If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. Frank Howard Clark

As human beings we often find ourselves surprised when obstacles seemingly block our way. For many, a simple tree across the path is a signal to turn back or to find another path. For others, the tree simply slows them down a bit as they decide on the best way to get around the obstacle.

As some of you know, I have recently faced an obstacle that has caused me to stop in my tracks and evaluate how best to get past this temporary setback. A regular source of writing income - the source that allowed me to devote time to other writing pursuits - like this blog - has been suddenly cutoff.

Like the tree across the path, I know that there is always a way around it and what lies beyond is often greater than what has come before. If you, like me, face obstacles in your path, don't let it stop your journey towards your dreams. Go over. Go under. Or go around - but don't turn back.

Today I am grateful for the blessings I know are just around the corner, for faith to hold fast to my dreams, and the courage to face obstacles without fear.

I am grateful for the bright winter sun, for melting ice that drips from the eaves, and for the squirrel that darts before the window. I am grateful for blue skies that brighten my day, for the promise of spring to come, and dreams of green and growing things.

I am grateful for family and friends who lend a helping hand, for writers who share their knowledge with the world, and for poets who paint pictures in my mind.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you greet obstacles with courage and determination for beyond them lies the path that leads in the direction of your dreams.

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. Give your dreams all you've got and you'll be amazed at the energy that comes out of you. William James

lisasolonynko

Consider the steadfast snail that works steadily towards his goals, today. He doesn't look at the wall before him and give up because it seems too far away or the climb is too difficult. He begins his journey with determination and does not falter until he reaches his goal.

As humans, we often set out to achieve our goals filled with energy and dreams of a bright tomorrow, but give up when the way gets too difficult. Cultivate the habit of pushing past the momentary obstacles to find your second wind, today.


Today, I am grateful for writers who encourage the world to think in new and interesting ways, for scientists who explore our world and for theorists who go beyond the here and now. I am grateful for those with the courage to share new ideas, for those who are willing to entertains thoughts beyond the norm and for their willingness to share it with the world.


I am grateful for this wonderful creation we call earth that brings joy and peace and comfort to the soul. I am grateful for fresh clean earth to support flowers and vegetables, for clean water that trinkles down mountains and over rocks , and fresh air to breathe.


I am grateful for family that builds my foundation, for my children who step forth with courage and determination to reach their goals and a spouse that strives to reach his potential. 


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you run your race with determination and persevere knowing you will find a second wind to propel you in the direction of your dreams.

To begin to think with purpose is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment. James Allen

By Greenfinge

The runner doesn't win because he cannot fail; he wins because he meets failure with determination as he uses his failure to improve his performance. Why then do we think we that failure is the end of the path?

So often in life, we give up on the things that are important to us, we succumb to the slightest hint of failure assuming that all is lost without considering altering our path.

Consider your seeming failures, today and cultivate the habit of seeing them as mere bumps in the road that give you strength and  direction to the path you must take to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for  rolling mountains, for untamed forests and the mysterious ocean teeming with life we have scarcely discovered.

I am grateful for the vastness of the universe that we call home, for the beauty of nature and for the unseen hand that created it all.

I am grateful for changing seasons, the rise and set of the sun and the cycles of the moon that sets the world aglow on dark summer nights.

I am grateful for family that surrounds me, for friends who brighten my day and for strangers who challenge my thinking. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you meet failure with strength and determination today that you may find the pathway that leads in the direction of your dreams.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Photo by mconnors

As we turn the page to a new year, life looms before us filled with opportunities and unexplored dreams.  Take the time today to really consider what that means to your life and set goals for reaching your dreams this year.

Don't worry that you dream too big, as that is seldom the case. It is not that our dreams are too big that cause I us to fail, it is that our faith is too small.

Cultivate the faith to believe you can accomplish your hearts desires, as your life will follow wherever you thoughts lead. It is up to you to set the sails and determine the direction you will go.

Cast off the belief that people and circumstances control your destiny, for surely your faith and determination are greater than the minor details that appear to hold you back.

Go ahead. Open the book. Begin writing the pages of a brand new year, filled with hope and promise of all good things that will come to pass. Get ready for the amazing journey that lies before you. You have the power inside you to make things happen. It's always been there. Isn't it time you set it free?

Today, I am grateful for a fresh new slate to start a new year, for the faith to carrying through and for the vision to see where I need to go. I am grateful for the "still quiet voice" that guides me, for the power to realize my dreams and the courage to stand by my beliefs.


I am grateful for the drive and determination to succeed in everything I do, for a sound mind that will see me through and for a healthy strong body to support me. I am grateful for renewed energy and a renewed mind that sees clearly where I need to go.


I am grateful for family that share my journey, for readers who benefit from my words and for opportunities I have yet to see. I am grateful for love, for laughter and for quiet moments to reflect on the beauty of nature, the song of the bird and the incredible will and faith of people around me. 


