The early months of this year brought major challenges, as well as blessings, for many folks. They certainly brought many unique challenges and blessings for me.
We live through series of highs and lows. We need the good times, but with them come challenges that teach and build faith.
People talk about escaping from reality when times get tough, but how about turning that around? Why not "escape into reality" instead? By escaping into reality, we can begin to see those highs and lows for what they are.
So where do we find that elusive venue called reality, and how can we be sure we're escaping into it rather than from it? Here are some clues.
Reality is found in many very ordinary things. We hear it in a grandparent's gentle voice and feel it in a child's big warm hug. We also experience it in compassion during adversity and see it in thrilling visions for the future. However, it is easy to confuse self-limiting beliefs with reality.
Several years ago, I had a huge goal for a fund-raiser to help a local cancer victim and his family. Someone said to me, "Get real! You can't possibly do that." I smiled and said, "You're right. It seems like a lot, and it would be tough doing it alone. But I am certainly real, so if you'll help lead this, we could do even more." We did outdistance our goal because we invited enough people to "get real" about a worthy cause.
Escaping into reality can also uncover more of the happiness hiding in life's shadows. In other words, we can view situations from perspectives of love rather than fear.
We can create visions of hope based on new behaviors rather than regret based on past mistakes. We can look beyond appearances to find more love and abundance in every aspect of our lives. The vision of a goal must become as tangible a reality in the mind and heart as if you had reached out and touched it with your hand.
Begin by giving thanks for all you have now. Just for a moment, imagine you are a child discovering newness in everything. Then fast-forward with a child's faith, honoring what you intend to accomplish in your lifetime.
An anonymous author wrote, "Happiness lies for those who cry, who hurt, who have searched, and who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of the people who have touched their lives."
God has blessed us with a treasure trove of reality: His unending love for us. Love is the one true reality, and when your feelings and motives are based on love rather than fear, you'll know your escape was successful. Share the reality of God's love with someone who needs encouragement today.
Looking and listening for the many small miracles in your life will reveal what is actually possible. Do you need some time away? Escape into reality today. The Creator's love will guide every step you take.
© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve your top potential. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com
Consider this. If it is possible to quote you as... Read More
Don't let anyone kid you. The road to self improvement... Read More
Surfing is mindfulness in action. Riding the biggest waves is... Read More
Riding a rush, being juiced, flying high-this is the feeling... Read More
Keeping a journal during the coaching process is one of... Read More
A subscriber recently wrote to me and asked me to... Read More
(Excerpted from the Jim Rohn Two Day Weekend event -... Read More
How often do you decline an invitation because you have... Read More
You've heard the saying, "You are what you eat." I... Read More
People have a tendency of anticipating pending change on the... Read More
I have been a business owner for about a minute.... Read More
"Can't see the forest because of the trees," heard it... Read More
Yesterday I was but a child, looking. Looking ahead at... Read More
He was pushing a cart containing crates of soft drinks... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 27,... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 21,... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 7,... Read More
The Thorns of Opportunity...What are you trying so hard to... Read More
When was the last time you felt you were enough... Read More
"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can... Read More
The greatest achievements were obtained by those who took one... Read More
In a recent disaster, a man was asked why he... Read More
One day Mr. Shoaff said, "Jim, if you want to... Read More
Thanks to Walt Disney's "The Lion King", children the world... Read More
I remember when I was just a little guy probably... Read More
Unfortunately, most people fail to plan until it is too... Read More
Ah, the good old "Vulcan nerve pinch", the three-fingered salute,... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 21,... Read More
The direction of our lives is determined by the choices... Read More
What are the odds of someone doing extraordinary things if... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 31,... Read More
This morning at 5:22am to 6am, I was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed... Read More
Carlos' Words of Wisdom1. Today is your day to exceed,... Read More
My best friend, Ryan, told me last night he got... Read More
Some people live in and talk about the past so... Read More
Why is it so difficult to hold steadfast to a... Read More
"Desire is a tremendous force, and must be directed in... Read More
The quest for the ultimate victory.In part one I shared... Read More
A WORD FITLY SPOKENA word fitly spoken is like apples... Read More
I wanted, for many many years, to be a mystery... Read More
*In the last couple of months, I have been fortunate... Read More
Pregnant with her first child, Jill could barely contain her... Read More
"I would like to pray more. But ... how to... Read More
Given a steady wind and a properly balanced kite, the... Read More
I have always thought that grandparents were the icons of... Read More
Many of us invest quality time and energy into our... Read More
This is a true story. A woman had Snow White... Read More
1. Once a week, visit somewhere you've never been before.... Read More
Have you ever thought of what it would take to... Read More
What is passion? Recently after a presentation, I was once... Read More
Inspirational Inspirational |
|