I notice people talking about how hard everything is. Life, work, relationships, parenthood, growing up, letting go - you get the idea. We have programmed ourselves, and not in a positive way in most regards. Life is not supposed to be a struggle, we make it that way. It takes courage to say, “How easy can it be?”
Not making enough money? Set a goal of what you want to make - an end result. Perhaps you want to make $5,000, $10,00 or $15,000 or more a month. Pick an amount realistic to you, but stretch yourself a bit. Then say ” I don’t know the details of how this will happen, I may not know the way to make this happen, but I hand the details over to _________. Who do you trust in as a higher power, your source, a guardian angel? Use whatever you are familiar and comfortable with, or just the strength you know is inside of you.
Say the amount, hand it over and then say “How easy can it be?” Say it all day, feel it. There is an abundance of money on this planet, plenty of rich people. They have money, so can you. How easy can it be? Be a magnet for what you choose, because only you get to choose what comes into your life. Get used to knowing things are easy - not difficult. Reprogram your hard wiring.
You can use this statement for relationships, a job, health, joy, peace, financial freedom or any need you have. There is an abundance of all of these things everywhere, so it is available to everyone. Change your attitude with courage of conviction.
There is so much going on in the world right now that frightens people. You will see old dark systems crumble beneath the feet of those who have been living off the backs of the people. The lies we have been told will unfold faster than we can keep up. The world of finance, business, economics, technology, energy and global interaction will all change as new systems rise to take the place greed and corruption.
As these changes occur, we need to change what is in us as well. Look deep into old patterns. Anything unforgiven, anger, judgment of yourself and those around you, what is not working in your life and how you created it. How do you approach each day? Usually the same old tired way. Wake up and say this day will be different - “How easy can it be?” Change your self talk, feelings and actions to reflect these new miracles that are waiting to come into your life.
Will your try it? Just give it a chance. It takes courage to say “How easy can it be?” But, you know what? I know you can do it.
Reclaim your personal power with authority and courage. When you want to know about something or how to achieve a goal, it needs to be approached with nothing less than victory.
What is personal power? It is a feeling of something you are waiting to express or bring about. A feeling of authority that you have the ability to overcome, to change, to open up to the power that lives in you. You are life. Your will and intelligence governs this expression and expansion. It is natural to step into your personal power when you reclaim your authority over your life.
Who are you? What are you? Only you can answer these questions. We are designed magnificently to be unlimited, to create. We can sculpt, maneuver and design our existence in any way we wish, once we escape the imprisoning fears, philosophies, educational systems and religions determined to keep us in a state of mediocrity. The old power systems are failing to control us. People are realizing we each have the ability to reclaim our power, our ability to think, to create, to be conscious, to be aware, to live in courage, to see truth, to feel, to know.
How will you demonstrate your freedom, your courage, your power and authority? It seems we are beginning to wipe the sleep from our eyes. You can liberate your identity or continue to expand on mistaken identity. We are not who we have been told we are.
We have believed all the I Am’s…sick, limited, sad, victim, struggling, abused, confused, ugly, fat, etc…the constant building of mistaken identity. Change the I AM’s to reclaim your power and authority. Who do you want to be? Only you can decide. Self talk is powerful. What are the quiet conversations you have with yourself? The story you feed yourself. Is it destructive or full of personal power and authority?
Each of us hold our power inside. It was never out there in the world. For centuries of time, there have been many who brought us that message. Now we are seeing old systems built on lies, fear, manipulation and control being revealed and crumbling everywhere you look.
New systems of government, business, banking, technology, communication, learning and living will move into place. The next few years will bring about change throughout the world. We are a global community, sharing and coming together for the greater good for all people. There is a bright new world emerging from the rubble. Will you be ready to step into it?
Take your power back in full authority. In reclaiming power, you must be willing to stop feeding a mistaken identity. There may be a temporary appearance because of former self talk, but you can say NO. I AM not sick, poor, overweight, limited, ugly, confused, etc. I AM healthy, happy, productive, unlimited, beautiful, magnificent, creative or whatever powerful statements work for you. Feel this reality.
