Posts Tagged ‘courage’

Just Say Yes

“Cages or wings, which do you prefer?  Ask the birds.

Fear or Love, baby?  Don’t say the answer.

Actions speak louder than words.”

~ Jonathan Larson – “Louder Than Words” Tick, Tick …Boom! ~

(click here for video)

♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥

“Doesn’t it all go by in a blink?” ~ William Parrish Meet Joe Black

Life is…Strong.  Spontaneous.  Purposeful.  Precious.  Loving.  Joyful.  Fleeting.  Fragile.  Beautiful.

It seems yesterday I was a gawky, zealous six year old awkwardly scrambling up trees tracing animal shapes in cottony clouds.  Seemingly overnight stars transitioned from wishing vehicles to the methodology by which one determines suitable hotels and restaurants.  Carefree days became angst-filled teen years, the precursor to identity-shifting adulthood.  Decades evaporated in a blink.  Confidence became caution.  Playfulness became purpose.  Dreams became disappointments.  Letting go became holding on.  Yes became no.

Children are naturally inclined to say and believe in “Yes”.  Yes, I can fly.  Yes, let’s play.  Yes, let’s pretend.  Yes, we are friends.  Yes, I will be president.  An abandoned refrigerator box becomes a spaceship, a clubhouse, an automobile …a dreammobile.  Possibilities are everywhere dripping from the vine of life ripe for the picking.  Parents and authority figures say, “You can do and be anything you desire.”  That is, of course, until we don our superhero cape crafted from the dining table fine linen as we leap from the second-story window onto the trampoline and into the pool believing we are saving the world in a single bound.  We grow into adults and become inundated with rules and restrictions “for our own good”.  We censor ourselves to please parents and teachers.  We edit ourselves to be more acceptable to friends.  We abbreviate ourselves for the workplace.  We numb ourselves for relationships.  We become alternate versions of ourselves confused by own life choices as we wake up one morning wondering how we got here.

Film has a beautiful ability to transport us outside ourselves offering us the opportunity to witness ourselves more clearly as we identify with colorful characters on the screen.  “The Boys Are Back”, is an endearing film in which Clive Owen plays Joe Warr, a widower, raising his son alone.  Joe vacillates between licking his own wounds and nurturing his son.  The movie speaks to the unpredictability of life, the vulnerability of asking for help, and is a sweet reminder that we are all doing the best we can with who we are and what we’ve got.  The vastness and infinite capacity of the human heart to Love intermittently weaves tenderness and truth throughout reminding us that life is a dish best served living passionately and wholly.  Colorfully scrawled across Joe’s refrigerator a child’s alphabet magnets spell, “Just Say Yes”. The phrase cleverly referenced from a youthful perspective suggests it is the openness of youth that fully embraces the “Yes, Life” philosophy.

“Just Say Yes.”

Yes is …bursting with possibility, exciting, exhilarating, freeing, invigorating, life-altering, rejuvenating and wonderful.

How easily we become engrossed in the busyness of life convincing ourselves it’s really living.  Budgets, errands, housework, obligations, and projects occupy thoughts and create an infinite “to do” list.  How quickly our feathers ruffle in petty squabbles with family members, friends, and coworkers.  How much we ponder inadequate thoughts of “if”, “then”, and “when”.  If it works out, then I’ll be happy. I’ll be happy when… How much time we invest in distracting ourselves from really listening to our hearts.  How quickly we abandon our dreams for practical choices that later require us to devise some elaborate escape from our self-crafted birdcage.  How willingly we mire ourselves in nonsensical things that in the end amount to little more than distractions.  How guilty we feel for indulging in life’s pleasures, in savoring moments, convincing ourselves we should be more …more efficient, more organized, more successful, etc..  We sacrifice adventure and whimsy for the “known” because we’ve convinced ourselves change is somehow unnatural or negative.  We become hypnotized by fear, holding on to our illusions about self and the world, nervous about change, pruning and miniaturizing our wings like bonsai trees.

