This is going to be a short gratitude list. (Photo Credit: flirianders)
It’s been a rather interesting beginning of the year. When I say that, I’m actually trying to say it’s been a “strange” start for me. What about you?
After coming off a great 2008 in every area of my life (physical, mental, professional, spiritual, etc), I was expecting to dive into 2009 with great anticipation and excitement but it has not turned out that way, much to my surprise.
While I’ve been “stuck” before, it’s somehow different this time. It’s almost as if an internal shift is taking place and I’m being prepared for something mysterious. These days, I find myself spending a lot of time alone, reading, reflecting and meditating.
Just the other day I took a long, invigorating walk in freezing temperatures to mingle with nature. I found myself extra aware of my surroundings and took special notice of the trees, the hills, the rocks and the path I was treading on. An hour and a half later, I was back to my car, fully refreshed.
A mental note to myself: Do this more often!
Here are a couple things I’m grateful for during this strange time of my life:
A Warm Home to Sit and Reflect
I’m thankful I have a home where I can sit still and not feel like I have to be out running like a headless chicken. My entire home is a sanctuary of sorts where I can get close to God and find out what really matters to my inner spirit. Things of spiritual nature are taking on increasing significance for me these days and I’m grateful I have a warm, nurturing place for all that to manifest.
Since I no longer smoke cigars (thanks to the new raw food journey), the after-affects of cigar smoke has all but vanished. It’s been replaced by pleasant smelling candlelight fragrance and incense. My neighbors are peaceful and there’s no drama around here. What more could I ask for?
It feels as if I am undergoing a new awareness shift this year. I am being drawn to all kinds of interesting places on the Internet, picking up exciting information along the way, some of which I’ve discarded and others I’ve adopted as part of my new belief system. The materials that resonate with my soul has led me to draw new and profound conclusions about the meaning and purpose of my life. Never a dull moment!
For those of you who are open minded, you might want to head over to Akemi Gaine’s site where she wrote an article called Soul Shifting and the Light Ascension of Maybe 2012. I am still contemplating her very interesting and thought provoking (perhaps radical) theories about why some people like myself are feeling stuck at this time. If nothing else, they make for great reading, giving us tantalizing food for thought.
No Urge to Write a List of Goals
It seems so unlike me not to want to write a big list of goals for the year. But I just don’t feel the urge to do something that’s expected of everyone!
That’s just it.
I am becoming a rebel and no longer want to conform! Hahaha.
Seriously though, writing goals seems to be a frivolous exercise because you’re always living in the future, striving to reach the final destination and not paying much attention to the journey along the way. Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t or won’t have a vision but to write down a bunch of goals?
What for?
A fellow speaker, Stephen Shapiro, wrote a book called Goal-Free Living – I highly recommend you check it out. Inside there is a very interesting “Goalaholic Quiz.” You just might be a goalaholic! (I was found to be one of them – hell yes, that’s right – in fact, I have sitting on the shelf of my bookcase a 5 to 10 year goal plan. I am not kidding!)
From inside the book jacket, Stephen says “we are taught from a young age that in order to achieve great success, we must set and achieve our goals. However, in doing so, we become focused on where we are going rather than enjoying where we are right now.”
My thoughts exactly!
Lately, I have this intense desire to live in the present more than ever and just go with the flow. I want to enjoy every moment of my life and if that means doing things at the drop of a hat like I did with the London trip last year, then by golly, I’m going to do more of that this year!
I’m like “Wow, what’s going on here?”
Raw Food Journey Continues
Even with the very cold weather these days, I’m grateful I continue to maintain a substantially raw food lifestyle. I no longer cook and so I rarely have “warm meals” these days. The only thing I have that’s warm are several cups of herbal tea throughout the day.
While I use my Vitamix blender for mostly green smoothies, I could make raw soup but haven’t taken the time to learn how to make one. Today I went shopping and for the first time since going raw in September 2008, I bought a can of Campbell Tomato Soup because I was desperate for some hot soup! Har, har, har.
Remember, I’m not 100 percent raw and I will never be. So it’s okay for me to have the occasional “cooked” meal. Cool?
