Look Within

Never allow your perceived position to dictate your ambition. All of us, at one time or another, have felt that we were up against insurmountable odds. In moments of deep struggle, it can be difficult to hold on tight to our faith, strength, and ambition...yet they are they very things we need to see us through to the "other side." No matter how far down you may feel you are, never allow your position to discredit your power-your innate ability to overcome.

I believe that just as we look down and see the ants hard at work, so too, does God look down at us with such a perspective. He can see far beyond all we can, and while from our position and perspective, our circumstances may look grim, He is able to see that which we simply cannot grasp. Yet, unlike the ants who do not know there is anything greater amongst them...we are given the keen ability to reach out and ask for guidance to see with new eyes that which we are walking through. A change in perspective changes everything.

So, when things appear overwhelming...stop looking down...stop looking up...and choose instead, to look within...for all the strength you need is found there.

We Are What We Think

They say that the human brain produces approximately 70,000 thoughts every day. Maybe one of the most important concepts that I am just beginning to understand is that our thoughts are central to every outcome we experience-our well-being literally depends on them. You don't have to believe me. Research it for yourself.

The truth is that absolutely nothing that happens in our entire lives has a specific meaning to it. Our perception dictates our interpretation of every moment of our existence. It is no more correct to say that something is "good" than "bad." Everything and everyone just IS , and how we choose to perceive their mere existence inevitably determines our mere existene, as well. For those of us who have not been raised or accustomed to "positive thinking," this may seem far-fetched. We can all pin-point moments where we'd defend-"No..NOTHING about THAT was good." Yet, it is our perception and denial or refusal to find anything good that determines such an outcome. This is not about burying your head in the sand and pretending things do not hurt or cause us to struggle. Yet, how we perceive such pain and struggle is vital to our continued success and health.

Many religions and health practioners insist that our thoughts dictate our being, but it seems easier said than done to change habitual negativity. So, if you find that, like me, things have been "half empty" for far too long, I urge you to develop new habits of thinking. You could start with a simple exercise. Take a piece of paper and write 10 things about yourself or your experiences that you've felt are negative. Then, beside each one, force yourself to perceive it differently. Was there something you learned from it? Is there an unlearned lesson that you could glean from it now? There is ALWAYS something positive to find, and I promise you, you will save yourself and those around you much sorrow to begin sifting through the negativity and pain, to find solace and enlightenment.

Your very health and life depends on this.