Daily Inspiration 8-10-17

"Treat those who are good with goodness,

and treat those who are not good with goodness.

Thus goodness is obtained.

Be honest to those who are honest,

and be also honest to those who are not honest.

Thus honesty is attained."

-- Lau Tzu

[Classic post from 12-31-11]

A philosophy such as in this Lau Tzu quote escaped my understanding until recently. I was taught, or learned rather, to respond in kind. And even though I then lose my place and position, it was the fair thing to do--an eye for an eye and all that sort of thing.

Now I realize that in so doing, I've given up the thing that I thought I valued, such as the goodness, or the honesty to fight the evil-doers and liars, only to become as they and ultimately show how little I valued the previously held ideals.

It makes perfect sense to me now that treating all with goodness maintains the value of goodness. It also means that I make the choice by choosing goodness.

How does this apply in real life? I've worked a few jobs where things my boss told me to say or do were against my values, yet because they were my employer, my source of income, my livelihood, I folded and did as was requested or instructed feeling crappy about it, yet doing it nonetheless. I could see how the client was looking at me and thinking about me, but I felt that I had no choice. I mean, it wasn't exactly like breaking the law or anything, it was just not right in my mind--more like a difference of opinion or outlook. Yet, no matter how I tried to justify it or whitewash it, it was still distasteful to me.

Today, I would respond differently and take the risk. This is probably one of the big reasons that I am in business for myself because I can make the decisions and feel good about them and do what I think is right. Now if something doesn't feel right to me, I am in total control of changing it until it does. Thus rightness or integrity is obtained.


"If You Don't Change Direction, You May End Up Where You Are Heading." -- Lao Tzu

Spread Some Joy Today--Love yourself first and foremost.

Daily Inspiration 8-9-17

"What is a weed? 

A plant whose virtues 

have not yet been discovered." 

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson 

And, so it is with everything we look at, including other human beings. Mr. Emerson takes it so far as to say, "Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings."

In our negative judgment of a thing, situation, or person, our judgment is truly on ourselves for our ignorance, whether lack of knowledge or lack of compassion. With sufficient knowledge and/or compassion, we would have no need for judgment.

Ian Maclaren said it well: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." As I consider that statement, and the people that I do know, I know that is often true, and so as we meet people that we don't know very well, it would be most beneficial to consider they may be going through things that have an effect on their demeanor as they move through their lives. Our kindness in consideration of such a possibility, whether it exists in reality or not, will go far in offering a compassionate point of view.


"There Is More In Every Person's Soul Than We Think." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Spread Some Joy Today--in your consideration of others.

Daily Inspiration 8-8-17

"There's nothing like biting off

more than you can chew,

and then chewing anyway."

-- Mark Burnett

"He who would learn to fly one day

must first learn to stand and walk

and run and climb and dance;

one cannot fly into flying."

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

Men may not fully realize it, but women are the original multitaskers!

[Classic post from 10-21-10]

In recent years, and especially since I went into business for myself, I am constantly biting off more than I can chew. I used to complain that I had ten things on my plate and only five would fit and the question was only which five would fall. I don't complain about it anymore--or about almost (not quite perfect yet. . .) anything now. Instead, I am more and more excited about the volume and quality of what I entertain chewing.

It's really become somewhat of a game, and a fun one at that. I do relish the excitement of it all and deal with everything as good as I can and I just don't worry about the rest. Frankly, as soon as I stopped worrying about what I couldn't get around to, all the pressure I was feeling sort of vanished. I thought that was odd at first but delighted in it nonetheless. Since the pressure is gone, and the fun remains, it must be a good thing.

So, I cannot necessarily recommend biting off more than you can chew. That is a personal decision that can only be considered by each of us. However, I can and will tell you that I think it is an awesome way to gain capacity and to expand one's interests and abilities, along with knowledge and confidence. All of those are very positive results in my life.

Indeed, it is by the expansion of my capacity that I grow. Without that, I am bored and tired and lifeless. I love learning and so I am always looking for another learning experience, real and otherwise. As I expand in my capacity, I expand as a person, my business expands with me and it all works together. I am having the time of my life and enjoying every second of it. I care so much less about the eventual outcome as enjoying the exciting journey and I tell you straight up that this is the single most important element I have ever learned.

