. While you may fear what seems to be the inevitable fall, consider that in all likelihood you will find yourself flying. A successful leap of faith requires your attention, as it is the quiet and often indistinct voice of your inner self that will point you toward your ultimate destination. Understand that the leap across the chasm of ambiguity may challenge you in unforeseen ways but you will make it across if you trust yourself.

Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion.

Pondering Sex...

Sex is really easy.
There is sex everywhere.
Watching others, wanting others, getting others, doing others...
Though, it doesn't really mean too much.

Now love, love is the difficult thing to find.
Even if you are looking for it, which not too many people are.
And, even if you found it, which not too many people do.
Even if it was right there in front of you...

No; how could you possibly see it with all the sex in the way?
It really takes some guts to want love, find love and keep love!

Priceless Gifts

That Don't Cost A Cent

THE GIFT OF LISTENING But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you".

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT A simple and sincere, "You look great in red", "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

Before you say anything to anyone, ask yourself 3 things:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?

Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully.

Never miss the opportunity to compliment or say something encouraging to someone.

Refuse to talk negatively about others; don't gossip and don't listen to gossip.

Have a forgiving view of people. Believe that most people are doing the best they can.

Keep an open mind; discuss, but don't argue. (It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.)

Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1,000 before doing or saying anything that could make matters worse.

Let your virtues speak for themselves.

If someone criticizes you, see if there is any TRUTH to what the person is saying; if so, make changes. If there is no truth to the criticism, ignore it and live so that no one will believe the negative remark.

Cultivate your sense of humor; laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

Do not seek so much to be consoled, as to console; do not seek so much to be understood, as to understand; do not seek so much to be loved as to love.

Reflections Of...

The Way Things Used To Be...

I've spent a great deal of my life focusing on my fears, worries, and frustrations, guided more by my ideas of my limitations rather than my potential. As more things went "wrong" for me, I grew in this tendency and focused even less and less on my hopes and dreams. After all, other people's hopes and dreams came true, but definitely not mine. This was really silly.

I know now that my focus on my fears was what caused most of my fears to become reality. When I met someone I was interested in, for example, I feared that the relationship would never last--and guess what? I spent my time focused on that fear and did my best to force things to happen that would make it last, and that was a strategy that was doomed to failure from the beginning.

Now I know that my failures are simply learning experiences, and I usually don't allow them to determine how I act in new situations. I say "usually" because I find that such a dramatic change is something that works gradually. I tend now to focus on my potential to make my hopes and dreams come true, on the possibilities in my life rather than on the limitations. If I want to do something now, I focus on finding ways of doing it rather than on things that I think will go wrong to prevent me from doing it.
And it's that focus that allows things to happen. That focus is the energy that we create, the energy of possibility and potential--and that energy is positive energy that helps us to create the things we want and need, to make things happen that we wish to have happen. If I believe it can happen and act that way, then it can happen. It's that simple. I wish I had known this years ago. . . .

To be ambitious for wealth, and yet always expecting to be poor, to be always doubting your ability to get what you long for, is like trying to reach east by traveling west. . . . No matter how hard you work for success, if your thought is saturated with the fear of failure, it will kill your efforts, neutralize your endeavors, and make success impossible.

Here's a big CHEERS to the brand new groundbreaking project that's going to change the world. ME!
I Love ME!

Finding Joy in Life's Surprises

Releasing Our Expectations

As we endeavor to find personal fulfillment and realize our individual ideals, we naturally form emotional attachments to those outcomes we hope will come to pass. These expectations can serve as a source of stability, allowing us to draft plans based on our visions of the future, but they can also limit our potential for happiness by blinding us to equally satisfying yet unexpected outcomes. Instead of taking pleasure in the surprising circumstances unfolding around us, we mourn for the anticipation left unfulfilled. When we think of letting go of our expectations, we may find ourselves at the mercy of a small inner voice that admonishes us to strive for specific goals, even if they continually elude us. However, the opposite of expectation is not pessimism. We can retain our optimism and free ourselves from the need to focus on specific probabilities by opening our hearts and minds to a wide variety of possible outcomes.

