We Create Our Own Suffering: Time to Take the Path of Least Resistance

We all know that we create our own suffering yet we deny and deny. Why do you think that is? I am aware of it when I do it and sometimes I cannot stop myself. I am gradually getting better at it but damn, does it take work. 

I believe it is time to take the path of least resistance. It is not being a wimp because I am finally understanding that when we let go and let God as Bob Proctor exhorts us to do in We Were Born Rich, magic happens. The way becomes smoother even though it is well-travelled.

In this vein, here's some food for thought today on suffering from my man of the moment James Allen's As A Man Thinketh.  At the moment, I am creating my own suffering through my thoughts because I am not getting what I want but what I feel (through frustration, anxiety and doubt which give rise to fear). 

Needless to say, when I see such results they are not very edifying and it all comes back to you are what you think or as others say, you get what you vibrate.  Reflect on these words today as you go about your daily affairs and work on identifying where you don't feel good and change the way you think about it. That's what I'm doing.

Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results. Bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results. This is but saying that nothing can come from corn but corn, nothing from nettles but nettles.  Men understand this law in the natural world and work with it. But few understand it in the mental and moral world (though its operation there is just as simple and undeviating), and they, therefore, do not cooperate with it.

Suffering is always the effect of wrong thought in some direction. It is an indication that the individual is out of harmony with himself, with the Law of his being. The sole and supreme use of suffering is to purify, to burn out all that is useless and impure. Suffering ceases for him who is pure. There could be not object in burning gold after the dross had been removed, and perfectly and enlightened being could not suffer.

Isn't that beautiful and bang on target. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe that our psyches are irrevocably screwed up? If that is not the case, how can we change as individuals and assist others to follow a path a path of least resistance? Do comment and let me know.

Make a grateful day for yourself today!

»»  read more

The Universe Is A Place of Bountiful Supply and We Are Living In It

Image by 2santoss via Flickr

I have no idea why I awoke with this song on my mind but I know there's a message there for me. So I found Desiderata's You are a child of the Universe and have reproduced it below.

I had forgotten how beautifully poetic it was and what's more extraordinary, it was written by Max Ehrmann who was born in 1872 and he copyrighted it before his death in 1945.

Check out Pearls of Wisdom footnote about the poem for more details about it's provenance.

Here's to lighting up your day and remember, the universe really is a place of bountiful supply and you are living in it!

You Are A Child of The Universe

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Have a fantastic day everyone!

»»  read more

Happiness Is Achievable But Do You Even Know How To BE Happy?

This is my good news day and it is all about the pursuit of happiness. Do you want to be happy? Sure, you'll say emphatically and happiness is achievable; I can assure you of that.

You have to love what you do and if you do not think you know, then it is time to experiment and find out!  As you will discover, you knew all along, didn't you.

Now, do you know how to be happy? Bet the second question got you, didn't it. With all the pursuit of happiness out there which I don't buy, here's the happiness quotient from much wiser minds and very connected people.  Watch now and learn how:

Matt Weinstein: What Bernie Maddoff couldn't steal from me (humour and perspective pays)

Gary Vaynerchuk: Do what you love (no excuses) This guy's story is incredible.

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die

Tim Ferriss (the 4-hour workweek guy): Smash fear, learn anything 
(what's the worst that could happen?) 

I believe that happiness is a choice; we forget that and we unintentionally sabotage ourselves because of habits we have learned. Make the change today; do what you have to do and make the parts you don't like a habit as Bob Proctor suggests; that way won't have to think about it (or moan about it).

Dr Cara Barker gives you a good talking to in How to be happy: Are you being too mean to yourself? Take the Challenge she lays down and make it work for you.

I sincerely hope that a word or phrase or subject in the videos pushes you and excites you in some way to help you find your way. Much love to y'all.




Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it.  ~Author Unknown

»»  read more

8 Ways To Be Inspired - GOOD NEWS - and Bring Out The Best In You

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint", then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.  ~Vincent Van Gogh

Here are my 8 posts and articles to inspire you as they have me and bring out the best in you:

1 - Dani from Positively Present How to be your own hero - fabulous and thought provoking. I dare you to admit you recognise yourself in her descriptions!

2 - Andrew Shapter's 99 Definitions of Happiness -  to warm your heart and make you smile whether you're in the mood or not.

3 - Bob Lingvall's There is beauty within you: Finding the butterfly hidden within the caterpillar - when you think everything is wrong or even you, yourself, this is the pick-me-up and focussed meditation and "counselling" you need.

