Transition is a time of moving from one season of life into the next. It is a time of stretching, expanding and growth. It is often uncomfortable, requires more than we are willing to give and uses muscles positioned deep within our character that would otherwise lay dormant. Yes, it can be one of the more difficult facets of life as we are forced to move away from our comfort zones and into the dreaded unknown. But it is a challenge we must all face in time, possessing battle scars and lessons learned that are unique to this transformational season.
“Transition is the ultimate battle within ourselves; we are forced to trade security, safety and what we know for risk, uncertainty and total darkness.”
If you’ve wrestled with fear, doubt and discouragement all at once, congratulations! You are probably in a time of transition. This highly specialized period is designed to purify, refine and create a more solid, stable “you.” Although you may feel at a loss or even defeated at times, you are actually on the frontlines of one of the greatest battles you’ll ever win. You see, transition is essential for greater opportunities and open doors. It is an absolute necessity in fulfilling your calling, and it is impossible to be effective in this life without having gone through it. I can recall dozens of changes within my own life and career over the years, but most of those were simply that; changes. Seasons of transition are different because it forces things out of us we never knew we had and replaces them with something we never dreamed we would be able to obtain. It’s a faith walk day to day, a constant re-shaping of perspectives. So when ideals are shattered, hopes disappointed, confusion and discouragement becomes an unshakable plague, and the infamous duo of fear and doubt slip into unprotected crevasses of our psyche; we can be sure that this chasm has a name. Simple change doesn’t do that, but transition requires it.
“Disenchantment, whether it is minor disappointment or a major shock, is the signal that things are moving into transition in our lives.” ~William Bridges
The good news is that transition is only a test. That’s right, a test. I should say, a time of testing and building. Refining, polishing, and getting ready for a season of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a time of developing into who we were meant to become, not for who we have settled to be. It is only through this level of struggle that we are able to build roots and foundations strong enough to handle the weight of the reward. We must become bigger, stronger and more capable to match the extraordinary requirements of our calling and purpose. We must gain wisdom to pour into those around us, yielding meaningful direction and purposeful outcomes. And we must glean for ourselves the refined traits needed in future struggles, minimizing potential damage by utilizing what we have learned.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” ~Anais Nin
It’s a new season of life so new things will be required. To operate on a new level, growth must happen. We must transition away from our former habits and thought patterns and make room for a broader view and more expansive impact. Life isn’t a game, it’s a mission. And missions are never carried out without proper training and testing. So as you fight your way through the unknown, I pray your faith grows as it is tested. Faith is the only thing stronger than fear and it’s at the core of what transition is really all about.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Saturday, November 19, 2011
What It Takes
If you have a dream, a calling or even a desire to see some level of success in a specific area of life, keep reading this blog. I’m not going to talk to you about “power thoughts” or even having the right contacts to make things happen in your life. I want to go deeper into an area where big callings, big dreams and big plans must rest. It is impossible to succeed in any arena without this one element and yet it’s the least talked about of all the character traits.
“Difficult things take a long time, impossible things a little longer.” ~André A. Jackson
Perseverance is one of the most dreaded words in the English language. I mean, who wants to persevere when we can have what we want right now? Why not move onto something less valuable …but in the present? It’s a silly question that sadly reflects a way of life for so many, myself included. But it’s time to count the cost.
"Faith is building on what you know is here, so you can reach what you know is there." Cullen Hightower
I am a visual person so analogies help me to understand things. Imagine that your calling, dream, destiny or current desire is waiting for you at the top of a very long staircase. For the point of this exercise, you are at the bottom. The only way to get to the top is by taking one step at a time (believe it or not, this is where it gets tricky.) Most of us have what it takes to get about half way up the staircase in our own strength and will power. But soon enough, the climb becomes less and less enjoyable. The steps seem steeper and farther apart. Our efforts seem to take more and more sacrifice and pain inflicted on our flesh becomes the new focal point instead of what actually awaits us at the top of the stairs. Thoughts begin to streamline like rain pounding on dry ground. “This is too hard. No one should have to go through all of this for…THAT. I don’t need a promotion, that job, a better relationship, better health, better…whatever this badly!” And if we’re not careful, we can slowly begin the journey back down the staircase. Do this too many times and unbeknownst to ourselves, we create a habit of giving up.
