Inspiraelevation

Sometimes its hard to see ourselves. It is hard to accept our flaws. It’s hard to own up to our mistakes.

Sometimes who we desire to be and who we are just doesn’t measure up.

The more we try to break old habits and routines the harder it gets.

The more we try to see the bright side of life and things, the darker it seems to get.

For some the darkness just seems to stretch on for eternity.

Many  have already given up.

They are animated and move as if they have life but that spark and zest just doesn’t seem to be there any more.

To lives as such  is to  live a defeated life.

A defeatist is one who gives up and throws in the towel before he or she has made it to round two of the prize-fight.

He or she see’s the mountain as it looms in the distance and it looks too big to scale.

He or she see’s the competition and walks away.

looking in the distance, the road seems to be long and winding, and so they choose not to run.

We are not made to be defeatist. 

“Before success comes in any man’s life, he is sure to meet with much temporary defeat, and, perhaps, some failure. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and most logical thing to do is to quit. That is exactly what the majority of men do. More than five hundred of the most successful men this country has ever known told the author their greatest success came just one step beyond the point at which defeat had overtaken them.”
― Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

We will fail not because we are not good enough.

We will fail because we don’t try.

“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”
― George E. Woodberry

We fail when we see the road and by its length, judge the outcome before we even begin to run.

We don’t succeed because we call the game before we even set out to play.

Our future is always undetermined, until we make a determination regarding how we live it.

“Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality.”
― Bruce Lee

The competition is stiff.

The road is long.

You will get knocked down quite a few times in the fight.

You will want to give up.

But don’t

King Solomon in his moments of solitude and contemplation thought of the human race and it ends. Thusly, said

^” I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”  Ecclesiastes 9:11

Victory is not merely for those who are the most skilled, or have the most strength. Talent does not guarantee victory. The true winners and achievers in this life are those who do all they can to endure, who put forth their best effort, and who have faith that all things will work out in the end.

When it’s all said and done.

There are many who look back after years of struggle and effort, and take notice of what they have achieved and are awed.

When they started out they couldn’t see the end.

During the course they couldn’t separate the forest from the trees. All they had was their belief, that in the end all would be as it should be. This is the life we must lead.

For the most part we are unable to see.

While you are running, and stumbling to make paths, its hard to see the  lives you touch along the way. Their visages blur because of your velocity.

You can’t  see the rainbows left from the rivers of tears. We weren’t meant to look back but only towards what shall be.

You can’t see those  in the shadows ambling along the path you are paving.

You can’t see, because what drives us to be great is not what we see, but our faith in what can be, of the possibilities. This is what makes us work harder, longer, and keep going.

Don’t give up before you have begun.

You must look at the mountain and think of what is on the other side.

Take the hits, and don’t bow under the pressure, keeping on fighting, for its only making you stronger.

Your reward is just around the corner.

Look at the road as a journey.

Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
With a resolute heart and cheerful?
Or hide your face from the light of day
With a craven soul and fearful?
Oh, a trouble’s a ton, or a trouble’s an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it.
And it isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts,
But only how did you take it?

You are beaten to earth? Well, well what’s that?
Come up with a smiling face.
It’s nothing against you to fall down flat,
But to lie there – that’s disgrace.
The harder you’re thrown, why the higher you bounce;
Be proud of your blackened eye!
It isn’t the fact that you’re licked that counts;
It’s how did you fight and why?

And though you be done to death, what then?
If you battled the best you could;
If you played your part in the world of men,
Why the critic will call it good.
Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce,
And whether he’s slow or spry,
It isn’t the fact that you’re dead that counts,
But only, how did you die?”
― Edmund Vance Cooke

We start our lives very impressionable.

We are molded, shaped, and formed until we assimilate or develop the voice of those around us.

We are constantly under bombardment of stratagems to influence who we are, what we purchase, where we live, what we support, and how we think.

Our inner voice is constantly under assault through incessant banter, stimuli, and subliminal messaging.

We are constantly being programmed.

That voice remains with us.

This is the voice that speaks to us when we are lost in our thoughts, and we are deep in the decision-making process.

There is always an ongoing reasoning and rational session.

Some are loath to admit it, but we are constantly talking to ourselves.

