Your Future Within

Blessings,

This morning I spent some time going through pictures from my early years in high school and college.  It was comforting re-living times and memories with old friends and reading early letters.  Memories took me back to my senior year in college. It was an opportunity where I took a chance and ‘broke out of the mold’ a bit.  I’m sure there might have been a few before then, though!

My girlfriend, Charla, and I decided to see a play by G. B. Shaw, The Devil’s Disciple. It was playing at the Arena Stage in D.C. This was a very early version of the Arena Stage, when it was in an old deserted brewery and it was theater in the round.

During a break between acts 2 and 3, Charla and I walked into an attached lunch room for coffee; she stood in line while I held a table. Soon a very attractive young man walked up, saying he had seen me across the stage, he asked  if he could join me, that his friend was in line. I saw no harm in that and soon the four of us were making small talk.

They asked us to go out when the play was over. We went  dancing and got to know one another. The next day we met for lunch.

This young man, Joseph, and I were married one year later, starting a beautiful life together.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
~Neale Donald Walsh

Seven Barriers Between You & Life That Awaits You

‘Life’ will happen, one way or another. However, there are barriers that can prevent us from reaching the ultimate or desired kind of life that is possible.

1. Being afraid to break out of “the mold”. Move out of the expected mold that family or friends may have set for you. Change in itself can be good. Do something different; we are limited by expectations of others. Pursue a hobby or interest that you like.
2. Allowing prolonged periods of extreme comfort. Being too comfortable fuzzes up the mind. Stretch it– challenge it. Do not be afraid of risk.
3. Physical inactivity. Lack of activity weakens our bodies and thus prevents us from partaking in life fully. Adopt a regular activity or sport.
4. Remaining alone most of the time. Some alone time is good for recharging, but the simple act of being alone isolates us from life. Arrange to be with groups for activities. Mix it up!
5. Not reaching out for help, ideas or advice. People with experience can answer our questions and help solve our problems.
6. Being unaware of what goes on around you. Put up your antennae; soak up information and be aware when and how things happen–keep sharp. It is safer and more fun.
7. Not listening to images or ideas that pop into our heads. I used to think that the thoughts occurring to me were just random bits of data floating around–all originating with me and my experiences. Not so. Listen to things that pop into your head. The benefits are numerous. They are put there for a purpose, as a guide.

Again, I gladly recommend the book When God Winks, by Squire Rushnell. It is inspiring. Enjoy it!

Tags: barriers between you and the life that awaits you, G.B. Shaw, I'm A Widow, neale donald walsh, Patricia Muscari, support for widows, The Devil's Disciple, what now, Your Future Within