Leave Your Best As Your Legacy

It has been a minute since I have taken the time to sit and write. I guess you can say that I haven’t been motivated, but I would rather skip the excuses and keep moving forward. My spirit has been moved by a few conversations and many thoughts. The other day I met with a fellow teacher who is about to return to the states as she has completed her year contract. We met to discuss my poetry, or at least that is why the meeting was called. However, once we sat down the conversation quickly changed, and like water, I began to flow.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have the gift to speak, and when I start who knows when I will stop. I don’t like meaningless conversations, ignorance, and people who show up in life, but never seem to perform or in other words, the spectators. Now, I will say that from time to time I have participated in one or all of the above for one reason or another, but I refuse to make it a daily habit and/or a disposition cause life is much too short and I have something I came here to give. So, with that being said I will begin my word for the day.

As I reflect on the things I have been blessed to do and be involved with in my brief life span, I am thankful. I am thankful for the triumphs and failures, for the time alone or the time in the midst of great thinkers. I am encouraged by those who move to do great things with nothing but thought.

Yesterday, I watched Mo’Nique’s “I Could Be Your Cellmate,” and not only is she too funny, but she was really encouraging. When she finished she had me in tears as she brought up one of the inmates from the audience to sing a song. Honey, when I say that woman SANG that song and tears came from way-way back, she sang that song.

So, I began to think about how so much talent was given to one individual and how it was being wasted in a place like prison. I thought about how gifted this young African American woman was and how she has been tossed away by herself and society. Although, her gift could easily be helping the inmates that she communes with daily, I tend to believe that it could be used in ways to prevent people from turning to things that get them placed in prison vs helping them maintain while they are there.

I have no idea what this woman was incarcerated for, but I know that the gift that God gave her has been confined to prison walls, but then I realized that so many people who are free confine their dreams without the boundaries of a prison. At what point do you begin to fully live the life that you were placed here on Earth to live? When do you stop making excuses for living beneath your dreams? When do find the courage to move from ordinary to extraordinary? How do you find the faith to be a butterfly instead of a caterpillar?

Well, I am not really sure if there is a defined time all those answers come, but there is a quote that I try to focus on every chance I get, “When faced in the right direction continue to walk.” However, many people have no direction and so they end up with huge amounts of talent in places like prison, or even worse in my opinion, self inflicted mazes wandering hopelessly in life.

Today, is the best day to change what you don’t like and start living the best life you could ever live, and you don’t have to have a master plan all you need to know is that you no longer want to live like you are currently living. All it takes is one step in the right direction and you are well on your way because remember, that once faced in the right direction all you have to do is continue to walk.

So, today I refuse to make another excuse about why I can’t do something, why I have not finished something, and I refuse to allow myself to get in my own way. I will not be imprisoned by my inability to know and trust in a God that I believe still performs miraculously every day in many different ways. I believe that if the idea was placed into thought you have the ability to bring it into reality, and with that I know that everything you need is provided. I know that the words are much easier than the action, but if it were easy then no one would have an excuse in the first place. However, we all owe it to ourselves to leave this plain empty, meaning that you have given everything you got to the cause of being everything you desire to be. I encourage you not to take your best with you, but rather to leave your best here as your legacy.

Living In the Present

The world may be known without leaving the house ... Loa Tzu Verse 47: Toa Te ChingVerse 47: Toa Te Ching
The world may be knownWithout leaving the house; The Way may be seen Apart from the windows.The further you go,The less you will know.
Accordingly, the Wise ManKnows without going, Sees without seeing,

Today, I did stayed home and get some rest. Resting is a wonderful thing. When the mind is restless it wonders about things that it should not. It plans too far in advance and makes up a reality that doesn’t exist. In the past I have meditated and without rest meditation is almost impossible. I also find that if I am constantly on the go I can’t stay focused because I am not as connected as I should be.

Loa Tzu was simply stating in the 47th verse of the Toa Te Ching that everything we need to know is within ourselves. I believe that when we take time to reflect on life and turn down all the things that are calling for our attention we can actually see the path in which need to follow. So, with proper rest and time to reflect on the here and now we can actually know ourselves, and the world in which we live without ever forcing ourselves to be in it. The bible says,” To be in the world and not of the world,” and I believe that is actually the point of verse 47.

