Today is Halloween and although it means many different things to many different people, I was reflecting on how this day was something I looked forward to growing up as a child.  Although the fact that you could ask for and receive candy was an immediate bonus, I recall the weeks prior to this day as the momentum was generated in the store displays and how we all decorated our classrooms in school.  It was definitely a more innocent time, when we did not have to worry about speaking to strangers, being allergic to food items or having natural organic choices for treats.  In my mind it was very simple, I either got gum, chocolate, lollipops or some other assortment of candy that did not rank very high on my barometer.  I also remember being allowed to walk long distances to the surrounding neighborhoods and the goal was to get more candy than your friends did.  My costume initially was store bought and for the longest time it was a one piece plastic coverall of sorts with a non-flexible mask.  It wasn't until I was in the sixth grade when we really worked on and invested our time on making our own costumes.  I remember the winner of our whole school like it was yesterday, who made a costume that resembled R2D2 of the now classic film Star Wars.  The highlight of the school day was that you got to wear a costume to school and before you left for home, everyone in the class got a cupcake and some fruit punch as the big treat from our teacher.  I know that times have certainly changed since then and now there are big carnivals and the costumes are more elaborate and lifelike than ours ever were.  I love that evolution has made some things better and that is always the mark of progress.  However, when this day is complete and parents finally get home from spending an evening of trick or treating with their children, I bet that if everyone ended their evening with a cupcake and a glass of fruit punch it would be the culmination of a great evening for all.        

I have been captivated by a show about aspiring singers and how they have to do battle against each other to see who shines brighter on the stage that they all want to call home.  All of the contestants are talented in their own way and have a unique musical quality to their voices.  I find it sometimes difficult to see them do something that utilizes their musical gifts with such passion, while they are vulnerable to being sent home at the end.  These individuals definitely show courage and conviction about their devotion, while showing the world that if they go down, they will do so with a fighting spirit.  Those intangible qualities that speak to the will of somebody who is pursuing their dream and throws caution to the wind in their pursuit, are people I will always admire.  The great qualities of a human story filled with perseverance has also been the subject of many best selling books through out history.  We always want to root for the underdog or the person that appeared to have very little chance in succeeding and when they do, we are all on the side lines cheering for those individuals.  The fight and substance that is the make up of each person around you will vary based upon what that person is motivated by and their values.  Rarely does a parent not put up a fight for their own child in any circumstance and you can see that passion in almost any parent's eyes.  Some people are great advocates for social justice and they can bring their fervor to a tumultuous exchange that can highlight their formidable attribute.  When you think about the many things that challenge you, aspire to use the passion within you to meet and overcome those challenges with great resolve.  If it is something worth fight for, then your ardent feelings will truly illuminate your journey and more than likely you will be declared the victor in the end.

People have heard the term an army of ants and one can immediately picture a swarm of these insects collectively marching together.  As I was watching a somewhat medium to large size army of these today, I noticed the precision in which they followed each other as they walked in a synchronized manner carrying out their objective.  I happened to be at a gas station when I noticed this stream going through the middle of a concrete island that had a crevice large enough for these critters to make it a home of some sorts.  What appealed to me was that they looked determined and resolved in how they executed their work, as they were part of a well oiled machine with precision seeking to reach a goal.    As I smiled at the thought that I could certainly learn something from them, I kept thinking, everyone around me could take a few pointers as well.  We have our best laid plans that we all seek to accomplish and as straight and narrow as we are determined to walk a particular line, we can get detracted from our goals.  Life is a great equalizer to the best constructed tactic that one can come up with.  This is why one has to be determined to not be swayed from the intended direction and ultimate destination.  Adjustments have to be made, as in my example of my friends in the ant colony, when they walked into any type of obstruction, they all collectively changed course in a quick amount of time as they all learned the new path that was now in front of them.  As you walk towards your goals and seek to take those steps that can get you closer, remember that it is okay to veer off course as long as you remain determined.  How you get there and what types of different calibrations you may have to make to your journey, is entirely up to you.  The bottom line is that you keep walking forward and eliminate any distractions that may alter your course entirely.  In the end, your goal may be more near to you than you think as an altered path can sometimes make the trip a little shorter.  