When we expect a situation, event, or confrontation to unfold in a certain way, it becomes more difficult to enjoy the surprises that have the potential to become profound blessings. Likewise, we may feel that we failed to meet our inner objectives because we were unable to bring about the desired results through our choices and actions. Consider, though, that we are all at the mercy of the universal flow, and our best intentions are often thwarted by fate. As we grow increasingly open to unforeseen outcomes, we will be more apt to look for and recognize the positive elements of our new circumstances. This receptivity to the unexpected can serve us well when we are called upon to compromise with others, our life plans seem to go awry, or the world moves forward in an unanticipated manner by granting us the flexibility to see the positive aspects of almost any outcome.

The further we distance ourselfves from our expectations, the more exhilarating our lives will become. Though a situation in which you find yourself may not correspond to our initial wants, needs, or goals, ask yourself how you can make the most of it and then do your best to adapt. Your life’s journey will likely take many unpredicted and astonishing twists because you are willing to release your expectations.

Spreading Your Light

How You Affect Others Daily

As the pace and fullness of modern life serve to isolate us from one another, the contact we do share becomes vastly more significant. We unconsciously absorb each other’s energy, adopting the temperament of those with whom we share close quarters, and find ourselves changed after the briefest encounters. Everything we do or say has the potential to affect not only the individuals we live, work, and play with but also those we’ve just met. Though we may never know the impact we have had or the scope of our influence, accepting and understanding that our attitudes and choices will affect others can help us remember to conduct ourselves with grace at all times. When we seek always to be friendly, helpful, and responsive, we effortlessly create an atmosphere around ourselves that is both uplifting and inspiring.

Most people rarely give thought to the effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our awareness of the effect we ultimately have. Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person’s entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other’s lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.

To ensure that the effect we have is positive, we must strive to stay true to ourselves while realizing that it is the demeanor we project and not the quality of our wondrous inner landscapes that people see. Thus, as we interact with others, how we behave can be as important as who we are. If we project our passion for life, our warmth, and our tolerance in our facial features, voice, and choice of words, every person who enters our circle of influence will leave our presence feeling at peace with themselves and with us. You never know whose life you are affecting, big or small.

Making Life Yours

Perception

There is no secret recipe for happiness and contentment. The individuals who move through life joyously have not necessarily been blessed with lives of abundance, love, success, and prosperity. Such people have, however, been blessed with the ability to take the circumstances they’ve been handed and make them into something great. Our individual realities are colored by perception—delight and despair come from within rather than without. Situations we regard as fortuitous please us while situations we judge inauspicious cause us no end of grief. Yet if we can look at all we have accomplished without dwelling on our perceived misfortune and make each new circumstance our own, the world as a whole becomes a brighter place. A simple shift in attitude can help us recognize and unearth the hidden potential for personal and outer world fulfillment in every event, every relationship, every duty, and every setback.

The universe is often an unpredictable and chaotic place, and the human tendency is to focus on the negative and assume the positive will care for itself. But life can be no more or no less than what you make of it. If you are working in a job you dislike, you can concentrate on the positive aspects of the position and approach your work with gusto. What can you do with this job that can turn it around so you do love it. When faced with the prospect of undertaking a task you fear, you can view it as an opportunity to discover what you are truly capable of doing. Similarly, unexpected events, when viewed as surprises, can add flavor to your existence. By choosing to love life no matter what crosses your path, you can create an atmosphere of jubilance that is wonderfully infectious. A change in perspective is all it takes to change your world, but you must be willing to adopt an optimistic, hopeful mind-set.

To make a conscious decision to be happy is not enough. You must learn to observe life’s complexities through the eyes of a child seeing everything for the first time. You must furthermore divest yourself of preconceived notions of what is good and what is bad so that you can appreciate the rich insights concealed in each stage of your life’s journey. And you must strive to discover the dual joys of wanting what you have. As you gradually shift your perspective, your existence will be imbued with happiness and contentment that will remain with you forever.

