The Road to ? Is Paved with Good Intentions and Commitment, or How Emotional Release is Exhilirating!

Good feelings abound as holidays and special occasions take place, only to dissipate once the calendar page is torn away. What does this mean? Basically that holidays come with more than festivities - they come with good intentions, too. And lots of emotions.

Let's take a look at the following, well-known holidays and what transpires before, during and after:

• New Year's Eve. Leading up to it we feel anticipation, excitement at the opportunity for a brand new start. During the evening we revel and speak of new beginnings - resolutions that will turn our lives around. The change is generally short-lived as, after New Year's Day, we feel the let down of the momentum and the reality that change takes place when we make a commitment to our emotions and intentions.
• St. Valentine's Day. Leading up to it we feel excited about love - having it, looking for it or finding it. We're convinced that our soul mate will manifest in response to our heart's wish and our mind's good thoughts. We assure ourselves that we will proactively participate in our relationship or open ourselves up to love, hence receiving our true love. Afterward, when the last petal falls off the delicate rose, we are left with no observable difference in our life because the momentum left and we did not commit to our emotions or intentions.
• Independence Day. Leading up to it we feel an enormous pride in our nation, community, family and those serving on our behalf. We buy the red, white and blue plates, cups and napkins, purchase colorful fireworks and go to town having a good time in recognition of our country's past, present and future. We vow to undertake duties not taken before, and participate in events that support our nation. What happens a day later is back to what is in front of our noses - no more, no less. The passion, pride and momentum falls off abruptly as the red, white and blue garlands are packed away; emotions and intentions packed away with the decorations.

The same goes for Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and personal celebrations.

The point is, emotions and ideals, of what we should be doing in the big picture and for the greater good, is short lived when it is based on sensory emotions: seeing the hustle and bustle leading up to a big holiday, hearing the associated music, smelling the special holiday foods and, of course, tasting them. The holidays play on our emotions like violin music in a romantic drama.

There is no way that the intent to commit to the moment will last. It's like walking out of the movie theater, eyes red from crying, and twenty minutes later chomping on a smoked meat sandwich with your friends, laughing at one of their inane comments.

Now, there is no right or wrong here. Just like having a good cry after a sad movie (or a laugh after a particularly funny one) is good for the soul, so are the holidays, and the emotions they evoke.

On the other hand, if you don't want it to be short-lived and disappear in a puff of smoke, try drafting a map for yourself. The greatest journeys have all started with one little step. This blog is more about having options and fulfilling your own personal needs than it is about redirecting. We all love to be the directors of our own movie. This is one way of looking at two possibilities during the year's many holidays and special occasions.

Emotional release and personal change are both good things. Be open to either.

The

World

is

Yours.

Tick – Tick – Tick

Watching the World Population Clock I witnessed 40 births documented within a span of 10 seconds.
It was estimated, March 1, 2007, that by the year 2050 there would be 7.3 to 10.7 billion people on earth. Our planet's population is currently at over 7.230 billion, and it's only 2014.
Life is doubling, tripling, expanding at a rate never imagined. Mother Earth has a heavy load, and as the world's population expands and (figuratively) explodes (or is it literally?) the collective consciousness is becoming more aware and questioning what life is, what comes after life, and is this the only life?
If you think this is the only life, consider this: after an egg is laid, a larva forms and a caterpillar is born, after which the pupa (or chrysalis) emerges as a butterfly. The life cycle of the butterfly takes on many forms and never ends. From egg to larva, caterpillar to butterfly, and egg once more, the cycle continues.
The World Population Clock documents births and deaths – the growth of earth's inhabitants surpasses deaths by more than two times.
And if you know that energy is never extinguished, it only takes on other forms, eg. ice, water, steam, and you understand the life cycle of the butterfly, where do you suppose our energy (soul, spirit, life force) goes? Where does it end up – and does it ever end?
Speculation as to life after death, reincarnation and a higher consciousness that never needs to return to the cycle of life, is ongoing. The greatest minds, and most inquisitive and creative thinkers, still cannot conclusively determine what goes on after our flame has been extinguished.
Yet we know that the energy is never extinguished, and it is for this reason that we may want to focus on our eternal energy that is a continuum, linking from past lives and situations to more positive experiences that build to a point where energy is pure.