How quickly our priorities shift when there is a perceived loss of some sort.  The sudden removal of someone or something from our lives seems to open wide a vast chasm for self-introspection into which we either delve deeper for a closer view or recoil abruptly horrified.  Loss is a license to drop the veil, to cast away illusions, to allow ourselves to just be.  Powerlessness and mortality are met by divinity us staring squarely in the face, asking, “Now what?  Now that you know, what will you choose?”  We have the opportunity to choose faith or fear.  Faith is claiming our desires, professing our blessings, proclaiming our championship with tangible results to appear only after our leap.  Fear magnifies the worst-case scenario with all the grit and gore of a scary movie, rooted in the identity-crisis, “who will I be if this happens?”  Fear is only no, and faith is always yes.

Every event offers an opportunity – the opportunity to decide the meaning we will attach to it.  The meanings we choose formulate our thoughts, which generate feelings that power actions to form habits and become the character that ultimately determines our legacy.  I’ve begun thinking about the legacy I am creating every day and what will remain behind when I am no longer in this physical body.  I used to choose based on what I’d hoped others would think of me. Lately, I’ve been asking myself what I’d like the movie of my life to be.  How am I investing my time, resources and energy?  What type of person am I choosing to be?  Am I being a blessing in the world?  I’ve moved from reacting to responding and recognizing my opportunity to plant Love seeds every day.

It seems that what goes by in the blink of our life is Love.  Love usurps the logical and rational.  It mystifies and mesmerizes.  It is the stuff of epic novels and love songs.  Love is fodder for fantasy and miracles.

Love is… the only legacy.

Just Say Yes.

©2010 Susan Stackpole  www.susanstackpole.com

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Care to use this article for your e-zine or newsletter?  Please include the following

Susan Stackpole, certified creative consultant and results expert, is the #1 coach for celebrities, VIPs, and people serious about getting results and living their best lives.  Are you ready to ignite your potential, jump-start your success, and achieve quick, effect results while living your dreams?  If so, please visit www.susanstackpole.com where you’ll find free resources for living your best life.  While you’re there, sign up for the monthly newsletter, which includes celebrity tips for manifesting destiny in style.   Contact Susan today for more information on mapping your destiny.

Faith

Cliff Divers by twotom192004 ( will return later this summer).

Aloha.

Thank You for your joining me here in our cozy corner of the world.  My wish is that you feel inspired, joyful, loved, and peaceful.  May the summer possibilities free your heart.

Relax.  Breathe.  Allow your dreams to come out and play.

Today’s topic is something people have studied for centuries.  It is an idea that has ignited many a passionate discussion and about which numerous books have been written from varying points of view.  I feel, in my humble opinion, it boils down to making a singular choice and committing one’s self fully to that choice, which, in theory, sounds simple, though seems to require a delicate balance of patience, self-discipline, and skilled application.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was reminded of this very thing this past week as I found myself overly concerned regarding a specific decision.  I was examining various possibilities and entertaining various scenarios, concerned with making the “right” choice while simultaneously fretting a bit and jubilantly rejoicing the changes forthcoming.  The thought struck me that real character is claiming one’s own resourcefulness and trusting one’s own ability to choose wisely.  It is ultimately saying, “Yes, I can, and I will” in thought, feeling, and action.  True character, then, is walking in faith, knowing that all shall be well.  I very clearly became aware that if I really and truly walk in faith, then fear is an illusion keeping me from living my dreams.  If I really walk in faith, worry is only an insignificant thought.  If I were living in faith, deep in my core would be a resounding peace that everything will always be okay regardless of circumstance or outcome.

It sounds so deliciously simple and blissfully easy, like a young child skipping through a daisy field, a simple choice, and if so, then why do I still sometimes question and doubt?  Why am I quick to jump in when fear offers to chauffeur me around for a while?