My favorite type of bird, is a hummingbird for various reasons.  I believe they have some wonderful attributes as they are mighty for their size, they come in varied colors that are as bright as an artist's pallet and contributes to the pollination cycle that brings the miracle of life to nature outside our doors. Looking out of my living room this morning I was entertained by  a beautiful green hummingbird who gracefully danced in the wind as it swept over the blooming plants and flowers.  As fast as its wings were moving, the scene in front of me played out as if in slow motion.  I was captivated by the attention to detail that this lovely bird paid to the smallest of blooms around it.  The experience made me think about our own ability to pay attention to details in our lives.  Sometimes it is paying attention to the smallest details that can have the greatest impact.  When presented with an obstacle or barrier, we normally begin the problem solving process by going over our potential options whether on paper or in our minds.  Many times we attempt to solve an issue based upon the plan that we thought about, however, at times we are challenged by the fact that we did not pay enough attention to a particular detail in our plan.  In fairy tales and other fables, there are many examples of how a victory or a happy ending to a tale was reached by someone who had the answer to their dilemma by focusing on a particular detailed element.  Therefore today's hummingbird example for me becomes a reinforcement as I continue through my daily journey, that the answers to many of life's questions can be found in those small factors.  When presented with an issue or problem, use precision in your plan by focusing on the details that can be the catalyst for solving your particular quandary.

There is a song that speaks about beauty and how you can manifest it in your life.  In the song, there is a line that says some simple words that have tremendous meaning.  "You deserve what you dream", it is part of the chorus of this melody and as I was listening to this a few days ago, it became a good reminder about the things that we all deserve.  Dreams can become reality if you work hard enough at it and never give up on them.  If you were to ask a singer who wants to make it in the music business, there are a myriad of stories about those musicians who keep pursuing their dream, even though they have been rejected many times in the process.  The difference for those that become successful versus those that do not, can be as varied as their journeys.  The level of passion about your dream is another element of the formula that can be the tipping point for the person who visualizes their success.  I am also reminded about the great Nelson Mandela of South Africa who suffered in a prison for twenty seven years, before becoming a free man and realizing his dream of helping dismantle apartheid in his country.  For the most part, dreams take some time and lots of effort to make them into reality.  The fortunate few who realize a dream in a very short amount of time are certainly the exception and not the rule.  My wish is that people never stop pursuing dreams and that new dreams are also part of their evolution.  Everyone deserves to see what they envision become true, which then keeps the hope alive for others that are beginning in their path to realizing what they seek to attain in the future.    

I was conducting some training today and at the conclusion of my session I showed a video that spoke about leadership.  One of the specific phrases in the video asks the viewer to look at the world through more innocent eyes, like when you were younger and had no money.  It made me think back to my adolescence and college days where this was the norm.  I recall having a lot of fun in my younger years and mostly none of it revolved around how much money I had to spend.  I would go to the movies every so often and watch an inexpensive matinee film that was usually made by Disney.  The films are now like a distant dream to me and they included such family classics as the; Swiss Family Robinson, (Herbie) The Love Bug, Freaky Friday and The Shaggy D.A.  My grandmother always found a way to give me change to pay for the early show and buying things at the snack bar was seldom treat.  However, I got to be part of the experience, just like anybody else who may have had more money than I did.  In the theater, there was no hierarchy for those that had more money to be able to purchase better seats.  Everyone was able to enjoy and be part of this magical event that took place on the screen and took all of us away on a magic ride for almost two hours.  When I think back to those movies, they may seem corny by today's standards of cinematic art, however, I treasured every single one of them, as they became poignant dots on the map of my life.  Try this exercise and think back to that period in your life and remember the person that you were when innocence prevailed around you.  Be thankful that you may lived to capture such memories and revisit them often, as they serve as a reminder about what can truly make you happy.    