Despite the challenges, I continue to stay motivated to not only eat mostly fruits and vegetables but also workout several times a week. It’s very gratifying to see my flat stomach every time I look down while tightening my belt. I also love it when the bathroom scale tells me that I’ve been maintaining my ideal weight, somewhere between 151 to 154 lbs (depending on the day I guess) versus 178 lbs a year ago!
Not Worried
This is a big one. Despite the economy and the uncertainty of what lays ahead, I am not worried at all. Doreen Virtue, bestselling spiritual author, reminds us that God’s creativity, wisdom and love for us is boundless.
She’s right. Looking back, I have always been provided for. Everything that I ever needed always came to me at the right time. I never lacked for anything (even though I might not have felt that way at the time!).
Because my prayers have been answered in surprising, miraculous and unexpected ways, I feel no sense of fear that would normally have shackled me into paralysis whenever I was in this “stuck” mode. Nope, not this time.
In other words, I know I will be fine, no matter what happens this year. How cool is it to actually feel this way!?
Feel Like I’m Being Prepared For Something Beyond My Wildest Dreams
This one may sound contradictory but for some strange, inexplicable reason, I sense that this year is just going to blow doors open in ways never before anticipated. I just feel it! (Photo Source Here)
And I’m ready – whatever it is!
Relationship with God and My Guardian Angels
My relationship with God and the guardian angels has been getting stronger and stronger with each passing day. I sense more ideas will flow from the divine faster than ever, giving me plenty of ideas and opportunities to pursue in 2009 and beyond. Everything I do will benefit mankind in large and small ways. I will be looking for opportunities to provide value and then deliver.
What roles will I be playing this year? I have NO idea! That’s the fun part about this whole thing. It’s all mysterious, yet exact. Nothing happens by accident. Everything will fall in its rightful place at the right time.
I just need to remain still and let God.
Okay, I told you it would be a short gratitude post. May God bless all of you with freedom, happiness and inner peace going forward. Thank you for being a part of this community. We are in for some interesting times!
Don’t forget we have Part II of my interview with Michael Stallard, the former Wall Street executive who quit to follow his dreams of helping people make heart to heart connections in the workplace. He’s the real deal of a lightworker and I encourage you to hang around for when it airs on Wednesday of this week.
Until then, enjoy!
Food for thought: And what about you – what’s happening to you as we go forward into the new year?
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8:37 pm on January 25th, 2009 1
Hi, thank you for the mention.
I think that is a Very Important Post for many people. Let’s spread the word!
10:30 pm on January 25th, 2009 2
Stephen,
I think you’re taking the right approach to ‘stuckness’. Be extra kind to yourself, rest more, a little exercise, of course good nutrition, and meditation. You’re right, it won’t last long with your method of ‘allowing’. How exciting to be moving forward.
11:07 pm on January 25th, 2009 3
@ Debbie Lattuga:
Thanks for the support – allowing is the key, isn’t it? Not such a big secret but why doesn’t everyone do it?
11:08 pm on January 25th, 2009 4
@ Akemi – Yes to Me:
Sure thing – should be interesting to see what happens.
11:55 pm on January 25th, 2009 5
Everything about each choie a person makes matters more than they realize. To make a chociea t all is a vision of taking a risk to grow. I am grateful for many things, including your generous reference to Akemi’s article. I have read and enjoyed that immensely. You just never know where your next reason for gratitude will emerge. It makes sense to expect the unexpected in life.
1:04 am on January 26th, 2009 6
This is awesome Stephen! I LOVE that feeling your describing… that quiet stirring when you feel clarity – yet nothing is clear – but you know that things are going to be just fine and that your naturally moving in a great direction. The feeling of being ‘stuck’ – but kind of ok with it, because it’s just part of a cycle. Wow!
8:41 am on January 26th, 2009 7
I am so glad to read this. I have found a few of us out there lately gung ho for the new year then swoosh, I am not quite sure what happened. Many could have been called set backs by some but I see them as path changes. So I am moving forward slowly. Then I have had life altering health issues where I thought I’d been making progress and test results showed otherwise. I reflect and see the errors of my ways. I enjoy sharing in your journey and I am encouraged by it.
8:50 am on January 26th, 2009 8
@ Robin Maria Pedrero:
I’m glad I wrote it because it helped me too! I agree that this is a “path change” rather than a “setback.” It makes sense for some reason.