Like stacking blocks, lower ones are bigger and more cumbersome supporting a size less massive, lighter and higher - reaching toward the sky. Can this be a model for our life force? Is our own personal evolution moving toward a time where we need never to return to physical form, only a mind – consciousness with no body, floating on the thin air between galaxies?
Speculation, interpretation, creative thinking and evolution, both of the mind and the physical form, have not been able to arrive at a final conclusion.
What we may wish to figure out is how to become lighter, higher more evolved to the point at which we mingle with the souls of our past and float forever in the vast universe.
Is this the goal – heaven – panacea for the many lives we've lived? Maybe it's time we started thinking about it.
The clock is tick – tick – ticking.

I Cross a Stream, I Have a Dream

Do you think you could jump from a second story window into a large body of water below? How about if there was a raging fire starting to burn through the door, and leaping off the ledge was the only possible way out of the room?

Thank goodness most of us will never be faced with a life or death situation such as this, however, every day hundreds of thousands of individuals deal with overwhelming situations that call for action and they find that they cannot make the transition. They're afraid to jump, yet to remain means to get badly burned, or worse. Rooted to the spot where they stand because of emotional paralysis, a fear based behavior, the ability to move forward evades them, and the deadly flames engulf them.

The flames can represent almost anything – a rotten business deal, a marriage gone bad, unhappiness with your choice of college major, or experiencing buyers' remorse.

Too many stay in their bad deal, allowing the flames to lick higher and higher, causing profuse sweating, blistering and pain as the fire overtakes them and snuffs out their lives. It's heart-wrenching, when all they had to do was take a leap of faith into the cool, life-saving water below.

What's scarier is the fact that most of these decisions are not life or death situations – they're decisions that end up being either right or wrong for you, but death will not ensue. Action was never taken to find out.

To reach your dreams and realize them in a big way, it takes more for some and less for others. Some people are looking for the next challenge in all aspects of their lives. And many shy away from the decision-making that can lead them to greener pastures (or failure). Now you might think that if they knew that there would be greener pastures and no failure, they would take the leap of faith but surprisingly, the idea of making a choice is just as difficult for a guaranteed good outcome than not.

Fear of the unknown prevents many from having a full, well-rounded life. Afraid to travel, commit to a partner or job or move to a new city keeps these individuals in a pretty monotonous life.

In Abba's hit, I Have a Dream, the lyrics are simple but evocative of a deeper belief system:

I have a dream, a song to sing
To help me cope with anything
If you see the wonder of a fairy tale
You can take the future even if you fail
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream

I have a dream, a fantasy
To help me through reality
And my destination makes it worth the while
Pushing through the darkness still another mile
I believe in angels
Something good in everything I see
I believe in angels
When I know the time is right for me
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream
I'll cross the stream, I have a dream

The line, "Something good in everything I see," is extremely important, as it underlines the concept that all experiences are valuable. Shutting out decision making because of fear of the outcome is shutting out life.

Change your college major, try a new job, ask the young lady with the pretty smile to join you for a cup of coffee, book tickets for an adventure. Start living life. The worst that can happen? You add another experience to your list. Perhaps you do find what you were looking for. Until you open your eyes, mind and heart, you will never know.

Mergers Under Pressure

If you could write your own story, predetermine your life, what would it be? What would you be: teacher, astronaut, philanthropist, pilot, surgeon, author or artist? Would your story be without controversy or drama, pain free, fearless and inspiring - void of anything unsettling - perfect on every level and in every way?

The thing about stories is everyone has one. While we are living our stories, others are living theirs. We cannot control anybody else - what, why or how they feel or what they do. It makes sense then that regardless if we had a genie ready to grant us any wish, our wish would not necessarily turn out the way we envisioned it. It couldn't. There is an indeterminate amount of varying factors reliant on other people's stories.

