Passing – the journey

As the eve of our lifetime approaches
and fearfulness furrows our brow,
we ask of those who have gone before
but they cannot tell us now.

Is the road we must follow all rocky
or a pathway filled with light.
Do we make the trip is sunshine
or the still of the darkest night.

Is the track filled with pain and sorrow
or lighted with happy tears
Will we tremble with fear at our passing
or welcome our spiritual years.

No one can answer these questions
nor show us the way along
But God can guide our old foosteps
to the place we hope we belong.

Colin Stevens (my father-in-law who passed away)

My Bucket List

At age 60 I have relooked at my Bucket List to reaffirm that Life has so much to offer if we are willing to go for our Dreams.
Some of my dreams and goals;
Get a tattoo (inked last year)
Travel around the world by helicopter
Climb the Empire State building (done)
Visit Paris
See the Taj Mahal (done)
Gone on an African safari
Swim with White Pointers
Sail down the Nile
Learn the guitar
Own a convertiable (done)
Travel the Rockies by train
Visit the Great Wall of China
Write a book (done)
Play golf a Pebble Beach
Go to the Super Bowl
Watch a baseball game at Shea Stadium
Watch cricket at Lords
Go to a Premier League football match at Wembley Statdium
Tour France by pushbike
Holiday in Tuscanny
Live in Bali for part of the year
Play golf at Sun City
Cruise the Greek Islands
Visit the great religious shrines of the World
Play a round of golf with Fred Couples and Greg Norman
Visit all the modern Wonders of the World
Travel on the Orient Express

Some thoughts on Character

“The human character is formed, not in the absence of difficulty but in our response to difficulty.”
Jim Rohn

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.”
Helen Keller

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The Universe and God

Recently I was asked my views on ‘God’.
To me the word God is just a tag that has been associated with something beyond our understanding.
Throughout history humankind has need something external that they believed didn’t possess the faults, limitations or weakness of man. Whether that be indeginous tribes or modern man.
My Universe is within me.
The more I free myself of doubt, guilt and limiting beliefs the greater my Universe. We have unlimited potential when we take responsibilty for our destiny. My life is like a flowing river that has its’ course altered by unexpected obstacles or an increase in flow (energy).
My general direction is clear but never in a straight line. Life will give us so much if we allow our course to be altered without fear of going in the wrong direction.
There are many ‘techniques’ for going inward but to me the most effective method is being honest with yourself. Stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes and talk about your fears, strengths, weakness and dreams.
Your Universe will deliver answers. Some you may not like.
There is no ‘Secret’. Sitting cross-legged trying to manifest abundance, is in my opinion, an exercise in delusion.
Embracing Life is what our brief stint on this sphere is all about.
Let Life touch you. It may well result in bruises or worse but how can we grow and develop our potential?
Walking through Life with a strong self belief and open heart will deliver wonderful opportunities and experiences.
It is old advice but sit with a four year old and they will show you how big and wonderful the Universe is. They don’t need any ‘techniques’, they just are!
Remember, when you are looking in the mirror, smile at the person looking back.

Your Destiny

Watch your thoughts;
they become words.
Watch your words;
They become actions.
Watch your actions;
They become habits.
Watch your habits;
They become character.
Watch your character;
It becomes your destiny.

Common Sense

An Obituary printed in the London Times – Interesting and sadly rather true.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn’t always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I’m A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Lessons of Nature

On New Years day my wife and I got up early to watch the sunrise at the our local beach.
We do this each year to welcome the New Year rather than say goodbye to the old.
The morning was a little cloudy with the ocean creating a whirlpool of waves that although inviting, presented hidden dangers to the uninitiated swimmer.
Overhead, there was every variety of cloud, from the wispy to bulging masses of white and gray.
As the sun rose, the initial light was hidden but rays of golden spears shot out from behind the walls of cloud. Then when the sun was higher, silver linings appeared around the darkest clouds giving them amazing definition.
At our feet, a few curious crabs had ventured out of their holes to check out the invaders of their domain whilst doing their ‘thing’. Overhead gulls swept backwards and forwards seeking breakfast.
It was Nature at her best.

Feeling the sun’s warmth on my face made me reflect on the scene we were privilege to witness was very much like Life.
If the clouds weren’t grey then the sliver lining wouldn’t have had the stunning effect that was created – Life gives us times of darkness so we can appreciate the times of light.
The ocean, whilst looking inviting had hidden rips to endanger the unsuspecting swimmer – Sometimes in Life we have to pause and assess what is on offer before us. To jump into a seemingly great opportunity without checking all the facts may cost us dearly.
The crabs went about their business as per normal, disregarding our presence – All too often we get distracted by events or elements beyond our control and not reach our goal.
The gulls knew the presence of people on the beach may present the chance for food – To achieve all we want in Life is to be aware of opportunities when they present themselves.

Connecting with Nature always helps me centre and learn new lessons on how to live my Life.

Life Skills

Develop Life skills.

Accept the disappointments along with the joys.
There will be an abundance of both in your life.
It is how you react to an event which matters the most.
Don’t be crushed by adversity or sorrow.
Take them on board as Life lessons and move on.
Grow.
We must continually soak up Life’s lessons.
Both the good and the bad.
We will not learn or grow from staying safe, not interacting, not questioning or taking risks.
Life gives us the opportunity to grow or stagnate.
It offers the same deal to everyone.
The sun shines on the pauper as well as the millionaire.
It rains equally on the intellectual and the dunce.
How we take on Life and its lessons determines whether we evolve as a person or not.
Remember, you can’t appreciate the joys of Spring if you have never experienced Winter.
Feed the mind and soul with the images of Life.
Whether they be the wonders of nature, the smile of another person, the unconditional love of a pet, the touch of a loved one, the inner glow from achievement or just the wonder of being alive.
When you feed yourself, you will feed many others time and time again.

We can’t take on Life’s lessons to grow if we have inner turmoil.
Find peace.
Peace within yourself.
Create space in your mind and soul.
You must forgive yourself for all your past mistakes – don’t ignore the lessons they offer but release yourself from their debt.
Forgive others.
Any emotional baggage attached to other’s misdeeds will only weigh you down on the journey forward.
Find the solitude in your daily activity.
Pause.
Clear the mind. For a brief moment each day become an island within the sea of turmoil around you.
Fight the intrusion of the negative thoughts, no matter what form they take.
They will invade you constantly. The mind will greet them as long lost friends -
For they are easy to hold and cultivate.
Love yourself.
You are one of a kind. So love and cherish the wondrous being that is you.
Don’t let your love diminish or become jaded. Constantly feed and reinforce your positive self-image.
See yourself as the centre of the Universe. Not in a big- headed way but in a way that allows you to understand that everything in your life is a consequence of your actions and reactions.
You can generate either positive or negative energy, which affects those within the influence of your Universe.

Be the light for others to be guided by.