The Shape of Our Future

Who will shape our future?  Who will dream a wild thought that will transform all of our lives?  Who will lead our next revolutions?  To better answer these questions, we must explore our innermost selves – that place where each and every one of us has an ability to imagine, create, and contribute.  That place is where dreams are born and reality emerges in the form of inspiration!

True inspiration ignites passions that are unstoppable.  Every one of us possesses the capacity to transform lives or processes in a manner that can be considered profound ─ whether on a grand scale or to a single process or life of an individual ─ and as a result, alter the very purpose of our own life in doing so. 

            So, roll up your sleeves and take an honest assessment of the things you can do to make an impact.  What are your gifts?  What do you have in terms of natural ability that you can “lend” to the process?  Your action will put forces into play that’ll ultimately inspire others, even if it’s just one person.  Your action will have an impact!           

            The universal law of nature rewards the spirit of giving.  So give judiciously - not just when it’s convenient, but especially when it’s most needed.  Those on the receiving end of our generosity are affected in ways more broadly than any of us can imagine.  I’ve seen it, experienced it, and lived it from both sides.  The rewards are rich and life-changing.

            So how do we make an impact?  It’s often as simple as finding a need and filling it.  Are you artistic?  Then seek to share your talent and open the eyes of others through the medium of paint or music.  Do you write?  Then write passionately with inspiring words of encouragement to those who need it.  Do you have time to spare?  Volunteer.  Are you successful?  Then share your story with others on how they too can follow the principles of success.  Mentor a student.  All of these and so many more examples can be the catalyst that serves as the critical pivot point and makes the difference in someone’s life that leads to profound changes.  The changes can save a life, a community, or even the world – it’s not unrealistic to envision if you open the aperture of your mind and admit to the plausibility.  In the absence of immediate ideas, simply offer a compliment or a gesture of encouragement to someone.  Make it anonymous if you can – a note or a small gift can make a profound difference and lead to positive change for someone in need. 

            What an honor it is to be part of the process that ignites the dream of another.  You don’t have to be a psychologist or counselor.  You don’t even have to have the right words.  You just have to be sincere.  Your sincerity will convey - even without words.

            So, open your eyes and watch for the opportunities to reveal themselves.  Then step forward and witness the change in two lives – theirs…and yours!

Until next time!

- G -

 “The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind.”            - William James –

 

 

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Just Say Thank You

Just say Thank You…

Two very simple words, really.  But when offered with sincerity or wrapped in a heartfelt note of gratitude, the words can literally be worthy of changing lives.  (Because they’re more than words actually, they convey a sentiment of Gratitude.)

Think about the last time someone thanked you for something.  Was it sincere or mechanical?  If it was sincere, you may in fact still remember it.  More importantly, you may remember how it made you feel.  The sentiment these two very simple words convey can ignite emotions far beyond that which we can comprehend.  If you think that may be over-sensationalizing a bit, try thinking about the wife who feels underappreciated by her overworked husband, when he finally takes the time to lovingly tell her how much he appreciates her for the role she plays in his life and that of the family.  Then there’s the homeless veteran who has given so much of himself to the freedoms of our country who stands proud when thanked for his service by a complete stranger.

The words thank you have almost become as silent as the words hello or good-bye - sad, but true nonetheless.  But if you think about it, all we need to do to increase the volume and accentuate the powerful words is to offer them with sincerity.  Sound too simple?

Think about the last time you offered a thank-you to someone?  Assuming you took the time, was it a reactionary response or did you really mean it?  If your words were spoken, did you look the person in the eye?  If your words were written, did you take the time to convey sincerity?  Did you even make an effort in the first place?  (Tough question for some of us.)

Typically, when we communicate, we connect with each other through the windows of our souls – our eyes.  Next time you say thank you to someone, take a moment to look them in the eye.  Chances are you’ll give them pause and bring a smile to their face.  And if not, that’s okay.  They’ll know you meant it.  Now, take it a step further and see if you can get their name.  When I go through the checkout line at Wal-Mart or Target I’m quick to check out the name tag of the cashier or associate and make sure to use their name when I say thank you.  Using a person’s name is so uncommon that, when used, will stop them in their tracks.  Addressing them by name implies you took a moment especially for them, and adds a powerful accentuation to your gesture. 

Want to bring more positive energy into your life?  Start by thanking those around you for the good they bring to you.  Find a reason to say thank you and back it up by sending them a thank-you note, e-mail, text, or give them a call and tell them!  You may find this difficult to believe, but the gesture of gratitude and appreciation perpetuates good will.  Good will softens the heart and prepares us to receive inasmuch as it prepares us to offer even more gratitude.  It’s as contagious as a sincere smile exchanged between strangers.  And it's an often overlooked law of nature.  You know - "What goes around, comes around."

Are there stressors in your life?  Negative energy?  "Bad luck?"  In today’s world, whose life isn’t stressful from time-to-time?  Does the stress and misfortune seem to have a dominant hold on your life?  Do you tend to take stock of all the things in your life that are negative that you’re not thankful for?  Instead, why not take a moment to look at your life from the opposite perspective of what you do have that you’re thankful for and think about what your life would be like without the assets you do have – your health, your family, your home, your friends, your faith.  Start by thanking your Creator for bringing all the good into your life – the people, the shelter, the experiences.  An amazing thing will begin to happen – your life will begin to manifest and perpetuate changes that bring about even more abundance!  It’s overly simplistic but universally certain!  After all, if you tend not to appreciate that which you do have, how can you expect to appreciate that which you don’t? 

Who do you need to thank?  How will it impact your life?  How will it impact theirs?  Why not take a moment to find out?  Be ready though.  Because as soon as you act on this simple truth, things will begin to change positively for you!  Go ahead, test it!

I'd love to know how this works for you.  Drop me a line and tell me about the way this concept changed your life or that of the one you thanked.

Until next time!

- G -

"Gratitude, sincerely expressed, is the wisest gift a man can give."  - G. Westfal - 

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom of the left column.  You'll be subscribed and will receive notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel Dream State.  And help me by recommending this blog to others and "liking" my FB page.

Please visit my All American Warriors! bog at: http://allamericanwarriors.blogspot.com/ 

Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com

If you enjoyed this article, you can help by recommending it on Google by pressing the "g+1" button below...