When we are striving or looking for things to satisfy us we are looking outside of ourselves for the answer and the answer is so much closer to home, home being your temple. In meditation there is silence and in the silence you must learn to control the chatter, but once you have done that you are open to hear what God is guiding you to do. You can see without seeing as Loa Tzu suggest.

As I think about all the recent deaths and how some of them have been very tragic I think about life in general. In life we all come to this place that we call Earth and we are here for a brief moment, but in that brief moment we have the opportunity to have a great impact. So, in my rest I thought about my impact and the legacy that I would like to be able to leave when it is time for me to depart. I want to be known for my honesty, peacefulness, love, affection, ability to write, and to speech truth. I want to change the world without becoming part of the world. I want to know that my greatest virtue is my ability to capture the attention of men and speak into their hearts while guiding them to their true center.

So, today as I reflect on where I am, I am thankful for the things I have seen today without stepping outside my home. I haven’t even turned on the television, and I feel like I am so much more connected to the world at this moment then I would be watching a news broadcast on the current evens of the world.

Today, I am simply living. I am in the presence of life, and I am thankful for having another day to change what I may have failed to change yesterday. As I look at my life I am happy to be happy and I have no need to force my thoughts, actions, and/or options because I am present. In the present, doing anything with force defeats the purpose of being present. It takes away from the current moment because when you live to force anything you are living in the next moment where you are projecting what you want your outcome to be. My new motto is,”Do things differently,” and with that I am learning to be present and allow things to happen as they should happen. I am really learning to write without trying to control the lines, but rather allow the line to turn out just how they desire to be.

Just My Thoughts….

It’s been some time since I last wrote on my blog. I guess you could say I’ve been speechless, although I am sure that is not the case at all. I have had things on my mind, but nothing that I felt was worthy of space out on a website for the world to see.

I normally give my advice or thoughts of encouragement, but I thought that I would try something new. So, I am writing about what I am thinking in this very moment. I actually just read a friend’s narrative and I was amazed how this young lady was willing to be so transparent. I am still working on that one. Actually, I am making an effort to become more transparent in all that I do.

In just a few short weeks I will be thirty-three years of age and I am both excited and a little weary at the same time. I am excited because I believe that thirty-three will be the age of authentic revelation. However, I am weary because I am about go abroad, get a little older, find out things I thought were once true are no longer true, and I am going to have to expand in some way shape or form.

Wow, that weary aspect is looking to be a bit overwhelming. Naw, I am just kidding. I actually think that this will be one of my most powerful birthdays ever. I know that I will have some challenges before me, but nothing I feel I can’t handle.

Life is good. I am happy. I have peace in many ways I have never had peace before. I will not sit here and lie about being where I would love to be, but I am so far from where I use to be and that is a major start. I think that in life it is all what you make it. Today, I just want to know that I can, and from there I know I will. I am inspired to move. Smile, you should be inspired to move also. If you aren’t inspired that’s ok too, but remember nothing happens until something moves.

These are just my thoughts today.

Comparing Your Worse to Everybody Else’s Best

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”-Loa Tzu

I am an original masterpiece unique in every way imaginable. However, there were times when I looked at my worst and compared it to someone else’s perceived best. I believe we all fight the fight of comparing ourselves amongst ourselves, but the problem is that looks can be deceiving. We all have faults and failures that we would care not to speak of. There isn’t a person alive that is perfect. Yet, for so many people it is difficult to be content with being authentically who God made them to be.

Even in my most imperfect moments I am perfect. I don’t always look like I stepped out of a salon, or feel like I am on top of the world. However, I am always the best “me” I can possible be. I make mistakes and sometimes they cost me major setbacks, but hey I always seem to be right where I need to be for the moment. For many people they don’t realize the setbacks, failures, and what most call mistakes are just opportunities to perfect themselves or what they are doing.

Today, many people are facing very difficult times, but it is not time to give up. It’s time to find your own calling, the thing that makes you feel alive and ready to move forward. Setbacks are a setup for a comeback, a new way of doing the things you have always done. However, in this time you can’t have your eyes on what someone else is doing and how they are doing what they do. You must find the strength to look within and find the things that make you the best at who you are. Everything looks good when you can’t see what it takes to actually make it work. Have you ever been to Disney World? The whole park looks wonderful. You walk through the park in amazement, but what you don’t think about is all the work being done behind the scenes to make it look so beautiful.

