It's the pot calling the kettle black!

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Yes I know, it's do as I say not as I do.  I was always confused when confronted with this mentality.  Not because I was so opposed to doing what was being asked of me, but by the sheer stupidity of the person taking the stand of "just do as I say".  I wish I could say that I was free from this having taken place in my life, but alas I am human and a father, and I have  used this line a few times in the past.  It is the perfect example of the pot calling the kettle black, and I will say that I am guilty.  Most of the time I would use the phrase simply because I was not in the mood to have a discussion with my daughter about the merits of her doing what I was asking.  Other times it was simply because I was frustrated and didn't want to have to debate what I was needing to get done.  However my frustration was not with her, but rather will issues that I was dealing with, but I allowed it to dictate my actions.

What I want to focus on this morning is how we sometimes allow our own frustrations to dictate our actions, and more often then not those actions have a direct impact on others.   It would be wonderful if we were all so evolved that the little things in life no longer bothered us, thus releasing us from the need to transfer our frustrations onto others.  If you look at the modern day workplace you can see this type of thing each and every day.  The old adage that "Shit rolls downhill" comes to mind.  Your boss had come down on you because his came down on him, and now you come down on your workers.  It's not that they have done anything wrong, but if you have to be in misery, then you are going to have others there to keep you company. This goes on everyday, and it can lead to madness.  We transfer our frustrations in so many different ways.  If I am driving and something has set me off in the relationship department, I am just looking for that poor idiotic driver to unleash the torrent of frustration onto.  It's not that they did anything wrong, but it was a good excuse for me to blow off some steam on something that ultimately means nothing.  Is the world really going to come to an end simply because he decided to turn on his blinker after he has stopped at the intersection at a light and after I have pulled in behind him?  No it''s not that the driver didn't do what was right, it's me who is dealing with an entirely different issue.  This driver has no idea what frustrations I am operating under, but he/she is still going to get the brunt of my frustrations.  But funny thing, I'm the one calling him an idiot because of their failure to use proper techniques, when in actuality I am the one who needs a swift kick in the ass.

I will bet you dimes to donuts that the majority of time that we lash out at others is simply because we have not been able to deal with our own frustrations, and this is often the only way we have to handle the situation.  If on the other hand you were able to stop the frustration, then would you not also stop the lashing out at others?  Here in lies the key to today's lesson boys and girls:  stop taking things so personally, and stop being a d*#khead.  Our frustration level is the greatest indicator that we are not yet able to blow off the words spoken about us, the actions taken against us, or our own ability to simply let bygones by bygones and be in a place of perfect peace.  I wish I could tell you that I have gotten to this point in my life, I have not.  Now most of the time I am able to realize that I am taking things far to seriously and that is the time that I have to remind myself that I control my emotions and I should never let others take that control from me.

When I am faced with situations that may lead to my own frustration I simply quiet myself down, meditate for a few minutes, and let go of those feelings.  I have had to teach myself not to take myself so seriously, and when I can do that, the frustration and corresponding negative actions seem to stop immediately.   Now don't get me wrong, I am far from being perfect in these situations, but I have come a long way since the days of "do as I say not as I do."  We all have our good and bad days, but bad days are something that we can contend with and turn around if we will just realize that we are the ones who can control our emotions.  If you find yourself on the short end of the frustration stick, simply let it go.  If you find yourself in the "woe is me" mindset, simply let it go.  If you can't stand how you are feeling in the moment, simply let it go.  You control the actions and words that come from within, so with that in mind, focus on peace, joy, and happiness.  I know it is sometimes easier said then done, but you do control how you act, and you can control how you feel, which will also impact how you come across to others, and then you will be able to get out of the trap that so many fall into.

No one ever said life would be without confrontation, or conflict, or even frustration from time to time. However, that being said, how we deal with each of these issues will dictate what side you fall on.  If you desire more peace, joy, and happiness in your life, then make the decision not to follow what may have been your M.O. in the past.  I know I have been guilty of being the pot calling the kettle black.  Teaching others to overcome frustration and hurt, and yet falling prey to it myself from time to time.  I am focusing now on letting go of past hurt feelings, past frustrations, and looking ahead to a life that is full of happiness and contentment.  This is where you need to be, and if you only begin to head in this direction, you will see changes, and sooner or later the things of the past, will be just that, in the past.

If I could turn back time.

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If I could turn back time, would I? If you could turn back time, would you?  I have a sneaky suspicion that given the opportunity to change things from the past, most of you would opt to make some changes, but please forgive me when I say, that doing this would be foolishness gone to seed. As I have said so many times in the past, lessons learned are invaluable and each lesson has been handed to you to teach you something.  If you were able to turn back the hands of time, then you would still find yourself in a similar position at some point because the lesson would still have to be learned.

I know how easy it is to want to go back and have a do over.  I know how we as humans look at time and wish beyond almost anything that we could turn back the hands of time and regain our youth.  I often wonder what it would be like to be twenty-five again, knowing what I know now.  Problem is, I would still make the same mistakes I made when I was twenty-five, and let's be honest, who wants to go over old ground yet again.  It's OK to turn back the hands of time in your thoughts and memories, but only as a learning mechanism.  We do learn from the past, but why you would want to go back and live it again is beyond me.  Most people desire the past because quite frankly they are either afraid of what lies ahead in the future, or they simply don't want to face it.

As an adventurist I love the future because I don't have to wonder about it, I simply get to experience it as it rolls out in front of me.  I could sit here all day long and bemoan the past, but that isn't going to change anything that has already taken place.  Learn from the past, carry it into today, and let your today, catapult you into tomorrow. I honestly would not want to change anything from my past simply because it has taught me what I need to know right now.  This understanding comes from many, many years of wishing I could change things, and finally coming to grips with the simple fact that I can't.  This is the same realization you will have to come to if you ever want to move ahead and be the person you were always intended to be.

I'm going to say something right now, and I am giving you fair warning that this may not sit well with some people, but it has to be said.  Those who always think about going back, doing over, or otherwise desiring a chance to change the past, are the very same people who have yet to discover their true destiny, and I can almost bet, even if they have an inclining of their destiny,  have yet to begin to walk in it.  I'm not saying this to be cruel, but rather to get you to understand that all lessons, even the painful ones are there to teach.  Most people who desire those lost years back would just manage to piss them away again, because they have missed the most important aspect, that being the knowledge of who and what they are.  Once you have understood why you are here, what you are supposed to do, and the beauty of your being, then most enlightened people, if not all would never desire to go back to the way it was before you had this discovery.

