Forgiveness, what a concept!

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The power of forgiveness can never be overstated.  The power of forgiveness can never be taken for granted.  The power of forgiveness is sometimes one of the hardest things to come to grips with.  Most of us have had to forgive in the past.  At times it may have been simple and at other times almost impossible.  Ironically, what seems to be the most difficult things to do is forgiving ourselves. Yep, I said it, forgiving one's self is often the most difficult thing in life.  There's an old saying that we should forgive and forget.  Easy to forgive, not so easy to forget.  When we mess something up we often refuse to forgive ourselves, and this is a monumental mistake.

Why is forgiving ourselves so important, and at the same time so difficult?  Why, if we are to forgive and forget, can't we seem to forget when we are the one who is involved with the need to forgive ourselves?  All good questions, and ones that I hope I can answer for you.  The first reason we find it so difficult to forgive ourselves is because we simply haven't been taught the importance of it.  If you are constantly holding a short coming or a mistake over your head how will you ever get over it?  You won't and that my friend is why you will never forget about it.  If you are constantly thinking about all your mistakes how can you move forward with anything in your life?  We have to realize that because we are human we are imperfect beings.  Now we are perfect in our design, but because we have been conditioned by man since birth we are anything but perfect in our actions.  This is no fault of your own, but rather the fault of well intentioned people who tried to tell you what you could and couldn't do in life.  The conditioning of man must be removed from your life if you are ever going to take your rightful place.  Now I'm not saying that all that you have been taught is wrong, but to be honest a large segment of it is wrong.  We spend so much time trying to comply with the list of do and don't that we never spend any time simply figuring out who and what we really are.  Let's be honest, you have been told what to do, what to believe, and what you should be since you were born.  If you are depending on others to chart your life path, you are already going in the wrong direction.

The main reason we find it so hard to forgive is because we have been conditioned to think that mistakes or mishaps are always our own fault and it's happening to us because of some short coming.  Utter hogwash if you ask me.  We make mistakes because we are human.  We cover up mistakes because we have been told if we are not perfect then you need to leave.  People in authority need to learn that there is no such thing as perfect.  What we need to do is accept our imperfections and be happy that we always have a chance to make things right, even if we messed up in the first place.  People who think they are perfect are fools.  Fools, fools, fools.  It really pisses me off when I see people who have elevated themselves up to such a majestic height that they are beyond mistakes.  It doesn't work that way people.  We are fallible.  We will make mistakes.  If you can admit that, then you can forgive any mistake you make, no matter how big or small.

We have been told that if we neglect history we are doomed to repeat it.  The same line of thought can be said about forgiveness.  If we are unable to forgive ourselves we are doomed to repeat it, time and time again.  As the picture states, when we forgive we are set free. We are set free from expectations.  We are set free from judgments.  We are set free from feelings of unworthiness.  You are in fact so worthy of every good thing.  The only reason most people don't see this is because they have fallen prey to the conditioning of man.  Man says we have to feel guilt and remorse.  Why should you feel guilty or remorseful for making a simple mistake?  Did you do wrong on purpose or did you do wrong simply because you're human?  If you did it on purpose, shame on you.  If you made a mistake because you simply made a mistake, cut yourself some slack and make sure you forgive yourself.  No one is going to go through life never making a boo boo.  No one is going to go through life without just one "Oh Shit".  No one is going to go through life not knowing what it's like to come up just a little bit shy of the mark.  The sooner we can accept this, the sooner we can learn that self forgiveness is the only way to go.

I've made more mistakes in my life then I'd like to admit.  I never planned on making the mistakes, they just happened.  If I was unable to forgive myself then I would be nothing more then a hurting, empty individual.  Will I make mistakes in the future? Most likely, but that's OK.  Will I come up short on a goal or dream? Probably, but that's OK.  Will I be able to forgive myself?  Absolutely, and that's very OK.  It's time that you start looking at things differently and start cutting yourself some slack.  Forgiveness is freeing.  Forgiveness is uplifting.  Forgiveness is really your only option if you want to be all that you can be.  Forgiveness is a great concept, but a concept you need to buy into.  Forgiveness is the first step in taking your rightful place in the universe.  Forgiveness is what you should always strive for, and it is something that will never ever hurt you.