I’m thankful you are encouraged by the sharing of my journey – this is why I continue to write when I’m inspired, not when I feel obligated to.
There’s freedom in that.
Thanks for letting me know this impacted you. My take is to do what feels right, regardless of what the motivational books, videos and audios are telling you. If you need to move slowly, well, then that’s what you’re going to do! The key is to trust that this is the right thing to do.
8:52 am on January 26th, 2009 9
@ Christine:
Thanks Christine – you bet – it’s definitely “quiet stirring” – a very interesting place to be.
Yes, it’s part of what I have come to recognize as a cycle of sorts – I’ve been there but like I mentioned in the post, this time it feels “different” but I can’t quite put my finger on it. We shall see what unfolds!
8:55 am on January 26th, 2009 10
@ Liara Covert:
True, you never know what your next reason for gratitude will come from. Over the years, I’ve conditioned myself to expect the unexpected. When they happen, I never fail to be in awe. Every time it happens, I stop whatever I am doing, look up at the sky and either laugh or smile as if saying, “You did it again!”
9:17 am on January 26th, 2009 11
Hi, Stephen. I’ve never before seen such an apt description of breathless limbo while anticipating whatever comes. Your words were stirring, restless, calming, soothing… So many of your words describe how I feel, even your comment to Robin about writing. Btw, did you realize these are six things about you? Thanks!
9:42 am on January 26th, 2009 12
@ julie:
Thanks Julie – I’ve never heard anyone describe my words as “stirring, restless, calming and soothing” all in the same breath! Haha, that’s wonderful to know. All I can say is a humbled cry of gratitude and acknowledge God, my soul, guardian angels using me as an instrument through writing when I’m inspired. Thank you!
Did I realize there are six things about me? I’m not sure I understood that question – please clarify. (BTW, I did get your email about the random meme – I’ll respond privately shortly).
10:59 am on January 26th, 2009 13
Stephen,
I view you as a person who organizes and plans things
out in steps. Do A – B – C and on and on.
Spiritual evolvement has no such specific A B C time line.
Perhaps what you are sensing as stuck is just the natural
ebb and flow of energy. Lower energy.
You expressed in this post that you have been
spending time alone… ‘reading, reflecting and meditating.’
Then you go on to say that you had a walk outside and it
left you… refreshed.
I believe that we are like re-chargeable batteries.
It was back in 1993 that I read the book, The Celestine Prophecy.
Before reading that I had no understanding of my own personal
energy. I did not realize that being out in nature could
actually raise my energy.
I had no idea that we exchanged energy with other individuals
or that others could actually steal energy. The Celestine Prophecy
the movie came out in 2005. I would recommend reading the book
then watching the movie. I will have to say that the book was not
so easy to actually follow. The ‘insights’ and ideas were valuable,
but many times I just wanted to walk away from the book because the
writing style was not so engaging to me. Thankfully I just kept reading.
Your ‘knowing you will be fine’ is very cool and great big huge
to your forward progress.
Food for thought: And what about you – what’s happening to you
as we go forward into the new year?
I am being shown that it’s best to keep on living the Serenity Prayer.
“God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”
My son was informed by his wife of 2 1/2 years that she
no longer wants to be married to him. This declaration
totally blind sided him. As his Mother, I can’t band aid this,
I can only be here for him even if that is at a distance of
nearly 1500 miles apart. He is in the Air Force stationed in Texas
and me here in Ohio.
I also have to make a veterinary appointment as I believe
it’s time to put our family dog, Ginger down.
There is an line from an old country song by Patty Loveless
How Can I Help You To Say Goodbye?
‘Mama whispered softly, Time will ease your pain
Life’s about changing, nothing ever stays the same.’
Serenity and holding a knowing that nothing every
stays the same is a lifeline for my mental well being.
Stephen your Gratitude posts always help me frame
what things I need to be grateful for in my own life.
Bless you and THANK YOU
xo xo
Deb
11:17 am on January 26th, 2009 14
@ Deb Estep:
Well, it’s funny because I am usually an organized “ABC” kind of person but lately I’ve lost the interest in that kind of control. I just feel a bit more freer with the idea of “going with the flow” and taking action at the appropriate time. That calls for being open and alert. It also calls for reflecting.