Just the energy of saying powerful creative words feels good, brings up our spirit, confidence, courage and feelings of happiness. Compare to how it feels when you think about the negative alternative. I AM limited is the choice of not to be. To be or not to be?
Are you willing to be restored to the truth that you have the power and authority over your life? Reclaim your true identity. It is not complicated. The simplicity is…choose life, creativity, abundance, courage, this present moment, love and happiness. If you continue to tell yourself you are broke, confused, unable or any old stories, you are feeding a false identity.
The I AM that you are is the artist and the director. Who this I AM becomes, you get to decide - you get to choose. Live in your freedom and authority. Stand free to live the beautiful courageous life you came here to live.
The true perfection of man lies, not in what man has, but in what man is. Nothing should be able to harm a man but himself. What is outside of him should be a matter of no importance, ~~~ Oscar Wilde
This painting was created by my new friend on Facebook, Sheryl Brown. We have developed a wonderful friendship. Sheryl, coming from her heart with light and love, was inspired to paint “Peaks and Valleys” after visiting Living in Courage and reading my story. I love Sheryl’s authentic art, spirit and courage. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Sheryl Brown, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a private practice & Artist.
“Here is one of my recent paintings, “Peaks and Valleys,” which was inspired by reading some of the life story of my new Facebook friend, Debra Oakland. Though she has lost a number of close family members, she explains how she has chosen to be happy and not remain stuck in grief and the pain of loss. Interestingly enough, when I started out this painting, I enthusiastically loaded up the canvas with rather too much paint (some of which I transferred to another canvas - to be posted later). I had in mind some colors from looking at photos of a joyful occasion. In the process of working on this painting, however, the phrase - “oh, the jagged pain” - (or something close to that) went through my mind. This painting then became about my perception of Debra’s experience. Our lives here on earth really are characterized by both jubilant and sorrowful times - and everything in between. And sometimes, it really ain’t pretty. I had the feeling that I muddied up the warm colors as I was mixing them, and pondered whether to “clean” them up some by adding another layer. In the end, I decided to leave it as it is. Life isn’t perfect, but we still love it.”
Looking forward to reading your comments and feedback on this new painting.
I met Alan Cohen many many years ago, and loved to hear him speak in Southern California. This story is about forgiveness - a vital part of any healing. My beautiful son Wade was killed by a drunk driver. I know something about forgiveness. Please enjoy this story as you look into your heart to find what is unforgiven. Once you release and forgive, you will find your life opening to miracles. This takes courage, but isn’t that why you are here?
A young Japanese man named Shui was riding on a crowded train when a belligerent drunk made his way through the train car and began to rough up passengers. Shui had studied martial arts for many years, yet never before had he been forced into a public confrontation. Shui felt his blood begin to boil, and realized the ruffian needed to be stopped before he hurt someone badly.
Shui stood up, blocked the fellow’s path, and the two exchanged angry words. As the men were about to square off, Shui felt a hand on his arm. He looked down and saw a frail old man. “Let me handle this,” the elder insisted.
Shui watched in amazement as the old man invited the heavy to have a seat next to him. Strangely, he acquiesced. The elder began to engage the fellow, asking him questions about his life and looking him in the eye with kindness and compassion. After a while the thug confessed that his wife had just died and he was in great pain; he had gone out and gotten drunk to numb his agony. The old man placed a comforting hand on the fellow’s shoulder, and he began to weep. Before Shui’s eyes the intruder was transformed from a villain into an innocent child.
When the train arrived at the next station, the tough guy thanked the old man and exited the car. Shui, stunned, sat down next to the old man and asked him, “Why did you stop me?”
“You were about to meet that man’s violence with your own,” answered the old man. “In true martial arts, if you hurt your opponent in any way, you cannot call your act a victory.”
