“Bill, you asked me if I was just traveling or if I was on a journey. Aren’t they the same thing?”
“Not at all, A. J. Not at all.”
“And the difference would be...”
“When people are just travelin, they start out with the notion they’re gonna end up someplace by a certain time. They get together what they think they’ll need and head out. They stop for fuel if they’re drivin. Maybe they stop for food or maybe they pack their own so’s to limit the stops. If a detour comes up on the highway or there’s a traffic jam, they get upset. They don’t like anythin to slow ‘em up. They’re on a schedule.
“A person on a journey prepares the basics as well, but doesn’t have a schedule…not as such. That person is willin, if not enthusiastic, about enjoyin every second. Might create detours just to see what’s there. Maybe pulls over to watch a sunrise or sunset. Might get out in a rain shower to feel the cool drops on their skin…taste the rain. That kind of person will stop along the way just to talk to people, have a new experience. You can tell a lot about how a person moves through life by how they travel.”
[Excerpt from “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say”]
Are you just traveling through life or are you on a journey? The difference is there are people who just “do” life…the job, the bills, the routines…basically just traveling from one point or moment to the next without full appreciation of the simple fact that we have moments. And there are those who live. They see every moment as an opportunity to expand their understanding, opportunities, and who they are.
One of the quickest ways to live more fully is to agree to be fully present with what you’re doing. That means having your heart, mind, emotions, and your ability to manage them for the most productive outcome, awake and in tune.
We have a tendency to think about other things while we do other things. Have you ever wished you’d been paying attention when something happened and you missed it? We do this all the time. We multi-task our brains, our emotions, and our lives instead of linking moments from one to the next like precious pearls on a strong thread.
Listening to others and our true selves with more than our ears opens our life experience into an adventure, a journey. Being anywhere other than where we are and who we’re with is a form of just passing through, like towns we pass on a highway with barely a glimpse or curiosity.
Are you traveling or are you on a journey?
Learn more about what Old Bill has to say and practical daily wisdoms at BookBuzz (http://www.freewebs.com/joyceshafer). Joyce Shafer is an author; weekly columnist; and freelance editor.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Stacking Your Stories
We love a good story, told well, that entertains us. But there are some who use stories for a different purpose: Justification for why they aren’t in control of themselves and, therefore, their lives.
I have a call scheduled with someone who wants to tell me her story. Basically, she hopes I’ll “get” why her life is the way it is and will never be any better. I know for a fact that she plays this story over and over in her mind and I understand why she believes her history impacts her present and future; but the question I intend to pose after I’ve listened a bit is, “How will you use your story to move forward in your life?”
Buildings have stories. One level is stacked upon another. Every time we repeat our stories to ourselves and others, we stack another level (more often than not, extra, unnecessary weight) on top of what’s already there. The fact is every story is based mostly on perception and, usually, not enough information even if we were the ones who lived it.
What I mean by this is often, what first appears as a negative results in a positive, even if it takes years to realize it. The adage that advises us to look for the silver lining exists for a reason: It’s based on the wisdom of experience. We get locked into our stories because sometimes we just can’t believe they happened. But they did. And they are now over, in the past, history. What we do with what we’re “given” in life is more important than the fact it was “delivered” to us.
When we look for examples of courage, do we look to those who give up in the face of their challenges or those who keep moving forward despite challenges many of us hope we never have to face? Do we seek the company of those who bemoan their lot in life or those who find their inner power and create more of what they want?
It’s too easy to become attached to our stories, too attached to the momentary (negative) attention we receive when we tell them. And, when we use our time and energy telling them over and over, whether to ourselves or another, we aren’t applying energy to make our lives better and more meaningful.
Why repeat stories? Do we hope someone will give us permission to give up? If that’s a desired outcome, we can grant that permission to ourselves just as we can grant ourselves permission to leave our stories behind and create the ones we truly wish to live and share. Carolyn Myss once said when we lead with our wounds we let people know how we intend to manipulate them.
The building we structure from our lives can be one where creativity and beauty are the products, where energy and enthusiasm fuel all of our activities. Or, we can create drab structures where nothing more than widgets get produced and administrative repetition fills the hours.