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” -Thomas Edison
You must first ask yourself, if what waits at the top of the staircase worth the effort? The wisdom of counting the costs is huge in any life decision. There are always easier, less rewarding options. Most people quit and settle for a diluted form of what they could be or could have in life.
“when you feel like giving up, remember why you held on so long in the first place”-anonymous
I look at people who have been married for 30 years or others who have been with a particular company for decades. They have somehow managed to avoid the pitfalls of quitting or even losing sight of what matters to them. Don’t get me wrong, everyone and I do mean everyone wants to quit from time to time. We all have our breaking points and moments when “the prize” seems more like a sick joke that stretches and tears at our soul for no apparent reason. Those moments are called “growth” and they are often painful. They are also to be treasured for the harvest persevering in those times will bring. Character isn’t given, it is developed. Perseverance isn’t asked for, it’s demanded. It requires more than we are willing to give and yet has the ability to release more than we ever wanted (if our focus is on the right things, of course). The old expression of “blood, sweat and tears” is really just another way of saying, “I persevered.”
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." Walter Elliottt
Life isn’t a race, it is a journey. Success really does come one step at a time. The bible says when you’ve done all you can do; stand. In other words, keep praying and stay until He tells you to move forward or retreat, but don’t quit. He will use you (if you allow Him to) if you don’t give up. Prayer alone will usher in God’s grace to further the distance and sometimes, even breathe new life into a dying perspective. I would also recommend surrounding yourself with people who have reached the top of their staircase and claimed the coveted prize. Depending on where we are in life, we can have several of these scenarios going at one time. But the ones that require more from us will always stand out ahead of the rest. We will have a lifetime of decisions to make and rewards to reap that revolve our ability to stick with something or not. The good news is that it does get easier. It’s never comfortable or convenient, but it won’t always be an agonizing experience either. We must push past our feelings of doubt, weariness, hopelessness, and short-sighted desires. The reward will come to those who continue to climb through discouragement and reach for their prize. It will come and the person who YOU become while staggering to the top will far outweigh the prize you were reaching for in the first place.
"There is no point at which having arrived we can remain." Anonymous
“Difficult things take a long time, impossible things a little longer.” ~André A. Jackson
Perseverance is one of the most dreaded words in the English language. I mean, who wants to persevere when we can have what we want right now? Why not move onto something less valuable …but in the present? It’s a silly question that sadly reflects a way of life for so many, myself included. But it’s time to count the cost.
"Faith is building on what you know is here, so you can reach what you know is there." Cullen Hightower
I am a visual person so analogies help me to understand things. Imagine that your calling, dream, destiny or current desire is waiting for you at the top of a very long staircase. For the point of this exercise, you are at the bottom. The only way to get to the top is by taking one step at a time (believe it or not, this is where it gets tricky.) Most of us have what it takes to get about half way up the staircase in our own strength and will power. But soon enough, the climb becomes less and less enjoyable. The steps seem steeper and farther apart. Our efforts seem to take more and more sacrifice and pain inflicted on our flesh becomes the new focal point instead of what actually awaits us at the top of the stairs. Thoughts begin to streamline like rain pounding on dry ground. “This is too hard. No one should have to go through all of this for…THAT. I don’t need a promotion, that job, a better relationship, better health, better…whatever this badly!” And if we’re not careful, we can slowly begin the journey back down the staircase. Do this too many times and unbeknownst to ourselves, we create a habit of giving up.
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” -Thomas Edison
You must first ask yourself, if what waits at the top of the staircase worth the effort? The wisdom of counting the costs is huge in any life decision. There are always easier, less rewarding options. Most people quit and settle for a diluted form of what they could be or could have in life.
“when you feel like giving up, remember why you held on so long in the first place”-anonymous
I look at people who have been married for 30 years or others who have been with a particular company for decades. They have somehow managed to avoid the pitfalls of quitting or even losing sight of what matters to them. Don’t get me wrong, everyone and I do mean everyone wants to quit from time to time. We all have our breaking points and moments when “the prize” seems more like a sick joke that stretches and tears at our soul for no apparent reason. Those moments are called “growth” and they are often painful. They are also to be treasured for the harvest persevering in those times will bring. Character isn’t given, it is developed. Perseverance isn’t asked for, it’s demanded. It requires more than we are willing to give and yet has the ability to release more than we ever wanted (if our focus is on the right things, of course). The old expression of “blood, sweat and tears” is really just another way of saying, “I persevered.”
