#348
BE FEARLESS

If you make only one resolution this year, let it be to live boldly. You control this moment; rather than cautiously test the water, dive straight into life with freeing abandon. Imagine the person you want to be and the life you want to live, then simply commit to them.

Believe in yourself.

Embrace your beauty. Discover a new passion. And whatever you do, wherever you go, don't be afraid to make a splash.

This is so easy for someone to say, not so easy to do when you are filled with fear and anxiety. You have heard it all before, 'what have you got to lose,' or 'it doesn't matter what other people think.'  While these may work for some of the people some of the time, they most certainly don't work when you are less than sure of yourself. 

That is why I am using this quote for the New Year. LIVE BOLDLY.... you are in control of this moment, of everything you do and say. 

Feel the fear and do it anyway.  Doubt Less... Do More.

Move forward and do all that scares you. You are the only one that can. 

We all know that simply telling someone that they are important, worthwhile and they matter, doesn't build self-worth. It is a process involving love, care, attention and trust. Therefore, if something or someone has caused you to doubt yourself, just remember that it is only an opinion, it is NOT the truth. You only need to remember who you are...

So on this New Year's Eve, if you make resolutions, make one for YOU. 

Starting right now, I will work on loving myself, forgiving myself for anything I feel I need to, accepting my quirks, embracing my beauty, and from this day forward I will live my life fully, allowing my inner light to shine.... I will make a splash!!

.

#347

Merry Christmas!

The festive season is upon us once again. 

I have long pondered the reason why some people enjoy all the season has to offer while others find it so hectic, stressful and depressing. 

Is it unfulfilled expectations? Is that the reason? Or disappointment in love and life? Maybe it's the inability to forgive and forget the past. People are not born to be Scrooges. Has the climb up the corporate ladder made you weary and disenchanted? Are the holidays lost in commercialism? Has the joy hidden itself so completely that you can't locate it, even for a moment?

When and why did Christmas become such a chore? 

One version of the season is a story about a child, the saviour, being born in a manger and saving the world. The other side concerns a jolly, benevolent being that delivers presents to every child in the world, in one night, in a sleigh with flying reindeer. How on earth did these two completely unrelated versions of the season become intermingled into an accepted way to celebrate? Most people took these two versions and concluded that Christmas was all about love and family, and that they would experience more joy by giving than receiving.

Why would anyone allow such a joyous season to create pressure and stress in their lives? Your life is what you make it. Don't waste it by taking the most wonderful time of the year and destroying it with pressure and stress. Make up your mind to enjoy all the excitement and fun of tree decorating, caroling, baking and shopping. Christmas can be whatever you want it to be. Decide to be happy, it is a choice. The joy is still there.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.... see you in 2016 - Joy To The World!

#346

You should sit and meditate for 20 minutes, unless you are too busy, then you should sit and meditate for an hour.

Zen Proverb

This is THE busiest time of the year, there is NO time for everything you have on your list. You probably feel the weight of the world is on your shoulders right now. You are responsible for so much in life and so many rely on you. You have the day to day stuff to contend with: the kids, the house, the job etc., and now you have the added extras of seasonal expectations: the relatives, the shopping, the parties, cooking, cleaning and no end of tiny little details. No time for a meltdown, just get up, put one foot in front of the other and keep going... Right?

The above proverb, gently relays the message. You need to give yourself a break, you cannot do everything. It seems important to uphold all the traditions of the season, but at what cost? When you are stressed to the max, it's unlikely that you will enjoy the festivities that you worked so hard planning and producing. You deserve a holiday as well. It's not about 'getting through it', it's about joy, love and making memories. 

Take time for you.... 

-Maybe a spa day-don't wait to receive it as a gift, go now. 

-Go out for coffee with a friend, take your time, savour the flavour. 

-Bake some cookies, ask the kids to help, let them decorate. 

-Turn up the volume on the Christmas tunes, dance, sing, have fun.

-Sit and meditate for an hour.