Because it is impossible for our story to exist apart from an others story, we are destined to be dependent upon others lives and actions. A hermit living deep within the hills with no neighbors for miles shares the ripple effects of unrelated events. The hermit may become sick from a crop duster flying off course or be charged by an injured animal hit by a hunter's less than perfect shot. He may find himself host to a lost camper or receiver of a balloon with a message that pierces his heart with emotion. Each episode of life interacts with our own. We live in a never ending, continuously enlarging web of connections, whether we like it or not; whether we want it or not; whether we acknowledge it or not, other people's lives evolve and involve us.


Brace Yourself
When stories merge, they create other stories. Brangelina (Brad and Angelina) are living proof! They merged and have the offspring to prove it. Closer to home, we also meet our mates, procreate and build families. Trees drop seeds and create larger forests. On every level, it's the natural progression of all living things. It's not only about procreation, though. Businesses merge and forge new affiliations. Children join together at the beginning of each new school year and build new relationships with fellow classmates. Athletes come together and form teams. Workers form unions. Mergers are ongoing.

Mergers with No Acquisitions
Stories, events, happenings, situations - good, bad, or otherwise - take place whether you sequester yourself or socialize in a big way. Since this is the case, it would make sense that we would want to have our stories merge with good stories, positive energy and people who can relate to our initiatives and visions. These other people want, hope for and expect the same of us. How can we do this and guarantee that the merger is a good one?

If there were guarantees, there would be no divorce, mistreated children, seniors or animals, no spousal abuse, no hunger and no pain. Businesses would only flourish and have positive cash flow. How can we create resplendent mergers, vital connections and live the life we know we were divinely meant to live?

Know thyself. Know what you seek. Know that every thought, word and action is going to interact with an others, consequently impacting your own life as well as theirs. There aren't acquisitions to be made. There are mutually beneficial, synchronous relationships ready to take off.

To repeat: we are destined to be dependent upon others lives and actions. Therefore, they are also dependent on our lives and actions. If every path that we cross is reflective of our own behaviors, it would make sense that the value we place on our own happiness and fulfillment needs to be placed on every other person's life. Our great stories and successes are dependent on every connection we make.

When we collide we create upheaval, when we merge we create unity. If we do end up colliding from time to time, let us hope that they are of stellar proportions, eventually merging into an even larger star.

Have a listen to David Bowie and Freddie Mercury perform Under Pressure.

Dear 2014,

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you, but also to let you know there's a lot riding on your shoulders. As 2013's replacement, you should be aware that it is not an easy road ahead. There were many events in 2013 that grabbed the world's attention, most of which were sad, unwarranted, unnecessary.

True, over-the-top business deals took place: Yahoo purchased Tumblr for 1.1 billion and Microsoft nabbed Nokia for 7.2 billion, as well as the China Moon Rover moon landing; but what took place in between was sadness, destruction and devastation as death, natural disasters and terrorism reigned. The list is too long and too negative to bear reporting. It makes the heart heavy.

2014, please sit up and take note of what is not only expected of you but needed of you.

We, the people, need to know that the next 12 months will be better. We are a sturdy lot - we don't expect to have anything handed to us, but we are in dire need of more of the good stuff. More love, laughter, balance, passion, healthy challenges, the arts, civilization, enlightenment, divinity, gratitude, empathy, more healing among the masses; and peace.

Above all, peace.

No more harboring resentment, anger, accusations, ridicule, bullying, egos out of whack, cynicism, complacency, violence, needless words and hapless deeds. No more. No more. Pray thee, no more.

We're not sugar-coating your role. It is a tough job and you will hear many people's wrath as your term winds down. However, should you ride the winds of moral change and reveal fairer skies; should you place greater emphasis on kindness over final say, and mentor those who have no idea, who are clueless in matters of the heart (loving themselves, their families and strangers), you will go down in history as the greatest year yet.

Take this opportunity to be supreme. Take this challenge to lead the world in a different, more loving direction. Consider your term your legacy. Be the best year yet. We're counting on you.

With all sincerity and hope,

The Sweet Spot

You Can Never Go Wrong When You ...

