Before You Give Up

What is the ultimate goal you are striving for?

Have you tried other ways, or ideas?

Have you made progress?

Is there something you’d rather do?

Is it fun? Does the thought of it bring you pleasure?

How do you really feel about it?

How do you feel about giving up?

Sometimes you listen to the world and not your heart.  There may be other ways to manifest your desire.

Stop a minute and think about what you really want. How would it feel if you had it? How could you feel that way right now?

Feel that feeling and all will become clear. You may be on the right track. Before you abandon the journey, be sure that you are on the right train. ~Silas

Bless the Unexpected

Imagine you are watching movie. The main character sets a goal. He or she then moves effortlessly towards this goal then achieves it. Then the movie ends. No obstacles, no challenges. Would you enjoy such a movie? Would you line up to see the sequel?

Can you imagine a video game where the character walks from point A to the treasure box at point B. No one shoots at him, no monsters chase him. How many quarters will you invest in such a game?

When you seek to achieve a goal, you will aim to arrive there as quickly and efficiently as possible. You try to plan your efforts so that there are minimal distractions and obstacles for that is the shortest journey, yes? Perhaps not.

Back to the video game. You are two minutes into the game and monsters have chased you into a small, dark room. You curse yourself for not being fast enough, or more careful. You try to figure out how to get back in the game or whether or not you should just give up.

As your character paces the room, you hear a change in the sound of his footfalls; a hollow spot. You have discovered a trap door in the floor.

You go inside and it leads you safely past the monsters and into another room that you did not know existed. You see another door.

When you open it, like magic! There is the treasure you've been seeking. There was a much easier way to get to it than the conventional, straightforward route. If you had not faced the obstacle of the monsters and the delay of being cornered in the room, you would not have found it.

When you are trying to achieve a goal and find obstacles in your way, take a closer look.

They may not be there to impede your progress, but rather to show you a short cut, teach you an important lesson or develop a skill that you did not have before.

Delays and obstacles can be exhausting, but do not let them steal your joy. Learn what they have to teach you, see what they have to show you.

Then, pick up your treasure map and proceed with the next logical step from where you are. Your goal may be closer than you think. Like the little girl from Kansas, you may find that it has been traveling with you the entire journey. ~Silas