Open and Listening...

For better or worse, much of the world we experience is dominated and controlled by human beings. We spend our days in houses, cars, and buildings, and inside these structures, we are in control. We assert our wills and manipulate our environment. Within the context of the human world, this is natural. However, we often carry this attitude with us into the world of nature. We forget as we enter the forest, or sit on the edge of a pond, that we are moving into another realm, one that asks us to drop our baggage and surrender to a different sense of order and meaning.

When we move from our everyday world into the world of nature, we may not even notice at first. We might continue talking loudly into our cell phone or to a friend that is with us. We might walk quickly as if we are on a busy city street, our eyes downcast, our thoughts hectic and hurried. In the best case, if we are sensitive to our environment, we will soon notice that it has changed. We may hear ducks calling, or wind moving through the leaves on a tree. If we notice the shift, we will naturally shift as well. If we don’t, we may get all the way through a beautiful park without having lowered our voices. Next time you find yourself in the presence of wildlife—even if it’s just a duck pond in the midst of urban hustle—try to move into a receptive state of openness and listening, no matter how much or how little time you have. Allow yourself to be captivated and calmed by the energy of the wildlife that covers this earth. Teaching our children to be respectful of nature and and to stop and observe is a gift they can always cherish

We preserve pockets of nature in our urban centers and large expanses of nature in our national parks because of the magic we feel in its presence. It reminds us of our smallness and calls us back to a deeper, quieter part of ourselves. When we honor nature by being respectful in its presence, we honor the mystery and wild beauty of our origin.

Whimsical and Unconventional

Trying to incorporate unusual or even quirky elements into our routine helps us strike out into the unknown and add more interest to our lives. So often it becomes easy to stay within our boundaries and keep to the same habits. When we occasionally follow our caprices, however, we find that we end up opening our minds, hearts, and spirits to something new. Our lives take on a different dimension because we make the effort to step out of ourselves and into a different world. When we infuse some element of the unusual into our lives, we will notice that our lives will become more playful, rich, and full of wonderful and unexpected surprises.

The Permanence of Permanence...

Putting our trust in the universe allows us to let go of our worries and let it take care of us. It is natural for us to hold onto what we have, but in reality nothing in our lives is permanent things will change not matter what we do. When we understand this and recognize that the universe is a source of abundance and will never let us down, we can let go of our concerns and handle our lives in a way that is not only sensible but also healthy.

Regrets, Anyone? Regrets??? Why?

One Way To Find Out
You Never Know Until You Try

When contemplating whether to do something or not, a plucky voice in our heads may say, "You never know until you try." This is time-honored wisdom that encourages us to be game rather than to hold back. It reminds us that it is only through experience that we learn about this world and ourselves. Even if we regret the outcome, we have learned something, and the newfound knowledge is almost always worth it.

This wisdom can be applied to situations both large and small. From crossing the Atlantic on a boat to trying Ethiopian food, there’s only one way to find out what it’s like. We have all had experiences where we tried something we didn’t think we’d like and fell in love. We may have found ourselves stuck with nothing to read but a "boring" book, only to kick-start a lifelong passion for Victorian literature. We may have decided that sailing was not for us until we fell in love with someone with a boat. On the other hand, we may try tofu only to learn that it is truly not for us. In this case, we gain greater self-knowledge from the experience. And yet, we might still remain open to trying it prepared in a different way. The right marinade might make you a convert—you’ll never know if you don’t try it.

It is often said that at the end of our lives we are more likely to regret the things we did not do than the things we did. As an exercise to test your own willingness to discover through doing, try making a list of things you regret not having done. You may begin to notice patterns such as a failure to say what you really think at key moments or closed-mindedness to certain types of activities. Just being aware of the opportunities you missed might encourage you not to miss them again. There’s only one way to find out.

FREE TO BE HAPPY!!!