"A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life." Christopher Germer

#345

dear beautiful you...

this is YOUR life

(your very own life)

get to know YOUR soul

dance YOUR dance

sing YOUR song

take charge of YOUR story

love YOUR day

let YOUR heavy stuff go

embrace YOUR blessings

kiss YOUR beloveds

thank YOUR everything

see YOUR place

stand in YOUR power

forgive YOUR mistakes

forgive YOUR enemies

drain YOUR secrets of their poison

heal YOUR pain

find YOUR tribe

rest YOUR body

share your talents

practice YOUR talents

find YOUR bliss

LIVE YOUR LIFE

LOVE YOUR LIFE

because the best years of your like will happen

as soon as you open your hands to YOUR happiness

I think the message is abundantly clear. It is all about YOU, gratitude and living your best life. Nothing more is required. 

Take a look at your life, is it all you want it to be? Are you happy? When did you last dance, or sing, play or pray? Only YOU can change what isn't working for you. You are worth it. There is more to life than going the distance.

We are only here for a short time. Life is meant to be enjoyed, savoured, appreciated, treasured and LIVED! You are not here to be depressed, angry, resentful, sad or stuck somewhere you don't want to be. 

Take a look at your life, a deep look, and try working on letting go of any negativity. Then look around at what you do have, and give thanks. You will improve your situation millionfold and begin living the life you were meant to live.

#344

Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there that needs what you have to give.

This applies in all situations and with everyone, not just your personal relationships. You are important, to yourself as well as everyone you come in contact with. You never know who you might be encouraging by just being who you are. Every move you make, everything you say is significant.

I think a person will develop a different perspective once they are aware that their actions have an effect on those around them. 

People don't always pay that much attention to their everyday interactions, with the clerk in the store, or a fellow bus passenger; and yet a look or a word can alter a life.

You could not be insignificant, ever. Every person is here for a reason and there are no mistakes. The people you encounter will get what they need from you, and you from them, that is the way it works in the grand scheme of things. Just remember, you are perfect, just the way you are.

We are all here for one another. We are all one.

"Pretty pretty please don't you ever, ever feel

Like you're less than, less than perfect
Pretty pretty please if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you are perfect, to me."

PINK

#343

The whole of planet Earth is a sacred site. All people are the chosen people, and the purpose of our lives is a spiritual one. 

May we care for each other, and for the earth, for everything relates to everything else.

Feeling this oneness, may we radiate the light of love and kindness that all may live in unity and peace. 

Radha Sahar

AMEN!

We are all one with the earth and everything we do affects other energies. None of us is an island, we are connected to everything.  Everyone is responsible for their own healing, which will, in turn, heal the earth, and vice versa. 

"If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change." Michael Jackson

T'is the season of love and goodwill, so this could be the time to start giving this some thought. You contribute to the healing of all things by working on yourself, working on all past hurts, resentment, anger etc., any negativity thoughts or feelings, they all need to go. It is a process, it takes time and commitment, but it is your raison d'etre. 

Only YOU can improve YOUR life. If you want to be a better person, then be a better person, it all starts with you. Shine your light.

IF YOU CHANGE NOTHING, NOTHING WILL CHANGE.

Taman Ujung, Bali

#342

Back to BALI!

That's right, I leave tonight!

I wanted to let you know that because of this latest adventure you won't be hearing from me for just over a month. 

If you are so inclined, you can see over 300 other blogs at focusedongrowing.com

Bali and my family are calling, and I must return. As I have often said it is my happy place, this magical mystical island. I am, as always, exceedingly grateful that I have the opportunity to return once again.

So this is farewell, adios, ciao, au revoir, so long and good bye for awhile. 

Nov11/15 Remembrance Day

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.  John McCrae

#341

"And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person who walked in." Haruka Murakami

Once your 'worst case scenario' has kicked you in the teeth, you start to see that this is exactly what you have been trying to avoid your entire life. 

Therefore, you have to know that you projected the thought/energy to the Universe. You created the storm. What you think you become. If you focus on your fears, you are giving them energy and creating precisely what you hoped would never happen. And now it has happened. It is a lesson that resulted in the awareness that your thoughts are creating your reality. Once you realize this, you are on your way.

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strength. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender. That is strength." 

Finally, you have come through the storm, you have survived. This is a blessing. When someone asks you how you did it, you find that you can't explain, in fact, you have no idea. You just took each day as it came, put one foot in front of the other and kept going. But it seems that everything is different, everything has changed. The fact is YOU have changed and you will never be the same.  