We have all encountered people whom we feel we must protect ourselves from. Yet there is a way to keep ourselves safe without hurting others. It is the strongest way to protect our peace. Although we have been taught that we must wield pain as a weapon to keep others at a distance, it is not so. We gain all together or not at all. To wish ill upon anyone is to hurt ourselves.
I used to visit a prisoner named Ron. Years earlier, in college, Ron had a girlfriend named Jen. One night the couple had an argument, and in a fit of rage, Ron beat her up. Tragically, she died. Ron was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to many years in prison.
I met Ron when he was up for parole after nine years of incarceration. In contrast to his violent act, I found him to be a gentle soul. He was contrite about his crime and he had used his time in prison to advance his spiritual growth. Ron studied A Course in Miracles, he was active in the prison church, he was liked by the other prisoners and staff, and he had worked his way up to a responsible position managing the prison laundry. When I visited Ron, I sensed no cruelty in him and he certainly did not seem like a dangerous criminal to me.
Ron told me that he had been denied parole repeatedly because Jen’s parents had mounted a citywide campaign to keep him in jail. Each year when Ron was eligible to be released, Jen’s parents took out newspaper ads, exerted their political influence, and orchestrated a concerted community effort to “keep this killer off the streets.” Yet, looking at this man, I did not see a killer at all. I saw a basically good man who had made a heartbreaking mistake.
“So how are you dealing with Jen’s parents?” I asked Ron.
“I send them love and prayer,” he answered. “I understand that they are very angry and they must be in great pain. If I could go back and undo my act, I surely would. More than anything, I wish I could bring Jen back. But I can’t. So I am just deepening my relationship with God right where I am and trying to be a blessing to the world.”
As I left my meeting with Ron that day, I wondered who was really in prison. Ron was locked up physically, but his soul was soaring. Meanwhile, Jen’s parents were quite wealthy and enjoyed unlimited physical freedom, yet they were consumed by anger and vengeance. It seemed to me that their wrathful thoughts were creating walls more formidable than those encasing Ron.
Because we are spiritual beings at our essence, what we do with our spirit influences us more profoundly than what we do with our body. Heaven and hell are not places we go or conditions the outer world imposes on us; they are experiences we create with our thoughts and beliefs. A Course in Miracles tells us, “I am affected only by my thoughts.” Where our mind goes, there we are. The desire to hurt brings us instant pain, while the desire to heal brings us instant freedom.
If you are angry with anyone, or involved in a conflict, keep reaching for a solution that leaves everyone whole. If you feel you need to hurt someone or take something away from them to make things even, you do violence mostly to yourself. Instead of seeing them as a villain, regard them as wounded or calling for love. No one does anything mean or foolish unless they are in great pain. To try to inflict more pain only exacerbates their sense of disconnection. As you connect with your own sense of peace, you invite them to claim theirs. Only then can you say you have won.
About the Author:
Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books, including the best-selling Why Your Life Sucks and What You Can Do About It, the award-winning A Deep Breath of Life and his newest is the prosperity guide Relax into Wealth.
For information on this program and others, or to receive Alan’s free daily inspirational quote and monthly newsletter, visit www.alancohen.com or email info@alancohen.com. For information and a free catalog of Alan’s books, tapes, and seminars, phone 800.568.3079 or write P.O. Box 835, Haiku, HI 96708.
Paul Newman - what a wonderful courageous life he lived. Fantastic movie career, amazing marriage, charity and restaurant work, racing. Paul and his wife Joanne Woodward have raised over 200 million dollars for charity. Paul was the heart and soul of Hole in the Wall Camp, and just last year helped 14,000 children go to camp. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward followed their dreams with courage. Here is a quote by Paul about the camp.
I wish I could recall with clarity the impulse that compelled me to help bring this camp into being. I’d be pleased if I could announce a motive of lofty purpose. I’ve been accused of compassion, of altruism, of devotion to Christian, Hebrew, and Moslem ethic, but however desperate I am to claim ownership of a high ideal, I cannot. I wanted, I think, to acknowledge Luck; the chance of it, the benevolence of it in my life, and the brutality of it in the lives of others, made especially savage for children because they may not be allowed the good fortune of a lifetime to correct it. - Paul Newman.
