Setbacks are signals that you have veered of track somewhere. In order to get to where you want to go, so many of us use GPS navigation. In life, you have to prepare for delays, detours, and road blocks just like traveling. Each of these encounters offer up valuable lessons if you are willing to look for them. Remember, like most GPS systems, life automatically recalculates.
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When we stop and look at some of the actions of those close to us, you may realize that they really do have the best intentions for you. What they may not realize is that if you do not do what they expect you to do, it does not mean you are lost. There are many roads that lead to success and not everyone will travel the same path, and that’s okay.
I was at a four way intersection where it was myself and one other car. I was going straight and they were turning left. I signaled the woman to go ahead and she did the same in return. As I was about to go through she started to go, we both stopped and proceed to go through the same action again. This time as she was turning I saw she clearly was expressing her displeasure towards me. I just sat in amazement.
I often hear people say, and I have said it myself, that they want to be invited to the table. My question then is, what are you bringing? In order to get something, one must be willing to give something. You don’t want to be the person invited to a picnic but fail to bring anything to eat. If you are that one, expect not to be invited back.
Mastering the art of letting go is being able to let go of what no longer is serving a purpose. By letting go you make from for new things to come along in order for your growth. You can not climb without letting go of your current ladder rung.
Anyone who drives knows that you can’t drive forever on one tank of gas. You have to fuel up in order to keep going. Stopping to take care of yourself is a lot like stopping to refuel. Self care is not selfish, it is necessary. In order to make this journey called life, stop riding on fumes and refuel.
One valuable lesson I learned while in the military was, never ask anything of your soldiers you are not willing to do for yourself. Are your actions in alignment with what you are saying? People are not dumb and can pick up on plain “lip-service”. Work to ensure the advice you are willing to dish out to other is the same advice you are willing to take also.
Plants have to be moved into larger containers as they grow because the roots of the plant become cramped and form a tightly packed mass that inhibits growth. Like plants, as we start to grow, we eventually need to be re-potted. Learn to embrace change. It’s a sign of growth.
Blinkers are also known as blinders. They are the piece of horse tack that prevent the horse seeing to the rear and, in some cases, to the side. Trainers believe these keep the horses focused on what is in front, encouraging them to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds.
Time is a precious commodity so the greatest gift you can give to another is your undivided attention. Put your cell phone down when talking to others or address people by their name and watch their reactions. People will engage with you. We all have a desire to be heard and that we matter.