“Every tub must stand on its own bottom.”-unknown

You and I are great masterpieces created by the greatest artist of all time, and to compare one masterpiece to another is insane, because each piece of art had its own inspiration.

Today, I look at where I am in life, and who I am becoming and I realize no one else could have ever made it walking a mile in my shoes. See, my shoes where created just for me. Everything I have gone through was for me. I had to experience the things I have experienced and l learned the things I have learned, so I could be me. So, this is my life. These are my wounds, and even when I don’t feel my greatest I remind myself that I am great. I am great with a pimp on my face, a few extra pounds on my waist, and I am great even when I feel like I am displaced. I realize that I am right where I need to be experiencing just what I need to experience, so that I can be my authentic self. Remember, you owe it to the artist to be your very best at who you are, and not compare yourself to something you could never be for you were meant to be you.

Don’t Lose the Focus

It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny.” – Anthony Robins

Is there more than one way to get where you’re going? Of course there is. However, many times we don’t get where we are going because we lose focus. Have you ever had a dream that you allowed someone to talk you out of? Did that someone tell you all the reasons your dream could not be reality? Have you allowed someone to you use your past to prevent you from moving forward? Have you ever had a certainty about something and then told someone else and walked away saying, “I must be crazy for thinking that?”

You are not crazy for thinking or saying what you desire. I will say it again. You are not crazy for thinking or saying what you desire. You are the captain of your life and you are empowered to think and say what you would like about your life. You are empowered to be as creative as you like, change your mind about what you like, and change what you believe about some of the things you have been taught. You have permission to be one person one day and another person another. Am I saying that you should be fickle? No, I am not, but I am saying that it is ok to set sail for one destination and change course because it is not what you desire it to be.

I believe that one of the most important things for you to do is to have focus, but not to allow anyone or anything to determine what that focus should be. Yes, we all have done things in our past that we are not happy about or proud of, but let me tell you something. It’s in your past. Isn’t that something, you have gotten over it. Let it go. Say goodbye and move on. You have the ability right now to change your own story and make life just what you desire for it to be.

What are you focused on? Are you driving your life or are you allowing others to lead you where they think you should go? What do you want your personal story to be? If your life was over today, what would they say about you? I want it to be written that I lived a life that was fulfilling and that I gave my all to my dreams and desires. I want people to say that I took risks, gave back, and that I lived a life that inspired others to do the same. Recently, someone told me that I inspired them to do something that they have never done before, to think differently. Wow, I am thankful that I could have someone say that to me, because it encourages me to move forward too.

Focus comes with having faith in what you believe to be true. I personally believe that you can’t have focus without having faith. I believe that when you have faith in your dreams and desires, your focus will guide you to where you need to be or to the people you need to have in your life. So, do you trust in your dreams? If so, then you should never allow anyone or anything to present something that makes you question your dreams. Remember, you can alter anything about your life that you want, but never lose focus in what you want.

Today, I am focused on things that most people would view as crazy. Some even deem as a loss of focus, but I am encouraged to move forward knowing that I know what I know. See you have to have a reservation about what you want for your life that no one can change. Remember, that you drive your own car. You are the creator of your life, so don’t lose the focus. It is what you focus on at this very moment that gets you to the place you desire to be.

Have Joy In the Process...

“I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” Unknown

Wow, to me that quote is so profound. Last week I spoke about the journey and not knowing where the journey is actually taking me. Today, I want to appreciate the process. I remind myself that the destination in life is death, and I have never met anyone who was in a rush to meet the inevitable. However, it is extremely easy to get caught up with our desire for accomplishments and achievements.

Just yesterday I had a conversation with a friend about how an acorn has everything in it that it needs to become a tree. The seed as tiny as it is, has a knowing that is destine to become hundreds of feet tall one day. Unlike people there is never a time when the tiny little acorn says, “I don’t know, I may not have it in me.” The acorn without a doubt, once it is planted in the right place, will become a tree.