I also want to make one final comment about going back and this is focused on those who feel as though they want to be young again.  The main reason people desire to have their youth back is simply because they are not happy with who they are right now, nor do they have even an inclining of who and what they are.  I love being me right now, even with the thinning and graying hair.  I am just where I am supposed to be, looking just as I am supposed to look, and as far as I am concerned that is all that matters.  Love who you are, understand who you are, and then move forward.  I would much rather dream about the future, then focus on the past.  I would much rather anticipate the wonders that lie ahead verses cry over the struggles of the past.

If you want to be excited about something, be excited about what awaits you tomorrow, but always remember to be grateful for what you have today.  Today is all about you, it is all about being the wonderful, beautiful, infinite being that you are.  If you are unable to appreciate today, then you will most likely want to have yesterday back.  If you only desire to have your yesterdays back, I can assure you that your tomorrows will be no picnic.  So given the option, a better tomorrow, or a repeat of the past, which one would you opt for?

Learn to let go of the past.  Learn to appreciate today.  Learn to look forward to tomorrow.  If you can do all three of these, then you will be on your way to something wonderful.  I have learned much from what I have gone through.  Life has not always been pleasant, but it has taught me well.  I appreciate each day as I walk through it, and that allows me to expect blessings and opportunities in the future.   Let go of the past, and walk boldly into tomorrow.  I have no desire to turn back the hands of time, I only desire to be who I am right now, experiencing life one day at a time, and sharing what I know with others.  It is a grand life, and you have the opportunity to share in this grandness as well.  Stop thinking about the past, and move forward to your future.  You will not regret it.

The last of its kind.

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You're in the store going for that last item on your list and you begin to reach for that solitary object on the shelf, but as you look away to check behind you someone swoops in and like a hawk escapes with the prize.  You've got to be kidding me you think to yourself, it was the last one, the last thing I needed, and now that S.O.B. has it.  The nerve of some people, how could they not know that I was in need of that.  Now my plans have been ruined.  Lighten up!

There are times in life when we make things that are so small and insignificant into things that are all powerful, end of world cataclysmic, or otherwise just bothersome.  It generally happens when what we want is not going to happen, or what we need we can't find.  Either way we are going to have to find a way to deal with it, or it will get the better of us.

What I want you to think about today is something that may have crossed your mind in the past, or maybe you have never given thought to it who knows, but today I want you to think of yourself as that solitary object that is being sought by someone.  What would life be like if you were the last of its kind?  I'm not talking about being the last person on the earth, but rather the one person who has what someone else is in need of.  What if your talents were such that someone was dependent on you to display those talents or share them with others, in order to gain what they need in their life?  Far too often we tend to down play our role in the universe and I am here to tell you that this is one area that you must come to terms with.  You are not insignificant, and you are the only one who can do the things that you were destined or designed to do.

I get up each morning with the thought that if I do not walk in my destiny, then there will be others who will never discover their destiny.  It's not that I am so mighty, or great, or amazing, although I have been called all three.  Just kidding!  I know why I was placed here in this moment, and I also know that there is no-one else like me.  Once again, my destiny is unique, just as yours is unique, so you are really the last of its kind.  This simple thought does not make you better than anyone else, it simply makes you unique.  There are many unique people out there, but once again, you have a part to play and the sooner you realize this, the sooner you can release all that is within you and take your rightful place in the universe.

The question arises, why bring this up now?  What is so important in life that I should stop what I am doing and ponder these deep, often unanswered questions?  I'll tell you why this is so important: without the knowledge of who and what you are, you can never fully be the person you were destined to be.  Ones inability to recognize the divinity in them, the calling on their life, the significance of their design, is nothing more than abdicating their rightful place in the order of things.  Your view of who you are needs to be like that solitary item on the shelf.  What you are is so important that there will be thousands if not millions making a beeline to you to grab the very last item.  This is not some delusion of grandeur, this is how you must see yourself.  Maybe the thousands and millions will only be a handful of people, but a handful is just as important as the million.  I cannot base my success on the number of people I am able to help, I can only look at it one person at a time.  The world sees success as large numbers, I see success as simply walking in my destiny and touching those who I have been fortunate enough to have contact with.  What I do not want is for one who is in need to miss out on what I have to offer because I was not able or unwilling to follow my destiny.

You are one of a kind, in fact, the last of its kind.  Take this uniqueness and run with it.  Accept the calling on your life and run with it.  Understand the grandness of your design and run with it.  There is enough of you to go around and you will always be enough to those who need you.  There will never be another person like you.  You are that single item on the shelf and there will be those who will be running to pick you up from the shelf.  Your value to others is immeasurable, and the sooner you realize this the sooner you can take your rightful place.  It is time to accept your position in this life and share what you have, what you are, with others.  Accept this truth and things will change in your life, run from this truth and you will be like that full shelf of stuff in the store that is outdated, unwanted, and useless.  The decision is yours to make, and I suggest you begin to see yourself as the wonderful, unique person you are.  Have a wonderful day and happy shopping.

One moment in time.

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There is a moment in each life when you have to step up to the starting line and do the thing or things that you were created to do.  If you never advance to the starting line then you're never going to cross the finish line and crossings the finish line is really what life is all about.  I have heard this philosophy all my life.  I agree in part, but there is also something that I want to share with you today that may change the way you look at things, and changing is something that has become second nature to many people.  Life isn't a race, it isn't a popularity contest, and it isn't about who comes in first.  What life is all about is discovering that you have what it takes to begin your endeavor and realizing that there are people all around you just waiting to help you along the way.

There is one moment, a singular revelation that will come to every one.  It is in this one moment of time that you will know, that you know, what your purpose is.  It may come early in life, it may come midstream, or it may wait until late in life.  The timing of this revelation has been orchestrated since the beginning of time, and there is very little that you can do that will change when this glorious event takes place.  Your preparation for this event began the moment you were born, and without fear of contradiction, you have prepared for this moment every minute, of every single day that you have been here on earth in this human form.

Whether you realize this or not, you stepped up to the starting line way before you could ever understand what a starting line was.  Your beginnings, your preparation is what has lead you to the finish line.  Hitting the finish line is not the end, it is in fact just the beginning.  We have been programmed in this life to look at things in very finite ways, yet we are infinite creatures and until such time as you come to this realization, you will never hit the finish line, which as I said just moments ago is the beginning.  Why do I call the finish line the beginning?  It's quite simple really:  you finish by virtue of discovering your purpose, and then you begin your journey into your destiny.  After the finish line is your opportunity to move forward without hindrances that may have stopped you previously.  It is in knowing your purpose, your destiny that you are able to achieve those things that were intended for you to achieve, touching the lives of those you were intended to touch, and completing the task that you were born to complete.

