Open Your Heart & Your Ears Too!
Today’s life lesson? Patience. Patience. Patience.
At this point, I am waiting, semi-patiently, for an amazing opportunity! During the last few weeks, the recurring theme, offering itself up for my contemplation: Get out of your own way! Stop trying to control the Universe!
Only when I let go of my expectations, and resolved to be gloriously happy with my current position, did opportunity knock on my door. How profound! Just let go and bloom where you are planted. Does this mean abandoning your hopes, dreams, goals, personal pleasure and fulfillment? Absolutely not! However, when you find true joy in your current circumstance, you ready yourself to create the life you desire.
By clinging stubbornly to The Job, The Relationship, The Material Items, or whatever piece of your life you feel the need to control, you close the door to new and varied experiences. So, love your life, start today! Open your heart to the endless possibilities. Maybe that job, that relationship, that goal, is the root of the problem. Let me say that again. By clinging tenaciously to a goal that no longer serves you, you might miss out on a wonderful outpouring of blessings. Let your prayer be, “I am open and ready for any opportunity you might bring me.”
Living in an eternal state of joy goes against the grain for many of us. The mantra of this country, “No Pain, No Gain, washes over us on a daily basis. My new mantra, “Work Hard, Play Harder!” Ensuring my own inner peace and joy means I give more to the children at work or the loved ones in my life. It also puts me in a grateful mindset. When I focus my energy on optimism, opportunity and gratitude, I allow myself to receive more of the same. With an open heart the blessings will pour in.
Part Two:
Along with trying, and failing, to control the Universe, another theme keeps recurring. Listen. Listen. Listen. While others speak, really tune in, and listen. Instead of formulating your response, hear the other person out, learn their perspective, give credence and validation to their life experiences. Sound complicated? In a nutshell, honor that co-worker, spouse, or friend with the gift of your full and undivided attention. After a couple of conversations with a good friend, you know who you are 
, I understand this fabulous and irreplaceable gift.
Many of our disagreements or misunderstandings come from differing expectations. Errors in communication, making assumptions (an entire blog in itself) and failure to really listen create strife in our daily lives. So, each day, try to listen to people. By listening for understanding you will strengthen the relationships with your co-workers and loved ones. It takes practice, but the gift of undivided attention truly outweighs the effort.
I promise to invest my time in joy, gratitude, optimism, and play. I resolve to be a shining example with an open heart and listening ears. Join me, and you, too, can manifest the life of your dreams.
xoxo
Seth says:
It’s humbling. To be aware of one’s self enough to identify that the job, relationship, etc, can be transcended and one can reach a better place is often a skill that must be highly refined. I agree. Some may have this come to them naturally while others may require a complete uprooting! Guides and mentors that individuals can respect and value will work wonders for those who can be oppressed as well as the oppressive.