We all know what it's like when we have not received forgiveness from others.  It hurts, and you wonder what you did to deserve such a slap in the face.  Well, it's the same thing when you can't forgive yourself.  Don't put yourself in a box by not being free to forgive.  Life is so worth living, why would you want to blemish it by a failure to forgive.  Trust me, when you love yourself you are so much better at loving others and receiving love from others.  If you can learn to forgive yourself, then it is much easier to forgive others and receive forgiveness as well.  Trust me, walking free from guilt, shame, and self-loathing is much better then carrying those things around with you.  Trust me, and yes forgive yourself for all the things gone by.  It's never too late.

A time for every season.

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Can you feel it?  Can you sense it?  The smell of Spring is almost in the air.  For those of us who have come through a very cold and snowy winter, we are biting at the bit to get on with Spring.  With each passing season comes change.  Some people like the differences that each season brings, while others would love to have that constant, never changing, always lovely tropical sensation each and every day.  Where ever you fall on the spectrum of likes or dislikes can we at least agree that there is a reason for each change, and with each changing season comes newness and birth.

Every human has different seasons that they go through and come out of in life.  Some of these seasons bring the result of growth, knowledge, and in some cases wonderment.  Other times in our lives we walk away wondering what just went on and a hope that it never happens again.  Either way, no matter how you look at it, these changes or seasons in our lives, bring us newness and birth.  The birth of a new idea is always exciting.  The newness of a brand new home is exciting.  The simple fact that you lived to tell about it is exciting, no matter what you just went through.  We have different seasons in our life because we need to change things up.  The Universe in it's perfection knows when and how to change things up.  Certainly there will be times when we run screaming and yelling because of the change, but change is going to come, and most of the time, we will grow from that change.

Our loved ones go through different seasons and often they may not always correlate with the seasons of our lives.  When this happens we often question things, but rest assured that any change that comes to those people who surround us have come for a specific reason.  The old adage that you need to roll with the punches is very appropriate.  Certainly there will be times when we don't understand what we or others are going through, but rest assured there is always a reason.  We should learn from what we go through, and if you choose to disregard the lessons, chances are you will have an opportunity to go through things again and again until you pick up on it.

I was outside this morning taking our dog out to do her business.  It was sunny, not much wind, and of course mud everywhere.  As much as I dislike mud season I also know that it is something we have to go through to get to the beautiful months of summer.  Life is no different in that we will have to go through certain things in order to get to the best part of our lives.  The question arises then, what is the best part of our lives?  Truth be told, the best part of your life is the moment you are in right now.  Face it, we can't change what happened in the past.  As much as we may want to alter the past all we can do is live with the results of the past.  We learn from the past, we try to incorporate each lesson into what we are facing right now, and we hope that tomorrow we see the results of all of our efforts.  I wish I could tell each of you that you will never have to face a situation that is less than perfect.  I wish I could tell you that your life is only going to be a series of up and no downs.  You and I will face trials in life, different seasons that is, but with each season we have an opportunity for growth and newness.

I want to challenge you to accept change when it comes and understand that it is in front of you, not to bring suffering, but rather freedom.  I want to challenge you to be open to change and look for the silver lining.  When we fight change we are only fighting against ourselves.  When we are open to change then we are accepting the perfection of the Universe and with it all the goodness that comes from change.

I know that change is coming for me, as change is coming for you.  Just like you will never stop the seasons from changing, you are never going to stop change from coming into your life.  Will you take hold of change and accept it for the goodness that it is, or will you continue to fight it?  The decision is yours to make.  As much as I dislike winter, and as much as I love the summer in Maine and the fall, I know I have to go through the other seasons to get what I love most.  Life is no different and the sooner you accept these truths the sooner you can let go of uncertainty and doubt.  Change should excite you because life should excite you.  You are not the small child you used to be, you have grown.  If you are wise you will continue to grow and that growth will come with change.  If you fight the change you fight the growth, and then it's a lose lose proposition.  My advice is to embrace change, smile at adversity, and hold fast to your dreams.  One of the great things about dreams is that they will never change.

There is a time for every season, and you are here at the perfect time.  Embrace what comes your way and understand that it comes to you not for your harm, but for your betterment.  Tomorrow brings hope and hope is what sustains us during those troublesome times we all face.  I know it's muddy now, but soon it will dry up and I will see the beauty that comes from the change of seasons.  You will see all the beauty in the change that is coming and you will love what you see.

Bright, brighter, brightest.