It took me many years to figure out that we have been looking at things all wrong.  We have been encouraged to step up to the starting line, as though we had all the power to do so.  Problem is, we have allowed others to keep us away from our destiny.  We have allowed circumstances to stop us, and we have allowed our own doubts and fears to keep us far away from our appointed destinies.  The real race only begins as it ends.  You began on day one, and all that you have learned up to this point has been preparing you to reach the finish, which is the start.  I love it when Spirit grants me insight into things, because just as you, I learn, and I love learning things that will transform my life and those who I come in contact with.  Think about it, you began the race and you never even knew you did.  All the effort you have put out just getting to the starting line was not required because you started and there was nothing you had to do to get going.  You didn't have anything to do with your birth, it was ordained.  You had nothing to do with figuring out where the starting line was.  Your goal is to get to the finish line so you can begin the race.

This race is nothing more than continuing on a course that was designed for you.  It was placed there so that you would be able to help others in their understanding of the finish line.  Just think, you have been brought to the finish line because this is where it all begins.  You now have the opportunity to walk in those things that you have been prepared to walk in.  You now have the opportunity to be free from the pressure of having to cross the finish line in first place.  You now have the opportunity to understand that you are in first place because you began at the starting line and there was no one else there to compete with you.  We have all come in first place and that happened at the very start.  I will say that if you are not excited beyond belief right now, well I'm not sure I have words to describe how saddened I am for you.  Think people, you have already won.  You get the opportunity to be a winner simply because you were created and you began the race before you knew there was a race.  Your winning is something that was perfectly designed into your life.  Your ability to have all you ever desired began at the starting line.   Understand and accept that the race has already been won, and you have won it.  It wasn't by anything you did, it was simply because you were created from love, by love.

As you approach the finish line and you begin to think about the new beginnings waiting for you do me one favor.  Show gratitude for all you have learned, all you have experienced, and all you have become.  It is in this gratitude that maturing is increased and so is effectiveness.  Your finish line is a beautiful thing, and I stand here cheering you on as you begin your race at the finish line.  You have come far from the beginning and I am looking forward to see how far you will get after the finish. Reach for it all my beautiful loved ones, reach for it all.

A new day approaches.

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It's a new morning.  It's a new day.  Old things have passed away and everything is new.  I look at each new morning as an opportunity to do something different, and it has to be different because I can't go back and change anything from the past, nor would I want to.

It's a new morning, and today you get to prove to the rest of the world that you being here is no mistake.  It's a new day, and today you get to put on display all that you are and those around you will marvel at the beauty of your creativity and abilities.

It's a new morning and today you have the opportunity to finally start living.  Not the life of the past, but the life you were always intended to live, doing the things you were intended to do, and impacting others in the way that it was intended to be. The sun will rise on this new day and as it does may you have the feeling that things are going to be OK, and all the struggles of the past are now just events that you have learned from.

I know what it is like to be trapped in the past, always waiting for the other shoe to drop, always wanting more, and always wondering why things just haven't been the way you had always thought they would be.  I know what it is like to want something so bad, so bad you could almost taste it, and yet never being able to taste the sweet nectar of success.  Oh, I know the feeling, but I also know that I now have the ability to manifest all that I desire.  This revelation has not come easy to me, but it has come and now I desire to share it with you, the ones who have an equal desire to walk in those things that have been embedded in you since the moment of your creation.

I've been thinking about a dear friend whose life ended not long ago.  It would be easy for almost anyone to feel as if his life ended far too soon, but that is our human thinking, and not thinking in the way that the Creator thinks.  His life ended in the appointed time and what he was to accomplish in this life, has been accomplished.  It is so easy to think that we know it all, but in reality we learn about our life each and every day, and each day brings new knowledge, new perspectives, and new opportunities to walk in what we have learned.  The simple fact is that you are here right now, and by virtue of that there are things that you still need to learn, and things that you still need to do.  I do not know when my time in this body will end, nor do you know the hour of your departure.   What I do know is this: it is a new day and along with this new day is my opportunity to teach, to share, and to inspire others to discover their purpose.

What is your burning desire?  What is in your heart that tells you that there is something you should be doing?  That something will bring you peace, joy, and happiness.  It is this same peace, joy, and happiness that will resonate with everything you do and to everyone you come in contact with.  Isn't it time to stop playing games, be honest with yourself, and admit that there are things you wish you could do, but for whatever reason have not begun to do them yet?  Once again, I know what it is like to have dreams, and always feel as though my dreams have passed me by and now I get to just survive life.  If survival is what you think about I can assure you that you have not understood the beauty of your creation, nor the splendor of your design.

I do not desire to go back and relive days of the past.  I may have learned something from them, but I can tell you point blank, I do not want to go and do things again.  I look at each new day as my promise from God that I am where I should be, and I will be given the opportunity to do the things I should be doing.  If there were no purpose for me being here, then I would no longer inhabit this mortal body and I would be on to my next adventure.  When the sun comes up in the morning that is my sign that I get the opportunity to do the things I love most, and spread peace, joy, and happiness to others.

Let each sunrise represent your opportunity to spread goodness to others.  Let the fresh morning air bring to you an understanding of the majestic nature of who and what you are.  Let this day be the day that you fully appreciate your being here.  If on the other hand you wake up and there is a feeling of dread, a feeling of why me, and a feeling of wanting the day to be over before it has begun, then I would strongly recommend you look at your life and try to figure out your purpose, your destiny.  When one has discovered their destiny I can promise you that you will be eager for each new day, for each sunrise.  It is in discovering and walking in your destiny that you will have promoted yourself to self-actualizing and then you are able to help others discover their life path.  When you get to this point, your prayers at night will be all about seeing the sunrise the next morning.

It's a new morning, a new day, and today is your new beginning.  It may come slow at first, but I can tell you that the sooner you make the commitment to walk in your destiny, the sooner things will be as you have always hoped for, and dreamt about.  Let this new day bring out the new you, and when that happens you will bring to humanity a part of what humanity needs.  Take in this new day and know that tomorrow is going to be another great day, and then the day after that as well.  My hopes and prayers extend to you this beautiful morning, and every morning to come.

The way we were.

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Memories, like the corners of my mind...  Most everyone, or at least anyone from my generation has heard this song before.  We often think about past times in our lives, some good, some bad, and some that we would just like to forget about.  We can look back on things and if we are wise learn from them and realize that they have all appeared to us for a very specific purpose.

What I want to share with you today is a very important lesson that I learned sometime ago, but it has served me well and it will provide you a means to get out of the rut you might be in, and help you move on with those things that need to come about in your life.

Let me first say that what you have always thought about things needs to change.  These thoughts are sometimes along the lines of "I'll never get away from this situation", "Why do bad things always follow me?", and "If only things were different, I would....."  Just because you have been a certain way in the past, does not mean you are forever it the grasp of these things unable to loose yourself.  The way we were is not a life sentence for how you will be in the future.  We can look in a mirror and see a reflection, but that is just what it is a reflection.  When you look at your life, what you see is a reflection.  However, these images can change, and if you are willing to look at things differently, then change is what will come about for you.