There is a viral video of a man who is sitting outside a building asking for money with a sign that reads, "I am blind please help".  The man sits there as several people pass him by and many just ignore him.  Then one woman walks over to him and he can feel her shoes as she stands in front of him, while she re-writes the words on his sign.  She puts the sign back next to him and then walks away.  Soon after people who walk by begin dropping money on the cardboard that the man is sitting on.  It is a complete turn-around from how he started.  Finally, the same woman who re-wrote his sign walks by and he can feel her shoes next to him and he asks what  she did to his sign.  She answers and says she wrote the same thing he had before, except she used different words.  As she walks away, the sign becomes visible and it reads, "It's a beautiful day and I can't see it".  It ends there by emphasizing the power of words. The video has many wonderful life lessons in a short period of time.  There is the fact that we should give to others who need our help with an open heart.   Another point is that words depending on how you use them, can change the perspective of a person and in the world.  It also portrayed that it only takes the power of one person to change another human beings circumstance.  This is one of the advantageous reasons for having access to the internet and the power of social media.  I love the fact that social consciousness can be raised in a matter of only a few minutes.  I also enjoy a good reminder of how we are supposed to behave towards each other while while we exist on this Earth. Finally, remember that bringing a positive change into your life often begins by helping change someone else's life around you.

I have heard the term leveraging resources ever since the era of doing more with less came about several years ago.  This idea that you can do more when you combine resources with others to achieve similar goals, can enable an entity to have longer sustainability as a result.  I then began to think about how this idea works for people on an everyday basis.  Parents who take their children to school do a version of this via carpooling.  They leverage their vehicles and take responsibility of transporting each other's children in an an effort to decrease duplication, cost and time.  At work some people have book clubs that they enjoy, which stimulates conversation with other people who have similar views and similar tastes in reading.  Their example of leveraging their time to discuss similar interests and explore different meanings or points of view behind reading material, can provide for idea exchanges that can lead to new thoughts about interpreting life and the English language.  Among the most unique and giving examples of the leveraging term is when people get together for a common cause or perhaps to raise money for finding a cure to a well known illness.  In having larger numbers of concerned individuals focusing attention to a disease or an issue that can have a positive social impact, provides a great example of how we as human beings can bring better balance to a planet that appears to have this deficiency at times.  I believe that there are many other great examples of  how we can leverage our own individual resources to get a better return on our investment of personal time and money.  The larger question becomes, which is your priority and how will you take advantage of this opportunity?  Utilize what others have been doing for some time and adopt the techniques that can bring more value to your investments.  Soon enough you will enjoy the same benefits as others, when you realize that you can enjoy having more by doing smart planning, as you realize your personal goals.

This afternoon I was contemplating the notion of being and giving your best at all times.  When I was thinking about this, I immediately thought about the type of energy that you would exert as you seek to achieve this.  Initially, it can be a challenge to ensure that you are setting your benchmark high enough, so that you learn to operate at this level consistently.  It may mean that you change the way you approach certain things and that you make a concerted effort to adjust your life accordingly.  I can tell you from experience that it took me some time to adjust, as it becomes part of who you are and there are days when that can be challenging.  Although I consider myself a work in progress, I have learned that by adjusting things like my attitude, outlook and prioritizing what is most important to me, it now allows me to filter those things that I see as having less relevance to my life.  I used to beat myself up over not completing tasks within a certain period of time and I learned a long time ago, that there are only so many hours in a day.  As long as I could be honest with myself at the end of each day and I could say that I attempted my best, then it was okay to move the priority of things that may need to get done to the following day.  Practice definitely helps, as you learn to better prioritize your to-do list. The next time you feel over whelmed because you have not finished all that you set out to do, allow yourself to acknowledge that you did your best on that day and take it all in.  Knowing that you will attempt to do your best each day as you work towards achieving your goals, will become second nature to you and before long, the things that used to bother you won't.  Soon enough you will find that your life can be more in balance and that you do not have to sacrifice more of yourself to get there.  

“Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” This is the quote that I ran across today by Albert Camus.  As I ended a day with a dear old friend of mine, I was reminded how fortunate I am to have close friends that have been walking beside me since my childhood years.  The fact that one can call someone a friend is a sign that you are not facing the world alone and that you have at a moment's notice a good ear with a big heart waiting to hear you.  A really good friend does not need to hear an excuse as to why you have not spoken to them recently.  A good friend simply picks up the conversation as if time had stood still from the last time that you communicated with each other.  It is truly a blessing to have that circle of people around you that can be part of your support network.  Life can be distracting enough with work, school, kids and other priorities that chip away at the available hours in a day.  If you have not spoken to one of your good friends in a long time, then make an effort to reach out and catch up with that person. Remember that we can not regain any time that has been lost, we can only do better with the time that we do have left.   At the end of the day, remind yourself about how lucky you are to have these other people that are bonded with you like family.  A friend that sticks by you is like having a strong pillar to hold onto during the most severe storm.  Acknowledge the blessings that you have in these people that have been there since your foundation and will walk beside you through the rest of your life.

I grew up in an agricultural area and this time of the year, a lot of farm work is dedicated to turning the soil and planting seeds for the upcoming winter harvest.  As I was recalling how all of this work is done, I remember very vividly how people appear to be working around the clock to ensure that they maximize their window of opportunity before the colder weather puts a stop to the planting season.  Similarly, I think this is the perfect opportunity for all of us to go over those things that we have been putting off for some time and begin to do the work that is needed in order for us to yield a good harvest in the next season.  Remember that the opportunity to reinvent yourself is a daily decision and how you choose to do that can make a big difference in the quantity and quality of your personal growth.  As the Fall air becomes more cool and crisp, think about those impending changes as you absorb the new season's fresh air.  Perhaps you want to address some financial concerns before the holiday season is upon you, so be proactive and take control of those items.  It could be that you have to make amends with someone with whom you may have had a falling out with.  Why let more time go by, knowing full well that you still want that other person in your life.  It would be best to address things now before the next season makes things more complicated for you.  Maybe the issue is your own personal health and you have not been resolved to address it.  Look at this as your opportunity to engage in those changes.  If you had made a list previously, this would be a good time to revisit it and if you have no list, then seek to make one that has the potential to transform your future.  Do not let the changing season go, without you making some much needed adjustments along with it.  Remember that as the soil needs to be nurtured in order to cultivate those new crops, you need to pay attention to those things that have needed your attention for some time.  

I was at an airport yesterday afternoon and had to deal with a delay due to mechanical problems with our aircraft and then eventually we got redirected to another plane for our trip.  It was similar to one of those moments that you hear about in the news when sometimes things don't go as planned.  With the fact that an airline has all of these human lives as liabilities in this common form of transportation, I can always relate to erring on the side of caution.  It was interesting to see how the people around me reacted to the delays.  Some were visibly upset as they had plans that would not be completed based upon their itinerary for the evening.  Others were quiet and introspective, while some simply maintained a positive outlook.  I was sitting next to a gentleman who was the ideal person for how to handle these situations.  He instantly captivated me by asking me, "so where are you traveling on this fine day?"  The fact that he could look above everything else and was determined to maintain that a fine day was still at hand, made me smile.  I explained that I was heading home and he told me about his destination.  Then he began making jokes with the other people around us about how the airline would be very amenable to purchasing our dinner at one of the airport's fine restaurants, as a way to make things up to us.  Most of us looked at him in disbelief and he let out a loud laugh, acknowledging that it was not going to happen.  People began naming their favorite foods and restaurants in the airport and everyone seemed to cheer up at the thought that they could have their favorite meal during this delay.  We spent enough time talking and chuckling with each other, that time went by very quickly. Before I knew it, we had boarded our plane and we were taxiing down the runway as we headed into the sky.  The incident was a great reminder to me that no matter what your perceived distressful circumstance, a good attitude and a sense of humor will get you through.  The next time you are faced with any type of obstacle, look at it as an opportunity for you to look at things from a different point of view and keep things in perspective.   What ever the magnitude of your dilemma, know that things will work out and a good attitude will get you through even faster.

