Secrets for Daily Living
REMAIN TEACHABLE I have a friend who is a huge naysayer when it comes to new concepts and ideas. The simple truth is, he's so busy seeing THROUGH everything that he can't See ANYTHING. And, sadly, as a result, he will always be right where I left him, because his capacity for growth is stunted by his inability to embrace new ideas. But this doesn't have to be YOU. Allow yourself to have an open mind. Accept that even the worst-dressed person at the party may have something interesting to say to you and put your hand out to say hello. Rediscover your sense of wonder. No matter how old you are, the world still has a lot to show you. We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having very Human experiences. Avail yourself to each and every one.
14
EVERYTHING YOU CAME HERE LOOKING FOR, YOU CAME HERE LOOKING WITH I cannot tell you how much time and energy I wasted searching for some sort of outside "thing" to fix me. And everywhere I went, the answer was always the same: We're Perfect. In and of ourselves, we are whole and complete. Inner Peace comes from accepting this as Your Truth. Granted, there are things about ourselves that we can change, and there are outside things that we can acquire that will enrich the quality of our lives, but none of those things are the destination of any spiritual journey; every spiritual journey is designed to help you find yourself. Because it is only when you've found, accepted, and learned to love Your Self that you are capable of connecting with anything else, whether it's other people, your family, or a God of your own understanding. Believe it.
15
BE COURAGEOUS IN LIFE Maya Angelou is a celebrated American author and poet who once taught that Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without it, you cannot practice any of the others consistently. It takes Courage to Love. It takes Courage to be Honest and to speak your own Truth. It takes Courage to Forgive. It takes Courage to Reach Out and Help Other People. The list goes on and on. I had to learn very early on how not to let Fear dictate my behavior ; I had to learn how to not let Fear inform my decisions. You can do this, too. I promise you. It's in you. If you're reading this, then you're ready to take a few chances and truly Grow. And, if worse comes to worst, keep this in mind: A Turtle cannot walk -- it cannot move forward -- unless it sticks its neck out.