When we look to our youth to rediscover the lightheartedness that once allowed us to enjoy an unadulterated sense of awe while interacting with the world, we find that we are still very much equipped to experience wonder and admiration. The key to being carefree is recognizing that there will always be foibles unfolding in our lives, and we should not let these interfere with our ability to be happy. It is entirely possible to retain a modicum of innocence while still seeing to our myriad adult responsibilities. In fact, the more vigilant we are about making sure that we have plenty of uncorrupted free time at our disposal, the easier it will be for us to kick back and enjoy ourselves in the midst of modern life's chaos.

IDEAS UPON IDEAS...

Collaboration cannot happen without proper, effective communication, as it is the free exchange of ideas that fuels the fire of cooperation. When we find ourselves in the presence of likeminded individuals whose goals are similar to our own, the thoughts and feelings we share excite us intellectually and awaken our enthusiasm for the task at hand. We want to spend time with such people, no matter what we are doing, because the ideas they put before us inspire us to be as innovative and imaginative as possible. Even if we are unsure as to how best to proceed, our partners will likely have a clear notion of the path ahead or they will be able to help us distill the product of our brainstorms into workable plans of action.

For All That You Are...

Allowing Our Loved Ones To Be Human
Putting People on a Pedestal

When we fall in love with someone or make a new friend, we sometimes see that person in a glowing light. Their good qualities dominate the foreground of our perception and their negative qualities. They just don’t seem to have any. This temporary state of grace is commonly known as putting someone on a pedestal. Often times we put spiritual leaders and our gurus on pedestals. We have all done this to someone at one time or another, and as long as we remember that no one is actually “perfect,” the pedestal phase of a relationship can be enjoyed for what it is—a phase. It’s when we actually believe our own projection that troubles arise.

Everyone has problems, flaws, and blind spots, just as we do. When we entertain the illusion that someone is perfect, we don’t allow them room to be human, so when they make an error in judgment or act in contradiction to our idea of perfection, we become disillusioned. We may get angry or distance ourselves in response. In the end, they are not to blame for the fact that we idealized them. Granted, they may have enjoyed seeing themselves as perfect through our eyes, but we are the ones who chose to believe an illusion. If you go through this process enough times, you learn that no one is perfect. We are all a combination of divine and human qualities and we all struggle. When we treat the people we love with this awareness, we actually allow for a much greater intimacy than when we held them aloft on an airy throne. The moment you see through your idealized projection is the moment you begin to see your loved one as he or she truly is.

We cannot truly connect with a person when we idealize them. In life, there are no pedestals—we are all walking on the same ground together. When we realize this, we can own our own divinity and our humanity. This is the key to balance and wholeness within ourselves and our relationships.

Life's Simpler Joys

There is great potential for happiness hidden in our day-to-day existence, and fully realizing this veiled joy is often little more than a matter of savoring each of our experiences to the fullest extent possible. When we regard the happenings that define our days as ordinary or insignificant, we inadvertently rob them of any meaning they might have conveyed. Yet the ordinary becomes extraordinary each time we admit to ourselves that life’s smallest pleasures and most commonplace events can touch us deeply. As we learn to appreciate and enjoy the world around us, we begin to see that we need not go in search of fun because there is so much of it to be had in the experiences that make up our lives in the present.

Within...

Though many people associate feelings of inner harmony with the convergence of certain specific outer-world conditions, we can, in fact, enjoy a sense of bliss no matter the nature of the circumstances unfolding around us. Finding harmony in our own lives is a matter of first accepting that there will always be stressors present in our environment and then recognizing that we are capable of drawing forth serenity from within ourselves at will. This means that we can feel idyllic and happy anywhere, at any time in our lives, without having to hope that conditions will be right. Sustaining this lasting harmony is a matter of both knowing that our lives are developing as they should and understanding that we should be proud of the progress we have made.

Free From Negativity...

Keeping our conversations free from negativity helps us engage in encouraging and affirming interactions. Many of the topics we discuss with others can focus on information that is damaging to ourselves and those we interact with. It can be so easy to talk behind others’ backs or form friendships based on mutual criticisms. But when we set the intention to speak about positive subjects, our focus turns toward achieving greater meaning through our interactions. Conversations become more pleasing to ourselves and others, and our friendships strengthen as a result. We begin to explore topics that serve the purpose of growing our relationship and nurturing our spirit.