I am grateful for those who share my vision of a bright tomorrow, who are willing to work toward their goals by casting their gaze on all that is good and just in the world, and who know that the real power to change the world lies within each of us.


I am grateful for music that lifts up my soul, for a higher being that knows exactly where I should go and who never tires of showing me the way.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your vision is bright and your heart be light as you go forth to realize your dreams in this glorious new year.

Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain you don't have anything to learn from them. ~Richard Bach

 





Consider all your choices today and use caution with discarding possible paths to your goals simply because they aren't what you expected.


In the movie Beyond the Secret, Bob Proctor speaks of the value of intuition in reaching our goals. When a thought or idea pops into your head, take a moment to consider its value. Would acting on that idea move you closer to reaching your goals? 


Today, I am grateful for those who choose to share their insights and knowledge of the world, for freedom of choice that allows me to find my own path, and for intuition to guide my day.


I am grateful for an open mind that allows me to consider the world from varying viewpoints, for a sound clear mind with which to think, and for a heart that beats.


I am grateful for family and friends who fill my day, for afternoon naps, and kittens.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you take the time to consider all paths to your goals before casting them aside without thought.

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.  ~Maori Proverb








photo by anitapatterson

Consider where you choose to focus your attention today. You may not be able to eliminate all that is negative in the world, but you can choose to put it behind you as you focus your attention on the positive. 


Forget the shadows today and go forth with faith and conviction that you can conquer your dreams.  Have faith in yourself and your abilities today and seek out opportunities that will bring you closer to realizing your dreams.


Today, I am grateful for another day to go steadfastly toward my dreams. I am grateful for insight and wisdom to make the right choices, courage to stand for what I believe even when those around me are filled with doubt, and the joy that comes from knowing the path is always open.


I am grateful for new ideas, for happy memories and beautiful songs. I am grateful for life-long friends who support me in whatever I choose to do. I am grateful for those who question as it brings to light new thoughts, poses new considerations, and opens new pathways. 


I am grateful for the sun that brings life to our world, for the rain that nourishes the earth and darkness that brings solace to the soul. 


I am grateful for a spouse that supports my work, for my children who work steadfastly to improve their lives and for siblings that share a family bond. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop and share my day. May you look always to the sun and may the shadows always fall behind you.
 

In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia. ~Author Unknown 




photo by Cohdra 



Consider your goals today. Are they vague notions of where you want to go, or are they clearly defined? Without direction our lives are destined to be spent doing the mundane, the trivial and meaningless tasks we somehow build into our lives.


Stop wasting your time on trivial things and cultivate the habit of concentrating your energies into reaching your goals.

Today, I am grateful for quiet time to work, for opportunities to refine my skills, and  the drive and desire to excel. I am grateful for the insight and wisdom to recognize opportunities, for the courage to take a chance and the energy needed to complete the tasks.


I am grateful for the sound of rain, the passing cars as others rush off to work, and for teachers who hold our children dear. I am grateful for socks to warm my feet, a solid floor on which to stand and shelter that keeps me warm and safe in the winter's storm.

I am grateful for family that fills my heart with joy and pride, for friends who always lend a willing ear, and old friends who taught me how to make my way in the world.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your day be filled with accomplishments that lead you to your goals.

Vision is only the first step . . .

You cannot plough a field by
turning it over in your mind.
Author Unknown

Photo by  jzlomek

The farmer knows that vision is only the beginning. To bring that vision to fruit requires dedication and hard work. Simply wishing it so, does not prepare the soil or sow the seeds.

Consider the attitude of the farmer today as he works steadfastly toward his vision. Just like you and I, he faces challenges beyond his control, but he does not give up.  If the weather takes a bad turn, the farmer does not give up in despair. He strives to reach his goal despite the circumstances. 

How many times in our lives we think we cannot go on--that reaching our goals is impossible--simply because of the circumstances around us. Rise up above the temptation to give in to circumstances and go forward with the determination of a farmer today as you strive to meet your personal goals.

Today, I am grateful for the chattering squirrel as he raids my feeder, for the gentle breeze that tells me fall is on its way, and for fluttering leaves that are music to my soul.  I am grateful for flowers in bloom, fragrant garden herbs, and hummingbirds as they dart through the air. I am grateful for the air I breathe, sweet garden vegetables, and sunshine.

I am grateful for family and friends who make my life full. I am grateful for those who have crossed my path and brought me the knowledge I needed to move forward. I am grateful for those I am yet to meet as they bring with them things I still need to learn.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your heart be filled with warmth and joy as you go forward--like the farmer-- to bring your vision to pass. 

The Principles and Power of Vision: Keys to Achieving Personal and Corporate Destiny (Study Guide)