You and I are just like the acorn. We have all that we need to become our divine self. Being great is not set aside for just a few good people, but rather for all who believe in the possibility. Yet, it is important to know that nothing becomes what it desires to be without a process. Even the tiny acorn has to go through something to become a magnificent oak tree. We must have the right environment, just like the seed needs the right soil. It is imperative that we are feeding ourselves encouragement, just as is necessary for the acorn to receive water and nutrients. There are always going to be trying times that try our strength, and so it is important that we find support in others who believe in our dreams, as the acorn finds strength in other trees to cover them in a storm.

The process is sometimes difficult and it may require that we climb a ridged incline, but the process is not what we should be concerned about. We must stay in good faith that we have all that we need to be successful. We may need to gather tools, food, and friends to assist us in the process, but know that this is a wonderful time to rejoice. Find enjoyment in the process as you become all that you are to be. Look around you and see the beauty in life. Wake up ready to win, and look for the support in life. Watch the birds, squirrels, and trees as they dance and rejoice for the opportunity to live. There is something about the steps that we take to get to the top of the mountain that says so much about who we are. The arrival is just the reward for doing the work it takes to move forward with your dreams.

Today, I am thankful for the difficult moments that come and teach me why I should be happy, in love, and excited. I change my thoughts about my hardships and start to see them as God’s way of teaching me something else about myself. I find the strength in my climb and realize that where I once had doubt I have encouragement. I know that sometimes the process can seem unbearable, but I am so proud to know that I am growing. Just like the acorn, I am realizing my true self, and resiliently stepping into whom I already am….divine.

On This Journey

Wait for the opportune moment, oh my heart.
Everything happens in its own time.
The gardener may flood the orchard with water,
But the trees don’t bear fruit out of season.
Barbara De Angelis

This is a very interesting time for me. I am preparing for yet another step in this journey we call life. There are many questions before me. Where I once knew the answers I find that I am redefining all that I know. In less than one month I will be on my way to Korea. The funny thing is I never in all my dreams thought of traveling there although I have always known it existed.

Life is so interesting! I have been many places, and for most people looking at my life it would seem as if I am apprehensive about nothing. However, that is so far from the truth. I have many fears, but more importantly, so many dreams that I wish I had the courage to give permission to flourish. Some days I often wonder if they will, but deep inside there is a knowing that everything I have dreamt will come as it is meant to come. I trust that my dreams have a time that has no regard for the hours or minutes we are so accustom to monitoring. They will become reality in do time, without my assistance, and when I am the most prepared.

I will admit, most of my life I wanted to be in control of how things developed, and what I found was that even in the most controlled moments I was never in control at all. I believe that there is something to be said about allowing things to unfold just as they need. I appreciate the faith of trusting that the spirit which lives inside me knows so much more than I could even imagine.

Just the other day I walked around the neighborhood and took notice of all that I have to be thankful for. I began to think as a child. Children have this unbelievable knowing. They know that without doubt everything will be ok. Even those children who have come into this world with the misfortune of the most irresponsible parents have a trust that life will short them of nothing. I remember that as a child I trusted that the same spirit that gave me life knew just what I needed without question. I was fearless. I woke up ever morning ready to play and to find the adventure in a new day. I had no worries and even if we lacked something I had no idea what lack really was. As I looked around me I saw that abundance was in everything. The trees didn’t question would they grow, they just did. Every spring the flowers that had not bloomed in a year, bloomed. The things that were frozen by winter’s harsh and many times brutal cold began to thaw. So, for me life took care of itself. And even now, when I often don’t take time to notice, it still does.

Today, I am so thankful for this moment of knowing and trusting. I have no idea where my life is taking me, and yet I am so excited to be on this journey. A few years ago, I would have been uncomfortable with the onset of something so new and unknown, but at this point I embrace life as it is given. I know that I will become who I have been destined to become in the time that is right for me. I will not become who someone else wants me to become, nor will I have a need to worry about the process of becoming. This journey, with all of its surprises has been predestined just for me. I am not in competition to get someplace before my time or the time of another. I will arrive in mind, body, and spirit where and when I am suppose to arrive. I have no idea where things are taking me, and yet, I am so assure that I am right where I need to be.

She Can't Find Fault In You, When She Truly Loves Herself

Reader in Nashville, TN….
Cha, I'd like to know why females are so distrusting and jealous of other females who try to do the right things... Who are happy, empowered and so comfortable in the skin they are in, and how can those confident, classy women positively deal with the negativity spewed their way...Why can't women truly form and forge real relationships and stop being so petty, hurting and breaking down one another?

