For a long time, my life felt like I was in the movie Groundhog’s Day, where a man finds himself living the same day over and over again.  I felt like I was in a forest trying to get out and kept ending up at the same tree from which I started.  I continuously kept going round and round in a circle until I decided to change me.  I began to focus on changing my perceptions and behavior instead of blaming “them” and reflecting on how “they” should be.  I began the life-long process of refining and molding myself into what I wanted to see in others and in my life.

More frequently, I recognize how I can better speak and react.  After tense interactions, I ask myself, “Were my words and actions loving and compassionate in the face of unfairness and harshness?  Did I maintain composure and a steadfastness of being centered in my internal peace and joy?  Am I even aware of and, therefore, capable of expressing my internal peace and joy?”  Often, the answer is still no; but, I am increasing my self awareness.  At least I have a clue as to what I need to work on.  I’m not yet out of the forest, but I haven’t seen that tree in awhile.

I now re-define “obstacles” and “failures” as opportunities to evolve.  In athletic pursuits, we know that, to become more skillful, we must practice consistently and work on techniques.  Developing our inner selves takes the same commitment and perseverance.  I commit myself to that strategy.

You may find that your perceived setbacks were actually building blocks that form the foundation of a life that is more in line with your nature than your notions.

For example, sometimes what you believe to be your passion may not manifest according to your exact vision.  If you change your perspective and become open and receptive to what is currently unknown, you could find yourself moving with greater speed and clarity towards your destiny.

I want to be a successful writer.  However, as I review my primary activities past and present, I see that that I have repeatedly pursued opportunities to increase my knowledge of the Essence of Life.  I obtained a masters degree in theology, not a masters in fine arts with an emphasis in writing.  I continue to study religions and various Eastern philosophies.  I practice yoga.  I attend workshops and seminars on opening oneself to Universal Energy.  Today, I recognize that my writing is not my primary goal.  It is one expression of my journey on the Path towards knowing the Infinity of my Self.

Know that there are resources to help you become whatever and however you want to be.  You have to want to know.  You have to develop self awareness, which is beyond what you think you know about yourself.  You have to surround yourself with people who want to evolve and change their circumstances, and not be dismayed when people satisfied with the status quo leave your life or respond negatively to you.  As I slowly began to change, people and situations dropped out of my life.  Surprisingly, others more in line with my transforming self appeared to fill those voids.  Guidance and support came right when I needed it.

Pay attention to your thoughts.  Are they full of negative thinking?  What are you listening to that affirms the life that you want for yourself?  What are you watching?  What are you feeding your mind and your consciousness?  Do you reaffirm thoughts that you are stuck right where you are, that you are not qualified enough to move forward?  Is your attention repeatedly drawn to trauma and drama in its various forms – media, environments, people, circumstances?

Practice redirecting your attention towards your intention.  Choose to be around whatever reinforces positive thought and action.

How badly do you want your passions?  Would you spend 27 years in prison as did Nelson Mandela?  Would you give up your livelihood?  How long can you wait for your dream to come into fruition?  Can you keep moving towards your destiny brick by brick, step by step, day by day?  Can you keep trying even after repeatedly experiencing what you believe to be failures and setbacks?

I have heard it said that, if you take one step towards your desires, the Universe will rush to meet you.  That hasn’t been my experience, although time and rushing are very subjective concepts.  The perception of time is very relative.

We would like instant success; however, sometimes forward movement comes in excruciatingly incremental steps.  I have reached summits.  I have also fallen down hills and mountains, wandered around in deserts, been stuck in quicksand, caught in rip currents and have just lain down exhausted, wanting to give up.  Sometimes years went by before I returned to my passion.

Fortunately, I never stopped breathing.  Sooner or later, sometimes much later, I dragged my butt up and tried again.  Looking back, my life has provided me with a much sharper, more in-depth perspective than I would have had if everything had gone my way.