Daily Inspiration 1-9-14

"Do not get angry because others 

question what you believe, 

be calm and loving, 

for anger is the root 

of a faulty belief." 

 -- Leon Brown 

I am certain that questioning what we believe is the single largest source of anger. In fact, this idea alone is responsible for virtually every war ever fought. This is especially true when it comes to religion, and it hasn't settled down after thousands of years.

It would seem that we like to gather into groups of like-believers, and then try our best to expand that group, overcome opposing groups and try to get people through causes, laws, and opinion to all agree on one single thing or one way. This is simply not possible. Diversity rules, not uniformity. This is obvious by simply paying attention; however, there are so many that ignore the obvious in pursuit of the impossible in uniformity. 

Imagine a world where everyone believed the same things. In a short time, it would turn to complacency and then despair. It is the diversity that makes it alive.

Based on this, instead of the typical anger response to others believing what they will that is not our own, it would be more appropriate to celebrate it and accept the idea of diversity. It is called allowing. By allowing others to live the life that they choose, we can allow ourselves to live the life that we choose.

This all applies to the smallest of incidents or situations as it does to the very large categories such as religion, nations, etc. On a smaller scale, we call it disagreements, or even minor disagreements. In all of these smaller scale scenarios, if we allow others to believe what they will, while allowing ourselves the same privilege, there would be no more need of anger.


Now. . . Consider A World Without Anger. . . Maybe It Would Be Boring. . . Maybe Anger Is Part Of The Diversity. . . Hmmm 

Spread Some Joy Today--Celebrate your ability to create joy at a moments desire. Talk about life changing. . .

Daily Inspiration 1-8-14

"Wisdom: 

recognizing resistance quickly 

and letting go 

in order to realize and benefit from 

the natural flow." 

 -- Albert K Strong 

As an avid student, I am always learning about business and life. Often, one mirrors the other, or it just feels as if it is all the same thing.

One of my favorite authors, Alan Cohen wrote a short piece called, "Work with the willing." I received this almost a year ago, but it has stuck in my mind and I have observed and felt how it is to work with some clients who are not willing and notice the difference with those who are. Those who we may struggle with through poor communication, lack of interest, planning, and more, is like working with the unwilling. It becomes frustrating for us, and it also produces less of a valuable product or service for them.

Often, we continue to try to work with the unwilling and it saps our energy the more of these we entertain. After observing this for many months now, I see that this is unnatural. The natural thing would be to flow, focus on the flow, remove resistance to the flow and instead, we often spend much time and energy dealing with the resistance itself which impedes the flow.

Alan says that to work with the willing is one of the most valuable principles he uses in his work, and that he applies it almost daily in his work, relationships, prosperity and health."

In the piece, Alan spelled out four ways he works with the willing. One is "work with people who are willing to do what they say they will do." We all say things that we intend to do and don't always follow through, I'm sure. To some though, it seems a habitual way of life. It is hard to work through this. It is often better to let them be.

Number two is to "work with the willing part of your mind and heart." This is wonderful. By letting our own willingness guide us rather than than trying to force things is a perfect strategy.

Number three is to "work with the part of others that is willing." This is not a contradiction, it is insight. We need to realize that everyone wants and is good at something and try to bring that more energy. Putting people where they will shine is a great example of this rather than wherever we may need them. This will create more long term and mutually beneficial success.

Last, but not least, he covers this by saying to "work with what the universe is willing to do." He says, "there is a flow to life, or, as Lao Tzu called it, "The Tao." There is a stream of well being that is forcefully yet gracefully moving life to greater good."

It is now my project and goal to release the resistance this year and thereby create more flow. I will do that in my business and I have been working for the last several months in my personal life as well. I see even more joy on the horizon.


Going With The Flow Has Much More Meaning Now. 

Spread Some Joy Today--by "dropping the rope" of your resistance and let your own joy flow freely.

Daily Inspiration 1-7-14

"Why would anger at yourself 

be more valid 

than anger at someone else?" 

 -- Alan Cohen 

This is an interesting quote. It jumped off the page at me when I saw it. How many times I have made peace with others and not myself. How many times have I beat myself up for making stupid decisions or used poor judgement? How many times have I felt bad about mistakes, wished I could have do-over, wished I would have thought it through. In fact, often when I might have been angry at someone else, I found myself even more angry at me for being so upset about them. Now, that makes no sense, and most anger doesn't make much sense either.

Somehow we might think it is okay to be down on ourselves. Many have said that self-depreciation is a good thing. I have found otherwise. Everything is simply experience. If we can leave it that simple and admire it for what it is, we need no remorse or anger either one.