Change is the result of all learning.

#340

It's easy to feel uncared for when people aren't able to communicate and connect with you in the way you need. And it's so hard not to internalize that silence as a reflection on your worth. But the truth is that the way other people operate is not about you. Most people are so caught up in their own responsibilities, struggles and anxiety that the thought of asking someone else how they're doing doesn't even cross their mind. They aren't inherently bad or uncaring, they're just busy and self-focused. And that's okay. It's not evidence of some fundamental failing on your part. It doesn't make you unloveable or invisible. It just means that those people aren't very good at looking beyond their own world. But the fact that you are - that despite the darkness you feel, you have the ability to share your love and light with others - is a strength. Your work isn't to change who you are; it's to find people who are able to give you the connection you need. Because despite what you feel, you are not too much. You are not too sensitive or too needy. You are thoughtful and empathetic. You are compassionate and kind. And with or without anyone's acknowledgment or affection you are enough. Daniell Koepke

Your feelings are your feelings, no one can make you feel anything. Feelings are your choice as well as your responsibility. You cannot be dependent on others to decide how you feel. Nor can you base how you feel on someone's reaction. That being said, it's not always easy to control your feelings when you are blindsided by someone you trust. It's a learning process, it's about learning to love and accept yourself until you are strong enough to let others feel as they do; and still KNOW that you are okay, no matter what is thrown at you. "And with or without anyone's acknowledgment or affection YOU ARE ENOUGH!"

#339

The miracle is not to walk on water, the miracle is to walk on the earth.

Life is no walk in the park. 

Of course, there is plenty to be thankful for, and even if you are open to experiencing and expressing gratitude, you WILL have hard times. I promise you that the hard times will be what leads you toward gratitude, but while you are in the throes of trauma or grief, it's very hard to believe that there will ever be any relief.

But eventually, the pain eases enough for you to open your eyes to the world again. The miracle is that you start to identify why things happened as they did, why you are still here facing everything alone and who stood by you. It happens to all of us, a significant moment in time that changes everything.... 
Nothing will ever be the same again. 

This is the miracle of walking on this earth. The worst thing that could ever happen to you happens, you take some time to regroup and come out the other side, enlightened and grateful. Amazing. Humans are so resilient.

While walking on water may not be something you have perfected as yet, walking on the earth is enough of a challenge in one lifetime for most of us. Savour your journey and enjoy those you meet along the way.

"With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful - strive to be happy."
excerpt from Desiderata - Max Ehrmann

#338

"I love getting older. My understanding deepens. I can see what connects. I can weave stories of experience and apply them. I can integrate the lessons. Things simply become more & more fascinating. Beauty reveals itself in thousands of forms." - Victoria Erickson

I truly identify with this quote. I find it profoundly amazing that once the dust settled, when the running finally ceased and the calm emerged from deep within, how much my life changed. Once all the 'crap' was out of my head, all the little details of this existence that kept me from really seeing anything; I managed to look around and actually see the beautiful world we live in. I am able now to spend more time with ME. How thankful I am for the contentment of each day, the warm blanket of love that envelopes me from family and friends. The struggle is over, and life has become the joyful experience it was always meant to be. I am content, happy and grateful. This is a blessing.

Getting older is a privilege denied to many, enjoy your time of reflection and peace, you've earned it.

"It gets easier as you get older, you accept yourself for who you are - your flaws and your attributes. It's easier to live in your own skin. 

Barbra Streisand

" I am not young enough to know everything" J. M. Barrie

#337

"Forget about self-image and self-judgement. It's about self-love, and no one teaches you that at school. No one teaches you that if you accept and love yourself, nothing and no one can touch you. This is the only face and body you're ever going to get, so be comfortable and happy in it. Own it. Own every aspect of who you are and present it to the world with the utmost pride." Connor Franta

Your body image refers to how you see yourself, and negative body image is an unrealistic view of how you see yourself. 

Many people have a negative view toward some part of their body, their face, teeth, hair, height, thighs etc. Generally speaking, women seem to have the monopoly on negative body image. Obviously men are not exempt, but women are way ahead in the game of shame. Beauty is important in the female world. 

