Your typical motivational speaker will tell you how to “get there” – what methods to employ, systems to apply, actions to take. All for the purpose of reaching the goal – SUCCESS! This usually translates as perfect health, the ideal mate, huge house, dream car, and millions of dollars.
I know this elusive path to success quite well; I travelled it for years, and almost grasped the brass ring. Then fate slammed me a deathly blow, which I survived, barely.
I still teach the power of thought, setting goals, and other motivational technologies, but the main thrust of my current work is grounded in living daily life. Since the American dream has shattered on the shores of recession, for all of us, a new definition of success has surfaced – it’s called: staying above water.
Navigating the challenges of daily living has been an ongoing battle for me. Not fashion, fine cuisine, money or fame – for years, the dark clouds of illness persisted. Then came a ray of sunshine, then another, and yet another. Healing has finally brought me out of the darkness and into the light.
I now stand stolid, with a totally new understanding of what success means, and I think it’s very relevant to the times.
It is not about adding anything. It’s not about more.
It’s actually all about uncovering that which is already there. And experiencing awe!
Today, now, I feel so incredibly rich, abundant and prosperous. Yet I don’t have millions of dollars. I’m single, and still a bit overweight. But I have clean water to drink, a fridge full of fresh food, perfectly chilled, a freezer overflowing with numerous meal options. I own so many clothes in my closet and drawers; I could wear a different outfit every day for weeks. I’ve got a disability bus pass that gives me unlimited local transportation. And I can’t leave out my TV, computer, cell phone, and numerous other material items.
Of course the most valuable things in my life are my current health, a loving family and close friends, my cat Xanadu and parrot Charlie. I’ve got a part-time job to supplement my disability pension. Medical attention is available when I need it. Being on disability, my teeth are regularly examined by a dentist.
I could go on and on, adding to the list; the fact that I can see, hear, play chess, walk, use both hands, laugh. I happen to live in a neighbourhood void of gunfire and explosions. Should I go on?
In other words, I have so much to be thankful for that the word “lack” is ludicrous.
“Gratitude” is a more appropriate description of my life. Consequently, my mind is filled with abundant thoughts and prosperous ideas – I am a grateful man. Naturally, understanding the working components of motivation, more is being added every month, because like attracts like. I do not think of poverty. Yes, I have bills, a few debts, and the constant need to sustain myself, but by counting my blessing, I’m a walking success magnet. Everything I need is being provided for.
For those reading this who are struggling for even the basics, I urge you to take stock. Write down all the things you are thankful for. Start with those who care about you, and what they are willing to share, in order for you to get through this rough patch. Is it a bed and meals? An Internet connection so you can check your email and apply for work? Is it a kind shoulder to cry on? Is it an innovative idea you hadn’t thought of yet, as a result of a meaningful exchange over a cup of coffee?
Finally, a bit of perspective. I know there are millions (not hundreds or a few thousand, but millions) of chemical transactions occurring in my physical body every day. My liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, and heart are always working – busy little organic machines. Blood is flowing, miles of nerves are pulsating electrical signals, and skin, muscles, and bone are working in harmony. Most amazing of all is the brain inside my skull, calculating at an unbelievable rate, all the time, 24/7. What force is at work, in here?
On the macrocosmic level, billions of stars, back holes, swirling galaxies – all beyond comprehension, dancing in a universe that beats to the pulse of perfection. What force is at work, out there?
When a traffic light turns red, when a homeless guy puts his hand out, when a baby smiles, when you read these words, at this time, this exact time, right where you sit, is there not a force at work, as equally profound as colliding galaxies, yet as simple as sight? Know that this perfection is at work everywhere, all the time, in every breath, in every beat of your heart. Trust it, live by it. Be in awe. I am!
The universe is unfolding as it should.