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." Walter Elliottt
Life isn’t a race, it is a journey. Success really does come one step at a time. The bible says when you’ve done all you can do; stand. In other words, keep praying and stay until He tells you to move forward or retreat, but don’t quit. He will use you (if you allow Him to) if you don’t give up. Prayer alone will usher in God’s grace to further the distance and sometimes, even breathe new life into a dying perspective. I would also recommend surrounding yourself with people who have reached the top of their staircase and claimed the coveted prize. Depending on where we are in life, we can have several of these scenarios going at one time. But the ones that require more from us will always stand out ahead of the rest. We will have a lifetime of decisions to make and rewards to reap that revolve our ability to stick with something or not. The good news is that it does get easier. It’s never comfortable or convenient, but it won’t always be an agonizing experience either. We must push past our feelings of doubt, weariness, hopelessness, and short-sighted desires. The reward will come to those who continue to climb through discouragement and reach for their prize. It will come and the person who YOU become while staggering to the top will far outweigh the prize you were reaching for in the first place.
"There is no point at which having arrived we can remain." Anonymous
Friday, December 10, 2010
Connection
This is a time of year when so many people feel isolated and alone. For one reason or another the holidays bring anything but cheer. It's also a time when even the most jovial of people sense a certain draw inward. A desire to connect.
"A hidden connection is stronger then an obvious one" ~Heraclitus of Ephesus
Sometimes our desire to connect is to other people. Other times, we need that solidification from vision to our dream. We need to go from that sense of knowing into a connecting reality. But let's start with the first one.
"Wisdom is nothing more than healed pain"
Robert Gray Lee
There are some people that are buried so deeply within themselves that it's hard to make an effort to reach out and embrace life. The pain of getting hurt again overrides the agony of isolation. And so we count the cost and decide retreat is indeed the best course, but thegaping hole inside us grows bigger. The need for more soon becomes an overwhelming and tortured existence. I can tell you from experience that the tools for breaking through these thick, deep walls are the same for almost everyone.More On this later. Let's talk about the dream connection for a moment.
"Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into connection with action. They must be woven together."
There isn't a person alive who doesn't have a very specific calling and purpose. There is no such thing as a person who isn't supposed to be here. Some of us know what our destiny is and others live in a stagnant acquaintance with status quot. We know there's more. We can sense it deep down in our bones, but have no idea what it is or even how to get there. And so, a life of conquered expectation and unsettled core become a weight we carry around unseen by most... but always felt by us. Rarely is it in the foreground. It is simply apart of us that we toss back and forth in our heads, push and pull with our hearts and bury in our souls. But it's there. Getting bigger and growing stronger. It isn't a gaping hole, but it's taking up way too much space.
So what is the answer to a connection problem?
"Just one *small* step in the right direction can unveil a *big* pathway to your destiny. The key is to take that step."
First understand that our spirit always pushes us forward. It is the optimist that knows what you're here for and wants you connected, rooted, grounded and ever expanding. Any disconnect comes from our own minds. Our thoughts process fear and set up limitations. Our spirit and soul go to war against this and that produces restlessness. You were created for a reason. Your vision is there for a reason and you can do exactly what you desire to do. That "inner push" is telling you something. Don't block it with excuses of why you can't. You can and you should. Start building a bridge to connect you from dream to reality. Small steps. Consistent steps. Those small steps on the pathway to destiny become leaps of faith that create reality. If you aren't sure what your calling is, simply ask God. He put it there ...so ask Him about it. I can tell you that It always involves something that's already inside you. You're good at it. It comes easily. Some would even say it's a "gift." And sometimes it's what you wanted to be when you were a child. Seek it out and you will find it.
As for the deep-seeded loneliness.
There are different ways people connect with each other and various pathways to that intimate tie. For instance humor is something that shatter walls in a split second. The unexpected gift to a stranger for no reason whatsoever can reach deep into their soul without a single word spoken. The bottom line is that within every good connection lies freedom. Freedom from isolation or fear. Freedom from insecurity or self-made boundaries. Freedom to become what we were meant to be despite our feelings. And within that freedom is an urgency to reach new depths and heights and propel to levels once thought impossible. Open up to someone- a little. A stranger even if needed. Shrink that gaping hole and get outside of yourself even if only for a little while. Yes, you may get hurt. But the pain of perpetual retreat is so much greater then temporary disappointment. Remember-small steps. You have something that someone desperately needs. Don't hide it inside. Connect it to someone.