It's the Little Things...

Small Gestures Make a Big Difference
Common Courtesy

We often feel that we don’t have the time or energy to extend ourselves to others with the small gestures that compose what we call common courtesy. It sometimes seems that this kind of social awareness belongs to the past, to smaller towns and slower times. Yet, when someone extends this kind of courtesy to us, we always feel touched. Someone who lends a helping hand when we are struggling with our groceries makes an impression because many people just walk right by. Even someone who simply makes the effort to look us in the eye, smile, and greet us properly when entering a room stands out of the crowd. It seems these people carry with them the elegance and grace of another time, and we are always thankful for our contact with them. Common courtesy is a small gesture that makes a big difference.

An essential component of common courtesy is awareness and common sense—looking outside yourself to see when someone needs help or acknowledgment. As a courteous person, you are aware that you are walking into a room full of people or that your waiter has arrived to take your order. Then, awareness leads to action. It is usually quite clear what needs to be done—open the door for the woman holding the baby, move your car up two feet so another person can park behind you, acknowledge your sister’s shy boyfriend with a smile and some conversation, apologize if you bump into someone. A third component is to give courtesy freely, without expecting anything in return. People may not even take notice, much less return the kindness, but you can take heart in the fact that you are creating the kind of world you want to live in with your actions.

When you are out in the world, remember to be aware of others, lend your hand when one is needed, and give this help without an ulterior motive. Through these small actions, you make this world a better place in which to live.

THE KID IN US ALL...

Play is an important part of adult life because it provides us with an outlet through which we can relax and rejuvenate ourselves in a less than structured way. We are required to adhere to schedules and specific methodologies in so many areas of existence, and the need to be consistently organized can exhaust and overwhelm us. When we play, we are free to exercise our imaginative minds in a variety of ways, and we can choose how we will handle the complexities inherent in the forms of recreation we like best. The games we enjoy can be as tiring as work itself, yet the freedom we are allowed to wield as we have our fun provides us with a welcome break from the rigidity of day to day living.

Friends...

Gifts We Give Ourselves
Friends

Good friends enrich our lives in so many ways. Through a magical combination of similarities and differences, friends offer us the opportunity to know ourselves as we are and help us grow into who we want to be. Our similarities attract us to each other, comforting us with familiarity when we see ourselves in them. When we are drawn to those we admire, the same recognition is at work, unconsciously acknowledging that these people possess qualities that we ourselves possess. By acting as mirrors, friends help us define who we are by reflecting our selves back to us.

Friends also help us know ourselves through our differences. Differences allow us to see other options and make choices about who we want to be. Sometimes we are drawn to those who appear to be our opposites, and we learn to accept the parts of them we love and the parts of them that don’t resonate with us, thus allowing us a valuable learning experience. By expanding our understanding to include others’ experiences, friends help us accept others. By understanding when someone’s life differs from our own, we can learn about ourselves in contrast. There are times when we see in friends what we don’t like about ourselves. That mirror reflection may be hard to take, but a good friend helps us find ways we can change and supports us in that choice.

Part of the joy of friendship is the feeling that we are accepted just the way we are, with no need to change. It is a gift they give us, and one we can give back every day. Ultimately, we choose friends because they make us feel good about ourselves and life. Through tears and difficulties, friends help us find the laughter. When we find those special people who offer us that perfect combination of comfort and stimulus to grow, we are very fortunate. Friends, those wonderful companions that walk with us through life, help us define and refine who we are and who we choose to be every day.

On...

Fulfillment...

We instinctively know when we are ready to intensify our search for fulfillment because we can sense that we have prepared ourselves adequately for the challenges that lie ahead. The contingencies that might otherwise have dampened our spirits or halted our progress have been accounted for in our long-term plans, and we are thus unafraid to meet these unexpected circumstances. While we understand that we cannot prepare ourselves for every difficult detail or situation we may encounter, we nonetheless feel confident that we can cope with that which will weigh heavily on our hearts. Once we have carefully thought through the path ahead and gathered all we will need to best it, we can move forward without fear.