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Do you remember those old light bulbs that with each turn of the knob they would get brighter and brighter.  There it was, bright, brighter, brightest.  It was a fantastic invention as there were times when you just wanted a little light and other times when you wanted it to radiate throughout the entire room.  Well would you believe that you can have that same reaction with others?  There are times when we simply exist, not showing much of anything.  There are other times in our life when we are at full power and our illumination lights up the entire room.  We control how our light is administered, and we should always be in control of what we are showing others around us.

The question arises then what to do when your desire to shine just doesn't exist?  Face it, there are times when we're just out of it.  You could be looking out into the ozone somewhere, zoning.  We've all been there.  Our flame seems to be out.  Now this can be the result of so many different things.  Most of the time it happens when we are feeling less then satisfied with where we are, what we are doing, and most importantly, where we are going.  Fear not my friends, this is not a death sentence.  We all face those times when things aren't going according to plan.  We all have those days when it might have been better to stay in bed and just sleep it off.  Heck, we've all been in those situations where we just don't have an answer.  Fortunately this has a simple fix.

When you are faced with the situation when things just aren't going according to plan, go back to your happy place.  That happy place should be where you are able to recognize who and what you are, and that you are here for a purpose, a reason.  The amount of light that you put off is in direct proportion to the amount of light you let into your own life.  Remember that love begets love, light begets light, and the more of each you allow to enter into your own life then the more you can transfer to others.  Unfortunately there are many people out there who refuse to let love in.  They claim they don't need love.  Those that claim they don't need love are probably the same people who have never really experienced it.  Don't fool yourself, you will never achieve all that you want to achieve without love pulsing through you.  You'll never be able to accomplish your big dreams if you aren't sharing love with others.

When you are walking around in darkness it's awful hard to know what is in front of you.  When you are walking around in darkness it's nearly impossible to move in the correct direction.  Darkness is nothing more then the absence of light.  What is better: walking in light or staying in the darkness? Some people feel they have to stay in the dark, not true.  Light is so much more powerful then darkness.  If you don't believe me try lighting a tiny match in a dark room.  Trust me the light will overtake the darkness.  I feel as though most people have had dark moments in their lives.  Now most are able to come through these moments, but there are others who are in perpetual darkness.  I think a life in perpetual darkness is not much of a life at all.

So the obvious question is how does one go from bright to brighter, to brightest?  First you have to accept you.  If you are constantly trying to be something you're not then you are going to have a very difficult time lighting up a room.  Authenticity is so key, and yet too many people try to get through life being someone else.  If you can't find it in yourself to love your self, then what makes you think you'll be able to receive love from someone else.  We are perfect simply because our creator is perfect.  The sooner you can accept that you are indeed a very special person, the sooner you will begin to radiate light to others.  I don't know why so many people have an issue with someone who is confident in who they are.  I know that I am someone who has amazing gifts and talents.  I'm not saying that to brag, I'm saying that because it's true.  That being said, it's no less true for you as well.  We have all been given tremendous gifts and talents. Problem is someone down the line said we shouldn't be so high on ourselves.  Well I'm here to tell you to begin being high on yourself.  You are special, you are unique, and you are so incredibly gifted and talented it's almost scary.

If you want to turn up the energy in a room, turn up your energy.  If you want light to shine, shine your light.  You control how much you give out.  You have been given a tremendous opportunity.  You have the opportunity to change the world.  Yes, you!  The time has come to crank it up a notch or two.  There are people who are walking around in darkness because they either don't know any other way or they have yet to walk into you.  Your light must become their light.  Your strength must become their strength.  There are plenty of people out there with wants, maybe it's time you showed them what light means and what that light can do.

Over the top!!

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Is it possible to dream too big?  Is it possible to loose yourself in your dreams?  Is it possible to have all you ever wanted and then some?  I've asked myself all of these questions many times in my life.  There have been times when I answered differently to one or more of these questions.  I guess the way you answer these questions is going to be largely dependent upon where you are at the moment.  Personally I don't think you can ever dream too big.  I am a believer that dreams are in our lives to lead us to a particular point.  Now there may be times when dreams seem far, far away, but they are still something you think about and there's nothing wrong with that.