What we tell ourselves affects all that we do.

For this cause it is imperative that we control what we let influence us.

Never let society influence and program your inner voice.

It does not matter what the world says to you or about you; that is merely opinion. It is when you start to believe and speak these things to yourself that they are manifested as reality; that makes all the difference.

Your inner voice is stronger than 100 voices.

100 people can tell you of your talent, your worth, and your power. If that one voice within your head tells you otherwise, no manner of positive influence will give you a positive attitude.

What if you say you believe, but still don’t achieve

It is said that if we work for something, believe in ourselves, and remain positive, then things will happen in their due time.

Yet, so many never achieve.

Thus, they chalk such advice to psycho-babble, because in their minds application did not bring about results.

many are victims of self-sabotage.

Many who say they believe in their ability to achieve, are constantly undermining themselves through their self-talk; their inner voice.

Intrinsically and subconsciously, they are projecting doubt, trepidation, and fear, while outwardly displaying the pretense of hope, faith, and belief.

Although, they desire with all their might to be positive and unabashedly hopeful; their programming tells them otherwise. The key is deprogramming.

Deprogramming/reprogramming

Deprogramming is deliberating acting to deconstruct and then rebuild.

Learning to talk to yourself positively is an extremely important first step.

How does one begin to implement positive self-talk

Verbal affirmations (Auto-suggestion)

You must train your inner voice to speak that, which you say you believe, or desire to believe.

You must affirm yourself daily. This comes about through constant repetition and suggestion.

Through this process we bring our mind into subjugation so that we can begin to build positive pattern of thoughts. Through internalization, we begin to transform our voice and what we are saying to ourselves.

How this works.

When you consistently fill a container with a substance, eventually the substance will spill over.  The exterior will be impacted by the substance. That spillage will touch all of the surrounding areas.

The same works for the mind.

We can hear something so often, that we become filled with the thought. When it has reached the point of saturation;  the thought will eventually spill over.

It will impact the exterior.

The same works for negative and positive thoughts.

You become so full of positivism that you cannot help but speak positively and believe it.

Another principle of demonstration is that of light and darkness.

Light and darkness cannot exist in same spot at the same time, for one will always drive out the other.

If you introduce light into the darkness, light will overcome the darkness and illuminate the area. If you turn off the light, darkness will fill the area as light slowly dissipates.

What is another way that we go about changing our internal voice?

1. Adopt a mantra that describes what you want (Ex.. I am brave and fearless)

2. Write it down (seeing something solidifies its reality)

3. Read it out loud to yourself daily (preferably several times throughout the day). We must hear before we can understand and grasp.

4. As often as necessary find a mirror and repeat this to yourself in front of a mirror. Smile when you do so. You have to see yourself and reflect on the outside what you want to build on the inside.

Results are dependent on commitment

Overtime, with persistence, you will see a change. You will begin to hear your inner voice change. Your inner voice will crowd out all those assaults from external source which are counter to what you have established.

Inexplicable wonder.

To live in awe, is to live with unabashed and un-conceable  enthusiasm.

The sparkling eyes of an infant.

It is the wow, in the aha moment. The heart leaping for joy.

Breathlessness that takes over as one watches the red embers of the sun sink beneath the horizon.

The exhalation of air as one watches diamond sparks shoot across a black satin sky.

This is awe.

It is written, that we are to live life as children.

I fear some have lost the meaning of such words. We are not to return to a child’s posture, so as to behave in the manner of children. Rather, we are to see the world through the eyes of the child.

We must see the wonders in life and nature.

We are to meet life with the inquiring mind of a child.

We are to thirst for more.

Our search for meaning never ceases. The stores of knowledge never emptied. Thus, our resolve to know more, to learn more, is never diminished.

We are to go forward, to see things with new eyes.

The trouble of yesterday melts away with the setting sun.

In our  tomorrow’s the world is brand new.

The possibilities endless.

Each day we are born again. Thus, we are always pushing forward not held back by yesterday.

One who is in awe,  finds pleasure in making new discoveries. Exploring the world and its depths with passion is like a consuming fire.

Unearthing the treasures found in everyday moments; smiles, hugs, laughs, blue skies, melodic rain drops, lush green grass, butterfly wings, in song, and dance is pure bliss.

