Fear is the first enemy of love.
What's the first thought that crossed your mind when you initially read that? Mine was, "I'm not afraid to love." Ok, that's a valid thought because I am afraid to put my heart out there for fear it will be broken. But, my response narrowly focuses on how I project my love onto someone else. As I've read and re-read this quote I find a deeper meaning.
The word love is thrown around these days haphazardly. Webster's Dictionary defines love, in part, as: "the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration." Love is much more than a feeling for someone, it is a feeling for something, too. What is your love? Do you harbor some fear in reaching it? Perhaps fear is a barrier to making our dreams a reality. The key is to overcome our fear in order to create the life we dream about.
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. ~ Henry D. Thoreau
What is your dream? Starting your own business? Moving to another state or country? Going back to school? Changing jobs? Becoming a professional athlete? Whatever it is, what's holding you back? Fear. Fear of change. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. Fear of the work. I've faced them all, and I still do. There is but one trait necessary to turn our dreams into reality -- courage. The antithesis of fear is courage. Courage is simply the mental mindset to overcome fear.
Courage is the mindset in the middle of a process. This process begins with desire. We must have a desire to follow our dreams. Only when our desire to make our dreams a reality becomes greater than our fear can we begin to develop the courage to overcome the fear. As our courage becomes more deeply ingrained in our character, fueled by smart choices and an optimistic demeanor, we develop the confidence to make the decisions necessary to change our lives. It doesn't matter what stage you're at in life because we all have this fear to some degree. We all yearn for a love of something.
So, fear is the first enemy of love. Our love. Our passion. Fear is a lock on the gate in the nexus between dreams and reality. Between here and happiness. Courage is the key to that lock. Living life and creating happiness takes courage. Stand tall amid your critics. Walk with pride away from the mine field of past decisions. Hold your head high so you can keep your dreams in sight. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. The past is over and the choices you've previously made are inconsequential to your ability to follow your dreams...as long as your desire exceeds your fear.
Fear may be the first enemy of love, but courage is the first ingredient of happiness.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Power of Your Words
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. ~ Mother Teresa
This post is about words and how powerful or influential they can be. I had an incident this morning in which someone, unknown to me, said four words to me to remind me of a past failure. Those four words could have been anything -- You are a failure. You are absolutely nothing. You will never change. -- but I found that they took control of me for a moment. I felt snared in a trap. I felt my own happiness deflate and I let this guy take ownership of a portion of my mind. I pictured him standing on some of the most precious real estate ramming a flag into it to stake his claim. My mind is the most precious real estate in my world.
Why did I let him in? Why did I let him occupy that real estate? Perhaps when others choose words to cast upon us they touch on our own insecurities. Do I sometimes have thoughts that I am a failure? You bet. So, I felt exposed. I can't prevent the words that someone says to me, but I can use my own words to keep myself safe and positive. I can use positive self-talk as mortar to shore up any gaps in the foundation of positivity I'm building...or rather, re-building.
This causes me to try to comprehend the ultimate power of our words; Both the words we cast upon others as well as the words we cast upon ourselves. The process by which we put words together to express a thought or emotion is wrought with intent. We don't say something unless we intend to express something. So, under that premise, we need to go back and address our own intent. Is it rooted in positivity or negativity? Words are merely the vehicle we use to penetrate and infiltrate the mind. Good or bad.
A word is dead when it's been said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day. ~ Emily Dickinson
What can you control? It all starts with you. Begin by choosing and using words of empowerment to create the emotion and mindset you want. Success is dependent on a positive attitude. Once you paint your world in positivity you'll find that your intent brightens. Focus more on finding and promulgating the positive things you see. It is truly powerful to change your mindset. Cloudy winter days become great days to cuddle and read. Now, understand that our mindset creates our intent.
Once you fill your mind with positive and empowering words driven with positive intentions, the words we choose to combine and cast upon others become positive. You cannot sincerely compliment someone if you feel anger or negative. Conversely, you simply cannot condemn someone if your mind is full of love and happiness.