Faith is easy when everything is going well, but then it’s not really faith, is it?  “Going well” is simply a matter of perspective anyway.  It’s easy to believe in something which you already see happening.  What about believing everything is working out for the good even when it feels like the world is ending?   What about trusting in divine power when the only reason for resilience is the whisper of a prayer carried safely on the wings of angels nestled in the hope that someone, somewhere will send relief?

Faith believes …always.  That  is faith.

The Princeton Dictionary defines faith as “a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny” or “complete confidence in a person or plan etc”

Okay.  That is about as inspired of a definition as waiting all week to dine at a new restaurant only to discover that the cardboard from a microwave dinner has more texture and tastes more flavorful than whatever they attempted serve up as a gourmet meal.  We’re talking FAITH here, people!  Faith, you know, that little thing that allowed Jesus to walk on water.  Faith – the fire that inspired pilgrims to risk their lives crossing foreign waters to establish a country based on equal rights.  Faith – the passion inside visionaries like the Wright Brothers, who kept going even when everyone said it couldn’t be done.

Faith believes in miracles and possibilities.  It trusts blessings are forthcoming in your life.  It steps forward out of hesitation into possibility.  It surrenders to a divine power and allows itself to receive help.  Faith recognizes and welcomes opportunities availing themselves.  Faith displays a peacock’s flair of splendid attributes, and though visually exquisite as they may be, absorbing and integrating them as part of one’s being is another matter entirely.

Here’s how I like to check and see if I’m living faith.  Notice I said “living faith” instead of “living in faith”.  I feel when you fully embrace something you become it, which in this case is living, breathing faith in motion.  Okay – here’s how I check myself.  Have you ever in the history of your life asked yourself, “Hmm. I wonder if gravity is working today.  Maybe  I’ll jump from a ridiculously high structure just to be sure.”  Silly, right?  Well, that’s faith – certain, solid belief.  I’ll admit, sometimes I’m tempted to look for signs to “test” if my prayers are being heard.  The ego jumps in with all sorts of questions, sidetracking with mental rubbish.  Will this opportunity work out?  What do I do now?  Will I be okay?  The ego is especially famous for his “what if” questions in every possible variation, which it knows will distract me for hours as my analytical brain attempts to untangle the ridiculously tangled ball of twine.

True faith is a resounding, “Yes, I know I am okay whatever happens.”  Faith knows with absolute certainty that life is happening for you, that even the most challenging circumstances are creating something in your life that is meant to help you.  Someone once told me that God only allows suffering that brings us closer to divine wisdom.  If this is true, it further suggests that everything happens for our greater good and that faith, theoretically speaking, is a stroll in the park. This is such a deeply profound concept that I shall revisit it at another time when I can offer it spotlight and center stage for closer inspection.

For me, two people whom I feel are outstanding examples of living faith are Nick Vujicic http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org and Bethany Hamilton  http://www.bethanyhamilton.com.

Nick Vujicic was born without any appendages, with the exception of one digit protruding from his hip.  He faced extremely dark times in his life and cites his faith as the reason he has kept going.  Nick is a college graduate and travels around the world speaking to groups about the power of getting up every time you fall.

Bethany Hamilton is a self-professed soul surfer who, in her early teens, lost an arm in a tiger shark attack of the Hawaiian coast.  Weeks prior to the attack, Bethany recalls a conversation with her Mom, in which she said she felt as if God was going to use her in a special way.  When asked if she wishes the attack didn’t happen, she replies without hesitation, “No”.  Bethany goes on to say that she’s living her life in a righteous way being of service to others and perhaps, had it not occurred, she would be tempted to step off the path she knows God has for her.  Bethany continues to compete in surfing contests, and a feature film is being made about her life.

Faith honors that small, still voice inside that says, “Yes, You can.”