Response: Well, let me just start by saying that some people dislike others who are doing what they would like to be doing. Jealousy shows up when they have allowed themselves to burry the “real” person they want to become. Many women become jealous or have some type of resentment because they failed to follow the dreamer that lives inside of them. They wanted a similar life, man, career, or the peace they consistently see you having. They stopped believe that they too can have the things that they desire to have. Isn’t it funny how it is so easy to give your power away by becoming resentful?

We all have a purpose and we all are given opportunities, but it is when we do not take advantage of our opportunities that we find issue in someone else. You have heard the statement, misery loves company, and it does. No one wants to miss the party alone. It is much easier to be happy knowing that you have failed to follow your dreams, but that you have other’s keeping you company.

People are not required to look in the mirror when they surround themselves with everyone who looks just like them. Have you noticed that most people who do not want to advance always keep company with those on their same level or below? When you desire to move beyond where you currently are, you must be willing to stretch and grow. Most people do not want to step out of their comfort zones, and do something different. Therefore, they find issue when you do.

I do believe that women can get along and have healthy positive relationships, and I believe that many of us do. Some people will find fault in anything you do, and it is because they have not found out how to awaken the best of who they are. So, I encourage you to send them a silent blessing, and allow them to be. Do not stop being who you are because another woman has not found the courage to become who she desires to be. Remember, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

I am encouraged every time I see women engaging in positive and loving relationships, and my hope is that you can find that for yourself. Sisterhood is vital to our womanly experience. When we cannot find and embrace the love for our fellow sisters it’s because of the lack within, and it has not always been this way. In some African villages it was custom for all the women to live and work together, only to interact with men to procreate. While in the villages the women bonded, raised children, and took care of each other. So, it can be done, but unfortunately so many women are so unhappy with themselves and the life they have created.

I think the real answer to your question can be simply put by saying…we must start today to be the friend we want to see in our friendships. We attract into our lives exactly who we are. Become your sister’s keeper and love all women as you want to be loved. Send your sister’s love and just like anything else, you will begin to see more love come back to you. Soon, you will start to encounter more women with positive outlooks and who want to give just as much as they receive, and who want the best for you just as they want for themselves. Jealousy has no room in a place that is surrounded with love. I hope this helps. – CJ

Quit in 2009

I'm just passing something I got in an email along...

1) Quit arguing with people about the same old foolishness!-Respect their position and keep it moving!
2) Quit telling people your secrets when you know they are not going to keep them!-And if you keep telling them, then quit getting mad when they tell your secrets!
3) Quit trying to pull people on your journey who don't want to travel with you!-Either they believe in you and value you ...or they don't!
4) Quit complaining about things you can't and won't change!-I am not working on being a size 6 or a model....so instead of complaining about the weight charts, I negotiated with my doctor for a "comfortable weight for me." Forget the charts! I created my own "healthy weight!"
5) Quit gossiping about other people!-Minding our own business should be a full time job!
6) Quit blaming each other for things that in the big picture aren't going to matter 3 weeks from now!-Talk solutions...and then implement them!
7) Quit eating things you know are not good for you!-If you can't quit...eat smaller portions! (I know...this is hard for me too!)
8) Quit buying things when we know we can't afford them!-If you don't have self control, then quit going to the stores!-Quit charging things, especially when you don't NEED them!
9) Quit staying in unhealthy relationships!-It is not okay for people to verbally or physically abuse you! So quit lying to yourself!-It is not okay to stay in the marriage for the children! Ask them and they will tell you that they really would prefer to see you happy and that the misery you and your spouse/partner are living with is affecting them!
10) Quit letting family members rope you into the drama!-Start telling them you don't want to hear it!-Quit spreading the drama!-Quit calling other relatives and telling them about your cousin or aunt! Go back to #5 - minding your own business should be enough to keep you busy!
11) Quit trying to change people! IT DOESN'T WORK!-I am still working on this because I really see a world of possibilities for others and try to convince them to see and want differently for themselves!-Quit cussing people out when you know that they are just being the miserable and jealous people that they are!
12) Quit the job you hate!-Start pursuing your passion-HINT: find the job that fuels your passion before you quit!
13) Quit volunteering for things that you aren't getting any personal fulfillment from anymore!-Quit volunteering for things and then failing to follow through with your commitment!
14) Quit listening to the naysayer!-Quit watching the depressing news if you are going to live in the doom and gloom of it all!
15) Quit making excuses about why you are where you are or why you can't do what you want to do!
16) Quit waiting on others to give you the answers...and start finding the answers for yourself!