A friend said to me at church yesterday that perhaps I am at a point where I’m reflecting so that I could look back over the last year and see where I might have closed the door on an opportunity that I might might to re-open again. He was crying as he said this – that was because God was using him to speak to me. God uses everyone to communicate His messages to all of us.
One thing that stood out in your comment is that change is always the one constant thing we can expect. The ebb and flow of life.
I’m grateful my weekly gratitude posts have helped you frame what things you need to be grateful for in your life. That’s a good thing. It tells me that I am making an impact in some small way and for that I’m glad to be of service.
While I’m not a parent and cannot say “I know how you feel,” I can certainly empathize with your pain over your son’s pending divorce. There are things in life you cannot do much about other than to “be there in spirit.” Perhaps this is one of those incidents.
2:03 pm on January 26th, 2009 15
Stephen, I think it is the extreme cold we are experiencing in the midwest. The barometric pressure is really off.
When I was in the travel business and it was really bitter like this winter, people used to say to me “Boy! Your business must be great!”
It wasn’t. The phones weren’t ringing and did not start again until the temperature reached at least 24. People seemed to be in a state of paralysis. It was too much of an effort to think about going somewhere warm.
I’ve been feeling the same way. Even putting off simple things like doing the laundry. Feeling isolated. Lonely.
Spring is coming. Can’t wait.
And by the way, I hate making advance goals. I just follow the energy right in front of me.
2:35 pm on January 26th, 2009 16
@ Corinne Edwards:
Interesting take on things – as always you have a unique perspective on things. I love how you think.
I think a lot of people are feeling isolated – you’re not the only one. People give off the impression that they aren’t but in reality they are.
I am also looking forward to the spring myself. I love going to the lake near me where I can bask in the sun and be a part of nature – not that I haven’t done that this winter – I just came back from the lake the other day. It was sunny but bitterly cold. It was actually refreshing.
2:49 pm on January 26th, 2009 17
Stephen,
Sounds like you are remodeling your life and maybe even reinventing yourself. Enjoy this cocooning process and take very good care of yourself as you go through “shedding skin” and what no longer serves you.
Actually I think how you’re feeling is normal after all of the shifts you made in the fourth quarter of the year. The old stuff won’t work anymore because you are a new person now and won’t be able to fit into the former mold of yourself as good as that was. A new horizon is calling out to you…
Now you’re experiencing a new and improved version of yourself and your canvas is blank, ready to be painted as you feel the urge to color in your new world. Transition…is where you are…not where or who you were and not exactly who and what you’re going to be. I love that you are at peace with it and recognize it as a very good thing!
I went through that last year after coming back from a life changing event, but the road did rise up to meet me later in the year and I find that I am squarely on my divine pathway.
Soon your heart will tell you the next right move to make…and it will be a “true” move, congruent with your life purpose and beneficial to the world. Look forward to making leaps this year instead of going step by step. God is fast tracking you!
Sending you love and strength for the journey.
Sharmaine
3:02 pm on January 26th, 2009 18
@ Sharmaine:
You are AMAZING! Like the others, you have a unique perspective on things that seem to match exactly what is happening. Your talent is articulating from the heart what you observe to be happening. Too bad we aren’t next door neighbors! I’d be a guest almost every day!
You’re right – I sure did make a lot of shifts in the fourth quarter last year. I never thought of my canvas being blank but it sounds about right. I must have been wiping the slate clean without realizing it. Hmm….
Yes, I am definitely at peace with it and I’m grateful for it. Otherwise I’d be all worried and gotten myself in a tizzy over nothing. I believe you when you say my heart will tell me the next right move – one that will be genuine and in line with my life purpose that will help make the world a better place to be.
God is fast tracking me? I love that one! Thanks again for your words of wisdom. Wouldn’t it be cool if I were neighbors with some of the people who leave frequent and heartfelt comments here? That would be a great community! But since all of us are far apart, we’ll have to “make-do” here at Adversity University.
4:34 pm on January 26th, 2009 19
Hey Stephen: Been following your raw food journey. As soon as you can tell me I can treat Diet Coke and Pilsener Urquel (beer) as raw foods, I’ll join you in a heartbeat!
Michael Werner
5:25 pm on January 26th, 2009 20
@ Michael Werner:
Hey there! Nice to hear from you after a while.
