was supposed to be easy?” What really makes life feel hard some days and easy other days. What makes life hard
for some people and not for others? Friends, money, looks, opportunity, happiness and health seem to cling to some of us, and quite the opposite to others. The truth is we all have times in our life when we feel fortunate and times when we feel sorry for ourselves. While we cannot avoid this entirely, can we improve it?
I am aware that my readers represent a broad spectrum of people. Some of us right now, face one or more of the following: no mate, no money, no job, no time, no car, no home, failing health, a deep personal loss, a sense of hopelessness, no power to change things, mild to severe depression or mild to severe anxiety. That’s reality. It is also reality that many of us feel a sense of gratitude for our blessings. We have a home – it is easy to complain about a house. If you remember how you felt before you got your first home, then your home is something that is easy to be grateful for. The same goes for the car, mate, money, health, etc. Are you feeling frustrated with your job? Can you remember how happy you were to get that job on your first day? How quickly we forget our blessings. Any time we take them for granted, we are almost asking for a reminder of how it feels to lack one or more of our many blessings. Are you asking for it? Are you cruisin’ for a bruisin’? It’s as if the Universe/God/Source is saying what my dad used to say “stop crying, or I’ll give you something to cry about”! As a child, do you have the power to stop crying on demand? Not so much, but how about as an adult?
I have been interviewing people from various walks of life, and I find it fascinating how many feel they have no power over their lives. Many are people with jobs, a decent home, and generally healthy, well-adjusted people, who feel they don’t really control much. They get through life because they learn to accept their fate and go-along to get-along. When I ask if they have what they want in life, they say no. When I ask if they know what they want in life, they give an easy short answer, like winning the lottery. With a little more thought, they admit that they really don’t know what they want. Do you know what is really, really important to you that you would be willing to work for? It is a powerful and empowering discovery when you find something that matters. Talented people, money, information, motivation, and resources in general, seem to flow to you when you display your passion and commitment. It’s as if Dad
(Universe/God/Source) is saying there you go, now you got it!
If you would like some help finding your power, there are many resources available depending on where you are on your path. Perhaps you need to find a goals workshop or book. Perhaps you are ready to learn to meditate, or
join weight watchers, or get back to church, find a new job or work on your relationships – you decide. If it feels right for you, my new friend Sara Moore is teaching a class called Stand in your Power, which you can learn about at
www.evergreenforwellness.org. On the same website, you will find a number of local workshops, as well as free, online classes on all sorts of inspiring topics, available 24/7 so you can find the time at your convenience with no
money at all.
Some mornings, I feel totally overwhelmed and helpless. I look at the TV and think of the ugly news of the world. I am so deeply grateful just to live in our part of the world. No one burned our village, raped our women and killed our men last night. Now suck it up and get to work. Make whatever life you want for yourself and others.
Michael Kline is a local retailer, success coach and trainer. He may be reached through his website, www.klineseminars.com, or e-mail, mike@klineseminars.com.