I have learned a lot over the last twenty or thirty years, and I can assure you that I do not want to go back to the days when I was an egocentric, pampas ass.  I thought the world revolved around me, and if you ever got in my way of accomplishing the things I desired to accomplish, I was going to run over you and never look back.  It was all about me, and I didn't care what others wanted, what they needed, or even who they were.  I was only interested in people who were interested in me and helping me get what I wanted.  I had friends, but not friends like I have today.  My friends back then were only tools, pawns lets say, in helping me get what I wanted.  I was good at playing the game, and I would do anything to come out on top.  I am not proud of who I was back then, but I did learn several valuable lessons, and I am very thankful that I have turned things around and now realize that its not about me any longer, but rather them.  It's about others and what I can do to help others maximize their strengths and talents and become the person they were designed to be.

The way you were, is not the person you are now.  I know that because if you were still the same person you would not be reading this right now, and it would not be resonating with you as it is.  You have a desire to move forward in those things that you desire, but the desire is not so much about you, but what you can do for others.  This is the change that has to take place, the shift in your thinking, and the change in your mindsets and beliefs.  It is only when you come to an understanding of your place in the universe that you are able to assume your rightful place, and then you can lay to rest past images of who you thought you were, and begin to see yourself as you truly are.

Many, many people are trapped in the past.  Some stay trapped because at least they know the territory.  Their fear of the unknown is what keeps them bound and unable to move forward.  If you want to unchain yourself from the past, then you have to accept the notion that there is a future, and even though you may not know what direction or what avenue you will take, you have a journey to begin.  Something that always amazes me are people who will bemoan their current situation, but at the same time do nothing to extricate themselves from it.  Is their fear of the unknown so great that they would rather stay in a lousy situation?  I don't know about you, but I've had my fill of lousy situations and I'm more then ready to shed the past and move forward into brighter times.  It comes down to one thing and one thing only:  do you want to be the person you were created to be?  You may not have a full understanding of what this person looks like, or even what this person is supposed to be doing, but do you want to begin your journey of discovery and get out of the lousy situation you might be in?  If your answer is yes, then you have to begin to see yourself the way your creator sees you, and not the way you see your reflection in the mirror.

The way you were is not important.  What's important is to see yourself as the divine creation you are, and realize that what God has designed is not imperfect but splendid in all areas.  I know I tend to beat a dead horse from time to time, but if you are never able to accept the perfection of your design, the perfection of you being here right now, then all the motivation in the world, all the nice words, and all the encouragement, is not going to add up to a tinker;s hurrah.  It is time to put the past to bed, and pick up on your future.  The first step is to get past the past, and move forward into the future.  A future I might add, that is bright, happy, full of peace and joy, and it is the place that you have always been entitled to.  The way you were is not nearly as important as the way you are right now, and the way you will be in the future.  I look forward to hearing about your future, as it is just as important to me as it should be to you.

The Beauty and wonder of it all.

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I was walking around barefoot in my front yard last night around 11 p.m. just enjoying a late spring night and gazing up into the night skies to see star after star.  It got me thinking about the wonders of the universe and the wonders of who and what we are.  Today's blog may be repeating some of what I have written in the past, but I have learned to follow the guidance of Spirit, and when asked to write something I tend to follow the guidance given me.  Truth be told that is how I have managed to write six books.

I am convinced that most people are unaware of the beauty and wonder that resides inside each of us.  This is evident by the many trials and set-backs that people go through.  I am just as prone to this, but as of late I have also taken more and more time to reflect on the beauty and wonder of my design, my being here right now, and the awesome potential that resides in me.

I recall one night many years ago when I came face to face with the Northern Lights.  I was coming home from a get together with friends and I could see this strange green glow above the tree line.  I got back to my house, stepped out on my deck and I could not believe how amazing this sight was.  The sky was emerald green and just amazing.  I had never seen anything like this, and to this day have never seen them as brilliant as they were that night.  It really was something that was almost indescribable, and I will never forget thinking about how lucky I was to observe this.  These lights are just a part of the magnificence of the total design of this universe, of which you and I are a part of.  Your design is equally as wonderful and sooner or later you are going to have to understand this, or forever wonder why the world has passed you by and none of your dreams ever come true.

I have said this before but there are times when you need to hear things over and over again until they finally sink in.  You will never, and I do mean never, be able to separate yourself from that which created you.  You were intended to be here right now, and there are things that you have been designed to accomplish.  The main reason someone never succeeds is because they have a warped view of their incredible design and more often than not have fallen victim to what others have either said about them or what they think of themselves.  God did not place you here now to fail, end of story, case closed.  When will you get it through your head that what others say or think about you doesn't matter.  I have seen people who have great dreams and ideas and instead of moving forward with them, let them fade away because some fool told them that it would never work, never make them any money, as if money is the only motivator, or that now is not the time for such an endeavor.  How cruel to rain on someone else's parade.  Most of the time the negative talk is only because others are trying to cover up their own insecurities or failures to go after what they dream about.

Your majesty is just that, majesty.  We have been taught to never think more highly of ourselves, when in fact that is exactly how you should see yourself.  If God thought enough to bring you here now then who has the right to say that God made a mistake and that you being here is a mistake.  When someone is crude enough to rain on your parade then they have just belittled God and made the profound statement that what God has created is in fact less then stellar.  You are not less than stellar, you are not fodder for someone else's war, you are in fact an incredible being, spiritually based, and eternal.  Your spirit will never die, and you should realize that having just an occasional spiritual experience is not going to bring you satisfaction.  You are a spiritual being who happens to inhabit a mortal body.  You are not a mortal who every now and again may have a spiritual experience.

It is time to realize that you have all you need to be the person you were created to be.  Your spirit is the great equalizer against the spears and arrows of man.  It is not God who gets in the way of our completing our appointed task, it is us and others.  You are beauty, wonder, and awe all in one being.  You must begin to see this if you are ever going to be the person you were destined to be.  Until I could see me for who I really was, I was only spinning my wheels, hopping against hope that someday I might do something magical and special.  Well I am something magical and special and so are you.  All you have to do is be the person that was perfect at birth, and remains perfect even now.  Forget the harsh words of others and pick up on the ever present Creator of the Universe and listen to the words of encouragement, words of love, words of strength, and words of wonder that emanate from your creator.  These words are for you, about you, and will forever become a part of you if you will allow it.  You are beautiful and wonderful and those words about you, you can take to the bank.

Fathers and sons, daughters and fathers.

