InspiraGrams

Writings from Afar

When We Forgive We Can Forget

Sometimes in life we just want to remember how we were harmed.  We want to remember the hurt and the pain that another has caused us.  As a matter of fact, we cannot forget!  We cannot forget, that is, until we forgive!

To forgive another for a wrong doing, that more often times than not, they are oblivious to, is the proper course of action throughout your life.  When we forgive, we can then forget.  Happiness, is not to be bottled up in anger, bitterness, and hurt.  No happiness, comes with forgiveness, and letting go!   Be happy and let go.

It is time for you to look inside and figure out who you need to forgive.  If you need some help, just monitor your thoughts.  When you start to feel your body tense up, or your mind race with sometimes anger, or more often a sense of sadness, you can look at those thoughts to see if they are directed towards a person.  When you forgive, you can let go of those thoughts, which in turn will help you release the negativity associated with it.

The choice is yours.  If you are waiting for the person who you think caused you harm, to have a great “revelation” to realize what they have done to you, and give you the magical call of apology, you may be waiting a long time.   You may be waiting for the rest of your life.  A life that could spend its energies in more productive thoughts and actions.

Yes, you may be thinking that you are no longer interested in a relationship with others who you may need to forgive.  That goes along with the territory.  However, you need to make that decision much later, after you have let go of their so-called injustice.  When you act in a time of emotional hurt, there is a tendency to react in a harmful way – a way that may cause hurt to others.   Take the time to gather your thoughts and to let your emotions settle, after you have done your own work of forgiveness.

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When we walk this journey we call life, we will have many opportunities for growth.  The question is whether or not you are going to “learn the lesson” so that you may move on to the next opportunity.  The choice is yours, and waiting for another to behave the way you would like, is not taking advantage of that opportunity for growth!

Written Wed Oct 9, 2019, 7:17-7:26 AM MT

Posted in Relationships , , , , | 1 Comment »

How to Make Your Life Simple Again

In today’s world it seems that we are all getting a bit cynical.  Either we think that the “current” administration, whichever side it may be – left or right, is always up to something or we think that there is an “agenda” behind every decision, move, and speech made by anyone and everyone in the political arena.  We are all becoming cautious and untrusting of the “other side.”  However, we almost always replace that skepticism with unfounded trust for our “own side.”   This is not something that is healthy for a person, nor a country or group of people.  We might suggest that you look deep inside of yourself and make changes within.  Do not concern yourself with the behaviors or actions of others, especially those that you consider to be on “the other side.”   Change starts with you and then everyone else.  That change needs to come from within and should only be change for yourself.

When we attempt to change another, we diminish them.  We are saying either explicitly or implicitly that “they are not sufficient.”  When we attempt to change, and do change ourselves, we are admitting that we have room for further growth.  A growth that can only, once again, come from within.  Change comes from within and it begins with a simple thought.   Find something about yourself you would like to change and you can begin that change with a decision to change.  That decision is made with a thought.  It does not need to be a big ceremony where a ribbon is cut!   No, it’s simply a thought where you make the decision for change.

It all begins with a focus on the event, the behavior, or the people who you decide you would like to have in your life.  When we focus on what it is we “want”, we put in force the energy of the universe to help bring it to you.  That does not mean that you simply “sit back and wait.”  No, you need to do your part and do the things that you think will get you to the desired outcome.

Life is really simple, if you think about it.  There is nothing outside of yourself for which you can control – nothing!  As such, life is about looking inward, and focusing your energies inward.  That does not mean, you quit caring for others, though.  No, it means that you quit trying to “control” and direct others!   Keeping life simple, by focusing on the things within your control – which is few, is the so-called “secret” to life.   Think of all the anxieties you have created for yourself over the years, by trying to change that which is out of your control to change in the first place.  Keep the focus within and you will watch the anxiety and stress diminish.

When we love ourselves, we can begin to love others.  This is a very basic “law of the universe.”   It cannot be any other way.  If we dislike ourselves, and have no love for ourselves, we cannot love another.  We think that we can, but eventually the “house of cards” will fall.   Start your “house of love” with a solid foundation, by finding that within yourself that you can love.  Know that you are deserving of all the fortunes – both in the physical as well as the non-physical sense.   Loving oneself, begins with knowing that you are “deserving” of a happy life!

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Life is simple, when we realize that we can control few things in the world.  The things that we can control are our own thoughts.  Look inside, to reduce the stresses and anxieties placed on you from others!