4 - Cara Barker's Calling back your spirit and taking the 21-Day Challenge to stop bullying yourself - her words shake you up and tell you "you can; you are capable, and hey, get with the programme". It's just wow!

5 - Judith Rich's Are you available for miracles? This one hits you in the gut, like oof. A not-to-be-missed post! I'll let Judith talk about it herself:

~ Perhaps a more accurate title for my post would have been, "Can We Conspire With Life For Our Highest Good? For indeed, life itself is a neutral event, not aimed at anyone in particular.

Life is impersonal that way. Life happens and we receive it. How we choose to receive life, regardless of its content, will determine whether we'll turn it into material for suffering or use it to open new possibilities. ~

6 - Allan Cohen's Are you as happy as your dog? Read on to find out why you should be.

7 - Anne Naylor's How open to opportunity are you? We lie to ourselves a lot; pretty damn often in fact. We bitch and moan, beating ourselves up needlessly and when we're in that mood, others get to "share" in it as well. 

Anne encourages you to change the way you look at your life and face that person in the mirror. Lots of food for thought here and perhaps even some aha! moments.

8 - Jamie Oliver's talk about The power of food and on new, obese generation on TedTalks.  So very, very passionate, powerful and caring. He  inspires you to want to make changes in your plate now! 

I truly hope my 8 ways to be inspired and bring out the best in you provokes some thought and reflection. Let me know what inspires you to act and think differently, and how it has affected those around you.

As I am practising the value of compassion for 2010, I will end all posts in this vein:

Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back.  ~Arthur Rubinstein

And here's a lovely guy who started The Get Inspired Project.

»»  read more

Thought for Today: NEVER GIVE UP!

Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.  ~Kahlil Gibran

Thank you from a stranger

Amazing things have been happening for me lately. Can you imagine receiving one thousand dollars in cash as a thank you from a stranger; it's what happened to me and enclosed with the money was a card with Barbara Cage's poem Don't Ever Lose Faith in Yourself!

I was just being me and it confirmed that when you develop faith and self confidence in yourself and you walk your talk (the former does not come before the latter!), life goes the right way for you even though you may be doubting it and your sanity.

Have faith

It's particularly important when your authenticity makes others feel uncomfortable (as it will because faking is easier) as you steer your own course which naturally goes against the current.

Never doubt for a second (I'll give you a minute) that you're off-course.

Commit to being authentic

Shit like this happens to test us every day and every single day we must follow through and reaffirm and commit to being authentic.

You will find (and probably are) your own reward as I am learning as opportunities start finding you. It's a bumpy road at times and as I have found that only happens when you pay far too much attention (emotionally) to others opinions about you.

When you learn to shrug it off that road becomes the smoothest surface you will ever experience! Following is the poem this incredible person gifted me:

Faith is an oasis in the heart which can never be reached by the caravan of thinking.  ~ Kahlil Gibran

Don't Ever Lose Faith in Yourself

You may be feeling a little uncertain about your future right now,
but you need to trust your decisions and feelings
and do what is best for you.


The future will work itself out; 
you're the kind of person who can make it happen.


Don't let anyone else's negativity influence 
your dreams, values or hopes
Focus on what you can change and let go of what you can't.

You know your own worth, what you've accomplished,
and what you're capable of.


Your goals may take a bit longer and be harder to achieve than you hoped, but concentrate on the positives 
and combine faith with generous portions 
of patience and determination.


Step boldly and confidently into your future 
where happiness, success and dreams await you.


You have the potential for greatness...
never give up.


~ Barbara Cage

Have you ever been unexpectedly gifted? Who was it from, how did you feel and what do you think you did to call forth something so precious? Write and let me know.

A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.  ~David Brinkley

»»  read more

Eyes Have It: What Do Yours Say About You?

Photo: luis-galvez-I8gQVrDcXzY-unsplash

Are you a person of worth regardless of your circumstances? This question came to my mind following a shocking encounter that would have knocked me on my arse if I had not already been seated. 

»»  read more

I Am Woman, I Am Emotional and There Ain't A Damn Thing Wrong With That!

Photo by raamin-ka-AKGZCGqzRZc-unsplash

»»  read more

GOOD NEWS: Be Inspired: Lose Your Emotional Baggage and Rediscover Yourself

I first discovered Jill Bolte Taylor at the TED Talks Conference in California in 2008.