If what you are doing isn't working for you...then quit it!-Quit settling and start making your dreams a reality!-Quit being afraid and START LIVING YOUR LIFE!

HELP! I Want to Blog With Purpose....

Let’s start something new. For everyone who reads and enjoys my blog I need to hear from you. I love helping people, especially my sister’s, and I want to know what you need and want to hear. How can Mocha Talk help you daily or weekly? What encourages you? What helps you get through the day? What do you really long to know more about?

I want to take myself to a new level. I want to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone.

For my brothers who participate I want your advice also. I would like for Mocha Talk to be interactive, so I need your comments. If you have stopped by and read a line or two, but didn’t comment, please start. Mocha Talk is about the conversation; the conversation that you want to have, but don’t have anyone to have it with.

So, it has been written, I am open to hear what is on your mind. I am blogging with purpose in 2009, and I want you to read with one as well. Please join me in the quest to encourage and enlighten all that seek knowledge.

I am having fun, enjoying life, and seeking to be stretched to my best possible person.

If you want to add your thoughts or hear what I think about a topic please submit topics to my via my contact page at http://balancingalife.com/contactus.html or shoot me an email misschajones@gmail.com subject Mocha Talk

Cha

Are You Ready For Change?

On Tuesday, we will move forward as America accepts Barack Obama into office as our 44th President, and the very first African American President. Wow! This is history. This is going to be a moment when time does actually stop, and for one-second, things that once mattered will no long matter.

Now, let me address that last statement, because I do not want people thinking that I believe President Obama is our miracle drug by any stretch of the imagination. However, I do think that we have crossed over into a different dimension as for how we will need to proceed forward. America is far from healed of its tattered past, and I do not think just having an African-American president will solve race relations in the country. However, I do believe that this country, as well as the world, is evolving in its thinking.

As an African American woman who was raised with a great appreciation for her history, culture, and a preserved heritage I believe that we are moving in a better direction. I also think it would be foolish of us to ask President Obama to be our savior and hold him accountable for fixing America as a whole. I think it is the responsibility of each citizen to be an active participant in this process. For the last eight years, we allowed our government to treat us like infants with disabilities. They feed us lies, and then covered up all times of schemes, while selling us on a war with no mission. Now, we are paying for the debts of ignorance and our children will be paying greatly for years to come.

We are in a new time and as we embrace all that is before us, it is important to ask ourselves, “What role am I willing play in change?” Change is not going to come left up to a certain political party. Change is not going to come left up to President Obama. Change is not going to come left up to a certain race of people. Change will only come when we all step up and play our part. We must all decide that we want to live better lives and do something different to ensure that we can. We must be advocates for our own futures as people and citizens of this country.

Today, I am looking in the mirror at myself. I am looking around at my home and community, while taking inventory of what needs to change. I am asking myself some valuable questions. I know that I am only one person, but I know that change starts with self. I have to become the change I want to see in my home, community, city, state, country, and the world before I can expect it. We all have a part that we can play. It does not matter how big that part is, but we must be willing to play a part. Just for today, start taking inventory of what you can change around you. Remember, that we are all in this together. On Tuesday, take a deep breathe, let time stop for a second, and celebrate the moment, but put your action plan to work come Wednesday. Then move for change!

Headed In the Right Direction

We are almost half way into this month and we should be well on our way to making New Years resolutions habit. If you are struggling don’t beat yourself up, remember to ask someone to hold you accountable and keep it moving.

As I keep my eyes stead fast on my goals and moving toward the very things I desire there are no doubt obstacles. Quitting or resorting back to things that no longer serve my best and authentic self seem to be thoughts, but have not been an option. When I think about going backwards I remind myself that I have already been there and it did not work, so going back would not be adventurous. I must move forward even if it is difficult, because I am being stretched and learning more about who I am.

When you are in a place you have never been, surrounded by unfamiliar things and circumstances it often feels like you are in the wrong place. However, if one is going to become a better person and realize the newness of life, one must tread unfamiliar territory if even for a short while.