That man's four words held me captive for a moment. I know who I am and what I stand for. I know I have make mistakes in the past. I also know I have the ability to prevent anyone from staking claim to the precious real estate in my mind because I already own it and I'm creating a beautiful world of my own, filled with love and gratitude.
This post is about words and how powerful or influential they can be. I had an incident this morning in which someone, unknown to me, said four words to me to remind me of a past failure. Those four words could have been anything -- You are a failure. You are absolutely nothing. You will never change. -- but I found that they took control of me for a moment. I felt snared in a trap. I felt my own happiness deflate and I let this guy take ownership of a portion of my mind. I pictured him standing on some of the most precious real estate ramming a flag into it to stake his claim. My mind is the most precious real estate in my world.
Why did I let him in? Why did I let him occupy that real estate? Perhaps when others choose words to cast upon us they touch on our own insecurities. Do I sometimes have thoughts that I am a failure? You bet. So, I felt exposed. I can't prevent the words that someone says to me, but I can use my own words to keep myself safe and positive. I can use positive self-talk as mortar to shore up any gaps in the foundation of positivity I'm building...or rather, re-building.
This causes me to try to comprehend the ultimate power of our words; Both the words we cast upon others as well as the words we cast upon ourselves. The process by which we put words together to express a thought or emotion is wrought with intent. We don't say something unless we intend to express something. So, under that premise, we need to go back and address our own intent. Is it rooted in positivity or negativity? Words are merely the vehicle we use to penetrate and infiltrate the mind. Good or bad.
A word is dead when it's been said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day. ~ Emily Dickinson
What can you control? It all starts with you. Begin by choosing and using words of empowerment to create the emotion and mindset you want. Success is dependent on a positive attitude. Once you paint your world in positivity you'll find that your intent brightens. Focus more on finding and promulgating the positive things you see. It is truly powerful to change your mindset. Cloudy winter days become great days to cuddle and read. Now, understand that our mindset creates our intent.
Once you fill your mind with positive and empowering words driven with positive intentions, the words we choose to combine and cast upon others become positive. You cannot sincerely compliment someone if you feel anger or negative. Conversely, you simply cannot condemn someone if your mind is full of love and happiness.
That man's four words held me captive for a moment. I know who I am and what I stand for. I know I have make mistakes in the past. I also know I have the ability to prevent anyone from staking claim to the precious real estate in my mind because I already own it and I'm creating a beautiful world of my own, filled with love and gratitude.
Monday, December 3, 2012
A Simple Mantra
You're right...it has been a long time since my last post. I enjoy writing this blog so much because it gives me an opportunity to look for things to share. In fact, sharing words of happiness is an activity I thoroughly enjoy. There is little that makes me feel better than to see someone smile. When we started brainstorming ideas about slogans and t-shirts for the new store I knew I wanted something that was succinct, memorable and positive. I came up with "Have Fun. Play Hard. Be Happy."
As I thought more and more about that phrase I wanted to put some meaning behind each sentence, or suggestion. I know it is overly simple as a life mantra...or is it? Those six words say a lot! They represent some classic gateway principles to a happy and fulfilled life.
Have Fun.
This supports the idea that you get just one shot at life and it is your responsibility to enjoy it. No one else can do that for you. Recently Volkswagen ran an add with the text "It's not the miles, it's how you live them." Below is the commercial for that ad. Wonderful!! That is a witty spin off of a classic quote credited to Abraham Lincoln. "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Enjoy this ride because you only get to take it once...Have Fun.
Play Hard.
