Plan ahead

Where will you be in 5 years? Ever heard that?

I guess some people know or at least have an idea of where they want to be. I'm not sure I do, but, it's been a topic of conversation with my coach. How about you? Do you get a sick feeling in your stomach because you don't have a clue.

Sometimes it's hard to look at where your at as opposed to where you want to be. Maybe your preoccupied and haven't taken a moment to ponder what it means. Often it seems too overwhelming to consider because there will be much to do. The awareness is intimidating and scary. That, in turn, causes anxiety and self doubt.

On the other hand, though, it's important to be your own best friend. How better to take care of yourself than to plan ahead, consider options, and take charge of your future. If you don't, who will?

Tomorrow is the 1st of July. The start of a new month. The start of a month that signifies independence. You are now at liberty to be unrestrained in your thinking. So, make that shift, and plan ahead.

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Truth in communication

It feels bad when your not feeling heard. Why don't you understand? What's your problem?
Somewhere there is a breakdown in communication, in language. Unfortunately, when this happens, it can result in hurt feelings, unkind words being spoken, and even, the end of the relationship.

Believing someone is wrong means you know the answer and have the ability to judge. That's a huge job and a position that carries alot of weight. You believe that the person isn't listening to you, and you feel ftustrated and angry.

Maybe a question:  Is my position the truth? Is it absolutely the truth? Is it always the truth? Are there mitigating circumstances?  

How wonderful to feel heard, to feel valued, to feel cared for. So, if there's a conflict, why? What's the underlying truth?

"By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth." George Carlin

And then, there's that...

Which Way?

Which decision is the right one? Can I take ownership of this decision and be okay with it? Will it be the best one for the future, for growth? Decisions are scary because they involve risk and heading into the unknown. Dr. Spock said, "Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do!"  But, what about the conflicting voices in you head? One is telling you to do it and the other says to beware. How do you know which voice to listen to?

After spending some time online and going through my library looking for some guidance, I found wisdom in Proverbs, insight from Buddhism, and ways to in decision making models. Seems it comes right down to this: which makes you feel at peace when you consider the consequences of the decision?

I did find a poem by Ernst Holmes that provided a perspective that made me feel a calm. Here it is:

  "She let go of her fear, She let go of her judgments. She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head. She let go of the committee of indecision within her. She let go of all the 'right' reasons.  Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go."

   "She didn't ask anyone for advice. She didn't read a book on how to let go...She didn't search the scriptures. She just let go. She let go of all the memories that held her back. She let go of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward. She let go of the planning and all of the calculation on how to do it just right."

   "She didn't promise to let go. She didn't journal about it. She didn't write the projected date in her Day-Timer. She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper. She didn't check the weather report or read her daily horoscope. She just let go."
 
 "She didn't analyze whether she should let go. She didn't call her friends to discuss the matter. She didn't do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment. She didn't call the prayer line. She didn't utter one word. She just let go."

   "No one was around when it happened. There was no applause or congratulations. No one praised her or thanked her. No one noticed a thing. Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go."

   "There was no effort. There was no struggle. It wasn't good and it wasn't bad. It was what it was, an it is just that.

   "In the space of letting go, she let it all be. A small smile came over her face. A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forevermore."

Hmm....

Send 'em the SUNSHINE

Think about the people you know, the people you see when your walking down this street, the people...

Some have ails and procedures pending...
Some are stressed due to the challenges they face...
Some don't even have a home...

It's as if they could use some sunshine--something bright and beautiful to hang onto.

It's summer, a time when we have a chance to have fun and be carefree.

The SUN IS SHINING for you and for me.

But, just in case your not feeling it, or, you know someone who can use it, then,

SEND 'EM SOME SUNSHINE!

  By text, email, letter, your presence, your help, your kindness...

Resentment, is all well?

Oxford defines resentment as feeling indignation at, be aggrieved by. Or, bitter, jealous, envious, or annoyed. Malice.

Those words change emotions, are worrisome, and insidious. They cause defensiveness, concern.  I say, "Ouch!"  A great time to be a Buddhist!

And, what would Buddha say?  "Better than a thousand hollow words, is one that brings peace."

Think of the difference in how you feel when you say the word:  resentment, malice and when you say: peace, calm.

Confucious says:  "The more men meditate on good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large."

So, for this week, just because, let go of all resentments, focus on peace and calm. And know, that all is well.