What story or stories do you repeat to yourself or to others? Are your stories entertaining and empowering or do they make listeners look for the least offensive escape? Certainly, we don’t want to live in denial of what we feel or experience, and there are times we need to vent so we heal; but more often than not, we could choose to make a more “joyful noise” in the world.
Joyce Shafer is an author and weekly columnist. For life-changing everyday wisdoms, see “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say.” Her book, “How to Have What You REALLY Want” takes you through life balance coaching to move you forward. Both books available at Lulu.com. Visit her website at http://www.freewebs.com/joyceshafer.
I have a call scheduled with someone who wants to tell me her story. Basically, she hopes I’ll “get” why her life is the way it is and will never be any better. I know for a fact that she plays this story over and over in her mind and I understand why she believes her history impacts her present and future; but the question I intend to pose after I’ve listened a bit is, “How will you use your story to move forward in your life?”
Buildings have stories. One level is stacked upon another. Every time we repeat our stories to ourselves and others, we stack another level (more often than not, extra, unnecessary weight) on top of what’s already there. The fact is every story is based mostly on perception and, usually, not enough information even if we were the ones who lived it.
What I mean by this is often, what first appears as a negative results in a positive, even if it takes years to realize it. The adage that advises us to look for the silver lining exists for a reason: It’s based on the wisdom of experience. We get locked into our stories because sometimes we just can’t believe they happened. But they did. And they are now over, in the past, history. What we do with what we’re “given” in life is more important than the fact it was “delivered” to us.
When we look for examples of courage, do we look to those who give up in the face of their challenges or those who keep moving forward despite challenges many of us hope we never have to face? Do we seek the company of those who bemoan their lot in life or those who find their inner power and create more of what they want?
It’s too easy to become attached to our stories, too attached to the momentary (negative) attention we receive when we tell them. And, when we use our time and energy telling them over and over, whether to ourselves or another, we aren’t applying energy to make our lives better and more meaningful.
Why repeat stories? Do we hope someone will give us permission to give up? If that’s a desired outcome, we can grant that permission to ourselves just as we can grant ourselves permission to leave our stories behind and create the ones we truly wish to live and share. Carolyn Myss once said when we lead with our wounds we let people know how we intend to manipulate them.
The building we structure from our lives can be one where creativity and beauty are the products, where energy and enthusiasm fuel all of our activities. Or, we can create drab structures where nothing more than widgets get produced and administrative repetition fills the hours.
What story or stories do you repeat to yourself or to others? Are your stories entertaining and empowering or do they make listeners look for the least offensive escape? Certainly, we don’t want to live in denial of what we feel or experience, and there are times we need to vent so we heal; but more often than not, we could choose to make a more “joyful noise” in the world.
Joyce Shafer is an author and weekly columnist. For life-changing everyday wisdoms, see “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say.” Her book, “How to Have What You REALLY Want” takes you through life balance coaching to move you forward. Both books available at Lulu.com. Visit her website at http://www.freewebs.com/joyceshafer.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Accept Your Inheritance Today
I watched Joe Vitale’s gift of a 45-minute prosperity video sent to people on his mailing list (see my bio below for video link). Because it’s Joe, every word was worth its weight in gold. When he mentioned saying to the Universe (and to yourself), “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you,” this profoundly expanded my thoughts on a topic included in a new book I’m writing.
What does this relate to? Limiting beliefs.
If you’ve given any thought at all to limiting beliefs, you know the importance of identifying then releasing them. What I wrote is that holding onto limiting beliefs is the same as refusing to accept your inheritance. Imagine your child inheriting the ability to consciously participate in manifesting anything s/he wants to experience that brings meaning and joy to him or her, but denies possession of this ability (or refuses to use it) then complains about what’s missing from life. Let’s take this a bit further.
Who among us wouldn’t appreciate being loved unconditionally by our partner? The Universe, our partner, loves us this way. It possesses, and exists to provide, everything we might ever desire to experience or expand into our lives. How might you feel if someone you cherished refused your love and gifts?