And finally, I can't overemphasis the importance of prayer. It takes only a few seconds to enter into a realm where the ultimate connection rests. There are no greater dreams fulfilled, no greater bond, no better faith builder and fear destroyer then Him. CS Lewissums it up like this...
God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."
C.S. Lewis
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
It's A Daily Thing
I am a lover of great motivational quotes. I love the ones that get me thinking and propel my thoughts to a higher standard. I am always grateful to get a “shot” of something positive into my day! Raging optimism is a powerful force that will defeat negative intent any day. But just how much power can something like a simple quote really have?
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can
be done without hope and confidence.”
- Helen Keller
I think that most people will agree that being positive is a good thing. The challenge is that it must be authentic to have relevance and it requires consistency to have power. As with anything worth while, it is a daily effort. And with anything "real", it isn't always easy. The main struggle takes place in our mind. It is the very gateway to where the real power lies, our spirit. But before we dig in too deep, let's look at a few basic principles.
“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing – that's why we recommend it daily.”
Zig Ziglar
We must guard our thoughts carefully. Fear is the main cause of negativity. It breeds aggression, hostility and deep-seeded doubt. If we can cut down on the negative, we automatically allow more positive in and eventually out. When we put good things into our minds, good things come out. When we surround ourselves with good people, we become more effective. Notice that we have "to put"... these things aren’t automatic. It is a constant effort of the human will to swim upstream of a rigorous, negative flow. The good news is that it gets easier every time we do it!
"When you consistently maintain a positive frame of mind, you'll become known as a problem-solver rather than a complainer. People avoid complainers. They seek out problem-solvers."
Joseph Sommerville
These are all pretty basic thoughts. Here's where the commonality twists a little. We are made of three parts: spirit, soul and body. Our soul is made up of our mind, will and emotions. Therefore, it is the soul (mind) that is the "bridge" into our spirit. Are you still with me?
The truth is that we can spend all of our time motivating ourselves happy and still feel empty at the end of the day. Why is this? Because we are only "feeding" the gateway or the bridge to what really propels us! The SPIRIIT controls the soul (mind, will and emotions) and body. If we were to simply engage our spirit with the only language it understands, faith, we could bypass all the other stuff!
The antidote to frustration is a calm faith, not in your own
cleverness, or in hard toil, but in God's guidance.
- Norman Vincent Peale
As I spend more time in prayer, my faith automatically grows. Fear ends where faith begins. Faith bypasses the mind, cuts off fear and injects a steady stream of hope and peace.Instead of just engaging my mind in positive activity, I am feeding it's primary source of power. So while some motivational quotes speak to my soul, the ones that leave a lasting impression are the ones geared toward my spirit. The ones that remind me of my purpose,destiny and original design by God to be different and accomplish great things with Him. It is in these that I can feel flames billowing up inside me, pushing back doubt and anxiety. A fierce peace shields my soul and protects against restlessness. And yes, even this is a daily effort. Just because I know something, doesn't mean that I don't need to be reminded of it.
So how much power is in a single quote? I guess it all depends on where the words are aimed. Whether it's your spirit or your soul, positive response is a powerful force that only allows for great things. The difference between soul and spirit ...functioning on a high level ...or accomplishing the impossible. Either way, the daily effort is well worth it!
When we let go of fear, only then can we gracefully move from
what was into the miracle of what can be.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Born to Be Different
What if you were created to burn with passion and joy beyond anything you could ever hope or imagine? What if that inner voice that whispers, “there’s something more…” is actually a powerful fire waiting to burn throughout your soul and spur you to destiny? And what if you were created to be set apart with talents and skills unmatched by anyone in this world?
“You were born an original. Don't die a copy.” ~John Mason
I can prove to you that you were born to be unique and in the arena of “different” is your greatest power that can help lead to your destiny. Let’s start with the physical.