I've had people criticize me for dreaming to big.  As some have said, my dreams are over the top.  Over the top for who?  I don't think they're over the top for me, and if they're not over the top for me then I guess I should still go after them, right?  So many people who feel some people dream too big are the very same people who have probably given up on their dreams.  I get how one might want to quit on their dreams.  Life has a way of kicking us in the you know what, and if you get kicked hard enough there's always that chance you might decide that certain things just aren't worth it.  Funny thing about dreams; they don't go away.  You may successfully forget about a dream for a period of time, but I'll bet you dimes to donuts that the dreams you've had and discarded will ultimately come back to look at you right in the face.

Why is it that some people refuse to accept their own dreams, but are more then willing to cheer on others as they pursue theirs?  This has always been a mystery to me.  Sadly there are people who refuse to acknowledge that they have dreams.  Contrary to what some may think and say, we all have dreams.  Certainly there will be people who will not own their dreams, or even speak of them, but you can rest assured we all have dreams.  Some dreams are small and others huge, but a dream is a dream, is a dream.  I've seen people who try to morph their dreams into another persons dream.  Note to self:  that doesn't work.  You have your dreams for a very specific reason, and trying to tie them into someone else is not the way to do it.  Trust me, once a dream is accomplished the answer as to why you had the dream in the first place will be answered.  There is no coincidence when it comes to our own dreams.

So why am I spending so much time writing about dreams?  Sadly, there are too many people who have given up, and I for one want to help them get back into the fight.  Let's say your dream is simple and not at all inspiring, at least you don't think it's inspiring, so what!  Each dream, no matter how big or small is a stepping stone.  You can't get down the path of destiny if you always step away from the steps that are in front of you.  Why in the world would you want to walk around in the willwacks when there is a clear path in front of you?  Why do so many people make things complex when they really are so simple?  Once again, one of life's mysteries.

I want to remind each of you that everything you see today, be it simple or complex, began with a dream from someone.  The web page you are on to read these words, stated with a dream.  The phone, or pad, or computer, started with a dream.  Everything has a start, question is, will you finally start going after what you have dreamt about for years?  Timing is important, but starting something is just as important, and if the timing is off, you'll know, but you still have the opportunity to start it over at the right time.  The old adage, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again", is appropriate wouldn't you say?

Now least you feel you are all alone when it comes to going after your dreams, fear not.  I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to putting things off.  You see we put things off because often we are scared of the outcome.  We are frightened of failing.  We are shackled to those old feelings of we aren't good enough and it won't work out.  I deal with these feelings all the time, and most everyone else does as well.  Don't let fear stop you from going after those things that mean the most to you.  I'm talking as much to myself right now as I'm talking to you.  I have big dreams, over the top dreams, and there are times when I need words of encouragement spoken so I don't give up.  We are all human, but we are all great humans, and we can't forget that.  We were created to create, so don't you think it's time to start putting the pedal to the metal and move ahead with your dreams?

Dreams will always be around because you will always be around.  The moment you give up on your dreams is the day you begin to die slowly.  Dreams will keep you young at heart.  Dreams will inspire you to continue on.  Dreams will ultimately be what gets you to your destiny.  Who doesn't want to walk in and understand their own destiny?  Who simply wants to go through life never experiencing joy and pure happiness because you have achieved a goal or dream comes to pass?  If you say it's not important to you then I would say you've given up way to soon.  Life is a grand experiment and we are the subjects of that experiment.  Why not take the experiment as far as you can and get the most out of it.  I'm telling you, dreams are there to move you forward.  A real dreams should bring you goose bumps when you think about it coming to pass.  There is nothing better then sitting back and seeing a dream come true.  Your dreams may seem too big or too over the top, but don't let that scare you.  You have the right dreams, and you are the right person to see them come to pass.  Get out there and experience life to the fullest, and grab your dreams and never let go.

Fly me to the moon.

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It has been almost 50 years since we first landed on the moon. I can remember the words of President Kennedy when he challenged us to put a man on the moon within the decade and return them home safely.  At the time it was thought to be a foolish idea, and there were many, many people who never thought such a feat could possibly happen.