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It's Father's Day and I could not let this special day go by without acknowledging what to me is the most important job I will ever have.  It's not about how many books I can write, or how many people I get to speak to about destiny and discovering the purpose of every life.  It's not about making a life for me, it's about preparing my daughter for the life she will lead, and it's how my father taught me the lessons I would need to make it in this world.

As a father I will admit that I have made a ton of mistakes, and I'm sure if you asked my father he would have to admit to the same thing.  Funny thing I don't remember the mistakes my father may have made, I just remember all that he taught me and for those things I will be forever grateful.  I am so fortunate to still have my father, albeit he is on the other side of the country, but he is still a presence in my life and I know that he still wants the very best for me and is a source of comfort to me.  As a father I hope that I have instilled in my daughter that I will always be there to offer what ever I can to make her life what it should be.

So what is a father?  Many have grown up not knowing this presence in their life, but it should only serve that they should want to make sure that they are around for their children so they do not miss out on things.  So what is a father?  A father guides, he inspires.  A father gives even when there is not much to give.  A father loves with everything inside of him.  A father helps his children understand the reason they are here, and shows them that there is nothing that should stand in the way of them achieving and being who they were intended to be.

Father's don't have all the answers, at least I didn't.  I tried like crazy to always have something to say, but as I learned later on in life, saying something was not always what was needed.  What was needed was my daughter knowing that she could just hold on to me, and I would hold on to her and let her know that things would be OK.  We can't always fix things, but we can always be there for comfort and a shoulder to cry on if that is what needs to happen.

My father taught me so many lessons in life.  I have tried to pass on those lessons to my daughter.  It wasn't because I didn't want to be original, but why reinvent the wheel?  What he taught me has served me well, and I saw no reason not to pass it on to my daughter.  My father taught me to be on time.  He taught me to work hard, never shirk from your responsibilities, and if you're going to do something, do it right.  I learned integrity from my father.  I learned that if it's worth having it's worth working for.  I am so thankful for what my father taught me because it goes right in line with how my life is right now.  Even some of the bad experiences I may have had growing up have prepared me for what I am doing right now.  Every situation in life is a lesson and an opportunity to learn from it.

When I look at my father I see a man who has sacrificed.  I see a man who has provided.  When I look at my father I see a man who till this day I respect, love, and I cherish every moment I can spend with him.  I know my father has had some ups and downs in his life, but through it all he never stopped loving his children nor wanting the best for us.  If my daughter loves me just a tenth of how much I love my father, then I am fortunate beyond words.

On this day that we celebrate fatherhood, remember the lessons that were taught, forget about the mistakes, and reflect upon the legacy that you will leave your children.  As fathers, as sons and daughters, we all are blessed.  Don't let this day, or any day for that matter, go by without telling your dad what he means to you, that you love him, and most of all that you appreciate the things he has instilled in you.  I would not be here right now, doing what I am doing right now, were it not for the guidance, love, and total acceptance that I received from my dad.  I know I speak for both my brother and sister when I say I am blessed to be Ronald Kauffman's son and I hope that I can someday repay him for all he has done for me.  Happy Father's Day Dad and know the love I have for you.

Hair of the dog.

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We all want our pound of flesh when we are hurt, or frustrated, or when someone has done us wrong and you can't quite figure out what you did to deserve it.  There have been stories of those who have gone out and drank way, way too much, and the only way to overcome the hangover is to take the "hair of the dog".  I've never been one to believe in this, but then again, I don't make it a habit of going out and getting obliterated.  I won't say I haven't done it, just not a habit.

The reason I bring this up today is because I have seen in my day many examples of people seeking out retribution for hurts, or losses, or for whatever didn't go their way.  It's pretty common, but at the same time it's fairly destructive.  It's not so destructive for the person who perpetrated the hurt, loss or whatever, but destructive for the person retaliating.  Yes I know it doesn't seem fair. Someone has hurt you and it's only right that they should be punished for their crimes against you.  I get that, but I also know that two wrongs don't make a right, and in this case, two wrongs are still two wrongs.  It becomes a tit for tat, and before you know it, you have another edition of the Hatfield's and  McCoy's.

I've been told that it takes a bigger person to walk away from a confrontation verses standing there and hoping against hope that things don't get worse, so the outcome is less than desirable.  Wars have been started because a single person was unwilling or unable to step back and not retaliate.  Skirmishes has been around for ions because one group was unhappy with another group and instead of figuring a way to solve the issue, hell let's just fight it out.  Once again, going after your pound of flesh has done nothing more than anger that big old bear, and then you're going to get what's coming to you, even if what's coming to you was a direct result of you doing something you felt justified in doing.  Can you see a pattern beginning to take shape here?  You hit back, then they hit back, and before you know it, it's an all out old fashion malaise.  Listen, I know how hard it is to turn the other cheek.  The number of times I have wanted to destroy someone for a hurt is huge.  I could sit there and justify my actions all day long, but wrong is wrong no matter how you slice it, dice it, or simply try to justify it.

When someone has done something to me that I perceive as hurtful or wrong, then I am the one who has to decide how I'm going to handle it.  There are times when the hurt forced upon you was an innocent act by someone who never intended to hurt anyone let alone you.  But we get all mad and pissed off, we go after the party who did us wrong, and then we get the rest of the facts after we have done what we needed to do.  This scenario takes place so many times a day, and sooner or later we are going to have to figure out a better way of handling it.

I am going to say something now, and just in case you feel as though that I am a total pacifist, think again.  If someone jumps out and starts pounding on me I am going to defend myself.  If you are trying to physically hurt a member of my family or a loved one, then I can assure you that I will do whatever I can to kick the crap out of you.  What I am talking about are those times when the hurt is more of an emotional issue.  When the hurt is emotional, you are the only one who has the ability to decide how you will handle it.  You can latch on to the hurt and never let go, or you can just let it go and bless the one who dared to hurt you in the first place.  I know that forgiving someone for a hurt is not what we might call the manly thing to do, especially when your pride has been hurt, but it is the right thing to do.

When you lash out at someone who has done you wrong, then all you have done is sent out into the universe a message that you want more of the same.  You cannot overcome the lower energy of hatred, fear, and intimidation, with equally lower energy of frustration, hurt, and vengeance.  The only way to overcome these lower energies is to attack it with higher energy.  What are the higher energies that you have at your disposal?  Love, understanding, tolerance, love, patience, love, and of course love, love, and more love.  I'm not talking the same kind of love you have for your spouse or partner, but I am talking about a love that should be displayed to all living creatures.  This flies in the face of what we have always thought that one good hurt deserves another, but you are not going to do yourself any good by trying to get back at someone.  In the long run all you will be doing is setting yourself up for more hurt.