If you’ve ever been in a relationship with a person of low self-esteem, how much energy did you put into trying to help them feel better about themselves or feel they were deserving and worthy of your love and all good things? How effective were your efforts? Did they “get it” the first time you demonstrated or told them this? How did their refusal of your love and their self-worth make you feel? Granted, the Universe is a “bit” more expansive about this than we are, so probably doesn’t take it personally.
Holding onto limiting beliefs is like saying, “Ummm…thanks, Universe, but no thanks. You see, though I desire to experience your unconditional love and generosity, which you give freely to me, I don’t deserve them for more reasons than you might imagine. If you don’t believe me, ask anyone I know and you’ll find they don’t believe they deserve their full abundance inheritance either.”
Write a letter to the Universe, or say aloud, that you’re sorry you refused its gifts in the past. Ask to be forgiven for ever doubting you deserve and are worthy of its unconditional love and bounty. State that from this point on, you choose to pause when you start to do this and say instead, “Thank you. I accept.”
Universe, I love you; I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you.
Self, I love you; I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you.
(And, thank you, Joe Vitale.)
I wish you a wonderful day and a day filled with wonders.
Get Joe’s amazing gifts by signing up for his free newsletter at www.mrfire.com then watch the video at http://blog.mrfire.com/prosperity/inside-attract-wealth/. Joyce Shafer is author of “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say” and “How to Have What You REALLY Want,” available at Lulu.com. Visit her website at www.freewebs.com/joyceshafer.
What does this relate to? Limiting beliefs.
If you’ve given any thought at all to limiting beliefs, you know the importance of identifying then releasing them. What I wrote is that holding onto limiting beliefs is the same as refusing to accept your inheritance. Imagine your child inheriting the ability to consciously participate in manifesting anything s/he wants to experience that brings meaning and joy to him or her, but denies possession of this ability (or refuses to use it) then complains about what’s missing from life. Let’s take this a bit further.
Who among us wouldn’t appreciate being loved unconditionally by our partner? The Universe, our partner, loves us this way. It possesses, and exists to provide, everything we might ever desire to experience or expand into our lives. How might you feel if someone you cherished refused your love and gifts?
If you’ve ever been in a relationship with a person of low self-esteem, how much energy did you put into trying to help them feel better about themselves or feel they were deserving and worthy of your love and all good things? How effective were your efforts? Did they “get it” the first time you demonstrated or told them this? How did their refusal of your love and their self-worth make you feel? Granted, the Universe is a “bit” more expansive about this than we are, so probably doesn’t take it personally.
Holding onto limiting beliefs is like saying, “Ummm…thanks, Universe, but no thanks. You see, though I desire to experience your unconditional love and generosity, which you give freely to me, I don’t deserve them for more reasons than you might imagine. If you don’t believe me, ask anyone I know and you’ll find they don’t believe they deserve their full abundance inheritance either.”
Write a letter to the Universe, or say aloud, that you’re sorry you refused its gifts in the past. Ask to be forgiven for ever doubting you deserve and are worthy of its unconditional love and bounty. State that from this point on, you choose to pause when you start to do this and say instead, “Thank you. I accept.”
Universe, I love you; I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you.
Self, I love you; I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you.
(And, thank you, Joe Vitale.)
I wish you a wonderful day and a day filled with wonders.
Get Joe’s amazing gifts by signing up for his free newsletter at www.mrfire.com then watch the video at http://blog.mrfire.com/prosperity/inside-attract-wealth/. Joyce Shafer is author of “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say” and “How to Have What You REALLY Want,” available at Lulu.com. Visit her website at www.freewebs.com/joyceshafer.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Are You an Innie or an Outie?
During a conversation with someone who wishes to move out of a lifetime of negative behaviors and beliefs, I realized as she spoke, that what it takes for her to feel better is for something outside of herself to improve or indicate a circumstance is getting better. Anyone even minimally familiar with the Law of Attraction is either shaking or nodding their head in understanding as they read this.
I mentioned this pattern to the woman and asked, “If everything starts as an idea in the mind, what might you do at an inner level to feel even a little better at any moment?” She responded that she had no idea. We talked a little more then ended the call with her agreeing to an assignment: She’s to take a notebook and pen to a private place, write this question at the top of a page, and let the words flow through the pen.
