Once upon a time a college student said to me, “Life is an illusion, it’s not what you think it is.” I wasn’t sure if this was a positive or a negative statement. It was neither; he was just stating a fact. He went on to explain that life is what you perceive it to be. You can choose to see that life is beautiful, with the right perspective.
We live simultaneously in two worlds, the outer world of circumstances and situations and the inner world of our thoughts, feelings and consciousness. We are conditioned to let the outer world impact and direct our inner world. In other words, we let circumstances and situations impact our thoughts and feelings.
However, when we realize that the outer world does not have a monopoly on the way we feel inside, our perception of life changes. We tend to emotionalize our thoughts and that is likely to attract the life we are experiencing. For example, many of us experience difficulties with having enough money to cover our needs and wants. We want more but we focus on thoughts of poverty and not having enough money. In order to have what we need and want, we have to think thoughts of abundance in good and bad times. This is our biggest challenge because in bad times we become more negative and fearful.
Life, at times, can feel like a jungle where we feel we have to watch for what is coming next. However, if we learn to see and accept that in life everything comes with its opposite we can deal with challenges in a more positive light. We must remember that with light comes darkness, with highs come lows, having comes with not having; and a storm comes with peace and quiet. Weathering the difficult times is a lot easier when we remind ourselves that nothing is permanent.
Also, things in life come with a price tag. For example, learning a second language requires effort, dedication and commitment; creating your own business requires hard work and perseverance; raising a child is a huge commitment but the joy you receive in return is precious; training for a triathlon is tough but worth it at the end.
I remember when I was training for the Seagull Century. I didn’t believe I could do it. Someone kept telling me, “Yes, you can do it. Keep going.” The first time I did it I believed I could only do half of the journey but when I completed the first half my mindset changed and I believed I could do the whole thing. The second time around I had no doubt I could do the 100 miles and it felt great!
Instead of wishing life was easier we must get better at handling what life gives us. Life is beautiful because it pushes us to go beyond what we thought we could do or give. It’s all about perspective.
If you hire a trainer to help you get fit you expect the trainer to make you work for it and hold you accountable. Why would you expect life to be any different?
Life is training you to be the best version of yourself. Life is training you to manifest your greatness so don’t get sidetracked thinking like a victim. When things get tough persevere and fulfill your dreams, wishes and goals. It’s worth it.
With hard work and determination, we can choose to perceive life as a beautiful gift. The second greatest gift we have is the power of choice. We can choose the kind of life we will have by managing our thoughts. The outer world of circumstances and situations does not determine your inner world of thoughts and feelings; you do, through the power of choice. I am not saying it is easy, I am saying it is possible.
As this year is coming to an end, I invite you to get ready to make this one precious life you have a great one because you deserve it. Begin by writing down your goals and dreams and give life to them through your thoughts and feelings; allow them to come alive in your inner world so they can manifest themselves in your outer world. This holiday season, invite miracles to come into your life.