I used to be so focused on the objective and in such a hurry to get there and it never seemed to come to fruition the way I expected it. Circumstances I didn't expect frustrated me and I was periodically discouraged and worried. Since I have let go of the super-heated need for the eventual outcome, I have let go of all of that negativity. What a blessing that is.

I didn't say that I let go of goals, or dreams or the vision of what I want to accomplish. Instead, I dream those things as if it is already, and I want them, but the difference is that I don't get uptight about it anymore. I've learned that it isn't my job and I am better off not trying to do another's job for them. My job is the dream, and the gratitude for the day and all that has come before, and the full experience of the moment in pursuit of what I want. It almost doesn't matter at all what the outcome is anymore. I've let go of that responsibility. I now do the part I can control and leave the rest of it alone. This leaves me joyful and free.

I highly recommend it.

I'm Chompin' At The Bit For More To Chew On!

Spread Some Joy Today--Shake off all the stress of wanting things to not be the way they are. Focus on the way you want them and you will have no stress and plenty of excess joy to share with everyone you talk to.

Daily Inspiration 8-7-17

"We don't see things as they are;

we see things as we are."

-- Anais Nin

[Classic post from 11-12-11]

This last installment on the theme of thought versus effort comes down to one short little word: Why. Frederich Nietzsche said, "He who has a big enough why to live for can bear almost any how." Dr. Viktor Frankl backs that up as well in the form of meaning in his book, Man's Search For Meaning.

We had a lady next door who has since moved away who loved to iron. I'm serious. She loved to iron clothes. I never met anyone who actually loved to iron clothes until I met her. To many if not most, ironing is drudgery, hard work, tedious. So it was just a different thought that changed a tedious, hard job into an absolute joy.

Ever notice when you're doing something out of obligation or duty and you seriously don't want to be there or be doing that thing or event, that the day just goes into slow motion and the clock takes forever to move and your body feels like it weighs a lot more than it did yesterday, and well. . . it's work and it's very unpleasant.

Then, something happens that gets your interest. Who knows what it is, but all of a sudden, it's not so bad, then as time goes on, maybe it's even better than this and you begin to enjoy yourself and it changes everything. You just lost a bunch of weight in the last few minutes, your droopy face has spark and light, and the only thing that happened was a thought change. Something changed the thought and the thought you had was controlling how you were feeling. And, it can change in a moment.

When I was working for others, I liked what I did, but more often than I would have liked there was crap I had to deal with that was unpleasant and undesired. I did it because I had to and felt crappy about it the whole time. Now, as my own boss, I have lots of problems to deal with, but they aren't really problems and I don't have a problem dealing with them. In fact, I often seriously enjoy solving them. It's just a change in attitude or thought. Before I had to, didn't want to and now I want to and am glad to solve it. Big difference, but just a difference in thought.

But, you don't have to go into business for yourself to have that change in thought or attitude. Begin where you are with what you have to work with and turn it from work into fun. Begin by finding one thing about what you do today to appreciate, and then appreciate it, love it, praise it. Next, find another and another and another and pretty soon you'll be loving your job and what you do and everything about it.

In my opinion, the way to change anything toward more positive feelings is to learn to appreciate--sincerely appreciate something, anything, and then continue to repeat that process and you will see miraculous changes. I'm beginning to think that the key to life, in general, is learning to appreciate everything--you, your life, your body, your personality, your family, your boss, the place you live, the neighborhood you live in, the place you go to church, the neighbors, the government, and so much more.

I think I can get to the point that I am just a lover, appreciating everything, including the contrast that allows me to choose appreciation.


Effort Is No Longer Any Kind Of Work. It Is A Natural Extension Of My Thoughts Of Appreciation.

Spread Some Joy Today--There is nothing that is external that will bring you joy. It is 100% an inside job.

Daily Inspiration 8-6-17

"You have your way. I have my way.

As for the right way, the correct way,

and the only way, it does not exist."

-- Friedrich Nietzsche

[Classic post from 12-4-09]

This is the first time I've seen this exact quote; however, I learned this message many years ago. I have stated many times, 'There is no right way or wrong way, there is my way, your way, and their way.' This phrase has helped me immensely over the years to put things into perspective.

