Our minds are expansive, able to adapt to a broad range of experiences. When we feel we have reached our mind’s limit, somehow, some way we always find more open space. Unfortunately this never-ending searching can also work against us. Too often we become attached to things that have happened, are happening, or could happen and forget the limitless capacity of our minds. But we must remember that these occurrences are never what they seem to be. They are just clouds or waves distracting us from the blue sky that is always up there somewhere even if we can’t see it.
We all wish and hope for things to happen. It is the seed of all our ideas. We envision the desire in our minds and put it out into the world in the form of dreams. While this may be soothing and steady us during trying times to believe that someday our lives will improve, if we do nothing, most likely that is exactly what will happen. Our dreams will remain Pollyannish visions with minimal chance for success. Hope is only the first step. We must follow up with action and perseverance. Then and only then can our dreams become reality.
Our ambition and desire to succeed propel us through difficult and trying situations. We don’t allow ourselves to get weighed down by adverse outcomes and stay focused on our long term goals. Unfortunately this same enthusiasm and passion often land and keep us in negative situations that we struggle to get out of even though we know we should. We end up competing and obsessing about winning rather than being committed to our own healthiness and helping those around us. Sometimes the best move is to let go and extricate ourselves from toxic environments and put ourselves in games worth winning.
It’s difficult enough to do the “right” thing — to stay within the lines of what is expected. But to step over the lines and live with and learn from the consequences may be even tougher. When we make mistakes, our first reaction is to pull back within the lines, reverting to what is safe. By doing so we lose all the value of our wrong choices. We need to trust our curiosity and trust where it takes us. Growth and progress happen by doing more than pushing the boundaries. We actually have to step over them and experience life on the other side.
We seek love, but the fear and vulnerability that comes with it can be frightening and often paralyzing. As we begin to feel, we slowly peel back the layers, exposing more of ourselves. While this is exhilarating and energizing, we are also unprotected. Uncomfortable in a defenseless state, we may sabotage situations or shut down to safeguard our sensitive side. But during this time, we should remain open that much more. After all, what can really be taken from us? We are not limited in the amount of caring and sharing we can do. The abundance of the heart is endless.