I've made some silly decisions and I still carry baggage from some of that, but I don't fret about it as I used to. In fact, I think it is all just a big game. My father was killed when I was 13. His birthday is today, and he died now 50 years ago. That is amazing to consider for me. He would be 84 now, but the reason I bring that up at all is that life is short enough and some times it is shorter still, so worrying about anything is so nearly a waste of time and energy that it is hardly worth mentioning.

I've become a joy seeker. Even more than this, I have become a joy finder and a joy creator. I find and experience joy every single day without exception. I find things to appreciate all around me. I have changed the way I make judgments. I rarely make any now. Peace of mind is a powerful thing in my life and my anger with myself regardless of what I've done, or failed to do, is almost nil. Hallelujah!


It Is What It Is: Experience. 

Spread Some Joy Today--2, 4, 6, 8, what can you appreciate? Make a list!

Daily Inspiration 1-6-14

"Don't worry about what the world needs. 

Ask what makes you come alive and do that, 

because what the world needs 

is people who have come alive." 

 -- Howard Thurman 

I find such interesting talks and sharing going on at Ted.com and once in a while one stands out enough that I share it in the Daily Inspirations. This is an inspiring video to say the least and has so much to consider in its short timeframe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

"I have cerebral palsy. I shake all the time," Maysoon Zayid announces at the beginning of this exhilarating, hilarious talk. (Really, it's hilarious.) "I'm like Shakira meets Muhammad Ali." With grace and wit, the Arab-American comedian takes us on a whistle-stop tour of her adventures as an actress, stand-up comic, philanthropist and advocate for the disabled.

It's Always Interesting To See How Others Shine. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Be yourself.

Daily Inspiration 1-5-14

"No man is rich enough 

to buy back his past." 

 -- Oscar Wilde 

I hear some people talk about past hurts and unfairnesses. Even though it is long over and gone, it is dragged back into the present moment to ponder, discuss, lament, laugh, remind us again. Often, people try to make sense of it and say they've forgiven so and so and that they've let go and such, but the reality of continuing to drag it back into the present speaks more to the truth that there really is not forgiveness, nor letting go, nor understanding even. It's just that the more time that has passed, the less powerful it is. Yet, that is an illusion, because it is very powerful. I have had all these experiences myself. I decided that I didn't ever want them again. It's a work in progress, but I'm ahead of the curve.

What changed for me is expressed nicely this quote from Alan Cohen: "Nobody shows up in your world except by your invitation." I have accepted the idea that I am the creator of my own reality, that good and bad are purely my own judgments or opinions, and that by acting as if I created everything and every situation on purpose, I can accept responsibility for my life, my actions, and my experiences.

At first it was challenging to seriously consider this idea, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. And the tools I used most often to create the change in me have been gratitude and appreciation. Consider this quote by Henri Nouwen: "Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint." I love how he says that "gratitude is a discipline." Choosing gratitude when things and circumstances encourage us to use different emotions is a tool to change the circumstances and things in time.

The second tool was appreciation. I have gotten into such a habit of appreciation now that everywhere I go, I am mentally finding something in every person, event, and situation to appreciate. I talk to myself mentally all the time when I'm out and about. Now, the truth is that I have always talked to myself about others when out and about, but for most of my life, it was rarely appreciation. I was usually finding fault, seeing what I didn't like, thinking I wouldn't do that or dress that way or whatever. I began practicing appreciating and it has paid off in a dramatic change in me. And it feels so good too.

So, by taking the tools of gratitude and appreciation to the past hurts and unfairnesses, puts them back on our own creation rather than being victimized by others. This is truly the only way to have control of our lives.


No One Else Can Hurt Me. I Am The Only One Who Can Hurt Me. But, I Choose Not Hurt. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Take charge of your joy. Use the two tools of gratitude and appreciation.

Daily Inspiration 1-4-14

"Whatever the present moment contains, 

accept it as if you had chosen it. 

Always work with it, not against it." 

 -- Eckhart Tolle 

I didn't know it was possible, but it has come true. I used to say that I've gotten so good at almost automatically going to plan B when plan A isn't happening the way I imagined it.

What has come true is accepting things as if I created them on purpose. I see things happening a certain way in my imagination, and lately, none of them have happened quite that way, but I don't miss a lick going to the acceptance of the way it is part and making the best of the situation that is before me.

Just in the last two days, I have had two projects go differently and yet come out perfectly anyway. It is still amazing to realize this and accept it. I have learned to go for it, but lighten up.


Practicing Is So Effective To Learn To Live A Different Way. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Free yourself from self-inflicted burdens. Joy is in the release.

Daily Inspiration 1-3-14

"Our listening 

creates a sanctuary 

for the homeless parts 

within another person." 

 -- Rachel Naomi Remen 

My partner gives many more presentations about our Internet business package of services than I do. That's his job and he does it well. But, sometimes I get to do it and stay in practice. So, a client and friend arranged a meetup with a potential customer whom I've never met, nor knew anything about. It was a very friend-oriented meeting.

