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.

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence, and educational advantages, but what he will do with the things he has. Hamilton Wright Mabie

By cohdra

 

 

Often we fill our thoughts with the things we will do when we have enough time or enough money believing that we are powerless in our lives until the magical moment arrives when we have enough to pursue our dreams. But the power doesn't lie in what we attain, it lies in doing the best we can with what we already have.

Each of us holds the power to go forward and improve our lives--to reach our dreams--if we but consider how to use the resources we already have.

Let go of the idea that what you have is not enough to start you on your journey to reach your heart's desires. Focus on what you want and the path will become clear.

Today, I am grateful for a good night's rest, for houseplants that thrive inside the home and for flowers that will return in spring.

I am grateful for effective use of my time, for a quick, sharp mind that allows me to pursue my dreams and for much laughter along the way.

I am grateful for lazy days to allow thoughts and dreams to grow, for busy days to put them into motion and for the faith to wait until they come to pass.

I am grateful for family that continually amazes me, for friends who share my dreams and for old friends who have seen me through it all.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cast aside thoughts of lack today, and use what you've already been given to go forward in the direction of your dreams.

“The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong.” ~Thomas Carlyle







Photo by rosevita


Consider the obstacles in your life today and look for ways to use them as stepping stones to a better life. 

So often we become focused on the things in our way that we become paralyzed with fear or overcome with despair. We forget that objects and events in our lives may look like obstacles, but when we shift our focus they may actually be stepping stones we can use to reach our goals.

Practice evaluating your obstacles today and look for ways to use them to reach your goals.

Today, I am grateful for pine cones, seed pods and nuts that replenish the earth. I am grateful for silence that brings solace to the soul, for noisy birds that search for food, and tinkling wind chimes that add music to the air.

I am grateful for those who spend their lives quietly helping others asking nothing in return, those who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with the world, and those who are ready and eager to learn. I am grateful for scientists who investigate our world, for philosophers who offer a different view, and writers who share their thoughts in written form. 

I'm grateful for for family that brings comfort when times are difficult, that adds color and flavor to my life, and reminds me that life is a glorious journey.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you turn obstacles into stepping stones as your work steadfastly to reach your goals.