I think, in the big picture, this is advantageous for the female race. Due to the feelings of inadequacy they have suffered, they have begun the journey of discovery. When you finally get tired of everyone's opinion, specifically your own judgment, about what is wrong with you; you may just look within and attempt to rid yourself of negative self-thoughts. 

This is the beginning. There is nothing wrong with you, only what you conjure up in your own mind. You are not happy with your body or face, well it's the only one you have. So what good does it do to be unhappy about it? That 'flaw' is only a flaw if you allow it to be. Your body has carried you this far, and people love you no matter how you look. Truth be told, the people that love you don't notice any flaws they only see someone they love. Shouldn't you give yourself the benefit of the doubt and try that approach? 
"Own every aspect of who you are and present it to the world with the utmost pride."

#336

At some point, you will realize that you have done too much for someone, that the only next possible step to do is to stop. Leave them alone. Walk away. It's not like you're giving up, and it's not like you shouldn't try. It's just that you have to draw the line of determination from desperation. What is truly yours will eventually be yours, and what is not, no matter how hard you try, will never be.

You can't always get what you want, or what you think you want. No matter how hard you try, and try, and try things just don't work out. This time, you thought you had it right, actually you never had it wrong. You are in this position because you had something to learn. Don't be too hard on yourself, this is life. 

We put ourselves in different positions with people throughout our lives so that we understand distinct personalities and situations. This will result in us learning how to deal with them and with life in general. If we are in the same situation again and again, we are not getting it. We will continue repeating the lesson until we understand what it is we are here to learn. 

Each time a relationship goes sour, it is wise to take an honest evaluation of your part in it; not to make you feel bad, simply for clarity. Were you the only one putting any effort into the relationship? Were you trying too hard? You need to take care of YOU. If a person wants to be with you, they will make sure that they are. If they do not, you can't force it. 

People are who they are, you can't change them. They are who they are, not who you want them to be. You also need to be who you are, and not allow anyone to try and change you. 

Our time here on earth is like a schoolroom, we all have a lot to learn and everyone is a teacher. 

#335

You can never have a happy ending at the end of an unhappy journey; it just doesn't work out that way. The way you're feeling, along the way is the way you're continuing to pre-pave your journey, and it's the way it's going to continue to turn out until you do something about the way you are feeling. Abraham-Hicks

You can never have a happy ending at the end of an unhappy journey... think about it. 

Think of all those times you told yourself that if only 'IT' would stop or if he/she would only quit doing 'IT', everything would be OK. Then the time comes when you finally leave, and everything seems great. For awhile... until you meet the next person/situation and eventually realize that it is the same thing all over again. 

If you are repeating the same distressing circumstances, you have to know that you are attracting them. You are vibrating your feelings about yourself and your worthiness and receiving more of the same. You will continue to give out the same vibrations until you make a change. It's all about you, it's always about you. 

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein

So if it is up to you, what can you do about it? 

First you need to work on yourself. You need to dig down deep inside and sort out your issues. Then take a stab at letting things go, forgive whomever you need to, and move on, with a brand new perspective. Only you can change your direction and your attitude to step out of the fog toward your happy ending.

#334

You cannot control much of what happens in your life, but you can control if you let it affect your mood and beliefs. If during tough times you remain confident that what you want is very possible then what you want IS very possible. Life is constantly testing your commitment to snagging your desires. And life's greatest prizes go to those most capable of keeping their eye on the prize!

Are you snagging your desires? 

In order to get what you want, you need to believe in yourself, in your power and be 100% responsible for every aspect of your own life. 

You need to KNOW that living in a state of joy raises your vibration, and therefore, brings you more joy. 

You want to follow your dreams, passions, your heart and believe that anything is possible with you at the helm. It is all up to you, you can be/do whatever you want with your life, you are in charge of your own destiny. 

"If you are confident that what you want will be very possible, then what you want will be very possible."

Just walk your path, pick yourself up when you fall, and keep going. You never know what is around the next corner. Don't let the world or the people in it, get you down. You are your own life partner and you have the power to make your life as wonderful as you want it to be.

Even your darkest hour is only 60 minutes.