Every time someone tries to tell me that there is only one way to do a thing, I remember this phrase. Any time someone uses the word 'should,' I think of it again. The truth is that there is no right or wrong way. Those are purely judgments by the person stating it is right or using the word should. It is their belief (assuming they state it with conviction). Almost all of Europe thought the world was flat at one time, so that is an indication of how beliefs can ebb and flow.

I truly believe that there is no right way or wrong way, but a way. As a result of this, I find that the word 'could' to be much more appropriate in making 'suggestions' to people about things they 'might consider' in case they are looking to change their results. If I state it any other way, it is my ego chiming in.

Don't we all know by now that the only way to convince anyone of anything is to speak in a way that allows them to convince themselves? Any other way will likely be unproductive.

I love suggestions and a bit of time, then I allow it in.

Oh, you too?

I thought it was my way. . .


I Will Listen To Your Way and Their Way, And In The End, I Will Do It My Way.

Spread Some Joy Today--Let other people have their way today. Just coast for one day and let everyone have their way.

Daily Inspiration 8-5-17

"Applaud us when we run,

console us when we fall,

cheer us when we recover. . ."

-- Edmund Burke

[Classic post from 4-29-12]

Looking at the life I've lived thus far, this quote is exactly how I would teach my children today (which wasn't how I was brought up), except for one small missing ingredient. That ingredient is to love us without condition.

The new version:

Applaud us when we run,

console us when we fall,

cheer us when we recover,

love us without condition.

One Can Never Go Wrong With Praise, Understanding, And Love.

Spread Some Joy Today--Put this into practical application daily!

Daily Inspiration 8-4-17

"Everyone 

can do simple things

to make a difference,

and every little bit 

really does count."

-- Stella McCartney

This altruistic quote says almost nothing. It's like saying, "I want to make a difference in the world." That means nothing as well. Or we might say, I want to make a ________ difference in the world." As we fill in that blank with words like positive, lasting, meaningful, loving, or any number of others, it is also meaningless. We might think of making a difference as stepping out from the crowd. But what does that mean?

Goals are funny things. We often say we want something, but the definition of what that is might be absent making the goal fuzzy.

Here's what I've learned about making a difference. You cannot help it. You do. Twenty-four, seven, three hundred sixty-five. Simply by being a consciousness, we cannot help but make a difference. Being born we make a difference, dying we make a difference and all in between too--even before being born and after death, we cannot help but make a difference. We make a difference because we are. It is as simple as that.

So, this begs the question of defining what kind of difference one would like to make. But phrases like, 'make a positive difference, a lasting difference, etc., do nothing to define the difference we intend to make.

Who? What? When? Where? How? These simple question starters can help us define what we want in the way of making a difference. Perhaps a better way to say that would be to make a different difference, or more of a difference, a better difference.

Specificity is clarity. Who? What? When? Where? How? These are great questions to help us be as specific as possible and to add clarity to our desire or goal.

Since you are already making a difference all day every day, give yourself the credit you are due for making a difference. Want to make a different difference, a more powerful difference, a more far-reaching difference? Then define as clearly as possible what that means to you.


Making A Difference Is A Done Deal. All The Rest Is Fun And Games! And, Who Doesn't Like Fun And Games? 

Spread Some Joy Today--by defining what joy is to you.

Daily Inspiration 8-3-17

"Beautiful are those

whose brokenness gives birth

to transformation and wisdom."

-- John Mark Green

Love this quote. It doesn't mean that those beautiful ones are special as in better than any other, it simply points to the flexibility and the willingness to change, to grow, to become, to expand.

I don't imagine that butterflies struggle to become butterflies, which is something so much different than what they were. I think that they simply are that, it is fully accepted, and look what comes of that. We need not struggle either; albeit, we often have done so.

This morning I was looking at some of the daily lessons in A Course in Miracles, and on Day 8, the title of that lesson is this: My Mind Is Preoccupied With Past Thoughts. Then Day 9 is this: I See Nothing As It Is Now.

I've learned a new, broader perspective of just how pervasive the past is in all of us. It rules us more often than not. A good way to see this is to consider it as a historical perspective, and more appropriately, historical agreements. We have accepted training from our parents, peers, school, media, and all that is technically outside of us, and we bring it inside of us in that acceptance of "what is."

To move beyond this historical acceptance, we may need to become broken. That doesn't mean that we need to struggle. Being broken can be such a wonderful thing because in so doing we break through those barriers of historical agreements like a chick breaking out of its egg to see life from a different, and most often enlightened perspective.