She describes so eloquently, calmly and analytically yet passionately, as the brain scientist she is, "how to lose your emotional baggage and rediscover yourself" as she did in 1996 after a stroke in her left brain. Be inspired. Not that I'm encouraging anyone to have a stroke!


It took her eight years to come back to herself as you see her in the 2008 video below. She had to learn how to speak again (literally relearning her ABCs), how to walk, how to do all the mundane things which we take for granted.

I do not believe it is coincidental that a brain scientist has a stroke and is able to give a blow-by-blow account as it happened; do you? 

Her description of living in her right brain (creative hemisphere) will blow your mind if you haven't heard about her or seen the video before.  And if you have, take another look and listen and feel it this time. The message is clear.

In fact, what Jill Bolte Taylor describes as her connection with "all that is" is similar to what some people experience on occasion through meditation and spiritual cleansing.

After such experiences you are never the same again.

My purpose in posting this is to remind you all that there is always hope even in the darkest of times. It is in those moments that you must persevere; never give up!

Her book A Stroke of Insight must be read and kept on your coffee table or by your bedside. Everything about her experience and the aftermath is described in breathtaking detail in this small book.

So when you start feeling helpless and discouraged pick up her Stroke of Insight and open it on any page, and be inspired to try again. That's my urging to you and I today.

Jill Bolte Taylor's Stroke of Insight

Be Inspired

Lose that baggage

 Rediscover yourself!

»»  read more

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Are You A Virtuous Person, and How Can You Tell?

Are you a virtuous person, and how can you tell?  And let me say right now, there are no religious connotations attached to this question!

We all know or have heard people say "I'm a good person", "I'm a nice person", "I'm a great guy", "I'm a Christian" ( I assume it implies a good person), etc. You probably say the same thing yourself. 

I have never understood people's need to make such statements.

Words are very powerful things you know and I have always been very conscious of them and how they are used. How can people be unaware of this? 

There is no way I would not make statements like these because while I do not know what people mean when they say them, I know what they imply and no way would I lock myself into such a box. That is an extremely difficult road to hoe!

Words set off a vibration clear across the ether and because of that, the saying "Your word is your bond" is quite accurate.

Do you walk the talk?  Do you walk the talk and are you man enough and woman enough to answer truthfully in your secret heart of hearts?

My concern here is the hypocrisy and judgement which seem to automatically accompany these self-serving statements.

Our problem is that we do not think enough; and when we habitually and unconsciously form opinions (usually negative) about others based on what they say or how they act which is not in conformity with what we are accustomed to, what does that reveal about each and everyone of us; not very much at all.

The so-called truth lies between black and white. This is why nothing is ever what it seems; seeing is not believing as Bill Cosby once said; and truth and facts are definitely not the same. James Allen, whose words inspired this post, in As A Man Thinketh says:

It is pleasing to human vanity to believe that one suffers because of one's virtue. But not until a man has extirpated every sickly, bitter, and impure thought from his mind, and washed every sinful stain from his soul, can he be in a position to know and declare that his sufferings are the result of his good, and not of his bad qualities.

And on the way to that supreme perfection, he will have found working in his mind and life, the Great law which is absolutely just, and which cannot give good for evil, evil for good.

Possessed of such knowledge, he will then know, looking back upon his past ignorance and blindness, that his life is, and always was, justly ordered, and that all his past experiences, good and bad, were the equitable outworking of his evolving, yet unevolved self. 

Do you believe you are a virtuous person, and why is that? Let me know.

»»  read more

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Maintain An Attitude of Serenity

Maintain an attitude of serenity is my horoscope message which while accurate is just as applicable to everyone else. 

As I know from experience, strong feelings blind us and when we "lose it", it is usually at the most inappropriate times when we needed to be more in control of ourselves.

Experiencing your emotions, without allowing them to dictate your behavior, can help you maintain an attitude of serenity in almost any situation.

Our emotions have a powerful influence on how we behave toward ourselves and others. Reign in your emotional reactivity and allow your logical mind to assert itself during challenging times helps you focus on the issue at hand rather than how that issue makes you feel.

Your thoughts will then remain clear and unaffected by your strong feelings, so that you can judge and respond to your circumstances fairly and in a more detached manner.

When you learn to feel your emotions without being swayed by them today, your calm will be unbreakable.

Do you agree with me, and what's been your experience when things haven't gone well for you? Do share.

»»  read more