A New Poem...

Here's a new one written just now!!!
Enjoy, all comments and critiques are welcome!
Mike


The Relationship Dichotomy
By: Michael A. Cordova

Do we begin with love,
or do we begin with lust?
Or is it an ever-evolving,
teetering and overlapping
mesh that is becoming of
life's dichotomy of love and lust?

Will we ever learn
to be happy with what we have,
rather than always lusting
after that which we do not?

Is there even a remote chance
that man can change his ways?

Do we begin with lust,
or do we begin with love?
As plaguing as this question is,
it has been asked time and time,
and to this day, it has yet
to garner an answer worth noting.

It all comes down to what I know within,
and what I feel is right.
When I live life from within my heart,
I forget to follow with my sight.

And the answer reveals itself:
When TRUE LOVE exists, lust cannot.

(April 27,2009)

You Are The Best Thing...

*You Are The Best Thing...

Baby, it's been a long day,
baby, things ain't been going my way.
You know I need you here,
here by my side,
all of the time.

And baby, the way you move me it's crazy,
it's like you see right through me.
And you make it easier,
to please me,
and you don't even have to try.

Because, you are the best thing,
you are the best thing,
you are the best thing,
that ever happened to me.

Baby, we've come a long way,
baby, you know I hope and I pray,
that you believe me,
when I say this love will never fade away.

Because, you are the best thing,
you are the best thing,
you are the best thing,
that ever happened to me.

Now, both of us have known love before,
to come on up promising,
like the spring,just walk on out the door.
Our hearts are strong and our hearts are kind,
well, let me tell you what exactly is on my mind.

You are the best thing,
you are the best thing,
you are the best thing,
that ever happened to me.

Paths We Are Treading...

As we search for significance in our earthy incarnations, we should always make it a point to remember that the beliefs and ideals that add value to our lives will be unique to our existence. Though exploration is an important part of the lengthy journey toward eventual enlightenment, we should not feel that we must take to heart every piece of wisdom we come across. Some profundities and virtues that others embrace may serve no practical purpose when viewed in the context of our individual needs. People may attempt to coerce us into adopting their worldview as our own, but the strength of our principles and our commitment to a course of individuality will serve to protect us from their influences. Our search for meaning can take us in many directions, but we must remember that it is entirely up to each of us to decide which paths we will tread.

Let The Sun Shine In...

The Sun Is Always Shining
Remember the Sun

There are times when gloom or darkness causes us to momentarily lose sight of the light. Although it is at these times when the thought of the sun can help us. Its warm, glowing rays brighten even our thoughts, and it’s good to remember that despite appearances the sun is shining right now. We may not be able to see it at this very moment, but if clouds block our view, they are only filtering the sun’s light temporarily. If darkness has fallen, we know that the sun is still shining at this very moment somewhere not too far away, and it’s only a matter of time before it will shine on us again.

When we remember that the sun is still shining, we know that things are still in motion in the universe. Even if life feels like it is at a standstill, sometimes all we need to do is have faith and wait for the time when everything is in its perfect place. Or we can we can choose to follow the cues of the sun and continue doing our work and shining our light, even when we can’t yet see results. In doing so we exercise our patience, making sure we are prepared when opportunity knocks and all other elements are in their right and perfect places.

The sun also reminds us that our own shining truth is never extinguished. Our light shines within us at all times, no matter what else occurs around us. Though the sun gives us daily proof of its existence, sometimes our belief in our own light requires more time. If we think back, however, we can find moments when it showed itself and trust that we will see it again. Like the sun, our light is the energy that connects us to the movements of the universe and the cycles of life and is present at all times, whether we feel its glow or not.

Pedestals???