The 64th Tony Awards is the perfect example of faith in action.  Millions watch as actors, dancers, composers, directors, producers, set-designers, vocalists, writers, and more gather together to celebrate the magic of Broadway.  Thousands of talented performers wade their way through countless auditions, subsisting on soda, saltines, and Ramen noodles while cramming themselves, a half dozen at a time, into a miniscule one bedroom apartment in search of realizing the golden dream …and what keeps them going?  Faith.

“This is the stuff dreams are made of.” ~ Eddie Redmayne

Scarlett Johansson, upon winning her Tony Award, thanked Liev Schreiber, for teaching her to, “Never anticipate anything,” and while she’s describing acting, it’s also a fitting definition of faith.  Faith believes we’re supported in discovering within ourselves a wealth of strength and resourcefulness to process whatever comes along; therefore, there is no need to anticipate anything.  How freeing it would be to get to that place of simply existing, trusting the process, and being peaceful, , and as Julian Norwich says, “…and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

“Be here now.” ~ Ram Dass

One of my favorite movie moments is in Evan Almighty, in which God explains how prayers are answered.  I’ll close with thought this to ponder.

“Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?”

What is faith?  Faith believes in miracles while walking in possibility knowing Love answers all things.

©2010 Susan Stackpole  www.susanstackpole.com

♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥ ~ ♫ ~ ♥

Want to use this article for your e-zine or newsletter?  Please include the following

Susan Stackpole, certified creative consultant and results expert, is the #1 coach for celebrities, VIPs, and people serious about getting results and living their best lives.  Are you ready to ignite your potential, jump-start your success, and achieve quick, effect results while living your dreams?  If so, please visit www.susanstackpole.com where you’ll find free resources for living your best life.  While you’re there, sign up for the monthly newsletter, which includes celebrity tips for manifesting destiny in style.   Contact Susan today for more information on mapping your destiny.

Aloha.

Thank You for your joining me here in our cozy corner of the world. My wish is that you feel inspired, joyous, loved, and peaceful. May the summer possibilities set free your heart.

Relax. Breath. Allow your dreams to come out and play.

Today’s topic is something people have studied for centuries. It is an idea about which numerous books have been written from varying points of view. I feel, in my humble opinion, it boils down to making a singular choice and committing one’s self fully to that choice, which, in theory, sounds simple, though seems to require a delicate balance of patience, self-discipline, and skilled application.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was reminded of this very thing this past week as I found myself overly concerned regarding a specific decision. I was examining various possibilities and entertaining various scenarios, concerned with making the “right” choice while simultaneously fretting a bit and jubilantly rejoicing the changes forthcoming. The thought struck me that real character is claiming one’s own resourcefulness and trusting one’s own ability to make savvy decisions. It’s ultimately saying, “Yes, I can, and I will” in thought, feeling, and action. True character, then, is walking in faith, knowing that all shall be well. I very clearly became aware that if I really and truly walk in faith, then fear an illusion keeping me from living my dreams. If I really walk in faith, worry is only a fleeting thought. If I were living in faith, deep in my core would be a resounding peace that everything will always be okay regardless of circumstance or outcome.

It sounds so deliciously simple and blissfully easy, like a young child skipping through a daisy field. It’s simply a matter of choice, and if so, then why do I still sometimes question and doubt? Why am I quick to jump in when fear offers to chauffer me around for a while?

Faith is easy when everything is going well, but then it’s not really faith, is it? It’s easy to believe in something which you already see happening. What about believing it’s all working out in what feels the end of the world, when the only reason for resilience is the whisper of a prayer carried safely on the wings of angels nestled in hope that someone, somewhere will send relief?

Faith believes …always. That is faith.

The Princeton Dictionary defines faith as “a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny” or “complete confidence in a person or plan etc”

Okay. That is about as inspired of a definition as waiting all week to dine at a new restaurant only to discover that the cardboard from a microwave dinner has more texture and tastes more flavorful than whatever they attempted serve up as a gourmet meal. We’re talking FAITH here, people! Faith, you know, that little thing that allowed Jesus to walk on water. Faith – the fire that inspired pilgrims to risk their lives crossing foreign waters to establish a country based on equal rights. Faith – the passion inside visionaries like the Wright Brothers, who kept going even when everyone said it couldn’t be done.