Haha, you wish beer and diet coke could be “raw” foods! You’re funny.
Hope all is well with you down in Fla and look forward to staying in touch with you throughout the year.
9:39 am on January 27th, 2009 21
Stephen,
You are so right about goals and how we don’t spend enough time in the now. This is a practice I’m trying very hard to adopt. We do need goals, but we should be so focused on them that we don’t enjoy today. You are an excellent writer and I’m going to enjoy reading what you write.
9:54 am on January 27th, 2009 22
@ Randy:
Looking back, I’ve written some “To-Do” lists for the day on my calendar for example like when I was a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. I still have the calendar in storage from those days. I would write what I needed to do that day and then check them off, one by one. But the interesting thing was I never set a monthly goal for how much I would make. It got to the point where I was pulling in $30,000 a month! And that’s without setting a goal.
I did, however, have a vision of winning sales trips and so I learned how to harness the power of visualization but never really set goals.
A ton of books from motivational gurus have been telling us to set goals. I’m now begging to differ.
I’m delighted you enjoy my style of writing and that you think you will continue to enjoy reading what I have to say. Thanks Randy!
2:09 pm on January 27th, 2009 23
Stephen,
By blank canvas I meant you’ve cleared away the goals, the expectations and you’re wide open for what is coming your way. As for fast tracking… I find it awesome that sometimes when it appears that nothing is going on, something is really going on behind the scenes. When it’s time to take action, it will be effortless and easy (as though you had worked with all of your might to attain it, except you didn’t). He’s already prepared the way! Great things are in store! Bask in this newfound way of life.
Sharmaine
6:44 pm on January 27th, 2009 24
@ Sharmaine:
Ah, I see, thanks for the powerful clarification! Makes sense.
Yes, when it appears nothing is going on, there are “behind the scenes” things happening that we might not be aware of. That’s true. And it’s often a surprise when we find out what’s been going on “behind the scenes”!
1:41 am on February 1st, 2009 25
Hi Stephen:
I enjoyed your post and your honesty. While I am still working right now, I always think that the end could be near. Especially after getting laid of twice in two years in the mid-2000′s. Then I think to myself, if my job disappeared, what would I do? Nearing 40, I don’t feel like I’ve ever experienced “success” in my career, whether it is success defined by me or success defined by society. Would I pursue another “marketing” job with hopes for finally finding career and personal satisfaction? My heart tells me it is time for me to wipe the slate clean…do something very different. But what? What do I really want to do? I would love to earn a living speaking to an audience. Since joining Toastmasters, I have improved from my normal shy demeanor. But I need to get better. A lot better to make a living speaking.
I am sorry to ramble Stephen. I do enjoy your blog and admire you. I just wanted to say your post is pretty timely for me, too. This is a pretty strange time in my life, as well. Maybe it is the economy or the fact that I will turn 40 in a couple months. I think these times of reflection and isolation are good. Like you, I feel a great sense of possibility at what is ahead. Take care.
Tim
8:02 pm on February 2nd, 2009 26
@ Tim:
I am grateful you not only enjoyed this post but that you also see the transparency in it. This is what I have in mind while the words are pouring through my fingers on the keyboard. I subconsciously put myself in the readers mind and see what they’re reading.
Your heart is telling you the truth. If it tells you the wipe the slate clean, then it’s the right thing because your inner spirit knows what’s in your future. Despite the past where you felt moderate levels of success, you are being prepared for something greater. This is why your heart is telling you to wipe the slate clean. This can be a time of great healing and rejuvenation. While change is scary, it can be quite invigorating and life-changing.
I know exactly what you’re feeling when you say “But what? What do I really want to do?” Believe it or not, I’m exactly in that position right now! Yes, even after years of professional speaking. I’m now taking a “sabbatical” of sorts where I’ve been spending time re-evaluating where I want to go, what I want to do and finding ways of creating a lasting legacy where my work will outlast me. That’s ultimately what I want to do.
I was happy to have you “ramble” as you say. I love heartfelt comments like yours and I want you to know I hear you. I have been where you are now and continue to find myself there from time to time so rest assured you are not alone.
We seem to be on the same wavelength in terms of the way we think and hope. That’s quite comforting! We are not so alone, after all.