An Inch or a Yard?

... YOU MUST EAT THE ELEPHANT ONE BITE AT A TIME.

- Twi proverb

You cannot get to the end from the middle. You won't find the beginning at the end. No matter what we are doing, there is a process. Whether the situation is positive or negative, we must go through the process. When we rush ahead we miss important steps. If we become impatient, we can overlook details. We must be willing to move step by step, inch by inch to get to the end. There is no way to rush the process. When we are excited, we want to see how a situation will end. When the situation is unpleasant, we want it to end quickly. Whether anxiety or fear, the anticipation of benefits or pain, no matter what we do, we must be willing to do it one step at a time.

An inch is a cinch, a yard is hard.

STOP!

STOP!

Most of us know exactly what it is that causes the pain, confusion, stagnation and disruption in our lives. Whether it is a habit, behavior, relationship or fear, we know. Unfortunately, we seem powerless to stop whatever it is. Sometimes we believe we don't have the discipline or willpower to stop. The behavior becomes so habitual we do it without thinking. Other times we know exactly what it is and what we do, but we simply keep doing it anyway. We are the only ones responsible for what goes on in our lives. We can make excuses and blame others, but we are responsible to and for ourselves. When we find something or someone creating in our lives that which we do not want, we must muster the courage and strength to stop it.

Today can you use your power to stop what is no longer good to you?

* * * * *

The Needle Pulls the Thread ..... when we make strides in life we may face obstacles and challenges. There are times when that which is most familiar to us will present the most challenges - our family. If our life moves away from what is familiar to our family, it might result in becoming frightened. Our being nurtured by family may stop - if only for a moment. They may use those fears and concerns as a reason not to support us. They may not understand why we cannot do things the way they've always been done or they deem reasonable. We want our family to support and encourage our dreams, but if they don't, it is okay. Sometimes we must step out alone, make a new way, start a path others will follow. Our job is to let our families know that we love them, keep them as informed as they care to be; when possible, we should invite them to join us in the process. However, if they choose to stay on the same old beaten path, there is no obligation to march with them. We can weave fibers of a new world and life. Ummm .....

Power In Difference

One love, One heart. Let's get together and feel alright.

- Bob Marley

True power, our power, is in our diversity and difference. It is not in the illusive power we chase in money and things. It is not in what we call unity. We are already unified through breath. Do we want to deny our unity because we look different, act different and we believe we want different things? The elm, oak and pine live together to create the mighty forests. The shark, dolphin and whales live together to create the wealth of the oceans. The blue jay, hawk and robin sing together to create the melody of the sky. The lion, elephant and jaguar live together in the wonderment of the wild. They all want the same things: food, protection for their young and the opportunity to move freely. The animals do not blame or judge. They live without anger or fear. Are the animals just stupid? Or have we become too smart?

Today, will you honor and respect the power in difference?

Value of the Valley

To be who you are and become what you are capable of is the only goal worth living.

- Alvin Ailey

* * * * * *

Life is not hopping from one mountaintop to another because there is a valley between. At times, the valley is a job you hate but need to feed the family. The valley might be a failing and toxic relationship. The valley could be a child who goes astray or a friend who betrays you. The valley could be an illness or the death of a loved one. The valley is dark, bleak, ugly and frightening. But there is value in the valley. When you are in the valley, you begin to muster the strength and power buried deep within you. In the valley you begin to think, pray and tap into your incredible divine and spiritual self. The valley gives you a time to rest, to heal, to rejuvenate your being. It is an opportunity to look up, to see and remember those powerful mountain climbers who made it before you: your grandmother, your hero, even yourself. You have been in the valley before. Remember what you did, how you got up and out. Let the thoughts and memories of that success be the rope you use to pull yourself up.

* Take the time to learn the value of the valley *