Authentic comes to mind when I think of Paul Newman, he was a regular guy who was kind and loving to people. Paul, you will be missed around the world. Paul passed October 26th 2008. Journey on in Peace and Love.
Alex Walker is 11 and from the UK. Alex is all about living in courage. A tragic accident with a toy last August left Alex severely burned on his upper body and face. Three other children were injured as well. Alex’s teachers did not think he would ever return to school, yet within 4 months, he was back. That is courage. What an inspiration this boy is to all who know him. Alex is now involved in school safety on playgrounds (Playground Friend), and is helping to raise money for the air ambulance charity while representing his school in sporting events. Alex is in a lot of pain and discomfort, wears pressure bandages, gloves and will be receiving steroid injections into his face soon. This boy is confident, the face of courage. We send you and your family love and send you wishes for your perfect health. Thank you for sharing your beauty and courage to shine for all the world to see. Here is Alex with him mum Melonie, who says “Alex is coping better than everyone else. Melonie also said that he was a quiet boy before the accident and now is much more outgoing. We are here cheering you on Alex.
This post was written on courage by my new friend Dieter Pauwels, who stumbled across Living in Courage and loved it here. Dieter shared these words on courage with me and I would like to share them with you. Please visit Dieter, who is a coach from St. Louis, MO. Thank you Dieter for sharing your insight and courage with us.
You don’t have to climb the highest peak of the Kilimanjaro or fly around the world in a hot air balloon to experience courage.
Courage comes from the Latin root ‘cor’, which means heart. When your heart is weak, filled with anxiety, inferiority and regret, you will have little courage. When your heart is filled with compassion, love, honesty, respect and confidence, you will build great courage!
We live in a climate of corporate malpractice — fueled by greed and self interest — financial and moral scandals, and political righteousness. Today, more than ever, we need leadership to be inspired with courage. Courage to lead from the heart, courage to do what is right, courage to provide leadership based on values and strong principles.
We are all leaders of our own destiny. Leadership from within requires courage! When we lack the courage to be true to our self, we tend to conform to the expectations of others. We settle for second best or mediocrity and we choose the security of our comfort zone. Hence we cheat ourselves (and everyone else) from what could be possible.
Courage requires a strong emotional commitment to your own values and principles. The stronger your commitment, the more likely your life will unfold from a place that is real and authentic.
Courage is not a talent or an acquired skill. Nor is it a thing to be waited for. Courage is the gift we all have been given to discover our true nature and face our personal truth.
You’ve got that gift!
Be courageous!
Dieter Pauwels http://www.dieterpauwels.com
email - dieter@dieterpauwels.com
Dieter Pauwels is a certified professional life coach, business coach, speaker and author.
He provides an open-minded approach to provide the attitude, mindset and skills needed to empower you to create the results you want in your personal and professional life.
He works out of his base in St. Louis MO. His coaching clients are located in the US and Europe.
As I sit here in Napa California for a weekend of serenity and relaxation, I look forward to some fine wine and food. My husband Cody is finally reading the Shack (I was not ready to give it up!) and he loves it. We sit in our room, overlooking the vineyards and hills. Gratitude is the order of the day. Cody took a long run thru Calistoga, and is preparing to find “the best coffe in town” as he is a coffee snob of the first order. I think about courage and the ability we have each day to choose. Well, today I choose to courageously move into the day and enjoy every moment. I just began reading Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin. I have heard about this man Mortenson the abundant consistant courage he exibits in his life. I will let you know more about one man’s mission to promote peace, one school at a time. He built 55 schools for girls in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. I look forward to this story of adventure and the power of the humanitarian spirit.
Have a wonderful weekend. I send you love and blessings from Napa Valley,
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