#333

You don't ever have to feel guilty about removing toxic people from your life. It doesn't matter whether someone is a relative, romantic interest, employer, childhood friend, or a new acquaintance. You don't have to make room for people who cause you pain or make you feel small. It's one thing if a person owns up to their behaviour and makes an effort to change. But if a person disregards your feelings, ignores your boundaries and continues to treat you in a harmful way, they need to go. Danielle Koepke

Sometimes there is just no other way, you can only take so much. You have given the benefit of the doubt, the second change, all your boundaries have been crossed and nothing has changed. It is time.

This is far from the easiest thing you will ever do. You may be annoyed at this person, but you probably still love them. This is what makes it so hard. But believe me, you will feel much better once you have removed yourself. You need to be upfront and tell the person, there is no beating around the bush. Just a short conversation, don't get caught up in an argument, brief and to the point is best. BE KIND. If they don't choose to listen, or get belligerent, you need to take a deep breath, square your shoulders and walk away. Nothing is a better self-esteem builder than standing up for yourself.

This is about you, you don't need this kind of attention, you deserve people around you that respect your feelings and treat you kindly. Don't settle for less, you are worth more than that.

#332

Your job is not to judge.

Your job is not to figure out if someone deserves something.

Your job is to lift the fallen, to restore the broken and to heal the hurting.

Your job is not to judge.... Oh, I know, you don't do that. Really, is that true? Have you ever commented negatively on a style of clothing, or body piercing, tattoos, hairstyle? We all know that you can't judge a book by its cover, and simply looking at someone cannot give you any indication of their character. There appears to be something derogatory to say about everyone and everything.  Snap judgements are made constantly by outward appearance alone, that have no basis whatsoever in fact.

Judgement is a learned response, just as any kind of intolerance; you are not born with this inclination. What you need to do is recognize the tendency and try to avoid voicing your opinion. Although the most damaging, to you, is having the thought in the first place. You are what you think. No one is superior to anyone else. No one has the right to judge someone's appearance, behaviour or choices in life. 

Deciding that someone does or does not deserve something is another attack on their character. It is simply not up to you, you don't know, you cannot decide if someone is worthy. This is another instance of tending to your own business and not worrying about what others are doing, it is not up to you.

There are many other ways to express yourself that will benefit you and anyone you come in contact with. BE KIND. You have a message, you can be an example, you can lift, restore and heal.

Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who you are

#331

You don't attract well being
It's continuously flowing
You are either letting it in or resisting
Abraham Hicks

Resisting: When you feel there is something you 'should' do, someone else is telling you what you need to do or perhaps it is just something you do not want to do... whether it is good for you or not; you find yourself fighting it tooth and nail... this is resistance. 

There are challenges in every life. There are times when you have no idea what to do with your current situation. Usually, the unsolicited advice givers are following you around with the doom and gloom scenario. Instead of fighting it, it may be the time to simply give it up. You don't know what to do with it anyway, so it should be easy to just hand it over. 

Give it to the Universe and move on with your life. If you really let it go, (I mean, truly let it go, and not take it back) you will be amazed how the situation will right itself quite unexpectedly. We get overwhelmed at times with the number of issues we have on our plate and spend far too much of our precious time worrying about what might happen. Worrying is a waste of your time, just give it time, stand back, and trust.

You are meant to be in the flow, not fighting against it. Let go of the struggle and allow the Universe unfold as it should.

#330

Tell everyone you know; "My happiness depends on me, so you're off the hook."  And then demonstrate it. Be happy, no matter what they're doing. Practice feeling good, no matter what. And before you know it, you will not give anyone else responsibility for the way you feel - and then, you'll love them all. Because the only reason you don't love them, is because you're using them as your excuse to not feel good. Abraham-Hicks

It really is all up to you, no one has the power to decide your feelings, only you can do that. Sometimes you may have to fake it until you make it. 

It may come as a surprise to you that you have given up control of your feelings and allowed someone else to dictate your life. You may not have realized that you left yourself out of the equation. BUT, once you realize that you and you alone are responsible for your own happiness, that is the day you set yourself free. 

Happiness is a choice, one you have to make every single day. It doesn't matter what is going on around you, if you decide to be happy, you will be happy. You don't need or want to give anyone else responsibility for how you feel, you don't want to use others as an excuse for your unhappiness. Make a decision that's good for you for a change. Decide to be happy, for you.