One finds it heaven, to fill the sand between your toes, and peace to feel the warmth of the sun’s glow knowing that you can feel, see, hear, and breathe is everything and more.

And to know that everything you had always wanted or needed you had already been given.

Awe is discovering the beauty and the miracle in even the smallest things; in that it illuminates the whole and fills the spirit with life.

Fresh springs of enthusiasm overflow to the awakening of creativity; leaving  one wanting to take on wings to see the vast beauty of all humanity.

Then with heart so full, walking forth in love and compassion, desiring to do all you can to awaken the spirit of every man you see.

Desiring to  give to all those in need new eyes, a renewed heart, hope, so they too can  grow wings, fly, and believe.

This is awe!

This is how we are to view the world if we wish to succeed.

Through the eyes of a child, free in spirit, filled with exuberance, with a heart to succeed.

What is most important to you?

These are the things that drive you. These are the things that determine your destiny.

These are your priorities, the things that come first in your life.  These are not the things in which you say you prize but the things that you show you prize.These are the people and things that you make time for in your life.

You make time for those things that matter

Things that don’t matter take a back seat.

Finding success in anything; dreams, relationships, or in life requires setting priorities, putting the right things first.

It is about making time for those things which best serve  you not those things which you serve. Its about having the courage and the will to say no to those things which we desire but don’t benefit us in exchange for those things that we need.

Do your actions match with your speech. Do you say something is important but show otherwise?

If your actions are not in alignment with what you are projecting You have to begin to inquire within yourself.

Sometimes we must stop and ask ourselves the tough questions in order to grow beyond self and move in the right direction.

Much of what we get in life is due to the decisions we make.

To walk in honor is to live a life of high standards, to be worthy of esteem and respect.

“To have high moral standards of behavior.” Merriam Webster.

There is no greater accolade in the world than to be deemed honorable. Such indicates that you are living your life to a standard that others hope to achieve.

Honor is earned.

Honor is an indicator of hard work, steadfastness, integrity, and an iron resolve to be the best you can be, without exception.

To be honored is the ultimate sign of respect.

Where does honor begin?

Honor begins with self-respect.

Self-respect outflows from self-esteem, as to respect oneself is an indicator of self-love.

To respect oneself means to engage in those things that will build and develop you into a better person.

You will not willingly engage in things that lead to your destruction  or bring you harm; those things that defile.

Your character is important. The way you live your life is important. The example you set forth in your every day existence is important

We must also respect others.

One’s level of respect for another is the ultimate barometer of character. Good deeds and rightful actions are the overflow of a  good intentions, mindfulness, and a good heart.

“Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?”-  James 3:11

Neither can love and respect pour from selfishness or a hard heart.

Want to know a person’s heart, observe their response, actions, and attitude towards those other than himself.

One must first respect him or herself before he can show respect to others.

One who has no respect for self can in no means respect another.

Respect for others is a demonstration of love.  it is, seeking understanding of others and showing concern for their feelings and concerns.  It is a deliberate act, refusing to cross boundaries, or perform actions that will purposely diminish or hurt another. It is esteeming others above one self. ” A feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, and should be treated in an appropriate way” – Merriam Webster

It is a conscious effort to engage in behaviors which do not destroy others but build them up.

Respect for others  is living by the golden rule.

It is the standard we must set for ourselves and the world

When we respect ourselves and others we walk circumspectly (careful to consider all circumstances and consequences) and demonstrate honor in all our dealings and deportments (the manner is which one conducts oneself).

“Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to be found in the business of this life. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.”
― Louisa May Alcott, Little Men

The universe responds in kind.

What measure you give so shall be given. ” give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.” – Luke 6:38

A person who has lived an honorable life has lived a satisfying life. It is nothing more satisfying than leaving the world with a beautiful legacy. To leave the world better off than when you entered it, without fear, knowing that you did all that was necessary to live a meaningful life.

Live so that other’s can look back, and be proud to have known you.

“The things we do outlast our mortality. The things we do are like monuments that people build to honor heroes after they’ve died. They’re like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honor the pharaohs. Only instead of being made of stone, they’re made out of the memories people have of you.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

Leave the world with a spirit that will stretch through the ages.