Without the brokenness, we remain in the egg so to speak. As we are willing to change, we are invited to break some of those false barriers that we have accepted and expand our world accordingly.

It reminds me of holding on to a tetherball and as it goes round and round, tighter and closer to the pole, and then away again, we are never any further away from that pole than the length of the rope attached to it and the ball we hold on to.


What If We Simply Let Go? 

Spread Some Joy Today--by enjoying your journey wherever it may lead you.

Daily Inspiration 8-2-17

"Infinite patience

yields immediate results."

-- Marianne Williamson

This quote really touched me. There are so many words for God, and now I see another: Infinite Patience.

Consider that phrase. Infinite patience is equal to, or the same as Love.

We get so uptight and nervous when things aren't happening when we think they should. We could be said to be fraught with impatience. Whether it isn't happening yet or isn't unfolding as fast as we would like, our impatience for the result is clear.

Just imagine if God was like that. Very scary thought! Fortunately, it is clear to me that God has infinite patience, infinite love, infinite caring, and infinite support. It is we who reject those things for the very short term attempted gain of whatever it is that we think we want or need.

What if we, in our new awareness of this infinite patience, adopted the idea of playing with it, practicing it, allowing it? Better world? More enjoyable life? Easier goals? Peace of mind? Calm, cool and collected?

I've been a staunch advocate of practicing patience and enjoying each and every opportunity to do so. Those opportunities come to me when I find temporary blockages, others expressing infinite impatience, and more. In other words, problems. As I feel the resistance in my mind and body in these situations, I remember that it is one more opportunity to practice my patience. This practice has changed much of my life as Jim Rohn has said, "from frustration to fascination."


Now I Want My Practice To Go Deeper Into Infinite Patience. 

Spread Some Joy Today--in your willingness to practice. It's the sure way to get better at it.

Daily Inspiration 8-1-17

"You are free to do whatever you like.

You need only face the consequences."

-- Sheldon Kopp

[Classic post from 6-30-11]

We do so dang many important things. But, who says they are important? For example, when the phone rings and we run to answer it. What if we didn't? Heck, now we have voice mail, caller ID and all kinds of other bits of help.

Someone tells you to do something. What if you said, no?

What is so important anyway? How do we measure the importance of an act? A scale of 1-10? Life or death?

I love how Mark Twain said, "I am an old man with many troubles, most of which never happened." I think most of the consequences of our choices to not do something would be nonexistent as well.

Heck, we could even have some fun saying no for a while. . .

It Still Comes Down To My Own Choosing.

Spread Some Joy Today--First, help yourself to feel joyful by changing your thoughts to appreciation. How many things, people, events, circumstances can you appreciate today? Then, you can spread some of that to others.

Daily Inspiration 7-31-17

"There is nothing like getting started 

to bring a task down in size." 

 -- Albert K Strong 

[Classic post from 2-19-14]

I don't know about you, but I sometimes have these tasks that seem monumental when I look at them, and ever grander as I procrastinate all the more. My thinking is usually that I don't want to get started until I'm ready to complete the task. I find all sorts of reasons to avoid getting started. I got a lot to do, it's too big a project, and the list is long, yet every last one holds no real value. Then, I beat myself a bit about it and well, it's not a pleasant sight.

Yet lately, I've tried a new tact. I begin. Yes, that is it. I begin. Once begun, the size of the project seems to get smaller, and the longer I work on it, obviously, it gets smaller still. Sometimes you just have to dive in, get started, begin, and miraculously, the project not only seems doable but potentially a success.

I just had two of these in the last week. Yes, they took time to complete; however, I decided that I would begin, and then I would do what I could and then tomorrow, I would begin again, do what I had time and energy for and then tomorrow, again, and just keep doing that until it was done.

Strangely, it took less time than I had imagined as I was in the starring role of Procrastinator. Yes, it was a big project, but in bite-size chunks, it got done with ease. If I got tired, or some other thing stole my attention, I would just come back later. And, success on both accounts was the end result.


The Big, The Bold, And The Piecemeal. 

Spread Some Joy Today--Plan for joy today. Plan for joy every day. Don't let anything get in your way today. Joy is yours.