With no inner guidance system or tool(s) in place, how could she possibly feel empowered to move past her negative belief system?
It’s no wonder so many feel the frustration and fear they do if the measure of change or a reason to feel good can only come from matters and others outside of themselves. This pattern puts our ability to feel good in the hands of others and circumstances. It abandons personal power; and whether we’re familiar with the term or not, it feels scary.
Personal power is what lifts us out of bed in the morning and moves us through our moments. It’s what assists us to make choices about our lives that are appropriate for us. It’s what enables us to recognize that specific challenges are usually finite, so we can take proper action to move past them and expand something about ourselves and our lives in a productive way.
We also spoke about how emotionally-charged thoughts attract more of the same to us and how the Universe fulfils our “order” without censorship. I shared with her that when I first heard this, it was uncomfortable; and that my next thought was, “What if it’s true? If it’s true, what am I going to do about it?” If you traveled this path as well, you know what you do: You become more conscientious about how and what you think and feel. You ask yourself what you need to do first at the inner level then the outer to aim for the desired outcome, which is to feel better. This is how we empower ourselves to respond to life rather than react to it.
Since this is the first time she’s ever thought about what she might do at an inner level, I’m looking forward to hearing what came to her and what this experience felt like for her.
Some of you may have felt as I did when this realization came to me: As though I’d found my wings; and even though my “flying” skills were a bit shaky, the more I flew, the stronger I’d get.
If you haven’t been using your wings lately, maybe it’s time to give them some exercise. You never know what you’ll discover while in flight.
Joyce Shafer is an author; freelance rewriter, editor, and proofreader; as well as a weekly columnist published at various online venues. Learn more about practical wisdoms for everyday life in her book, "I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say" and how to move any area of your life to the next level in "How to Have What You REALLY Want," both available at www.lulu.com. Visit her new website to see her services for aspiring writers at http://www.freewebs.com/joyceshafer.
I mentioned this pattern to the woman and asked, “If everything starts as an idea in the mind, what might you do at an inner level to feel even a little better at any moment?” She responded that she had no idea. We talked a little more then ended the call with her agreeing to an assignment: She’s to take a notebook and pen to a private place, write this question at the top of a page, and let the words flow through the pen.
With no inner guidance system or tool(s) in place, how could she possibly feel empowered to move past her negative belief system?
It’s no wonder so many feel the frustration and fear they do if the measure of change or a reason to feel good can only come from matters and others outside of themselves. This pattern puts our ability to feel good in the hands of others and circumstances. It abandons personal power; and whether we’re familiar with the term or not, it feels scary.
Personal power is what lifts us out of bed in the morning and moves us through our moments. It’s what assists us to make choices about our lives that are appropriate for us. It’s what enables us to recognize that specific challenges are usually finite, so we can take proper action to move past them and expand something about ourselves and our lives in a productive way.
We also spoke about how emotionally-charged thoughts attract more of the same to us and how the Universe fulfils our “order” without censorship. I shared with her that when I first heard this, it was uncomfortable; and that my next thought was, “What if it’s true? If it’s true, what am I going to do about it?” If you traveled this path as well, you know what you do: You become more conscientious about how and what you think and feel. You ask yourself what you need to do first at the inner level then the outer to aim for the desired outcome, which is to feel better. This is how we empower ourselves to respond to life rather than react to it.
Since this is the first time she’s ever thought about what she might do at an inner level, I’m looking forward to hearing what came to her and what this experience felt like for her.
Some of you may have felt as I did when this realization came to me: As though I’d found my wings; and even though my “flying” skills were a bit shaky, the more I flew, the stronger I’d get.
If you haven’t been using your wings lately, maybe it’s time to give them some exercise. You never know what you’ll discover while in flight.
Joyce Shafer is an author; freelance rewriter, editor, and proofreader; as well as a weekly columnist published at various online venues. Learn more about practical wisdoms for everyday life in her book, "I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say" and how to move any area of your life to the next level in "How to Have What You REALLY Want," both available at www.lulu.com. Visit her new website to see her services for aspiring writers at http://www.freewebs.com/joyceshafer.
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