Today, I am learning that although this feels different and nothing looks familiar I am where I need to be to learn the lessons I need to learn for this time. I am growing, and in that, I may experience growing pains. However, I have been prepared for this moment. I am not fearful of the unknown. I want to experience new things and receive blessing that I have only dreamt about. If you are ready to go to a place you have never been, then you have to be prepared to do something you have never done. Remember, keep looking toward the place you desire to be and let nothing turn you around.

Taking the Steps

Here we are at day five of this wonderful New Year. How are you doing with your goals or resolutions? Well, I think I am off to a wonderful start. I have made an effort to go to the gym and workout and I am actually enjoying it. I have eliminated some unhealthy things out of my life. I have decided not to tolerate unloving acts against me. I am making better decisions about the things that I do, and most importantly, I trust that what I need will be available.

This is the year that I do what is best for me, and what makes me the happiest. What I have learned in my life is that life is a journey, and every step is important. As I make an effort to change the things in my life that need to be changed I know that I have to do something different. Many people want to keep doing the same things and expect a different result, which is the definition of insanity. It is insane to believe that you can keep acting like you acted last year and things will be different this year. If you plan on getting new results this year you need to be dedicated to changing your habits.

I have never really understood someone saying that they wanted to live a different life, but they keep doing the things that created the current life they have. You have to become proactive about the change you desire to see. Take some initiative and move. Nothing will happen until you decide it’s time to move. It is in the movement that change actually occurs. If you don’t think you can do it alone, then tell someone else what you want and ask them to hold you accountable. We should all find someone that we are accountable to; it helps us stay on track.

Today, is about keeping our eyes on the goal and taking the steps needed to keep moving forward. If you haven’t begun moving that’s ok, but remember nothing happens until you move. Make an honest effort to move even if it’s in a tiny way. Remember that insanity is when you do the same things and expect a different result. You are not insane, so stop acting like it. Just for today do something you haven’t ever done or take your first step towards one of your new goals. I bet you will feel like you are moving in the right direction.

New Beginnings

Well, we live to see yet another year. This year I am living my best life and having fun in the process. I’m listening to my inner voice and following the path that leads to fulfillment. In less than twenty days we will accept into office our first African-American President, and change will begin. However, I believe that change in already in progress. Have you prepared for the changes that you desire to see in this New Year? Have you written your personal mission statement or your New Years resolution?

As I prepared for 2009 I made sure my home was clean, and I moved out the things that I no longer needed. I always like to start my year off with a clean environment without the baggage of the previous year. Last night I attended a Burning Bowl Ceremony where I wrote down all the things I wanted to release from my life on a piece of paper, and then we took the list outside and placed it in a fire. After the burning of what we wanted to release, we then wrote everything we wanted to be blessed with in the New Year and placed it in an enveloped to be mailed to ourselves in six months.

As with any ceremony or ritual you place the idea of what you would like to see out into the Universe by your actions. However, the real work begins when you actually stop doing the things that you no longer feel you should be doing, and starting what you really want to do. So, whatever you have decided that you want to accomplish in this New Year you must remember to also prepare to do the work required. If you have decided to release some unwanted weight, then you need to eat better and work out more than you did last year. If you want to stop smoking, then you have to make a conscious decision to smoke one less cigarette a day until you get to your desired result. You can reach all of your goals and have anything that you placed on your list, but you must be willing to do the required work.

So, as we begin this New Year let us no longer look backwards at what we did not have in the previous year, but rather start looking forward to what we desire. Remember to get up every morning and be thankful for yet another day. Pause frequently to acknowledge what you have correctly, efficiently, and without hesitation been able to complete. Go the extra mile to help make someone feel a little better, and always want more for someone else than for yourself. Whatever you do, keep your eyes on the goal and stay focused on your dreams. There may be some obstacles, but when you only notice the goal then the obstacles don’t really exist.

Today, I am starting over and living my life as I desire. I am acknowledging that there are things that no longer serve my best interest and I am letting them go. I am moving forward and seeing myself doing things I want to complete this year. I am already the person I desire to be, and I wish for you many blessing, prosperity, and the best health. I know not what tomorrow holds, but I do know that if I take one step forward in the right direction everything I need, will be available to me. Happy New Year and best wishes!