If you want to gain ground and get to the point where these things no longer bother you, then you will have to understand the nature of the Creative force that placed you here.  The Creator of the Universe does not operate in hate, hurt, intolerance, or any other things that is going to bring about pain and suffering.  If you cannot respect all living things and treat them the way that you want to be treated then you will forever be trying to overcome hurt with more hurt, and the cycle will continue on forever.  The hair of the dog is not the answer to your trials and tribulations.  Understanding, love, and patience toward others is what will change the dynamic of your life and the landscape your are in.

I know it can be challenging, life I mean.  But the person who is able to put away thoughts of revenge and retaliation, is the person who will overcome the hurts of this life.  Maybe it's time to rethink some of the things you always thought as truth, and try something new.  I can assure you that once you are able to walk in love and understanding, and extend that same love and understanding to the one who has hurt you, that things will change, and you will change as well.  Give it a shot and let me know how it works for you.

So you want to feel good, OK here you go.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alancleaver/2338032309

Money begets money, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, don't worry be happy.  We've heard these a million times before, and most of the time we simply look the other way because it probably doesn't pertain to us.  After all what does it matter, I have my own issues and you have yours and for all intents and purposes the two shall never meet.  Wow, never thought of it that way, what about you, ever thought of it that way?  Yea, probably not, and why?  Well basically because you're an idiot.  Now don't get all upset, I say idiot in the most admiring and endearing way, and in no way am I implying that you are an idiot in every aspect of your life.

All kidding aside, I bring up these cliches, because life has become a series of cliches, and most of the time they just fly out of our mouth, in one ear and out the other, and we never really take things to heart.  Oops, there goes another one.  I will do my best to tow the line, and stay way from them.  Damn it, another one slipped in.  You will have to forgive me for my lack of discipline when it comes to not using cliches.  Although they do come in handy from time to time.

My main point today is to show you that if you want to feel good, maybe the place to start is to help someone less fortunate feel good.  I've heard so many times that just about the time someone hits rock bottom, at least rock bottom for them, that there will be someone there who is willing to tell you that there is always someone who is worse off then you.   It's not a matter of who is worse or better off.

 Life is nothing more then sharing the wealth, and I don't mean wealth in terms of money or possessions.  I am talking about sharing what you have inside of you.  Problem with many people is that they don't realize that they in fact do have things to share and these things are quite valuable.  It's not always about money contrary to what many people think.  The old adage that money can't by happiness is so true.  Yes it can provide a certain amount of comfort, but when it's all said and done if you are still not walking in your destiny then all the money in the world is not going to fill the void that exist and will continue to exist until you realize the reason for your creation.

If you are wanting to feel good, then do something for someone else that will make them feel good.  If you are looking for joy, sow joy into someone else's life.  Happiness sown, is happiness received.  Since we are all connected spiritually, then what goes around comes around.  That is one reason why you stay away from those who are filled with hate and discontent, if for no other reason that you don't want that stuff pouring out on you.  If you are constantly in a state of fear, anxiety, stress, or depression, then more often than not you have either allowed yourself to feed off of other's negative energy, or you have allowed yourself to fall into man's conditioning that says we have to go through these things.  In either case life is going to suck wicked bad.

Mind over matter, not always easy to believe or do, but a necessary ability if you are going to get through the constant barrage of negativity that others will throw at you.  If you are dealing with negative feelings and emotions then the only way you are going to pull yourself out of them is to sow positive energy to others.  Now some will ask how can this happen if you are in the depths of despair and your happiness tank is empty.  Sowing happiness and joy can be as easy as extending a smile to someone who is having a bad day, noticing the efforts of others and thanking them for all they do, or simply showing sympathy to others who are dealing with the same issues you might be dealing with.  When you extend the high energy of love, peace, joy, and happiness to anyone or anything in the universe it has to come back to you.  Positive energy can and never will be overpowered by the low energy of fear, hate, anger, or lack.

So, if you want to feel good, help someone else feel good.  It's as easy as you wash my back I wash yours.  Dog nab it, another pesky cliche.  Well I've done my best to limit them, but there comes a time when we have to give in to the child within.  Bottom line:  joy begets joy, happiness for happiness, and peace by virtue of peace.  It may not always be easy to bring it to the surface, but it will do some incredible things for you and for those who are the recipients of your kind gestures.  No one likes to walk around all mopey and depressed.  It is a buzz kill, but it is something that is extremely easy to overcome.  Remember this:  the degree in which you sow you will reap.  Sowing positive energy will bring back positive energy.   Given the choice: good verses bad, happy verses sad, or freedom verses bondage, which one makes more sense?  It all comes down to what you want, what you are willing to give, and in giving what you will receive.  Go out there and make someone happy, make them smile, and provide them the things that you want most in life.  It is a win win proposition, and that is the side that I want to be on all the time.

Out of the mouths of babes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinothchandar/8515615966

When I was a child, I thought as a child.  When I was an adult, I thought as...   Well you know the saying, but it goes without saying that many people today have left the child behind only to pick up on things that man has dictated, and because of that we have lost much of what made us special.  When's the last time you looked at a new born and didn't see happiness and joy.  They have yet to be weighed down by the cares of this world.  They haven't been conditioned to believe that they have to go through hate, hurt, and dismay.  They know that they will be feed when hungry, clothed when cold, and held when needed.

How many people that you know are in a constant state of worry?  Worried about the bills that are piling up, the job that is about to drive them nuts,  or knowing what tomorrow will bring?  It's enough to make all of us want to crawl back up into our mother's womb and just escape all the torment that follows us each and every day.

Now there may be those out there who do not battle any of the aforementioned things, but they are far and few in numbers, but for those who are dealing with them, this is your day to begin anew. It's time to rewind your minds and hearts to a day when nothing bothered you because you knew your needs would be met.  When you were created, your conception was brought about because of love, and through love.  The Creator of the Universe intended for you to be here right now and inside of you was a fully developed, impossible to destroy, perfect in design, spirit.  The moment you were born although you were not able to do much of anything accept breath and cry, the design of your perfect little body allowed your heart to beat, your lungs to function, and your eyes to see.  Through the years you would learn to talk, learn to walk and run, and much later in life learn certain lessons that would guide you along your path of destiny.  The one thing that required no instruction, no learning, no guidance, was your spirit.  It is as perfect as perfect can be, and it is endless in it's capabilities and ability to guide you along your life's journey.

Our biggest mistake is that we have allowed man to tell us that were it not for the wisdom of those who came before us then there would be no way we could survive life.  Truth be told, most of what they taught us is wrong, and if we could just do a massive memory dump we would be no worse for the wear.  I am not saying that there is not some merit in what we were taught, but if what you are taught is wrong, and you continue to follow it throughout your life then wrong it is, and you will pay the price for it.  Contrary to what some of these good samaritans have told you, there is no need to walk around in fear, scarcity, or doubt.  When you were born, and I don't expect you to remember this, but I don't think you ever worried about getting fed shortly after your birth.  Instinctively you understood that mom or dad would be around to provide nourishment.  It wasn't until our later years that we have learned that we had to fight for everything.  Nothing comes easy in life we are told, and because we are told this by well meaning people we just assume that they are right.  Once again the conditioning of man is what destroys our understanding of spirit, and without that understanding you will continue to struggle.