When the world says, "Give up," hope whispers, "Try it one more time."  This was a quote that I ran across earlier today by an unknown author.  I was instantly connected to this message as I know that I have listened for those whispers over the years.  Having that ability to listen intently to your conscience echoing what hope is trying to tell you, is something that has taken some practice for me.  To me this capability comes from the similar results of exercising your muscles.  With time and consistency, one is able to build their strength, while becoming fully aware of the whispers that are made to us.  Not giving up, is a lot easier said than done, especially when life has brought more than your share of challenges.  It has also been said that giving up, is the easier thing to do.  Therefore, remember that when you do not give up and you are resolved to keep hope alive, you may find that there will be further struggles before you find the answer that you were seeking.  Also be prepared for the answer to be somewhat different than what you expected.  Many times people have asked for something and they may not be fully prepared to receive it.  That is when the universe steps in to provide something for you that may not be exactly what you wanted, however, it will provide the best solution for you in the long run.  Having patience while all of this goes on is another topic that I will revisit sometime in the future.  Just remember that you are capable of achieving what you set out to do.  In the moments when there is any self doubt, listen for hope to whisper to you before you go to sleep or as you awaken, advising you of the triumph that you are imminently upon.

In the book "The Essential Wooden, A lifetime of lessons on Leaders and Leadership", by John Wooden and Steve Jamison, there is a to-do list for leaders.  One of the items that Coach Wooden itemizes is, "When disagreeing, do not become disagreeable".  The list has four items on it, however, this item really spoke to me.  Aside that Coach Wooden was so successful and admired by so many, this one item on his leadership list could very well define who he was.  We all know that anyone who enjoys sports has somewhat of a competitive nature in them.  Everyone wants to win and in team sports, everyone does their best for the good of the team.   When you think about a sporting match of any kind, whether it is soccer, football, tennis, baseball or basketball, there are umpires or referees that aide in keeping score and enforce the defined rules of the game.  I can think of many instances on the nightly news when the camera highlights an argument between a player, coach or referee.  The reason they are highlights, is because they normally do not portray the individuals involved in a gentleman or gentlewoman like manner.  Usually, the highlight is someone going off on someone else and the conversation is usually heated and somewhat emotional.  When I think about Coach Wooden and his advice to not be disagreeable, it is the antithesis of what the sports highlight reel would show.  Just because you disagree with someone, does not mean that you have to be disrespectful.  To disagree is everyone's right, however, your demeanor and how you handle the disagreement is part of your character.  The next time you feel that you disagree with someone, think about the words that you use and the context in which you utilize them.  Strive to be the good sport in your situation and convey your disagreement with grace and dignity.  We have had too many sport highlight reels that showcase how we can communicate poorly, let's do our best to show the world that we can be better.  

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened", this is a quote by the renowned famous author and children's storyteller, Dr. Seuss.  I  repeatedly look at quotes by this famous author and I am always amazed at how prolific he was when he wrote many of these words quite a few years ago.  This particular quote reflects on the fact that we must celebrate that fact that we experienced something versus contemplating why it no longer exists.  To me these words reflect life.  Change is inevitable and we cannot maintain things forever, although many of us would love for certain people to still be here with us after they have long gone.  Since time does not stand still for anyone, it becomes vital to enjoy life and live in each moment.  None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow, therefore we must continue to be grateful for what has transpired before and what we have today.  Remember to follow what Dr. Seuss said and continue to smile, as the memories that defined your life add happiness and harmony to your existence.    