Written Wed Sep 25, 2019, 7:09-7:22 AM MT

Posted in Happiness, Inner Self , , | 2 Comments »

Smile Like My Dad

I wrote this a couple of weeks ago to read at my Dad’s funeral on the following day.

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Yesterday morning, I was sitting down to figure out what I was going to say today.  I didn’t know if I was going to speak or not.  Then it hit me.  “What would my dad do?”

As many of you know, my Dad was not a “loud” man.  He was not the “life of the party.”  No, he quietly went about his work and his way.

One time I heard him introduce his company, Trade & Transactions as being a “throw away” paper.  He didn’t have a lot of pride, nor much of an ego.  He simply “spoke” with his actions.

My dad didn’t teach me how to do things.  He didn’t sit me down and show me step by step how to fix something.  He simply did them with me by his side.  It was up to me to pay attention enough to learn for myself.  No one really taught him how to do things, but somehow he figured things out.   I guess that was probably his most valuable lesson to me, “you can figure it out on your own!”  After all, if I depended on him for things, how would I do those things when he is gone?

My dad didn’t teach me how to be a good husband and father – he demonstrated it!   Could he have done better?  Absolutely.  The thing is, he never considered himself to be the “best” at anything!  I believe, that he always strived to improve – quietly to himself.

My dad didn’t seek recognition or awards.   He simply did what he thought was the right thing to do.    He showed me how to be sincere and genuine!

My dad did not teach me how to die with grace and dignity – he demonstrated it!  As many of you know, for the past couple of years, he could not speak.  As time went on, he could not move his hands or his arms.   But, what was the one thing that he COULD do until the very end?  Laugh and smile.  Yup, the last thing to go in my dad’s aging body, was his smile!

Once again, he taught me not through words, but through his actions!

Today, when we greet each other, we do not need to attempt to say the comforting words, but rather let’s just exchange a big smile – for my dad!

Yup, that’s what my dad would do today – smile!

Written, Fri, Mar 17, 2017

Posted in Happiness , , , | 4 Comments »

Everything is Temporary

The only thing constant is change!  The one thing we can count on is change.  The way things are at this moment in your life, will someday be different.  It is when we realize that everything and everyone is “temporary” we might begin to see the importance of appreciation of this very moment!

Yes, we can long for the past, but when we do so, it may come at the expense of these moments now!  Living in this moment, means we appreciate what we have in our life – at this very moment.  We can hope for a brighter future and lament the past, but spending our energies with such thoughts removes the energy that we could be spending in the now.

This moment is the way it is because it is exactly where your life needs to be at this moment in time.  Look for the gratitude in it, rather than for ways to change it.  Don’t worry though, change will happen whether you wish for it or not!  Everything and everyone is temporarily walking this planet.  Everyone on this planet today, will someday be gone!

That is not to be dismal, but to convey a point.  This point in your life will someday transition into something entirely different.  The question is, how are you going to spend it?  When you find yourself thinking about the past or the future, reign your thoughts back to this moment.  Find gratitude in this moment and with it, happiness.  Transition your thoughts to the present so that you can expend your energies in the now!

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When we wish for a “better” future or wish for a replay of past experiences, we are letting this moment in our lives slip away.  Find a reason to enjoy this point in your life so that you can understand and appreciate the temporariness of it!

Written, Wed, Mar 1, 2017, 7:48 – 754 AM MST

Posted in Being Present , , , , | No Comments »

Motions of Life

What is truly important as this moment in your life?  Things that were once important to you may not be so, at this point in your life.  What is important to you now?

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Sometimes we get caught up in the “motions of our lives.”  We do and believe things because that is what we’ve always done or believed.  It’s time to take an inventory of our beliefs and our actions and give ourselves permission to make changes.  When something is not congruent with our living, we need to make a change.

As we get older, we all seem to be able to agree on one thing – life is short!  To a young person, life before old age seems to be in the distant future.  To a middle-aged person, that future is creeping closer.  To others, old-age has entered their bodies.  Life is short, but we should never give up living!

Today is a great day to look around and inside to figure out what is really important to you.  If it is a person, show them.  If it is a thing, thank it.  Find gratitude in your life and you will see the beauty of the world.  Gratitude is the key that unlocks the goodness of the universe.  Gratitude is the lowering of your sword to end the battle.  Find gratitude to alleviate the stresses of your life.