The love, respect, and esteem we feel for others are motivated by a wide range of feelings, which means that the inspiration that lies behind our appreciation will seldom be rooted in notions of perfection. As a result of this, we gain little when we idealize our loved ones. Putting the people we care about on a pedestal can make normal interactions difficult because we either begin to feel unworthy of the notice of friends and family or are disappointed when these individuals do not live up to our expectations. When we choose to love others, understanding that they have faults and failings like all human beings, we are better prepared to appreciate the wonderful qualities they bring to our relationships.

Focus on the Good

Raise Your Vibration

Everything in the universe is made of energy. What differentiates one form of energy from another is the speed at which it vibrates. For example, light vibrates at a very high frequency, and something like a rock vibrates at a lower frequency but a frequency nonetheless. Human beings also vibrate at different frequencies. Our thoughts and feelings can determine the frequency at which we vibrate, and our vibration goes out into the world and attracts to us energy moving at a similar frequency. This is one of the ways that we create our own reality, which is why we can cause a positive shift in our lives by raising our vibration.

We all know someone we think of as vibrant. Vibrant literally means “vibrating very rapidly.” The people who strike us as vibrant are vibrating at a high frequency, and they can inspire us as we work to raise our vibration. On the other hand, we all know people that are very negative or cynical. These people are vibrating at a lower frequency. They can also be an inspiration because they can show us where we don’t want to be vibrating and why. To discover where you are in terms of vibrancy, consider where you fall on a scale between the most pessimistic person you know and the most vibrant. This is not in order to pass judgment, but rather it is important to know where you are as you begin working to raise your frequency so that you can notice and appreciate your progress.

There are many ways to raise your vibration, from working with affirmations to visualizing enlightened entities during meditation. One of the most practical ways to raise your vibration is to consciously choose where you focus your attention. To understand how powerful this is, take five minutes to describe something you love unreservedly—a person, a movie, an experience. When your five minutes are up, you will noticeably feel more positive and even lighter. If you want to keep raising your vibration, you might want to commit to spending five minutes every day focusing on the good in your life. As you do this, you will train yourself to be more awake and alive. Over time, you will experience a permanent shift in your vibrancy.

April Fool's Day

April Fools' Day

The term "All Fools," was probably meant as a deliberate stab at All Saints (November 1) and All Souls (November 2) Day. Although the origin of playing practical jokes and pranks on this day is hazy, many folklorists believe it may go back to 16th-century France. At that time, New Year's Day was March 25, with a full week of partying and exchanging gifts until April 1. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar moved New Year's Day to January 1. Those who forgot or refused to honor the new calendar were the butts of jokes and ridicule. Weather folklore states, "If it thunders on All Fools Day, it brings good crops of corn and hay."

Over And Over Again

Having The Same Experiences

There may be times in our lives when it seems like we keep having the same kinds of experiences. The situation or the people involved may be different each time, yet one experience may feel exactly like the last one and the one before that one. Perhaps we left a job where we were unhappy and we find ourselves experiencing similar challenges in our new job. A relationship with a new romantic partner may start to seem a lot like our old relationship and the problems that we thought we had left behind. We may feel disappointed or frustrated and wonder why the same situations and people keep showing up in our lives. The truth is that the same kinds of experiences don’t keep happening to us. After all, the circumstances and the people involved are always different. We keep having the same kinds of experiences.

Subconsciously, there is great value to be had in experiencing life in the same ways until we are ready to have different experiences. Perhaps we feel unworthy of happiness, or worry that we can’t get a break. Our experiences tend to reflect what we believe about life. After all, most of us don’t like to be proven wrong. We may even derive satisfaction in being right or experience a sense of safety every time we confirm to ourselves that know the way the world works. We may choose a relationship partner who is very different from our last significant other and hope that this time love will turn out differently. Yet as long as we hold whatever beliefs we have that limit the good we can experience in our relationships, we will create the same dynamic of limited happiness with any partner.

We bring ourselves and our beliefs to every situation. If we can figure out which of our beliefs are no longer serving us, we can consciously change those beliefs, make new choices, and start having new kinds of experiences that are in line with what we want in life.