Guess what, it did happen, and it proved that the impossible was indeed possible.  How many people have been told that their dreams were nothing more then whimsical fodder for other foolish dreamers to avoid?  How many people have been forced to forget about their own desires because someone else thought those desires were foolish and unattainable?  Now I doubt that I could have added much to those who put the first man on the moon, but does that mean I don't have the ability to achieve my dreams?  My gifts are mine to use, and to use in the fashion necessary to accomplish my mission in this life.  We have been given gifts and talents that don't always follow someone else's gifts and talents and thats OK.  You have been equipped with things that were meant just for you, and no one else.  I would think that many people have grown tired of hearing all the doubters and naysayers when it comes to what they want to accomplish.  I would think that many people have grown weary of people telling them all the reasons why they shouldn't pursue something.  I would also think that those who have been pushed aside would be mad as hell since they still believe that all things are possible.

Putting a man on the moon was no easy task, and quite frankly walking out your destiny is not that much easier.  There are forces out in the world who would love nothing more then for you to fall flat on your face, just so they could say they told you so.  All I have to say to those people is "Screw you." It's time we stood up for what we hold deep in our heart.  It's time that we acknowledge what we believe to be true.  It's time that we occupy that place that was always meant to be ours.  My dear friends I know that times can sometimes be difficult, but in those difficult times comes an opportunity to move forward even if it's only an inch at a time.  We didn't get to the moon overnight, but we did get there, and you will discover and walk in your destiny, you simply have to believe.

I've allowed fear to stop me many times in my life.  I'm not too proud to admit that I've also screwed up a few things along the way.  What has never changed is that deep feeling that I am here for a specific reason and I will accomplish all the things I need to accomplish.  I don't seek fame for fame's sake. I only want to be the person I was intended to be, accomplishing those things that I am supposed to accomplish, thereby touching the lives of those that need my style of inspiration.  Will I ever walk on the moon?  As cool as that would be, I doubt it, but that doesn't mean I won't help someone else do it.  All the dreams I have are there because someone needs to hear about them or be a benefactor of them.  If I can help someone accomplish their dreams then I have done what I was sent here to do.  Giving of one's self is a noble thing.  I don't give so I can be recognized for it, I give because I want others to walk in their callings.  I want others to feel what it's like to reach the mountain top and see views they may never have seen before.  I want people to be free to walk out their purpose in this life and see that they have had a part in many successes.

I was watching the State of the Union address a week or so ago, and there was a man in the audience who had in fact walked on the moon.  I sat there and thought about it and I was just amazed when I thought about it.  I mean this guy actually walked on the moon, it's almost too much to believe.  Do you think Neil Armstrong ever thought he would be the first man to step on the moon?  Do you think it was his destiny or was it simply just the luck of the draw?  You can answer that question anyway you would like, but I happen to believe in the destiny part.

It's time to set loose all the dreams you have held back because others told you there was no need for what you desired.  It's time to set loose all those things you hold so deep in your heart because what is in you is part of your destiny.  It's finally time to step out and be who you were always intended to be.  Walking on the moon was a great thing, but so is what you have to offer.  We need to get away from putting a value on what others either have or don't have.  We need to recognize everyone for the created being that they are, and accept them for the wonderful creation they are.  I long for a time when everyone is walking in their destiny.  Will it happen in my life time?  Some would say it's a pipe dream, but wasn't putting a man on the moon a pipe dream at one time or another?  Let's get away from always saying no, Or it can't be done, to saying let's do it.  Let's take the chance and see where chance might bring you.  Let's let go of the "it's never going to happen", and pick up on all the "OMG we did it."

Putting a man on the moon was a phenomenal thing, but what you can bring to the rest of society is equally phenomenal.  I encourage each of you to hold fast to those things that you dream about.  Hold tight to the desires of your heart.  Latch onto the possibilities out there, and never, never, never give up on your visions of the future.  There is much to accomplish in this life time, and I for one am not willing to leave until I finish my purpose.  It's a great day to be alive, so why not fly to the moon and see what real adventure is really like.

Too Little, too late.

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OK, let's lay the axe to the root of what some think is the end.  Those who think they are always a day late and a dollar short, or it's just too little, too late.   There is no such thing as too little, too late, and the sooner you take yourself out of the place of thinking it's too little, too late, the better off you and those around you will be.

Each of us are so well equipped to handle those things we were intended to do it's almost scary. We have all that we need to be the people we were intended to be.  We, meaning you and I, are in fact more than what's on the surface.  We have the power and the right to live the lives of our own dreams.  How many of you can believe this?  How many of you want to believe this?  How many of you feel it's too late in life and there is no way that you will ever have all that you want?  I'm here to tell you that once you understand the true essence of your being, you will in fact begin to see your greatness and forget about what is shown on the surface and begin to look deeper and deeper into the real you.