I was having a conversation about an art project with my mom about her upcoming catechism class that she teaches, that centered on a treasure chest and coins that are deposited into it.  She explained that there was to be specific symbolism associated with the coins and the chest that they rested in.  As we concluded our conversation I thought for a moment about what the word treasure meant. I always like to look up various definitions of words, because the meaning can vary based upon the situation. The explanation that I liked upon doing some quick research was; a valuable or precious possession of any kind.  It made me continue to ponder how we have our own collection of treasures that are defined by the value we have placed on them.  I was then reminded of how some years back, we had some wildfires in the area where I live and I had to pack some of my own personal treasures, in preparation for an evacuation that appeared to be imminent.  I remember packing a bag with some clothes and shoes along with some other travel related things that could be utilized if I went to stay at a hotel.  When I was in my closet I pulled my house documents and insurance papers, which would be essential if my home had been damaged.  I knew I had limited time to think about what else I would take, that I would consider irreplaceable.  That was when I got to my family picture albums and decided that all of them were going to go with me no matter where I ended up.  It wasn't until after that scary situation, that I realized a few things.  First, I needed to do a better job of cataloging my pictures and ensuring everything was organized and in albums.  Second, the memories associated with those pictures told my story of how I got to where I am today and there was no dollar value that could be attributed to that.  Third, everything is replaceable to an extent, with the exception of a human life. Material things when faced with a crisis, such as a fire, become immediately less important.  Therefore, I ask you to think about your own personal treasures and the value that you place on them.  Also, be grateful for the things that you do have and when presented with an opportunity, share some of your treasure (s) with someone else, what ever that may be.

There are times when we need a second boost of energy through out the day, as the levels in our body may be diminished.  At times it can be related to having a number of things that need so much attention in the day, that one can feel that their gas tank is almost past empty.  When you reach that state of depleted vigor, one can reach for other items to aide in returning to a more balanced state.  Aside from food or water, I would ask you to consider re-energizing by revisiting periods of your life that brought you tremendous joy.  The first time you remember going to a beach or the first time you went to a place like Disneyland.  Others may think about the ultimate day of transformation, such as when you became a parent or the day you were married.  All of these things that exemplified so much hope and wonder to your life, are all within reach at any given time.  Perhaps it was the day that you met your best friend or another great moment when you laughed so hard with your friends or family that you almost cried.  There are many examples and I am hopeful that everyone has an inventory of those periods, that can make them feel as if you were walking on a silver cloud.  Since life has many cycles and waves of varied emotions, we must be diligent in keeping our balance through out the peaks and valleys of when those occurs.  During the days or nights when you feel that you are in need of that extra amount of fortitude to get you through, remember the good events that have taken place in your life.  I am sure there are many, all one has to do is begin selecting them from your archived memory.  As a result, the crevice that may be developing when your path becomes a bit more complicated, can easily be filled with those past instances that can help you walk with ease as you make your way down your life's journey.  

In reading some material earlier today, I ran across a term that stood out as I was finishing some research.  The word was imperfection and I stared at it for a while as I thought about its meaning.  First the definition, which I found to be simple and to the point; flawed or defective.  It made me wonder how people can at times feel that this characteristic may define them.  Perhaps it was a result of having a poor beginning to life.   As a child one may have faced obstacles much sooner than their counterparts and depending on the circumstance, the feeling of not fitting in may have been someone's reality.  For instance, when I was growing up if you grew up with a single parent it was the exception and not the rule.   Another example could have been growing up in a family where there was any type of substance abuse, this also has long term ramifications for any member of that family and many key defining moments of inadequacy for a young child.  There are many examples of how how one may have had a different beginning than someone else.  The key is what happened to those individuals as they became adults and took control of their own circumstance.  If coming from a broken family was a defining moment for you, then there are wonderful examples of single parent homes where the children grew up and beat the odds that may have been against them.  Among them; Julia Roberts, Barack Obama, Barbra Streisand, John Lennon, Halle Berry, Al Pacino and Tom Cruise.  Also let us not forget that a single mother who was once on public assistance, is now the most famous and successful British author in history, her name is J.K. Rowling, you may have heard of her.  Therefore, I am brought back to the word imperfection and how many successful people may have at one point and time felt that they felt incomplete.  Since we are human we all fall into the dilemma of having these type of negative feelings.  For anyone that may have thought that feeling flawed may have defined them at some point, I say to remember the precious diamond stone.  Before they were diamonds, they were pieces of coal and many of them had flaws that with constant polish created magnificent prized jewelry stones. We must remember that time is the true test and things usually work for the better of all of us in the end.  Let go of any feelings that can cause you to harbor any sense of imperfection and be ready to shine like a true diamond glistening in the sun.