This meeting lasted almost three hours. That's unheard of. If it goes over an hour that is generally not good. However, often we are doing a lot of the talking probably. In this case, since I knew nothing, I wanted to know about him. I learned a lot about him as his business and him as a person, along with some ideas about him in the future.

As it was, I ended up talking about 20 minutes out of almost 3 hours. The power of sincere listening is unmistakable and also on the most desired list. So few take the time to just listen. It is an amazing way to learn. I could have been doing something else, but probably nothing nearly so important.

I loved this quote above about creating a sanctuary by listening. It is so true. When we give that space; that opportunity; that privilege of humanity, we are giving love in a special way. I know you know what I'm talking about because you have felt it when someone gives you that kind of sanctuary for your homeless parts. It may not happen often, or often enough, but you know the feeling, so it is a powerful reminder to give openly to those who are craving it.


I'm Not Convinced I Had To Talk At All. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Give the gift of attention. Listen. Be a joy-giver.

Daily Inspiration 1-2-14

"Pay less attention to resolutions 

and more attention to evolution." 

 -- Alan Cohen 

The best time for a resolution is the end of the month so that the resolution activity begins at the beginning of the month. Think about it. It all lines up and it is so hard to resist the beginning. The first day of the month is day one. The second day is day two and so on throughout the month. It's perfect. It is easy to count.

The only problem is missing a day. What do we do then? Start all over? Nah. Better to just keep going and ignore it. Maybe even pretend it didn't happen. It's easy. But, then the next problem is missing another day. What then? Can't start all over, and it's not so easy to hide two mistakes as one. Heck, might as well wait until the end of the month and go for it again.

This assumes we remember what we were planning on doing. It's always changing you know. And, that's the story of what is probably the majority of resolutions.

But, consider evolution. This is realizing that all there is, and all there will ever be is this very moment. There is now. Then it is now. Then now. Then now. There is no tomorrow or the end or the beginning or the middle. There is now. Then now. Then now. That's all there is.

Of course, it is as simple as it can be to change. Do it now. Then now. Then now. It doesn't matter how many now's you use up, it will still be now.


That Should Make It Easier. . . Or, At The Very Least, More Effective. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Do it now. There is only now.

Daily Inspiration 1-1-14

"A good heart is better than 

all the heads in the world." 

 -- Edward Bulwer-Lytton 

I've heard men in business say about another, "oh, he wears his heart on his sleeve." I take this to mean from their statement and demeanor that this guy is too sensitive and lets his heart overrule his head, and more.

It's too bad that people think this way about people full of heart. In fact, I think the heart should lead the head and I also think it makes a far better organization. Money should not be the driving force in business. Though it is absolutely important, the heart is love and where there is love there is peace and joy. Those are great things to have in business.

Think about running a business with this question in mind: "What would love do now?" And, keep asking, "what would love do now?" It makes so much more sense than "what would fear do now?" Don't you agree?
People would say about me that I wear my heart on my sleeve. It's true. And, I think I am all the better for it.


What Would Love Do Now? 

Spread Some Joy Today--Begin by listening to the other person. Maybe for a good while. It is amazing how it makes another feel.

Daily Inspiration 12-31-13

"Revisit your past 

only to recognize 

how far you have come." 

 -- Alan Cohen

This morning I was talking to a friend and ended up telling an overview of my story of the last seven years being in business for myself. The real value in telling it wasn't for him, but for me. I realized this moments after I hung up the phone. The value was for me to see the picture of how far I've come.

Now, often, if you're anything like me--you know. . . human--you may look at today and think that you're not yet where you want to be. You may even be a bit like me in being a bit concerned about that aspect. This can go on and on and on and on and lead exactly nowhere in particular. It is a circle of nothing. So, I've learned through much trial and error and paying a little attention that this is not a good place to be.

So the story was helpful because it made me realize that I am cooler than I thought, smarter than I look, and happier than I feel because I started there and am now here. Here is relative, but at least it is here. It is not there. I don't want to go back. I like moving forward, and I especially like moving forward on purpose.

So, perhaps it is time to tell your story aloud to someone and realize how far you've come. To pay attention to some of the detail of improvement and gain. Sure, you may not be there yet as it relates to your full journey, but it is quite valuable to see the tracks in the past from time to time.

And, while you're there, congratulate yourself. Throw a party. Raise a toast. Buy yourself a little gift. You deserve it. You've made it to here and I'm sure you're better for the journey.


Enjoy Where You Are In Pursuit Of Where You Want To Go.

Spread Some Joy Today--Make someone's day. Leave a big tip. No bigger than that. Yes, that's it. Forget the percentage. Just think about how they are going to feel when they see it.

Daily Inspiration 12-30-13

"Be kind, 

for everyone you meet 

is fighting a hard battle." 