Daily Inspiration 7-30-17

"The more we look without,

the more we go without."

-- Albert K Strong

[Classic post from 5-31-13]

This one is interesting and seems so true in my own life. The more we look without; that is, outside of ourselves, the more we go without because it is those things that we accept and rejoice in that are real. Everything else is potential.

The other thing is that by looking outside of ourselves, we are essentially claiming lack. We are saying, 'this is missing from my life, and I want it and I want to find it, and it is out there. Either they have it, or God has it, or I'm destined to find it someday, or I wish I had it. And, it doesn't matter what 'it' is. It could be love, a partner, a child, a job, a home, money, fame, or a million and one other things.

I think we have to look within, not without. To find strength, we need to look within. It was here all the time, we just misplaced it. To find love, that is all around inside us just waiting to be acknowledged and shared. To find God, we won't find Him by looking in church or anywhere else outside. He is inside and always available every nanosecond of every millennium.

Even if something is not fully manifested and visualized by our human eyes, if we cannot find it within us, it cannot be found outside of us.

Here are a few great words from a favorite author and teacher, Alan Cohen: "You just need to know the truth about your power. Belief is the vehicle through which power manifests. The word "believe" comes from two original words: "leave be." What we are willing to leave be, or let be, becomes real. We do not have to create good in our lives, for all our good has already been created, and it is waiting for us to claim it."


"The Easiest Goal To Attain Is To Claim What You Already Are" -- Alan Cohen

Spread Some Joy Today--Celebrate all that you are and all that you have today.

Daily Inspiration 7-29-17

"No rules exist, and examples are simply lifesavers answering the

appeals of rules making vain attempts to exist."

-- Andre Breton

"We started off trying to set up a small anarchist community,

but people wouldn't obey the rules."

-- Alan Bennett

"No tendency is quite so strong in human nature

as the desire to lay down rules of conduct for other people."

-- William Howard Taft

[Classic post from 8-30-10]

There are rules and then there are rules . . . Think about it. Add up the number of rules that you have in your life right now. How about all the rules at work, the rules of etiquette, rules of taste and rules of conduct. Then there's the rules of law and the rules of the road and rules of right and wrong (conscience). OMG, they go on forever, don't they?

How many do you break? How often? Who cares?

Breaking a rule and not getting caught--is that like the sound of the tree in the forest when no one is there to hear it? Heck, I break the speed limit rules virtually every day of my life to one degree or five or six. You know, the safe zone. I've broken so many rules throughout my entire life that it would be scary to list them all.

Who cares? I know I don't care much. I suppose if I did, I would be more careful to not break them. Who made the rules, anyway? What is the meaning of all that?

The rules I break more often than any other rules are the most predominate rules on the planet: those made for my conduct by other people. I mean, really! What's with that!? Heck, I usually break those on purpose! It's like they deserve to be broken. Know what I mean? Where do they get off directing my conduct or thought?

So, my philosophy is that rules are a fluid concept. Maybe yes, maybe not. It depends.

Most Rules Are Meant To Be Flogged And Abused.

Spread Some Joy Today--Do you have any rules holding you back. How about any rules of your conduct written by others for your benefit? Laughable, right? Make your own rules. Heck, don't have any rules.

Daily Inspiration 7-28-17

"Dignity is not in possessing honors,

but in deserving them."

-- Aristotle

This has got to be one of the most delightful and empowering quotes I've ever read. It's magical.

For the last few weeks, I've written many posts on the subject of honoring ourselves, and this quote caps that off nicely. How do you honor yourself? I think the best answer is an awareness that you deserve the honor.

You don't have to do anything. You don't have to not do anything. In fact, it is simply and exquisitely given to all of us by virtue of our existence. And, as we acknowledge this fact, and this privilege, we have the power--all the power needed--to honor ourselves in our reality. As we honor ourselves, we are changed. As we are changed, we cannot help but change all of those that we see as being not us.

There is no need to compete for love or honor or peace. It comes from the most natural place within us without any effort whatsoever. As we become aware of all that is within us--as we honor that, honor our Source, and honor ourselves, we honor all of life. In this awareness, as we see those that seem to be separate from ourselves, we instead see us. We are everywhere at the same time.


This Place IS Love.

Spread Some Joy Today--Happy Friday! Thank God! Everyday. Constantly.