Depression, worry, bitterness, hate, lack, doubt are things that came from others and not from your creator.  These things are what have stopped you from understanding the created being you are, walking in the destiny that you were intended to walk in, and enjoying the fulfillment that you should be enjoying.  If you are a parent, then let me ask you this:  is there anything that you would not provide to your newborn?  You want your children to grow up happy, don't you? I mean never having to deal with hurt, pain, suffering or the like, right?  You would gladly put yourself in their place to ensure they would avoid the negative in life.  If you would do that for your own, then why wouldn't your creator do the same thing for you?

As radical as this may seem, you have to forget much of what others have said, and begin to look at things through the eyes of the child within you.  If you truly want to be free from the slings and arrows of life, then you have to get rid of those things that do not work and do the things that do.  If you cannot understand the perfection of your design, the perfection of you being here right now, and the perfection of your destiny, then you will fall victim to the well being, albeit incorrect, warnings of all those things you will have to face in life.

If you didn't need to worry about food, clothing, and comfort as a child, do you really have to worry about them now?  It is time to come to the fullest understanding of who and what you are.  I can't make you drop the things you have been taught in the past, but I can help you see that even well meaning things are not always correct and should be discarded as quickly as possible.  Yes it is time to be more child like and recognize that all that you were provided when you were first born is still very much what should be present in your life right now.  You have all you need because it was never taken away from you, you simply let others blur your vision.

Never let the light go out on your dreams.

Image courtesy of Vicktor Kozers (vk050.blogspot.com)

I have known many people who have given up on their dreams.  They have left the best part of who they are behind only to live a miserable, lonely, and unfulfilled life.  As Wayne Dyer says they have left this world with their music still in them.  I know I have been on a particular rant these last few days but that is only because there is a shift about to happen and if you are not prepared you will miss it and then it will all be over but the crying.

This shift, this change of dynamics, is not a shift that is going to come to all.  This is not a shift that will change the entire planet.  This shift will not alter the course of mankind, at least not the entirety of mankind.  This shift however, will change the way you may have seen things in the past, and it definitely will change the way you look at things in the future.  This shift will come to you if you are willing to accept the words I write to you today.  You of course have the option to discount everything I am about to share with you, but before you throw the baby out with the bathwater might I suggest you take a hard look at it again, and then make your choice.

People, at least the vast amount of people who have given up on their dreams have done so for one reason and one reason only:  they never truly believed in them, their dreams that is.  Sure they have played around with them, thought about them, and maybe even tried them out for a period of time, but no, they never really believed in them.  One of the main reasons they have never latched on completely to their dreams is because they have failed to realize the significance of having the dreams in the first place.  Our dreams, our desires are in direct line with those things we are passionate about.  If the passion does not reside with them, then for the most part those things you always thought were dreams are really only fancy, a passing fancy at that.  No, real dreams are deeply imbedded in you, and there is nothing that will ever take their place.  Your dreams and desires will always line up with your destiny.  Your destiny as I have said so, so many times in the past is the reason you are here right now.

I could no more give up on my writing then give up my daughter or my own life.  It is such a big part of who I am and what I love, that to leave it at the curb is just not something I could ever do.  I refuse to leave this life with my music still in me.  Each of us will need to decide what to do with the dreams we have been given, and the word "given" is exactly the correct term.  Your creator, with all the knowledge of what lies in wait for you, has placed into you the dreams that will guide you to your destiny.  Here's a simple test to see if what you have dreamt about is really something you should be looking at.  First off, what are you passionate about?  What is the one thing you would be doing right now if there were no limits.  If money, training, time, or even talent was not an issue, what would you be doing right now?  What is the one thing that puts a smile on your face whenever you think or dream about it?  If you could only do one thing in this life what would it be?  Forget about what job you might be in right now, what is the one thing you would like to be doing right now, in this moment?  My guess is that it would be in direct line with your passion, and also the dreams you have had since you can remember.

If you cannot answer the above questions then I will tell you that you are really in a bad place.  Everyone has dreams: now not everyone will acknowledge them, but believe you me, they have them.  Letting the light go out on your dreams is nothing more than giving up on life, and not just your life, but on the lives of others who are depending on you to be the person you were intended to be.  Here's another way to look at it:  why would you not want to do something that brings you so much joy?  I mean would you really want to be stuck in a job that brings no satisfaction, no joy, happiness, or contentment?  Does the desire to make a ton of money outweigh the desire to have a truly happy and harmonious life?  If money means that much to you let me fill you in on a little secret:  you will have left money on the table if you think this way.  Your ability to manifest all that you could ever want or need, is right in front of you if you will walk in your destiny.  On the other side of the coin, if you never discover and walk in your destiny, which is in direct line to your passion and dreams, then you will never be able to have the money you truly want.

I promise you this:  when you finally follow your dreams and discover the destiny that resides in you, money will never be something that is the motivator for what you do.  You will have an abundance of all you desire, but it will not drive you.  Given the option to follow your dreams, walk in your destiny, and knowing that your needs will always be met, or having a little now, but with no guarantee of it in the future, which option makes more sense to take?  I thought you would see it my way.  Honestly, it's not my way but the Creator's way to be truthful.  Dreams are stepping stones to destiny and destiny is the only thing that will ever bring you to the point of total and complete fulfillment and happiness.

Dreams are wonderful and what comes from them are, without fear of contradiction, the greatest things you will ever experience as well as those people you come in contact with.  Let the light shine on your dreams and let others see the light and walk in it as well.

It's just like riding a bike, you never forget.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/3928079336

I haven't been on a bike for years, at least one powered by me.  Do I fear getting back up on one, not in the least.  Sure I might be a little rusty, but within seconds I would regain my balance and it would seem like I was speeding down my street in Penfield, New York again.  There are certain things that we will never forget, and there are things that we would just assume forget.  The latter being something most likely that brought us pain or unhappiness.

Although we should never live in the past we can learn from it.  I have seen people who have failed at something and because of it give up entirely without as much as a second try.  I have also seen people who have failed time and time again and still they keep moving forward ultimately obtaining the desired outcome.  The question I have for you this fine day is what position will you take when you are faced with insurmountable odds and all seems lost?  Will you run and quit, or will you get back up on the rickety bike and prove to others and yourself that you can do it?  Please know that what others think isn't really something I would worry about.  No matter what you do in this life there are always going to be people who think you have done it wrong, will never succeed, and could care less what you are going through.  You have to get back on the bike for you and only you.

