Independence Day – What does it mean for you?
Today is the day after my country’s celebration of Independence Day.
So, what does Merriam Webster say about Independence?
Main Entry: in·de·pen·dence
Pronunciation: \?in-d?-?pen-d?n(t)s\
Function: noun
Date: 1640
1 : the quality or state of being independent
Main Entry: 1in·de·pen·dentPronunciation: \?in-d?-?pen-d?nt\
Function: adjective
Date: 1611
1 : not dependent: as a (1) : not subject to control by others : self-governing (2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit <an independent bookstore> b (1) : not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent <an independent conclusion> (2) : not looking to others for one’s opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) : not bound by or committed to a political party c (1) : not requiring or relying on others (as for care or livelihood) <independent of her parents> (2) : being enough to free one from the necessity of working for a living <a person of independent means> d : showing a desire for freedom <an independent manner>
Independence means that you are the master and creator of your own destiny, that you are self sufficient and self motivated. How many of us yearn for true independence? How many of us take action to become independent? How many of us can say we are truly independent?
If you really think about those questions in the order asked, the number gets smaller and smaller, doesn’t it? So what is it that the few know, that can say they are truly independent, that the rest of us don’t?
It starts with identifying your dreams. Once we figure out our dreams, we can then take action to make them a reality. Once our dreams come true, my guess is that we become independent, because we are free to do whatever we want because we have manifested our own destiny.
So this weekend, no matter where you are in the world, do yourself a favor, stop for a few minutes and dream.
Here’s an exercise my business partner, Stephanie Remers, and I did a few months back. I was just reminded of it in a training video I just watched. Grab a pen/pencil and a piece of paper, or open up notepad on your computer and write down (or copy and paste) the following questions, giving yourself enough space to answer later.
1. What would I love to have that I don’t have now?
2. If I could eliminate one thing in my life, what would it be?
3. If money and time were not issues, what would I like to be doing right now?
4. What does my family need or want that they don’t have now?
5. What’s your dream/passion?
6. What’s your vision for the future?
Be specific! Think BIG! Think towards the future, 5, 10, 15 years down the road….
Take your time, go for a walk, sleep on it, then come back to your paper/computer screen and write down your answers. When you write your answers, write them in sentences that begin with “I see myself in…”, “I see myself with…”, “I see myself doing…”, “I see myself as….”
Write from your heart, not your mind. Go with your gut instincts, as they are usually right!
Once you have done this exercise, print it out, hang it up where you can see it. READ it every day!
There is something very powerful about putting thoughts on paper and seeing it day after day. Think about what action, no matter how small, you can take to realize your dreams, write it down and then just DO it. Progression takes place by mastering baby steps… we learn to crawl before we walk, walk before we run. It’s the same thing when laying out your map to independence. YOU have the power, you always did. Now it’s time for you to seize your power, create your own future and become independent!
Deb Lane
Obstacles are Opportunities
This has been a challenging week for me. Several days ago, someone on Skype that I’ve known for years sent me a link. I questioned it, and even messaged him asking if this link was real. He assured me it was, and since this came from someone I have known a long time, I clicked… BIG mistake! Turned out my friend’s Skype info had been hijacked, and I had communicated with the hijacker, not my friend. A nasty virus quickly made it’s way through my computer, forcing me to shut it down to avoid any further damage. Since I’m still on our extended visit to Costa Rica, I’m operating at less than optimum conditions, (using my husband’s laptop) and though it has impacted my work routine for the remainder of my trip, it has not stopped me from doing what I can until my computer is restored to its pristine condition.
Add to this the onset of rainy season here in Grecia in full force. While the mornings are glorious, the sunshine gives way to the buildup of clouds which result in hurricane type microbursts (without the heavy wind) on and off throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. Since the electrical system in our rental home does not have any surge protection available, my time has been even more limited than usual online.
This is NOT the way it was supposed to go! I was supposed to be basking in the beauty of this country, happily blogging in my hammock overlooking the coffee fields. I confess I spent a while being angry at myself for not trusting my gut instinct about that link, but soon realized that was not only not going to change my current situation, it was counterproductive to buy into that negativity.
I realized that I was grateful for having a backup computer available, so I could quickly and effectively protect my online data, notify our contacts and start putting together a plan of action for my return to the States next week.