Faith believes in miracles and possibilities. It trusts blessings are forthcoming in your life. It steps forward out of hesitation into possibility. It surrenders to a divine power and allows itself to receive help. Faith recognizes and acts upon opportunities availing themselves..

Whew.

Faith displays a peacock’s flair of splendid attributes, though visually exquisite as they may be, absorbing them in and allowing them to integrate as part of one’s self is another matter entirely.

Here’s how I like to think of it really and truly living faith. Notice I said “living faith” instead of “living in faith”. I feel when you fully embrace something you become it, which in this case is a living, breathing faith in motion. Have you ever in the history of your life asked yourself, “Hmm. I wonder if gravity is working today. Maybe I’ll jump from a ridiculously high structure just to be sure.” Silly, right? Yet, sometimes we search for signs to “test” if our prayers are being heard and answered. The ego jumps in with all sorts of questions, sidetracking us with mental rubbish. Will this opportunity work out? Will s/he still love me if I change? Will I be okay?

True faith is a resounding, “Yes, I know I am okay whatever happens.” Faith is knowing with absolute certainty that life is happening for you, that even the most challenging circumstances are creating something in your life that is meant to help you.

Someone once told me that God only allows suffering that brings us closer to divine wisdom. If this is true, it further suggests that everything happens for us and that walking in faith theoretically should be a walk in the park. It’s such a deep and profound concept that I’ll revisit it at another time. It deserves center stage and a spotlight for closer inspection.

For me, two people whom I feel are outstanding examples of living faith are Nick Vujicic http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org and Bethany Hamilton http://www.bethanyhamilton.com.

Nick Vujicic was born without any appendages, with the exception of one digit protruding from his thigh. He faced extremely dark times in his life and cites his faith as the reason he has kept going. Nick is a college graduate and travels around the world speaking to groups about the power of getting up every time you fall.

Bethany Hamilton is a self-professed soul surfer who, in her early teens, lost an arm in a tiger shark attack of the Hawaiian coast. Weeks prior to the attack, Bethany recalls a conversation with her Mom, in which she said she felt as if God was going to use her in a special way. When asked if she wishes the attack didn’t happen, she replies without hesitation, “No”. Bethany goes on to say that she’s living her life in a righteous way being of service to others and perhaps, had it not occurred, she would be tempted to step off the path she knows God has for her. Bethany continues to compete in surfing contests, and a feature film is being made about her life.

Faith is honoring that small, still voice inside that says, “Yes, You can.”

The 64th Tony Awards is the perfect example of faith in action. Millions watch as actors, dancers, composers, directors, producers, set-designers, vocalists, writers, and more gather together to celebrate the magic of Broadway. Thousands of talented performers wade their way through countless auditions, subsisting on soda, saltines, and ramen noodles while cramming themselves, a half dozen at a time, into a miniscule one bedroom apartment in search of the golden dream …and what keeps them going? Faith.

“This is the stuff dreams are made of.” ~ Eddie Redmayne

Scarlett Johansson, upon winning her Tony Award, thanked Liev Schreiber, for teaching her to, “Never anticipate anything,” and while she’s describing acting, it’s also a fitting definition of faith. Faith believes we’re supported in discovering within ourselves a wealth of strength and resourcefulness to process whatever comes along; therefore, there is no need to anticipate anything. How freeing it would be to get to that place of simply existing, trusting the process, and being at peace, , and as Julian Norwich says, “…and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

“Be here now.” ~ Ram Dass

One of my favorite quotations is from Evan Almighty, in which God is explaining how prayers are answered. I’ll close with this to ponder.

“Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?”

What is faith? Faith believes in miracles while walking in possibility knowing Love answers all things.

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