Take the time today, to look out your window to observe a view that you have seen hundreds of times.  Find something that you have never observed before, and acknowledge that you do not know everything!  When we continually learn and soak in the knowledge and beauty of the world, we can then put our pre-conceived beliefs to rest.

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Life is short, as we all learn at some point in our lives.  Take this moment to acknowledge those that are important to you, so that a day does not go by where your house is not in order!

Written, Mon, Feb 27, 2017, 7:46 – 7:54 AM MST

Posted in Being Present , , , , | 1 Comment »

Replace Why with Do

Everything is just as it needs to be at this moment in your life.  You may not understand the reasoning behind the things that are going on in your life, but everything is in perfect order.

When we quit trying to figure out the “why” of our lives, we can simply accept and live it.  That is not to say, that if there are things in your life that you would like to change, you give up and quit.  No, what it means is that rather than asking “why is this happening to me?”  we simply move forward knowing that for reasons we may never understand, this is what we need at this moment in our lives.

We do not always get what we want, but rather get what is necessary for our growth.  We came to this lifetime to grow our spiritual selves, which often times includes struggle.  When things are easy, growth can become difficult.  The ego gets involved thinking that we have a sense of infallibility.  However, when things in our lives become challenging, the ego is kept at bay.

When we can accept and understand that the twists and turns of this life’s journey is all part of the journey, we can begin to enjoy those challenges.  When we confront a challenge as an opportunity, we can use the challenge of life to propel us with the energy necessary to overcome those challenges.  This lifetime is too short to be immobilized with fear.  Open up to the challenge of life and embrace those challenges.

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When life presents a challenge, you have a choice to make.  You can question why this particular challenge showed up in your life, or you can look the challenge in the eye and begin to take the necessary steps to overcome it!

Written, Tue, Jan 10, 2017, 7:51 – 7:57 AM MST

Posted in Growth , , , , , | No Comments »

Own Your Response to Others

Do not get angry at others for their behavior towards you.   It is not about you at all, it is what they have inside that they are projecting outward to the universe at large.

The question is, are you doing the same to them or to others?  We cannot and should not worry about things beyond our own self.  In that case, when someone is projecting undesired behavior toward you, it is time to look inside and see what it is you are projecting to them as well as others.

When the universe reverberates and reflects our own self back to us, that is when we are most affected.   Often times, though, we do not realize that is what is happening.  We do not even know that it is a reflection of ourselves, but rather, think it is all about the behaviors of others.

Take the time to think about the last time someone made you upset, by their words or their actions.  Now think about your own actions – objectively.   Do not attempt to justify your behaviors as a sort of retaliation for the behavior of another.  No, this is time for you to take ownership over yourself and your behaviors – without placing blame on others.  Today is the day to own your behaviors, your emotions, your thoughts and your actions!

When someone “triggers” you by saying or doing something that negatively affects you – step away and think.  Yes, you can figure out why it “triggers” you, but you can also take ownership over your reaction.  If your mood suddenly changes, you can change it back to a positive mood!   If your excitement level drops, you can instantly change it back.  When you let the behavior of another affect you, you are also letting them control you.  Take back the responsibility for your own self!

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It is easy to let yourself adapt to the behaviors of another, but it is the wise person who realizes that no one can do anything to change their behavior without first giving them permission to do so!

Written, Wed, Dec 14, 2016, 8:17 – 8:24 AM MST

Posted in Intention , , , , , | No Comments »

Problems are Gifts of Growth

“Mommy, where do problems come from?”

“Honey, I don’t really know.  I guess from within.”

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Your problems are created by your thoughts.  Your mind creates your thoughts.  You are the creator of your problems!   The interesting thing is that you are also the creator of the solutions!

Any problem that you have is a creation by your mind.  Your mind can look at a situation as a “problem” or an “opportunity.”  Your mind processes the events and situations in your life and uses thoughts to determine whether or not this is problematic to you.   However, when you begin to believe and live that every part of your life is exactly where it needs to be at this moment in time, you can let go of “problems” altogether.

How can there be a “problem” when everything is perfect?  Yes, things may not be the way that we would like them to be, but that does not mean that things are not where they need to be for our growth.  We came to this lifetime to experience life and to grow.  If things are boring and stagnant do you think that your spiritual-self would be disappointed?   No, we did not come to this lifetime to struggle, but “struggle” is created in your mind.