Scientists have confirmed that every person has unique DNA. No two people are exactly alike in this area. There are traces of our parents there, but no one will ever have the exact genetic makeup of you. Fingerprints vary from one person to the next. Even in the case of identical twins, no set of fingerprints are exactly alike. In fact, the chances of duplicating even a portion of a fingerprint are 1 in 100 quintillion (one followed by 20 zeros)! From the DNA inside of us to the fingerprints on the outside, we each have our own unique imprint. We were created to be original.
Even our eyes lack the ability to be duplicated. The iris and retinal are so unique to each person that some federal agencies use retina scans for security and sole identity of a person!
“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity.”
Viktor Frankl
So many of us settle for the life that we have, knowing deep down inside that we are not happy. We convince ourselves that this is as good as it gets as we stunt our own spiritual and emotional growth. We’re afraid to fail. We’re afraid to succeed. We are simply afraid.
“Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.” - William Newton Clark
The human spirit was not created to be …and is therefore never satisfied… with the status quo. Our spirit is capable of a hundred thousand times more than our minds or bodies and is constantly searching for that flame that burns bigger and bigger until our souls are consumed at last.
The human spirit is equally as unique as our physical form. Inside each of us is a calling and purpose this is unique …in part… because of our own experience, perspective and life lessons. Each of us are born with a calling, that never changes, no matter what. You were given special abilities and strengths to fulfill your purpose. Your spirit knows this, but your mind fights it. This is why it is so important to “feed our faith and starve our fears.” Faith is a total “spirit thing.” The mind can’t see it, can’t understand it and therefore reacts to the unknown with fear. But if your soul is crying out for something more, it is sending out an alert to you that there IS more. Remember, we are not a body with a soul, we are a soul with a body ~CS Lewis.
When God calls you to do something, he enables you to do it. - - Robert Schuller
So now that we know we were created to be different from everyone else, now what? Embrace it. Find your strengths and focus on them. Develop them. Pray for guidance. Get busy trying new things until you find something that fans your internal flame. Ask yourself, “what would I do if I knew that I couldn’t fail?” Build your faith. Feed your spirit. And don’t give in to fear.
Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step. - Joni Erickson Tada
“You were born an original. Don't die a copy.” ~John Mason
I can prove to you that you were born to be unique and in the arena of “different” is your greatest power that can help lead to your destiny. Let’s start with the physical.
Scientists have confirmed that every person has unique DNA. No two people are exactly alike in this area. There are traces of our parents there, but no one will ever have the exact genetic makeup of you. Fingerprints vary from one person to the next. Even in the case of identical twins, no set of fingerprints are exactly alike. In fact, the chances of duplicating even a portion of a fingerprint are 1 in 100 quintillion (one followed by 20 zeros)! From the DNA inside of us to the fingerprints on the outside, we each have our own unique imprint. We were created to be original.
Even our eyes lack the ability to be duplicated. The iris and retinal are so unique to each person that some federal agencies use retina scans for security and sole identity of a person!
“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity.”
Viktor Frankl
So many of us settle for the life that we have, knowing deep down inside that we are not happy. We convince ourselves that this is as good as it gets as we stunt our own spiritual and emotional growth. We’re afraid to fail. We’re afraid to succeed. We are simply afraid.
“Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see.” - William Newton Clark
The human spirit was not created to be …and is therefore never satisfied… with the status quo. Our spirit is capable of a hundred thousand times more than our minds or bodies and is constantly searching for that flame that burns bigger and bigger until our souls are consumed at last.
The human spirit is equally as unique as our physical form. Inside each of us is a calling and purpose this is unique …in part… because of our own experience, perspective and life lessons. Each of us are born with a calling, that never changes, no matter what. You were given special abilities and strengths to fulfill your purpose. Your spirit knows this, but your mind fights it. This is why it is so important to “feed our faith and starve our fears.” Faith is a total “spirit thing.” The mind can’t see it, can’t understand it and therefore reacts to the unknown with fear. But if your soul is crying out for something more, it is sending out an alert to you that there IS more. Remember, we are not a body with a soul, we are a soul with a body ~CS Lewis.
When God calls you to do something, he enables you to do it. - - Robert Schuller
So now that we know we were created to be different from everyone else, now what? Embrace it. Find your strengths and focus on them. Develop them. Pray for guidance. Get busy trying new things until you find something that fans your internal flame. Ask yourself, “what would I do if I knew that I couldn’t fail?” Build your faith. Feed your spirit. And don’t give in to fear.
Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step. - Joni Erickson Tada
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