The undertone here is one of just playing, but that's not the case. This part of the slogan comes from a couple different sources. The first is General George Patton who said, "Always do more than is required of you." But I like Og Mandino's approach. He said, "Exercise your privilege to go the extra mile, and enjoy all the rewards you receive." It is your privilege to do more. Playing hard is saying give it your all. Make this moment count by putting in the effort and you will excel. Why? Minimal effort is equivalent to mediocrity. Life is a blessing and moments are opportunities, so tackle every single task with a fire of enthusiasm. This principle is a foundation of leadership, too. We lead all the time. We lead by example for our children, our co-workers, our family and anyone, whether we know of them or not, who looks to us as an example. Give it your all. Fight mediocrity. Play Hard.
Be Happy.
The last statement is more than a suggestion; It's a reminder. Happiness comes from inside you, not the outside forces that surround you. I will be honest here and tell you that I constantly have to remind myself of this. I tend to let things bother me. I become reactive to my environment rather than create my mood. One of my absolute favorite quotes is by one of the greatest coaches and mentors of all time, John Wooden. He said, "Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out." I remind myself of that quote frequently when I need to remind myself that my emotions start inside me. If I accept and make peace with what comes my way I become the master of my ship. This last quote is for Bambi, who always seems to have a sincere smile on her face no matter what. "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I adjust my sails to always reach my destination." ~ Jimmy Dean. Make your destination happiness. This last trait will make the previous two much easier and meaningful. Be Happy.
I believe so deeply in these ideas that it has become the unofficial mantra of our store. We have it on our t-shirts, on our front window in large letters, and we include it in every advertisement. I hope every single person who passes by our windows or sees an ad takes a moment to contemplate the meaning. I told you I love sharing positive messages. Enjoy your life, give it everything you've got, and captain your own ship.
Have Fun. Play Hard. Be Happy.
As I thought more and more about that phrase I wanted to put some meaning behind each sentence, or suggestion. I know it is overly simple as a life mantra...or is it? Those six words say a lot! They represent some classic gateway principles to a happy and fulfilled life.
Have Fun.
This supports the idea that you get just one shot at life and it is your responsibility to enjoy it. No one else can do that for you. Recently Volkswagen ran an add with the text "It's not the miles, it's how you live them." Below is the commercial for that ad. Wonderful!! That is a witty spin off of a classic quote credited to Abraham Lincoln. "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Enjoy this ride because you only get to take it once...Have Fun.
Play Hard.
The undertone here is one of just playing, but that's not the case. This part of the slogan comes from a couple different sources. The first is General George Patton who said, "Always do more than is required of you." But I like Og Mandino's approach. He said, "Exercise your privilege to go the extra mile, and enjoy all the rewards you receive." It is your privilege to do more. Playing hard is saying give it your all. Make this moment count by putting in the effort and you will excel. Why? Minimal effort is equivalent to mediocrity. Life is a blessing and moments are opportunities, so tackle every single task with a fire of enthusiasm. This principle is a foundation of leadership, too. We lead all the time. We lead by example for our children, our co-workers, our family and anyone, whether we know of them or not, who looks to us as an example. Give it your all. Fight mediocrity. Play Hard.
Be Happy.
The last statement is more than a suggestion; It's a reminder. Happiness comes from inside you, not the outside forces that surround you. I will be honest here and tell you that I constantly have to remind myself of this. I tend to let things bother me. I become reactive to my environment rather than create my mood. One of my absolute favorite quotes is by one of the greatest coaches and mentors of all time, John Wooden. He said, "Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out." I remind myself of that quote frequently when I need to remind myself that my emotions start inside me. If I accept and make peace with what comes my way I become the master of my ship. This last quote is for Bambi, who always seems to have a sincere smile on her face no matter what. "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I adjust my sails to always reach my destination." ~ Jimmy Dean. Make your destination happiness. This last trait will make the previous two much easier and meaningful. Be Happy.
I believe so deeply in these ideas that it has become the unofficial mantra of our store. We have it on our t-shirts, on our front window in large letters, and we include it in every advertisement. I hope every single person who passes by our windows or sees an ad takes a moment to contemplate the meaning. I told you I love sharing positive messages. Enjoy your life, give it everything you've got, and captain your own ship.
Have Fun. Play Hard. Be Happy.
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