Greatness is not measured by what you might have in the bank, or the size of your house or how fancy your car might be.  Greatness is not measured by your profession, or even what family you may have been born into.  We have been raised in a society where what you have is often the measure of what you are and this is wrong on so many counts.  I know it's easy to look at those who have been put in the spotlight and get the feeling that they have elevated themselves to a position of greatness.  Maybe they have achieved a lot of things, but have they really become great.  Certainly there are instances where people have achieved great things in life, and we the rest of society have been the beneficiaries of said greatness.  Sadly we have also fallen prey to certain beliefs that if we do not do equally great feats then we are somehow less great.  Understand, we are great by virtue of the fact that we are alive and walking the planet right now.  Our design is perfect as is our own destiny.  We need to get away from measuring ourselves against others and simply accept who we are.

Who ever said that you have to come from a certain segment of society to be great?  You don't, and once again greatness is within, without regard to your position in the societal hierarchy.  I see so many people on a given day who haven't the foggiest notion of who they are.  They walk around always looking for greatness around them, when what they should be doing is cultivating the greatness that already exist inside of them.  If you can't feel or sense the greatness that resides inside of you, then it's doubtful that it will ever manifest itself in any meaningful way in your life.   Remember, we create our own reality by our thoughts, our feelings, and our words.  If you are living in less then desirable circumstances, then you are going to have to own up to the fact that you put yourself there.  I know this last statement has the possibility of pissing some people off, but truth is truth.  The Law of Attraction, whether you want to accept it or not, believe in it or not, is very much real and it governs our lives.  The sooner you can put a smile of what you are going through the sooner it will change for you.

I don't know of anyone who hasn't had dreams of doing something great.  I have on the other hand, seen many people who do nothing with those thoughts of greatness.  Why in the world would you have a dream or thought of doing something great, if you weren't supposed to do something with those thoughts and dreams?  You have them because they are there to guide you to something.  Why is it we can discount the great things we want to do, but wholeheartedly accept the crap in life?  We are limited only because we have believed someone who told us we were limited.  I'd like to kick the crap out of those people who have told others what they can and cannot do in life.  Your life is your life.  You are here to accomplish something that only you can do.  You may not create something worth zillions of dollars, but you might be the one who guides the person who does.  Does that make your contribution to the cause any less impactful?  Get away from measuring things in dollars and cents and start to look at things in terms of Universal importance.  There is more to greatness then monetary value.

We have been told that we need not think too highly of ourselves.  Once again that is a load of crap.  If ever there was a time to think about your greatness now is that time.  We as a creation of the Creator have been sent here to create something.  What that something is will depend on you, and on your ability to decipher the signs that will undoubtedly be sent your way during your journey.  Why in heaven's name would you want to go through life always thinking you are just a little too late for something?  Why in the world would you want to always be thinking that someone else is worthy of all good things and you are not?  The simple truth is that you are just as worthy as the next person, because we as created beings are all worthy of having the dreams and desires of our heart.

I have a feeling that things are going to change for a good many people this year.  I have a feeling that some of you will finally have what you have been looking for.  I have a feeling that many people will finally receive answers to questions that they have been patiently waiting on for quite some time.  Why am I so sure of these thing?  Because I know I will be experiencing each of these things, and since the Universe is not a respecter of people, you can enjoy the same benefits as I.  I have set the intention that this year will build upon last year, and the year before that.  I have set the intention that I will no longer be just a bystander, but in fact will be much more of a doer.  I have set the intention that old things will melt away and I will walk in new ways.  I am not too little, and far from too late.  You are the very same, and it's time that you accept these truths.

Now is the time to move forward and now is the time to accept greatness.  Greatness is in you, around you, and it will be there forever.  All you need to do is receive it and walk in it. The Universe is ever changing, but what hasn't changed, and what will never change is the real you.  Now is the time to embrace the real you and accept all the greatness that comes with being you.  It's a wonderful day to be alive, and an even greater time to walk in your greatness.

It's a big world out there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53460575@N03/33067796288

We live in an ever expanding universe.  We occupy an unbelievable body, capable of so many great things.  We are all here at the right time, meant to accomplish the right thing in the right way.  We are magnificent.

