Fear is a constant as long as you continue to grow and strive.  As soon as you recognize this, you can befriend it.  Embrace it; allow it to teach you.

We tend to fear...
        - not having and not getting.
        - having what is wanted and losing it.
        - not being able to cope with or accept a present reality.
        - not being able to cope with something in the future.
        - having what we desire and not wanting it.
        - not having and not wanting.
        - getting what we want.

I tend to fear not having a job and not getting one...wanting a job and not getting it...getting a job I think I want and not liking it...being shamed for not having a job...getting the job I want and working harder than I would like.  But if I push through the fear, I learn more about myself, where I am headed, where I want to be.  Face your fears and own the outcome.  For then you will be able to accomplish the next thing you choose.

Have you faced something in your life lately that you'd like to share?

I'd love to hear from you! Anissa 

 

Feel the fear and do it anyway - Susan Jeffers

There is really very little in life that we control. The universe has a way of reminding us of that whenever we try to exert control in areas we shouldn't. It also has a way of reminding us to pay attention to the areas that we *do* control, such as:


           1. What you do

Your actions are yours alone and you are responsible for the effects of those actions.

           2. What you say

Likewise, the words you speak (or write) are also consciously chosen. Like actions, they have an impact on your life and the lives of those you contact.

           3. What you think

Yes, there are some subconscious thoughts that you can't control. But the things that you really think about, your beliefs, your ideals, etc., are concepts you have chosen to accept and believe in.

           4. Your work

Many people like to overlook this one, it being much easier to say "Oh, I'm trapped in my job because I don't have a degree, experience, etc." That's just your way denying one's responsibility in having chosen the job in the first place. It's your job and you chose it. If you stay (or go), that's a choice as well.

           5. The people you associate with

There's a famous t-shirt that states: "It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys." Colloquial is very often correct! Your friends can either lift you up or bring you down.  You make the decision which type of friends you wish to have.

           6. Your basic physical health

Much about our health is a factor of genetics, environment, and exposure. Much more of our health is simply a matter of the things we choose: diet, exercise, drugs, sleep, check-ups, etc.

           7. The environment you live in

Your house, the condition of your home, the town you live in, the amenities available to you are all things you can control, although some to a lesser degree (i.e., you decide to tolerate them or move someplace else).

           8. Your fiscal situation

Having or not having enough money is a factor of what you make versus what you spend.

           9. Your time

You choose how to "spend" your time and how much of your time to give to various activities. You'll never get more time than the 24 hours you're given each day.

           10. Your legacy

All your actions, words, and knowledge that you share while you are living become the gift that you leave when you are gone.

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.  At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.  All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.  The other eight heard the boy cry.  They slowed down and looked back.  Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said: "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes.  People who were there are still telling the story.  Why? Because deep down we know this one thing. What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves.  What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

Some helpful insights to remind you that everything changes in the moment you do.

1.      Stop looking Outside of Yourself
                Life is only as complete as you are

2.      Take Responsibility for Your Life Experience
                You are every event you meet

3.      Have Your Own Life
                What others think of you isn't your concern

4.      Due What is True In Spite of the Consequences
                Your future is only as true as you are

5.      Face those Fearful Feelings
                Any fear faced is a fear erased

6.      Jump Into The Battle
                Action is the seed of Wisdom

7.      Laugh in the Face of Defeat
                Defeat is nothing but a bad memory

8.      Discover the Difference Between Your Head and Your Heart
                Real emotions don't start with thought

9.      Follow What you Love
                Contentment follows love as dawn the sun

10.     Put Your Life in Order
                When all else fails, try letting go

Do What You Love and Love What You do; this is easy when you get out of your head and get into your heart.

 

If any of us, without even being able to leave the body, would just enter into observation, you would be able to perceive so much more clearly.  From that state of observation, there's nothing there.  No right or wrong, good or bad, now or later.

You have nothing to gain or lose, one way or another, and it doesn't matter whether you are
involved or not.  You'll be able to see things really clearly, just for what they are.

And if you don't see something clearly, you shouldn't assume anything about it, because as soon as you assume anything, guess what? You've moved out of observation and have your own stuff mixed up in there.  Where does that take you? Often to judging or other states that don't allow you to just be.

It's that time of year.  Many are making resolutions (let's hope they are not already broken!) for the new year.  To do that, one must spend a bit of time reflecting on the recent past while considering where you want to go next.  I like the idea of new year's resolutions because it gives everyone the opportunity to take a moment and pause.  I truly believe reflection is a vital part of our lives, one that could be impactful and meaningful in any form you pursue it.  At times, the time I find myself reflecting most is at night when I should be sleeping.  I have some of my best ideas and revelations during that time.  This is why I am forever on a quest to find a pen that has a light at the tip so that I can jot my thought down without turning on any lights.

How much time do you give yourself to reflect on your day or your life?  When or where do you get your best ideas? I would love to hear from you! Anissa