Thinking outside the box is a challenge for a lot of people because of years of conditioning from society that includes our parents, teachers, authority figures and others. This is why I call it an awakening of sorts when we start to break outside that box and think in other ways.

What’s funny about all of the ideas and thoughts I now have is that I got them from reading countless books over the years. I didn’t accept everything I was reading but if something touched me deeply and resonated with my soul, I adopted them as my own truths.

Like for example, I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of the “Matthew Messages.” In short, you can google it and find your way to the website, but Matthew died in a car crash as a teen. His mom struggled with his death for years until fourteen years later he began to communicate with her. The result is a long list of messages from Matthew.

Now, this might strike some people as “crazy” or something can’t be true. The same can be said for his messages that are communicated to his mother to write. When i came across the messages, my soul was deeply, deeply stirred and touched. I ended up reading all of the messages until there were no more to read!

Because I felt so deeply stirred, I adopted many of the “outside the box” thoughts in the messages because I already “knew” them to be my own truths.

Thanks for inviting me to join in on the meme. I had fun with it. It was interesting to take a trip down memory lane and recall that day when I suddenly dropped on the pavement in the middle of Fifth Avenue just to do something outrageous! You can bet I received a few incredulous stares that day. Har, har, har, har. What a moment in time…..

I am very glad you decided to participate in the challenge. I too, have had my doubts about many memes and the value that they bring to our subscribers and readers. When I read Todd’s article though I knew I had to join in the Think Different Challenge. Your article fits the theme perfectly and is an outstanding piece of work!

http://www.JuiceofChampions.com

What a delight to find you commenting here as a result of my participation in your blogging meme! I’m glad you enjoyed my little list, especially the part about seeing everyone as having a divine mission.

It really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? It is for this reason I learned long ago to accept my hearing disability. Once I realized my mission was to take my gift of articulate speech on the road as a professional speaker, I knew right away I was born deaf for a divine reason. It changed my whole outlook on life.

Thanks for stopping by and of course for adding my article to your list at your site. I appreciate it.

Well I’m glad you did decide to participate in the Think Different Challenge because you have written a great article that perfectly captures its spirit.

I particularly like your idea to perceive every single person as having a divine mission. When I see someone with a disability I tend to feel sorry for them. When I think about it, though, where is the good in me feeling sorry for them? I guess you (and Corinne - great comment) have helped me to think differently

ps I have added your article to my list

Well, you know what? I see you as an angel too! There are no accidents on this planet and for those of us who are aware, this is LOA at work here. Thanks for the inspiring story of Steve, the mentally disabled boy who expressed nothing but pure love. Wow. Amazing.

Thanks for sharing. The boy’s story complements the article very nicely - everyone is here for a purpose and perhaps Steve’s purpose is to shine the light of pure love to show people what it really looks like. Those who see it are blessed. Those who don’t are not ready yet.