This morning I was having a conversation with my sister about a discussion we both had heard on the state of unforgiving. The highlight of this discussion centered on the failure to forgive ourselves.  We both agreed that in our lives, we have had the opportunity and need to forgive someone else.  However, among the toughest things to do is to face that fact we are the one's in need of this absolution.  We are very good as human beings at keeping score when someone else has wronged us.  In addition, saying you have forgiven someone can lead to speaking and feeling two separate emotions.  The ability to say I am sorry to someone and truly mean it versus just saying the words, while keeping the resentment inside of you can eventually manifest itself in a toxic manner.  If we internalize our feelings and keep everything within us, it can be even more difficult for us to be around others.  It can take years to get rid of that guilt that can eat at us, for things that others may not even think were that important.  If you have feelings of unforgiving towards yourself, then perhaps this is the day that you finally begin to let that be part of your past, where it truly belongs.  Don't let another day go by while harboring these feelings that don't allow you to move forward in your life.  Allow yourself to let go of any guilt laden emotions towards yourself or others, so that you can finally feel the release of that negative energy that has been part of your being.  If you need to acknowledge a mistake then do so.  However, it is essential that you let the feelings that are related to past errors go, in order to begin the healing process.  We can be hurtful or say things that are insensitive at times, however, we also have the power to rectify those situations by acknowledgement and making amends to others along with ourselves.   The act of forgiving not only means a weight lifted of your shoulders, it can also fill the void that comes with those ill feelings which can finally fill up your inner being with peace and harmony.

One of the things that I love is that feeling when all of a sudden you turn a corner in your life and you have an awakening that makes you realize that you are headed in the right direction.  There are many words to describe this, such as validation, confirmation or manifestation to name a few.  The best part of these moments is the fact that you can look back at how far you have come and realize that you are no longer the same person that began this journey so many years ago.  These moments make me think about the many instances where self doubt crept into my thoughts that deterred my peace of mind in reaching my goals.  I am sure there are many people that find themselves in a similar situation where things are going so well, it is almost makes one feel a little guilty.  I for one, do not succumb to the feelings of guilt anymore, due to the many years that I can reflect on the arduous journey.  Among the most challenging periods is when everything seems to be working for your friends and family and yet, you feel like you are the only one that does not have it together.   Feeling truly appreciative for others circumstances, when at times one feels that life is not fair, has been one of the best lessons life has taught me.  Simplified it has become the true test of having gratitude in my life.  My wish is that everyone is allowed to feel that turning point moment in their life when things all of a sudden fall in place.  For those that are awaiting that moment to come, be patient, continue to be grateful and be resolved in your pursuit to realize the change you have been expecting.      

There is an inspiring quote by the late cartoonist, Charles M. Schultz, which states, “Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use".  What intrigued me about this quote is that it reminded me of the untapped or unused potential that we all have.  I think we tend to use our extra gears when we are faced with an obstacle or the need to overcome something.  In those opportune times when we are faced with limited options our mind will help us overcome that which we are presented with.  Our survival skills kick in and then it is a matter of time before everything falls into place.  It is great to think that we could use all of the gears that are available to us at any given time, which would enable us to reach for levels of greatness that are beyond what we could imagine.  So the question then becomes, what is holding us back?  Although that is something we all have to answer for ourselves, there are things that we can do to obtain this optimum level of functioning.  Because our mind can be both our greatest ally and foe, we must begin by letting ourselves believe that we can achieve.  Having positive reinforcement in our language and attitude can make the biggest difference in how we succeed at this.  Practicing and saying out loud to ourselves that we are capable rather than stating the opposite will help us further along in our path.  Eliminating distractions or voices around you that put little faith in you, is also essential to your success.  Learn to speak possibility and allow yourself to climb further while using up those gears that have been hidden inside of you.        