New Poetry Addition...

*In Shining Armor...
By: Michael A. Cordova

There is a truth,
a reality that flies,
amongst the dreams and hopes never quite reached.

There is something there,
existing deep within,
resounding with exaltation of being.

A beauty in its purest form,
my appreciation of,
is never greater, nor has it ever been.

With each glimpse of your light,
my life becomes a blossoming rose,
as I open myself completely to you.

But,
You wear beautiful shining armor,
a protective second skin,
that also hides you from the world outside.

A shelter from the storm,
but through these plates,
one cannot possibly see the true beauty of you.

This shining armor,
one day you'll shed,
to reveal your truth and share your light with me.

Jan 15, 09

Something to Ponder...

We cannot make our lives gifts to other people if we don't risk some unpleasantness. We can't use our powers for the good of the world if we keep them to ourselves, hidden behind walls that we've erected for "safety," hiding from the possibility of being hurt. We will be hurt, but how we see that hurt is what determines whether we learn from it or allow it to debilitate us.

Red-Neck Definitions...

32 Red-Neck Definitions!!!

1.Terminal Illness - Getting sick at the airport.

2.Tumor - More than one.

3.Cauterize - Made eye contact with her.

4.Nitrates - Cheaper than day rates.

5.Pelvis - Second cousin to Elvis.

6.Barium - What doctors do when patients die.

7.Dilate - To live long.

8.Benign - What you be after you be eight.

9.Genital - Non-Jewish person.

10.Node - I knew it.

11.Morbid - A higher offer than I bid.

12.Seizure - Roman emperor.

13.Labor Pain - Getting hurt at work.

14.Enema - Not a friend.

15.Tablet - A small table.

16.Medical Staff - A Doctor's cane.

17.Secretion - Hiding something

18.Hangnail - What you hang your coat on.

19.Impotent - Distinguished, well known.

20.Varicose - Near by/close by

21.Colic - A sheep dog.

22.Catscan - Searching for Kitty.

23.D&C - Where Washington is.

24.Coma - A punctuation mark.

25.Cesarean Section - A neighborhood in Rome.

26.G.I.Series - World Series of military baseball.

27.Recovery Room - Place to do upholstery.

28.Fester - Quicker than someone else.

29.Post Operative - A letter carrier.

30.Bacteria - Back door to cafeteria

31.Outpatient - A person who has fainted.

32.Fibula - A small lie.

The Four Agreements...

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using
the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about
others. Use the power of your word in the direction of
truth and love.

DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do
is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When
you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you
won't be the victim of needless suffering.

DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you
really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can
to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just
this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will
be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under
any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid
self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

I DON'T KNOW!!!

Honest Wisdom
The Power of Not Knowing

There is wisdom in not knowing, and it is a wise person who can say, "I don't know." For no one knows everything. There are many types of wisdom - from intellectual to emotional to physical intelligence. Yet, even deemed experts in their fields do not know all there is to know about mathematics, yoga, literature, psychology, or art. It is a true master who professes ignorance, for only an empty vessel can be filled.

There are many things in life that we don't know, and there are many things we may have no interest in finding out. There is freedom in saying "I don’t know." When we admit that we don't know something, we can then open ourselves up to the opportunity to learn. And there is power in that. We can’t possibly know everything. And when we think we do, we limit ourselves from growing and learning more than what we already do know. A person who can admit to not knowing tends to be more intellectually and emotionally confident than someone who pretends to know everything. They also tend to be more comfortable with who they are and don’t feel the need to bluff or cover up any perceived ignorance. People can actually end up appearing more foolish when they act as if they know something that they don't.

We would be wise to respect people who freely admit when they don't know something. They are being honest, with us and with themselves. And we, too, should feel no shame in saying, "I don't know." In doing so, we open ourselves up to the unknown. We can then discover what lies beyond our current levels of understanding. It is the wise person in life that answers questions with a question and inspires the pursuit of internal answers with a funny face, a shrug, and a comical, "I don't know."