When you can live with situations that once would cause you angst and struggle, while experiencing happiness and joy – you have grown!  Are you able to do that today?  Can you take your biggest current “problem” and flip it so that you can still experience happiness and joy?  When you can do that, you know that you have grown in this lifetime.

Today is a great day to put all of your problems in a “mental basket.”  Look at the problems in that basket in your mind’s eye.  Now, think about your current experience in this lifetime – today.  Are you happy?  Are the “problems” weighting you down?  Now, look at the biggest problem in that basket.  Think of that problem, not as a problem but as a gift.  What in that problem could be there that would make it a gift?

You do not have problems, but rather, gifts of growth from the universe!  When you start looking at things as “gifts” you can change your attitude and your outlook on those situations.   Life is a gift that anyone on their deathbed will tell you to cherish.  Today is the gift of having your life back!

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When you feel you have a “problem” look for the “gift” within it.  Every situation and event in your life is at some level a gift of growth.  You do not need to figure out the “giftness” of the situation, but rather trust and grow from it!

Written, Thu, Dec 8, 2016, 8:08 – 8:17 AM MST

Posted in Beliefs , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

This is the Perfect Path

Sometimes it doesn’t matter which road you take, but rather that you choose a direction, make a decision and stick with it!

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When we make a decision we free our energies to now work on the task at hand, rather than expending our energy on the struggle of the decision.  When you believe that you are being guided on this journey, you will realize that you are at the perfect place at this moment of your life.  You are always at the perfect place at every moment of your life!

When you begin to understand that, you can ask yourself, “what is so perfect about this?”  You can begin to look for the opportunity in your struggles.  You can know that whatever decision you make will be the “perfect one.”  Is it possible that one choice might be easier than the other?  Absolutely.  Is it possible that one choice might have more struggle than the other?  Absolutely.

There are times when the “perfect choice” is not the one that results in the easiest path up the mountain.  Many times, we need to take the long way so that we can learn the things that we came to this lifetime to learn.  The easiest path is seldom the “perfect path.”

Today is a great day to embrace whatever situation you may find yourself in.  Go deep inside and ask yourself, what is perfect about all of this?  Listen to your inner-self for a possible answer, or just begin to trust.  Trust that “this too shall pass,”  and you will someday be atop that great mountain hosting your beacon!  When we set our beacons, we open up the energy to the things, events and people that we want to attract into our lives.   Set your beacons, decide on your next step, and move forward without looking back.

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Open up to the idea that you are at the perfect place that you need to be at this moment in your life.  If that place is not where you want to be, set a beacon to where that place is.  Follow the light in the distance to guide you to the special place that you desire!

Written, Fri, Dec 2, 2016, 8:22 – 8:29 AM MST

Posted in Beacons , , , , | No Comments »

Finding Your Gems

What is your hidden gem?  Do you know what talent you have buried deep within?  We all have hidden gems, it’s just a matter of uncovering them.

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Think about the idea that you have some great talent or skill.   Think about the fact that everyone has great talents hidden within, but few discover them.  What is your hidden gem?  Have you discovered it yet?

If you live this life thinking that going to work or school, and going to bed is all there is, you are missing out.  Life is about discovery.   Life is about uncovering those gems that each of us have within.   Today is the day that you can begin to look for those jewels within.

Think about a person whom you admire.  It could be an athlete, a co-worker, or anyone that you have grown to admire.  Now, look at their hidden gems.  Did they uncover one or more of them?  Now, imagine if you have something like that as well.  What would it be?

For some, it might be an artist that is locked within.  For others, it could be a writer or athlete.  For you, it could be something totally different.  It is not just related to careers, but to life itself!   The gem buried within you might be something that changes the world for the better!

Think of a diamond that is hidden within a piece of rock.   The diamond is always there, whether or not it is discovered.  The diamonds that are discovered have been searched for, and mined.  Have you searched for your hidden diamond?  We need to look for things that are buried.  Sure, once in a while you might stumble upon a jewel, but when we set an intention to discover our hidden jewels, we put the energy into place to guide us in that discovery.

Put yourself in places and situations that promote exploration.  Maybe you love to travel, but you do not know it because you have never ventured away from your home city.  Maybe you love to dance, but have never tried it, so that love remains unchartered.  Open up to the potential of this lifetime and you will find many great loves of life buried deep within yourself!

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Take the time to look for things that bring you joy, and you will someday find the great talents that you possess!

Written, Mon, Nov 29, 2016, 8:05 – 8:13 AM MST

Posted in Growth , , , , , | No Comments »
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