For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.

Happiness starts with you, not your relationships, not your job, not your money, but with YOU.

#329

Refuse to be that person that, like so many others is still driving down the same road, years down the line, mournfully longing to go back in time to be given just one more chance to take the road that they know they should have taken because they dismissed all possible, extraordinary signs. It'll never get easier to make the leap and this is your chance, so make the change. Take the road now. - Victoria Erickson

Does this quote resonate with you? Is there a missed opportunity in your past that you regret? Was there a point in time, a small window, that you hesitated and lost? Are you still in the same place you started, driving down the same road? 

There are many reasons why people stay in the safety of their bubble, but it usually comes down to fear. If your safety net was whipped out from under you, what would you do? 

It is never easy to break long-standing patterns, familiarity feels safe. You depend more and more on the limits of your comfort zone as time goes on, which makes it even harder to think about extending your boundaries. 

"It will never get easier to make the leap and this is your chance."

"If you are mournfully longing to go back in time to be given just one more chance to take the road that you knew you should have taken," then it really is time to remedy the situation. No regrets! Face the fear and do it anyway. Fear is only temporary, regret lasts forever.

In the end, we only regret the chances we did not take.
Everything you want is on the other side of fear.

#328

Bringing mindfulness into my day is easy. All I have to do is watch myself breathe in and breathe out. To be present in what I do. To taste and savour when I eat, to see what I look at and to hear the noises that surround me. All I need to do is to let go. To release everything that is not me, so I am one with the moment.

Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different. 

Enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes. (which it will)

Being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way. (which it won't) James Baraz

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. www.psychologytoday.com

Being mindful is allowing life to be as it is, not something to change or control. It will help you to see clearly the difference between what is actually happening and the stories you tell yourself. Rather than beating something into submission, it enables you to be more accommodating. 

"Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with intention while letting go of judgement as if your life depends on it." 

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn

If you are not fully in the present moment you miss everything. 

#327

Leave nothing but footprints
Take nothing but pictures
Kill nothing but time....

"Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction."

E. O. Wilson

Nature restores mental functioning in the same way that food and water restore our bodies. There is nothing like some time spent in nature to refill your reservoirs. All the pressures of everyday life create stress and frustration, while a walk or run in the forest,  can restore a feeling of well-being and happiness. 

"We often forget that we ARE nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we have lost our connection to ourselves."

Andy Goldsworthy

Walking in the woods, we are overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding us. We could point out the different trees and wildlife, comment on all the moss on the branches, and listen to the singing of the birds or the babbling brook. There is nothing more perfect than nature to just be yourself and simply enjoy. You can actually feel the stress leaving your body as you breathe in the pungent scent of the forest. Nature never goes out of style.

Find somewhere in your area where you can go to shrug of your workday, you could even take the kids and/or bikes. You could all get some exercise, breathe some fresh air and maybe even talk to each other. What a mood elevator at the end of a long hard day. Try it out.

There is no wi-fi in the forest but we promise you'll find a better connection.

#326

Much of the pain in life comes from having a life plan that you've fallen in love with and when it doesn't work out, you become angry that you now have to pursue a new life plan. If you want to tame your inner demons, you must not become too attached to any particular life plan, and remain open to there being an even better, happier life plan.

Expectations: noun - a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.

- a belief that someone will or should achieve something.

Expectations are the root of all heartache." William Shakespeare

Many people put expectations on their relationships, but even worse, they often put them on themselves. This can be much harder to accept when you feel that you have let yourself down. Projecting into the future often creates suffering in one form or another. If you have the belief that you should accomplish certain goals or positions within a designated time period (ie. a life plan) you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. 

You have no way of foretelling the future. You are simply adding extra stress to your life trying to keep up with your self-imposed goals. It doesn't hurt to move outside your comfort zone or strive for the next rung on the ladder, but if you are to are too attached to the goal, it could harm your health and/or relationships. 

"Doing your best is more important than being the best." Zig Ziglar 

You don't want to become too attached to future results, life is about living in the moment...it is all you really have. Everything in moderation. Don't be so hard on yourself, try to enjoy the life you have, be open to there being a better, happier life plan.