This afternoon I was looking at the word dividend. The topic was introduced in an article that was speaking about investors and what they expected from a company.  A simple definition for this word is; something extra or a bonus.  I began to  ponder about the effort that we put forth into our life's journey.  The hard work, along with the sweat and tears that went into the years that created who we are, do pay a dividend of sorts.  Experience and wisdom are a huge byproduct of our life's special compensation.  If you ask someone who is older, they may reflect on the days when their younger body and mind operated on a different speed.  However, I feel a lot people will quickly veer towards the fact that they would not trade in what they have in personal earned dividends through the experiences that has brought them to where they are today.  Although you may hear about this word related to the banking or finance genre, never forget that there are other definitions.  One of the benefits of wisdom is that one can make better and more informed decisions in what comes before them.   Utilize what you have learned to create the environment you want to thrive in.  Allow your dividends to work for you, as you continue to invest in yourself.  In the end, this works just like in the finance world, your return on investment will yield great results if you stick to your plan.

I was listening to a discussion earlier on how the concept of being perfect can negatively impact people.  First of all, I don't think that any one of us intentionally maps out a plan to achieve perfection.  Where I think a good portion of us may fall into, is the control factor that may be associated with trying to achieve this elusive state.  In our minds, we may think that if we can achieve command over something, that it allows us to dictate from beginning to end, how we want things to go.  The comical part part of this issue, if you think long enough about these type of situations is that we can all come up with great examples of how we have come up short at one time or another. It is quite difficult to have complete control over anything, anyone or any situation.  As an example, if you are a parent you may have experienced that doing everything in your power to raise a child to have the most ideal outcome as an adult, is sometimes an evasive task.  For any parent, I am sure they could tell you many stories of how this expectation was more of a fairy tale versus reality.  When we are dealing with human beings, as complicated as we are, it makes things even more confounded when we throw in the realities of our circumstances into the mix.  Realizing that perfection is unattainable and should carry little importance would be the better path to travel. I hope that you allow yourself the opportunity to realize that you have some control over things and others are far beyond your comprehension or sphere of influence.  Rather than spending extra time on the things that you have little or no real jurisdiction over, pay attention to those things that have deeper meaning and can bring more harmony into your life.  Begin by letting go of the small things and be resolved to look at the greater good that is already part of your life along with all of the imperfections that come with that.  

What does inspiration look and feel like to you?  This is the question I was pondering earlier today, as I began to focus on the things that give me a sense of validation that the world is still filled with good.  The one place that always provides me with immediate therapeutic invigoration is when I am at a beach.   The opportunity to witness the the elements of the earth as it meets a great body of water, always makes me feel smaller in the grand scheme of things and provides for a majestic experience.  Perhaps you have children that are your source of daily inspiration.  Although parenting is a life long acquired skill that comes with no instructions or a handbook, the children that are the product of your hard work, can add so much more value to your life that they are indeed a great source of awakening.   The sources can be many and the options are equally as diverse, depending on what is valued by someone.  Whether it is music, art, literature or your passion for animals, this can all serve as the platform for what makes your heart dance with joy.  A connection can be the passion that you feel over a particular issue, that can also be a sense of motivation. I hope that everyone can find that reservoir that holds those things that bring their life more meaning and to feel the positive energy that is alive and well surrounding them.  With many things in the world that can seem heavy at times, we need the ability to rise above those moments and seek comfort in the vast array of sources that can motivate us to look forward to another bright day ahead.