 -- Plato 

This quote causes me to think several things. First, I don't know if I would have used the words fighting, hard and battle. Maybe they are. Second, there is no doubt that some are fighting a battle, hard or otherwise. Third, it really doesn't matter if it is hard, or if it is a battle, or that they are fighting. What matters is that everyone is dealing with life, and life is sometimes messy.

Based on that last part alone, it is worthy to be kind--as if we really needed a sympathetic reason. Yet, it is true that we just don't know what people are dealing with until they tell us and that they tell us the whole story. We all have stuff. It's in the closet, it's on the lawn, it's covered in paperwork, it's emotional and can also be stressful. It's a good bet that whatever we think we have issues with, others can top it and make ours look insignificant. Even though it is never insignificant.

So take care. Give the gift of love and joy. If that is too much for the moment, try the gift of caring. It is simply amazing what we can do to help another through a bumpy place by just giving our attention.


Kindness Is A Very Generous Gift.

Spread Some Joy Today--What in the world could be better than to spread some joy?

Daily Inspiration 12-29-13

"As creators, our pursuit 

of perfection might be misguided, 

particularly if it comes 

at the expense of the things that matter." 

 -- Seth Godin 

I'm a fan of Seth Godin, author, marketing guru, and entrepreneur, among other attributes. I borrowed this quote from a post he did on December 27th, 2013. I loved this line that tells the story in the end, but I also loved the beginning, which said, "no one reads a comic strip because it's drawn well. It has to be drawn well enough, not perfectly."

Some of the very popular comic strips are not classic artists. I remember one of my favorite authors who also drew cartoons. James Thurber was his name. Famous guy, great comedy and not so great drawings, but they were plenty good enough and I enjoyed them as if they were perfect.

What is good enough? How about for you? Are you holding out for perfect, or willing to take good enough? Sometimes we expect perfection of one another when just being ourselves is more than enough.

"As creators, our pursuit of perfection might be misguided, particularly if it comes at the expense of the things that matter."


I Am Enough. How About You? 

Spread Some Joy Today--Plant those seeds and water them often!

Daily Inspiration 12-28-13

"It matters not how small

the beginning may seem to be.

What is once done well

is done forever."

 

-- Henry David Thoreau

I love this quote for several reasons. One, it points out that doing a thing means it is done. Two, it clearly points out to me that nothing is ever "done." And three, quality is important.

We are always and will always be a work in progress. It is about doing not being done. There is no done. There is only doing. In doing, we learn, experiment, teach, share, create, expand, love.

They say to count the cost before doing. Since when did cost projections ever come out correct? Besides, they want the costs counted more to insure against a thing than to do it. They want us to complete a project which can never be completed totally. Oh, sure, you can build a building and it can be built to a certain size, but is it ever really completed? It will always be a work in progress even when it is ignored and in decay.

I remember when I was in junior high and high school, they were going to build a four lane freeway on a section of highway 12 from Santa Rosa to Sonoma. Highway 12 runs from the Sierra mountains to the coast and is almost all 2 lane standard highway. Well, they build a couple miles of this freeway or so, mostly raised so it took a while and then it all stopped. The people didn't appreciate the State's thinking and felt this freeway would ruin the rural charm of that beautiful drive from Santa Rosa to Sonoma. So there it sits dead in its tracks. Is it done? Would it ever have been done? It was and still is a work in progress.

Life is not about being done. Even if we are to leave the life we know, life is still a work in progress and always will be. Besides, Socrates still touches lives he never knew today. So does Abraham Lincoln, grandma Moses, along with every other life. We are never done. Nothing we do is never done because life is in the living and doing and whatever that is is.


Let's Start Something NEW! Then We Can Enjoy The DOING.

Spread Some Joy Today--Did you know that you can spread joy to others by just thinking about them with joy? It's a small world after all.

Daily Inspiration 12-27-13

"For after all,

the best thing one can do

when it is raining

is to let it rain."

 

-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I have often used the phrase, "swimming upstream," to speak to the process of dealing with resistance in a way that does not feel good, or work very well. To me, the visual image of swimming upstream and all the effort and strength needed for such a task is empowering to help me learn to flow with the current and with life. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow says it so well in a different visual way, that when it is raining, the best we can do is to let it rain. It causes me to think of the futility of trying to stop the rain and how much better the flow of life is when we simply go with it.

Another visual with the stream is in a row boat and trying to row against the current to your destination, all the while thinking that it must be upstream. Yet, I have found it to really be downstream and easy and faster to get to. It doesn't have to be hard work. Who said it had to be that?


Let Go Of The Oars. Relax.

Spread Some Joy Today--by creating your own first. All you need to do is to think of something or someone to appreciate. Then think of that. This creates additional thoughts like it. This is the way to continual joy.