NEVER GIVE UP ON SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN’T GO A DAY WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT.
WINSTON CHURCHILL
When is it time to throw in the towel on our ideas, dreams, goals and visions? Now that is a question I have personally faced many, many times. I sometimes feel like I am a mad scientist as my mind is overflowing with ideas, visions, goals and dreams. Where do I start? When do I stop? Why do I even care? So when this happens I must stop my noisy mind and ask myself what purpose these ideas, visions, goals and dreams serve. What is my BIG WHY in their pursuit? If the answer is that they make my body, mind or spirit happy and healthy, if they bring me joy and contentment, if they make not only my life better but someone else’s life better than I am on the right track. Be clear why you’re here.
Had I not believed in myself and a life better than I was living all those years ago I would still be in the fetal position on my couch, fearful of having a heart attack, fearful of the ‘what ifs’. I would never have overcome my anxiety and agoraphobia, I would never have authored books that have helped others believe and overcome their own fears and obstacles and I would never have chosen a new career at the age of 55. Yes, there were many, many times I wanted to throw in the towel but in the end I visualized, I acquired knowledge, I practiced gratitude, I set goals beyond my wildest dreams, I stepped way out of my comfort zone, I consistently used positive affirmations, I met failure and heartache with renewed courage and action, I had faith as small as a mustard seed and I believed if God had put that idea, dream, goal or vision in my head then I had best listen to Him.
Yes, sometimes I rant and rave that I am going to throw in the towel, then stomp on it and even burn it, life isn’t fair, this is too hard, I can’t keep doing this, but then I take a big breath and I go back to my BIG WHY. We all have those moments, hours, days, when we want to give up. Challenges are temporary and dreams and goals don’t always have to have a deadline if in their pursuit you feel happy and healthy, body, mind, and spirit, if they bring you joy and contentment and a reason to get out of bed. Listen to not only your soul but to your body. Do you simply need a break or a time out? Do you need to talk with a friend? Should you go back to the drawing board and tweak your vision? If you take a moment to really listen to your heart and body they will tell you if they have another day in them to move you one step closer to your dream.
OUR GREATEST WEAKNESS LIES IN GIVING UP. THE MOST CERTAIN WAY TO SUCCEED IS ALWAYS TO TRY JUST ONE MORE TIME. THOMAS EDISON
You must believe it before you see it. Most people go through life thinking they have to see it before they will believe it and that is why so many people give up when the truth is you have to believe it before you see it. I can. I will. I am. Never forget…whatever follows your, ‘I am,’ follows you. Striving for what you want is hard work. But know that inside you lies courage and strength. It has been the belief in myself when I sat alone with my fears that I could not achieve my goals or face the demons of failure and negativity that kept me in the game. It was getting up every single day with a prayer of gratitude and belief that if I was given another day to achieve my dreams then I damn well better get on that.
GO FOR IT NOW. THE FURTURE IS PROMISED TO NO ONE. WAYNE DYER
Your first five minutes dictate your day. So start your day with a prayer of gratitude for the ability to face another day, for the chance to make not only your life better but possibly even someone else’s life better. It is our belief in hope and purpose for ourselves that keep us moving forward when we would much rather take the easy road and give up.
Every day will be a struggle if you have a negative mindset. Every day will be a challenge if you do not believe in yourself and your ability to succeed be it at losing weight, getting an education, overcoming your anxieties or fears, starting a new career or running a marathon. Whatever it is you visualize for yourself, it is achievable. And whatever you do, never let anyone else’s negative opinion cause you to second guess the path you have chosen or your ability to achieve your goals. They do not know what it is that lives in the depths of your soul or sets your heart on fire. Only you dwell in that magical world of dreams and possibilities for yourself. You are the keeper of your heart’s desires, the master of your fate.
So, when do you give up? Never! Unless the dream is causing you mental, physical or financial distress, never give up. The key is to face your challenges with a positive mindset. Connect to others who you can share your goals or ‘what ifs’ with. We are never alone. Reach out to others.
I always say that time passes so you might as well be doing what it is you enjoy because whether time brings you struggles or successes, time will pass. Life if full of hills and valleys, believe in your ability to live a happy life. You’ve got this! Why Not You?
Remember, a bamboo seed will sit in the ground for five years appearing to not be making any changes. Then, over a six-week period, it will grow 90 feet. That’s how life often works. Suddenly, the pieces of our journey all come together and we are reaching, growing, achieving. NEVER GIVE UP!
IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT’S DONE. NELSON MANDELA
Remember…..
Always Believe,
Tammie
SOMETHING TO TRY… I AM CHALLENGE
Copy down the words I AM 5 times and behind each I AM write down a positive descriptor of you. Then take the time every day for a week to read those descriptors over and over or post them where you will see them each morning and evening.
Remember, whatever follows your, ‘I AM,' follows you.
CALL TO ACTION…
I would love to hear how the, I AM CHALLENGE worked for you.
Did this tool work for you to help you create a more positive mindset? Have you used this tool before? Did you share the idea with a friend? Would you like additional tools included in my monthly blog? Are there other topics you would like to read about? I’m listening.
tammie.leonard@yahoo.ca
COMING SOON….52 WEEKS OF INSPIRATION