I have spent far too may years thinking about past failures and letting those failures stop me in my tracks.  I have let negative beliefs into my life and they have done nothing but keep me firmly planted in defeat.  I had not allowed myself to see me for who I really was, and that was almost the kiss of death.  As much as I wanted to say to hell with it all, I knew I had to get back up on that bike and without as much as a compass or map let it take me to where I needed to be.  There are times in life when you just have to throw caution to the wind, extend your faith, and let it all hang out.  We can move this stack of paper on our desk to a different location, we can fill our time with mindless, meaningless stuff, but in the end the question remains:  what have I really done?

What have you forgotten about lately?  Have you forgotten all the dreams you used to have?  Have you just placed all your past hopes and desires on the back burner and accepted life as it is today?  Have you left behind all the plans you once had, only to be replaced with the mundane and lifeless task of your day?  Deep inside most of us is a desire to do something incredible.  Deep inside each of us is a passion for something.  Deep inside is a knowing that nothing else will be able to fill the void that exist in your life.  Maybe it's time to get back up on that bike and ride into tomorrow.  Maybe, just maybe, all this meaningless activity used to fill your day is in fact just a smoke screen.  You see, if you can stop from thinking about all your desires and dreams, then maybe they will go away and leave you alone.   Let me fill you in on a little secret:  they will never go away and they will never leave you alone.  Sure you may ultimately go nuts trying to run from them, but I assure you that the dreams and desires you have will be around until the day you die.

When I sit down at my computer to write I experience nothing but sheer joy and happiness.  When I am talking to someone about their destiny, I feel like a million bucks.  When I am walking in my divine purpose there is nothing that can remove the knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing the things that I was created to do.  If you do not have these same emotions then I recommend that you get back on the bike and start peddling.  Even after all the ups and downs in life, you will remember how to ride, and the riding will signify your knowing that there is a purpose to your life and that you will walk in that purpose.

I love being in my happy place.  I love that I have been given a gift, and this gift is what I am able to share with others.  When you were younger and you had dreams of what life was going to be like how much happiness did you feel?  You had a smile on your face because you could imagine all the things that you would be doing, and there was very little that did not seem possible.  Your thoughts were an endless list of possibilities, and there was an expectancy.  You did not focus on what could not be done, but rather what could.  It is time to think about what can be done once more and not on what has failed in the past, a past that has held you captive.  I open myself up to the future, having learned from the past, and taking my today with me.  Life is a wonderful thing, and having the knowledge that this life is special and meaningful is what should move you forward in those things that have been ordained for you.

You know how to ride, so step up, push down on that pedal and see where it takes you.  Your future is all about your passion, and your passion is what will get you from where you are to where you want to be.  I am so thankful that I did not quit and that I was brave enough to get back on that bike.  I have not forgotten how to ride and with each rotation of the wheel things get easier, things get clearer, and the ability to move forward in my true destiny is thrilling beyond words.  It is time that you experience the same thrill, and in doing that you will help others ride their bike again.

Epiphany, Epiphany, Epiphany!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnfriedman/9885451224

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, I got it, I mean I finally got it.  I mean I really, really, really got it.  No kidding, I mean I really got it. Stop the presses, put a fork in it, don't say another word, you've got to be kidding me, I finally got it!

It's that time when the light bulb finally goes on and you realize that the struggles you have had, the unanswered questions, the wondering about this or that, is now a thing of the past and you are on your path, your life's divine purpose.  Some people are not quite sure how they got to this point, although happy to be there that's for sure, others are still trying to figure things out.  For me, I've been a little slow on the uptake and have had to have my head pounded with a bat a few times to wake me up.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses signs from time to time, or is too busy crying about bad luck or that screw up to really see the helping hand outstretched towards you.  The question that I had to answer for myself and the question you will have to answer is this: who and what am I.

I'm about to say something that may sound hard hitting, but it's truth and without truth none of us will ever reach our true destiny.  Whether one ever comes to a complete understanding of the divinity within matters not.  Just because someone does not believe something does not make it false.  You are in fact a divine creation and whether or not you believe this does not and will not change the fact that you were created in perfection.  Walking in this knowledge may be something you have yet to do, but even now you are exactly where you are supposed to be.  It has taken me years to accept who I was and until such time as I could accept it, it was impossible for me to walk in those things that I was designed to walk in.  I discovered my divine purpose in life and there is nothing in this world that will ever take its place.  My passion for writing, my passion for helping others discover the destiny in them is all I can think about and it is all that I want to do in this life.  Each of you have a passion, and whether or not you want to acknowledge it doesn't matter.  If you continually walk away from your passion then you will ultimately drive yourself mad.

I had to understand that all the things that I had gone through, both good and bad, were there because I caused them.  I had not held captive negative words of doubt, fear, lack.  I had not held captive thoughts of unworthiness, anger, dread.  I had not understood the creative power that resided in me and because of that I was unable to stop myself from almost self-destructing.  As much as I wanted to believe that good was there for me, I could not accept it.  I had let past hurts, failures, and untruths dictate who I thought I was.  I had to be honest and accept the fact that I didn't accept myself.  I had to admit that I was my own worst enemy and I was the culprit to most of what I went through.  This was my epiphany, and this was my chance to walk free from the past, accept who I was today, and move forward to my future.  My epiphany was coming to terms with my divinity and when that happened everything changed.

Maybe hitting rock bottom was what I needed, but my hope is that you will not have to fall to the same depths of despair and anxiety that I fell to before you accept the greatness that resides in you.  You are incredible simply because you were placed here for a specific purpose. There is nothing you can do to separate yourself from the Creator of the Universe.  Once you come to this realization then you will begin to see the majesty of who you are.  Once you begin to accept your majesty then you will begin to operate in ways that seem impossible to stop, impossible to change, and equally impossible to describe.  Through all my ups and downs I have come to understand my divinity and even though I would have loved to miss some of the things that I have endured, I am equally happy to know that I have learned from them.  I am infinite as you are infinite and we are infinite because our source, our creator is infinite as well.  When you accept this fact things will turn around for you.  When you are able to grasp the significance of you being here right now, then you will begin to see things change in your life.

If you are looking for your own epiphany then simply begin by accepting your divinity, the connection you have to the rest of humanity, and perfection of all things created by God.  I know where I come from, I know who I am, and I know that I have a destiny.  My passion guides me, my passion opens doors, and my passion is what I will use to follow through with the things in my heart to accomplish in this life.  It is time for you to have your own epiphany and when you do things will be as they were destined to be.  Hold fast to the promise that great is the one who knows from where they come from , and in doing so, will also know where they are going.