Freedom

We choose bondage or freedom whether we're aware of it or not.  We are so free we can choose either.  We're bound by limited thoughts and freed by ones that bring us peace and joy. It's actually our nature to be joy filled, that's why it feels so good to be happy and why we are miserable in its absence.   We're in control of how we feel because we are the only thinkers of our thoughts.  The choice is ours and the power to decide is in every moment we live. The question is do we want to live in freedom and joy and if so, how much effort are we willing to put forth to change our thoughts?   

Undoubtedly we experience ourselves as powerful “choosers” especially in  times of utmost importance.   Throughout life we make difficult decisions regarding where we'll live, who to be in relationship with, what school to attend, which career best suits us, how to invest time and money, and how to deal with medical issues for example. Tough decisions are executed with focus because we give our “hearts” attention to them. We consider their importance and their impending risks. Honestly, no one wants to get it wrong or make a mistake when the broad landscape of our lives depend on these important choices, however consider that our Well Being and Survival is DECIDED by constant small choices and thoughts .... To choose to remain free of negative emotion, to be joyous regardless of how crazy the world seems, to be uninfluenced by the actions of others as they sometimes disappoint, anger, frustrate or challenge us. Within our moment to moment thought and choice lies the determining factor that is shaping our experience.  Ultimately it is up to us !  We either execute power and shed light or darkness every moment of every day. 

In the interest of full disclosure, often my experience has been that life made me feel invisible. I thought I didn’t get the attention I needed, I didn’t receive the encouragement I desired, even the compassion, thought and care I’ve given to others seemed unavailable on the rebound. I've felt disappointed by the people I surrounded myself with because I expected more than they were willing to give and then, compounding the situation, I assumed that I was overlooked and forgotten and unimportant.  I chose my misery.... Until now.!!!  Now Power changed my life forever and only because I realize that I have had something all along that I did not use to my advantage..... My Choice. My power to choose is the single most greatest gift in my life. I know that I can shift a bad and frustrating situation into a more bearable and pleasant one by my decision to feel the best way I can through the focus of my thought. Sometimes it is a quick transfer of thoughts and other times it is a long hard look and a lot of soul searching, but I know my life and joy are worth the effort.  

I’ve found by trial and error, that it is much easier to feel good than bad.  Actually feeling miserable takes a force of energetic focus that is exhausting rather than empowering.  One must think so intently about how rotten the situation, adding dramatic details to maintain a level of negativity , talk about it, commiserate and rehash it when letting go is so much easier and lighter.  Make no mistake, I feel negative, frustrated and disappointed, even sad sometimes, but when it happens I stop and ask myself why am I feeling this way? What is the catalyst for my self sabotage of joy ?   Slowly I adjust my feelings. I allow myself the freedom to think with my heart rather than my head and feel my way to joy by choosing to release and let go. I will not allow myself to argue my point of view or my limited perspective when this is the cause of my misery. I know I can only control my experience and no one else's.  

There is genius in the lesson of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.   Her  journey in Oz ends with the discovery that the power to return home was within her all along, it was not the work of a Wizard or any outside force... The key to her freedom was through her focus on the desire of her heart and poof.... she found herself back on the farm in Kansas, surrounded by the people she cherished and loved. Dorothy could have returned to her joy at any time, but she did not know she had the choice, the power was always within her. We have all we need. We are well equipped with the ability to make our lives great one moment at a time, surrendering to the Power of Positive Energy that we embody. When we choose to use it we will enjoy our journey immensely! 

Empowering Tip of the Day:  Stop and ask yourself “ why am I upset? What was I expecting and why am I disappointed, frustrated or angered by  this situation?”  Give yourself  compassionate time for reflexion. Then ask: 

“Do I choose to remain in this  powerless place or do I want to move myself to a higher more powerful emotional state ?”  If joy is your wish then make the choice  (out loud if you can) to let it go... choose a happy and easy thought no matter how simple it must be at first like “ I am blessed in _____ area of my life right now”. (In time positive empowering thoughts will grow becoming obvious and available quickly and you will find yourself deciding for joy effortlessly. ) Remember most of the time we are defensive, so when we step back, clarity provides the understanding that our challenges  help us to grow to a new level of ourselves and we become better for it. Keeping an attitude of Gratitude and Appreciation for all things will serve our lives immeasurably. 

The decision is ultimately ours to live in Pity or Power... what will it be? We can only be in one. 

Life is a journey, not a destination. 

Feel free to post your questions and comments. I look forward to hearing from you. Remember we are all on this journey growing and learning as we go, so your input will bring enlightenment to many. 

In Power, Peace & Love, 

Mary Ann

Make Today Great..... .