I also remembered why we came to Costa Rica, and that is to determine whether or not we could live here. Having experienced the electrical issues was a blessing, since when we do return here (and we will, at least for another extended stay) one thing I will be sure of is that the electrical system is sufficient. We now know we CAN get true high speed here, an imperative for me to be able to work online. Since my time is somewhat limited online until I get home, I can spend some of it exploring other nearby towns where we want to consider living. We’ll be spending at least one day with a realtor looking at rentals and homes for sale, so we can make an informed decision about returning. I suspect had my laptop not had a meltdown and the weather and lack of electrical surge protection had not made itself known, a big part of the purpose of this visit would never have been addressed.
So I am thankful for the obstacles that come my way, for in them, I find the answers I was really seeking. Remember that the obstacles you face in your own life, whether personal or professional, are likely put there for you to see the real opportunity that lies just on the other side of the barrier. If you see an obstacle as something to get out of your way or overcome, instead of something that is blocking you, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results you can achieve!
A Leap Of Faith
The following is a copy form my Monday Morning Inspiration newsletter from Tools To Life. It resonated with me this morning and I wanted to pass it on. Have a great day!
There are times in our life where we reach a chasm. We find ourselves at the edge of a gap between where we are and getting to that next level. We know we want to be on the other side. We can see it and yet we are standing still at the edge staring down and the gap between where we are and where we want to be. Even though the distance between our ledge and the ledge of where we want to be is not beyond our capabilities, we don’t jump. We could if we commit ourselves to jump from one side to the other without falling into the gap. Yet, we stand there frozen.
At those times, instead of taking that leap, we start backing away from the ledge. We let our fear and self doubt take over. We let the comfort of what we know dominate over what could be and what we wish for truly in our hearts. As we back up we fall into our old circumstances and behavior. Even though we have worked hard to get away from those circumstances and or behavior, it is what we know and what we are comfortable with. Then, in our minds we see the retreat as failure.
What we do not recognize is that backing up for a moment is how we create success. Backing up allows us two advantages, we can confirm that we do not want to live on this side of the chasm. Think of it as a parting taste of what was. Even more than that last taste, think of it as what is needed to truly get to the other side, because in fact what you are doing is backing up so that you can take a running start and clear that gap with ease. So there is no failure, only backing up to take a running start, because failure, if you insist on using that word, is what is needed to create success. Without failure there is no success, it is what’s needed to get that running start to take that leap.
So don’t be afraid of backing up, or once again, I know you want to say fail. Failure is part of success. The idea though, is not to back up too far. If you do, once you take that running start you will be worn out before you reach the chasm to leap, and you will stay stuck until you regain your energy. You have to recognize that you are backing up and you have to stop and commit to moving forward with your life.
Once you take that run towards the edge, one of three things will happen. There are those that the fear will take over and they will stop well short of the edge. There are those who will try and stop but wait to long and fall into the gap. They fall into worse circumstances, not because they could not move forward, but because they were consumed with doubt once they jumped. Then there are those who commit and take that leap of faith and easily make to the other side.
The more you fear the gap the bigger the gap becomes in your mind. That is just your perception, the gap never changes in size. Crossing the gap, if you commit, you can always make it, but your fear controls how you see it.
Commit today to moving forward. Believe in yourself and in the life you want to create. The life you want is on the other side of the chasm. Are you going to jump or stay stuck on this side? Take a leap of faith and break free. It is in those moments when you leap that you are truly free. There you are in the air, and it seems as that time for a moment gets suspended. Your senses are aware of everything going on and you feel fully alive. You are hyper focused on the approaching ledge and landing safely on the other side. It is that moment that you truly leave the past behind as your mind becomes clear of everything that was holding you back. It is in those moments that you become truly connected to your purpose.
Your purpose is always to move forward in life. Your purpose is not to avoid the leap by burying yourself in the safety of routine. Your purpose is not avoiding life in front of a TV or computer or electronic device. Your purpose is not escaping life with alcohol, drugs, food, sex or other. Your purpose is moving forward creating more, living more, feeling more and being alive. You cannot be connected to purpose staying stuck on this side of the chasm. Take that leap and feel alive. Land on the other side and leave the past behind. Don’t fear falling back as it is just you getting ready to take a running start. Start running and take that leap, that leap of faith.
-Devlyn Steele