Follow your heart
Share a smile
Find ways to improve yourself
Listen without judgement
Go the extra mile
Stand for something
Create beauty
Protect the innocent
Keep your word
Hold your tongue
Admit when you're wrong
Pay it forward
Think about others
Embrace the day
Mind your manners
Give without expectation
Rejoice in others success
Confront a fear
Say you're sorry
Play by the rules
and sometimes
Bend the rules for good

I call it the 'sweet spot'

When you know in your

Heart
Mind
Soul
Spirit

That good was created by your

Thoughts
Beliefs
Words
Actions
Mindfulness

'Tis the season
To be more than just jolly
'Tis the season
To be all that you can be

Wishing you and yours                                                                          

Blessings
Joy
Happiness
Peace
Contentment
Love

Never forgetting
Good will toward all men
Happens when you feel
The Sweet Spot in your Heart

Happiness in 3 Easy Steps - Third of Three Happiness Articles

Happiness is a warm puppy, states Charlie Brown of Schultz's Peanuts. According to The Beatles, it's a warm gun. This is taking creative or poetic license. We know that none of these things is happiness. So then - really - what is happiness?

Some feel that happiness is as difficult to achieve as it is to see a particle of dust. What's up with these people that seem happy all of the time, regardless of what's going on in the world, their job, finances or love-life? Is there some sort of correlation between craziness and happiness? Are they normal? There's turmoil everywhere! Why Are They Happy?

There are hundreds of thousands of people who guarantee that they can lead you to happiness  through their books, CDs, life coaching seminars, healing workshops, etc.

True, some of these tools are instrumental in putting one on the right path, yet, many stray a short time after. How does one find happiness and have it become a constant in their life?

The Secret to Happiness (yes, I truly believe this is the secret to happiness)

Here's the thing ... the secret to happiness is not necessarily found sitting atop the highest mountain with the most venerable guru, nor is it discovered while meditating and chanting words. All of these things may be a part of the journey and discovery process, but they are not what happiness is about.

Genuine, deep-rooted happiness comes about in a very different manner - usually during the most mundane of routines. And there are three things that many overlook when trying to find and hold onto happiness.

1. Identifying Happiness. (I see it!) Have you ever driven past a street as you're looking for it? When looking carefully chances are you won't pass it. You are being careful and going slowly enough to see when it's coming up. If you're moving along at a good pace, it's easy to miss. The same thing goes for happiness. If you are being mindful of your life and expectations, you will discover that happiness is constantly within your reach, numerous times a day - you're just going too fast to identify it. By slowing down and keeping your eyes and mind wide open, you will see it in its many guises. It's there, in both the large and miniscule moments of your day.
2. Attaining Happiness. (I'm experiencing it!) Once you have identified happiness and recognize the impact it has on your mind, body, soul and spirit; you have only to continue watching out for it and embracing the metamorphosis that you experience each time it happens. As a point of reference, think about one of your favorite foods and how it tastes when you are leisurely eating it, as opposed to eating the very same thing when you're rushed and on the run. See? It tastes differently based on your state of mind. When eaten leisurely it satisfies more than hunger, it's pleasurable; when eaten quickly it just fills a void, relieving pangs of hunger.
3. Retaining Happiness. (I'm holding onto it!) We all know that quick and easy fixes are momentary. Holding onto a valuable relationship or maintaining a healthy bank account are indicative of recognizing their importance and how they factor into your life. Divorce and financial ruin do not make for easy times. Retaining happiness is exactly the same thing. Going back to point 1, it takes identifying how it feels to be with it and without it. You can grab every opportunity for happiness, or miss the never-ending parade of opportunities in front of you.

It's All in Your Mind

For some, the excitement of tearing open a beautifully wrapped gift is enough in itself. Regardless of what is hidden inside, the fact that someone was thoughtful and giving is enough for them, and fills them with a complete sense of satisfaction. For others, the joy is in the gift. What's inside. They do not identify that the giver of this gift values them and took time thinking about what they would like, how to wrap it and then present it to them. Do the math - that was four opportunities to be happy instead of one (the gift inside). And the gift could have easily resulted in disappointment rather than in satisfaction.

Happiness is a state of mind that results from forming a habit. Identifying, attaining and retaining the abundance of daily opportunities can become a way of life and your own personal "happiness habit." When you start to appreciate and find happiness in the details of everyday events, it's like wiping your smudged eyeglasses and putting them back on for a second look. Spectacular.