How many of you have given any thought to what I just said.  Most people are so preoccupied with life that they forget that there is so much more out there for them.  My task today is to get you to understand the importance of your being, and just why you are hanging out in this moment.

It is a big world out there, and we are so much more then the tiny, itty biddy piece of land that we occupy.  We have been sold a bill of goods that we are limited, and that just isn't the case.  We only fail because we have allowed others to call it a failure.  It's never a failure if you understand that you can always try it a different way, and experience a different outcome.  If failure was a death sentence then none of us would be around right now.   Failure, once again, is simply the opportunity to try it a different way.

It's a big world out there and each of you are just as worthy of greatness as anyone else around you.  Problem is we have allowed others to dictate our success and of course identify our supposed failures.  It is time that we forget about what others say and think, and begin to follow the perfect guidance that comes from within.  The moment you realize how incredible you really are is the moment that things will turn around for you.  I have said this a million times that your heart is incapable of lying to you.  We know deep down what is right, but we allow others around us to lead us astray from our chosen path.  When will you start believing that you have all you need to be successful?  When will you realize that most of what we see is an illusion, and illusions are anything but real.  When will you realize that you have a destiny?  Your destiny is not an illusion.  Your destiny is not something only meant for those who are born into riches or prominence.  Your destiny is the reason you are here right now.  We have to get away from the expectation of others and simply accept what is ours.  We have to let go of the worries and the thoughts of regret and walk in our destiny.

It's a big world out there and you have a purpose.  Whether you call it purpose or destiny matters not. I say this to so many people, you are not here just for the free popcorn.  You do not simply occupy space for the sake of occupying space.  Each of us has something to accomplish and until such time as you accept this there is going to be something inside of you continually prompting you to go after it.  Now some people will say it is restlessness, others will call it indigestion, I call it destiny.  That little burning ember that will not go out, and it will not let go.  You may try to bury it, but it will never go away, and it will make it's presence known throughout your life.  Think about it: that one idea that just won't go away.  That feeling that there is more to your existence.  That knowing that there is something out there for you.  This is why you are here right now.

I'm not here to simply stir the pot, although there is some merit to that from time to time.  I am here to motivate you to go after those dreams, to take a walk on the wild side, to realize that it is indeed a big world out there and you are here to change it.  If you are wondering if you will ever discover what your purpose is, the answer is yes, but only if you desire that.  Sadly there are many who will walk away from dreams, and leave ideas unfulfilled.  There are others that will discourage you from going after your dreams, because most of them never went after their own.  My dear friends, life is not simply going through each day doing the same thing.  Life is not what others say it is, but what you know it is.  The only way you are going to know what life is about is when you accept who and what you are.  Life is so much more then the do's don'ts that others have shoved down your throat.  Life is an experience, one that should be savored each day.  Life is thrilling and full of opportunity and possibilities.  If you are simply going through each day the way so many others go through life then you are going to wind up miserable like so many others.  It is time that you grab life by the you know what and move on to those things you know to be true.

It's a big world out there, and out there is someone who needs what you have.  Your special gifts were given to you so you might give them to others.  If you think otherwise you need to step back and think.  Think about why you are here, what you can do, and why you should do it.  Think about those lives that will be changed by your kindness, your smile, your actions, and your love.  We are not here simply to occupy space, we are here to change the world, one person at a time.

To those who believe they do not have the time to help someone else, they have missed the boat.  When we forget about others we have placed ourselves above the rest, and that I can tell you is a very dangerous place to be.  Lets face facts:  there are many people out in the world today who care for nothing else but themselves.  They will say they care about their family, but to everyone else, they need to take care of themselves.  This is not the way things should be.  We should care for others just as much as we care for our own self.  Showing compassion and love is every bit as important as your next victory.  Coming in first place is meaningless if you have forgotten to display love and compassion to those around you.

It's a big world out there and there are people who need you.  Take a few moments and simply think about those around you and what they might be going through.  Allow love and compassion to engulf you, and then transfer it to someone else.  There can never be too much love in the world.  There can never be too much compassion.  Those who think there is are the ones who have never been given it from others.  When you have been the recipient of love and compassion it is always easier to give it back to someone else.  The world is a big place, but we can make it more beautiful if we will give of ourselves to someone in need.  The world is not so big, the universe is not so expanding, that it couldn't use a little more love.  Give from your heart and see if things don't brighten up for you in a very big way.