Live gratefully! When we live gratefully, we acknowledge our life as a gift, and are willing to actively notice all that is present in our life…from the smallest things that make us smile, to our most treasured blessings. Living gratefully also allows us to become aware of the opportunities to learn and grow from unforeseen circumstances and challenges that are often out of our control.
To create our best life, we must set our own definition of what our “best life” is by first exploring what it would take for us to be happy…to be fulfilled.
We have to ask ourselves; what do we want to experience; what are our dreams…what do we desire? How do we want to show up in the world…how do we want to look…how do we want to feel…who do we want in our lives? How do we want to be remembered…what is our legacy?
The truth is…everyday that we wake up we have a chance to make a fresh start…to begin anew. Each breath we take gives us an opportunity to take an intentional step towards creating the life we desire.
Keeping it real; we all know that just “waking” up to a new day or taking a new “breath” is not going to automatically erase all of our past stories, long held fears, current pain, let downs, financial unmanageability…I should a, the what if’s…what now…what’s next, etc.
As Debbie Ford said, “In any given moment you’re guided by one of two maps — a vision map, which is a deliberate plan for your future, or a default map, which is made up of your past.”
Gratitude ~ Spiritual…Scientific
When we are living in gratitude our energy is one of acceptance and harmony, and we are projecting on a higher vibration which actually attracts (consciously/unconsciously) the events, conditions, and circumstances we desire.
In essence, we are like a giant magnetic force that attracts what is in alignment with what we are expressing from within. Be it resistance, fear, anger, happiness, joy, love, etc. Fear of something creates a magnetic force that attracts more of what we fear. On the other hand, expressing gratitude projects a magnetic force that attracts more of what we are grateful for. It is important to focus on, and think about, what we want…not what we don’t want!
When faced with difficulty, ask yourself the following questions:
“What’s good about this?”, “What can I learn from this?”, ”How can I or others benefit from this?”, “Is there something about this situation that I can be grateful for?”
Vision
We are always creating our future, and visualization may be one of the most underused success tools in our personal tool box. We bring it forth through our thoughts, actions, feelings, beliefs, values, goals and dreams. This happens regardless of the level of our conscious awareness. Our present moment awareness, coupled with the future that we create, is a deeper reflection of our subconscious programming.
The Power of Visualization:
· Visualization activates the creative powers of our subconscious mind.
· Visualization focuses our brain by programming its Reticular Activating System (located in the core of our brain stem) to become aware of available resources that are always there.
· Visualization magnetizes and attracts to us the people, resources, and opportunities we need to achieve our goals.
Setting our intention plays a key role in encouraging our subconscious mind to bring forth a desired goal, as well as the most positive future. When we set our intent we are directing our Reticular Activating System to stretch towards our desired goal and future, and to also enjoy the journey getting there.
Vision vs. Goal
A goal, on the other hand, is a specifically designed milestone that requires completion if we are to achieve our desired results. The downside is that a goal may not necessarily bring forth positive emotions. Goals are simply stepping stones on the path that lead us to our ultimate destination.
A popular and effective way to set goals is to use the acronym S.M.A.R.T., which stands for specific (clear and precise), measurable (you can quantify or measure progress), achievable (meaning, it’s realistic), resources (you have the resources needed and you aren’t relying on divine intervention or other people), and time (there is a start and end date).
Vision vs. Goal Setting
Goal setting is the means for making things happen. The purpose of setting a goal is to achieve a desired result. When applied carefully with intention, action, momentum, and focus, setting and achieving goals gets us from where we are now to where it is we want to be. But first we have to know where that is. The “where” begins with a clearly defined Vision.
The first step is to start with the end in mind and work backwards. The end result is our highest vision for a given area of life—be it health and fitness, personal relationships, home and surroundings, career and finances, and/or spiritual development. Once we connect with our vision, we then need to set specific goals that are in alignment with allowing our vision to manifest in our life.
Some people mistake their goal for their vision, thinking the goal is the end result. They set a goal without consistently thinking ahead to what that goal will allow them to be, to do, or to have in the long run.
To make the most of the goal-setting process, we must clearly connect it to our vision, and the quality of life we ultimately want to live.
Keeping our Visions Alive
Once the process has begun; it is important to set goals and take actions that are in alignment with what we want. Here are a few steps that will support the ongoing process of creating and maintaining the life we desire.
• Monitor your progress – review the goals that have been set, and the action steps being taken; identify if there are any gaps between where you are, and where you want to go, making adjustments as needed.
• Create motivating strategies – Ask yourself; how will I stay up when I’m feeling down, who can I rely on for support, embrace prayer and meditation, begin a gratitude journal, put together a visual representation of how you want your life to look (vision board), etc.
• Be mindful of whom you share your vision with – not everyone is going to believe in what you believe in, or be willing and/or able to support your process.
• Create personal affirmations – practice them daily, say them in the mirror, record them, place them where you can see them, etc..
In Closing
Our vision for an extraordinary life isn’t something that needs to be created—it already exists within each of us. It’s an internal representation of what is most important to us; it’s exciting, inspiring, compelling, and filled with positive emotions. When we call upon the Divine gift of Faith, and believe that all things are possible, we will have the courage to go within…to get in touch with our vision, and to powerfully take the steps to have our vision realized.
Desire, Ask, Believe, Receive; knowing that the Divine power of the Universe is our partner in transformation.
Remember to be gentle with yourself…this is a process.
Until next time…
Namaste’
“Learn to get in touch with silence within yourself, and know that everything in this life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from”
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