Making Change

When we have asked the Universe for change in our lives, it seems we have been conditioned to expect something that is largely uncomfortable. It may be a cliche that has earned its reputation, but I don't think it's a forgone conclusion.  I was speaking to a friend and I recall a lecture from Marianne Williamson (based on the teachings of A Course in Miracles) is that maybe G-d would prefer we learn through joy and not through pain. But it may also be true that as we review our lives, sometimes the very formative situations WERE painful or uncomfortable, and we forget to honor the lessons that we were able to learn through a peaceful grace.

Still, once we sincerely ask for change and are brave enough to expect it, however it comes, we also must do the work necessary to allow it. I do not think it requires "strain" as an inevitability, but by work, I mean the diligence necessary to keep our own minds from seeking to go backward. Once we ask for grace, G-d doesn't need US to repeat the prayer over and over, but WE need to remind ourselves quite often that WE want the change and WE must clear the space required for it. 

I also loved a talk once given by Iyanla Vanzant that mentioned the expectation of results required by having faith. For example, if we prayed for a new home and it isn't manifesting as expected, she would say, "well, are you PACKED?" That means, are we ACTING on the agreement we have made with Source that once a sincere prayer is offered, then it shall be granted. THAT is faith in action. It is truly a rarity. 

And not everyone in your life will WANT you to change, or for your life or circumstances to change because it scares them. Will they be left behind, or even worse, will it present a mirror for them to realize that they have not made real the thousands of pleadings they have made for better circumstances in their own lives. They do not WANT you to be unhappy or unfulfilled its just a default position that "misery loves company."

Who I was ten years ago bears little resemblance to who I am now, unless I am with people (friends AND family) who would not choose to see me in my new state of self. And I have to be honest about how often I will allow myself to put on the mantle of the "me" I was in order to make them more comfortable. It's horrifying to know how willing I have been to do just that and how OFTEN. 

But I have said the prayer again. And I am making the room for the results. I would willingly bring everyone I love with me into the light that I wish to inhabit, but now I have also made a commitment that I will not go back to live in a shadow. There will be some temporary losses. But I am investing this change in my own self-worth. And every cent matters.

A Little Goes a Long Way

 Dear Local Business Representative,

I have reached out to you numerous times. I may be interested in working with you / I may work for a nonprofit / I may be starting a new company / or any other number of reasons. I have emailed, called, I have stopped in and left my number or card. I have even sent a letter. I chose your company because there is something about it that rings true to my own core values / your mission seems in line with my own sense of purpose / you are well-loved by the community in which we live. I know you are busy, and even though you may not have any full idea of why I have been trying to communicate with you, 

I have never received a reply or an answer to my request to possibly meet to discuss my reasons for maintaining a devoted interest. Maybe I’d like to partner on an event. Perhaps I am looking for a donation. I may even have a great idea that I think would be of great benefit to both of our goals. Still, at some point, it must go from being very busy to actively ignoring my outreach.

I’d like you to remember what it was like when you were looking for a job / were starting your company / needed assistance from someone a few steps ahead of you / were just looking for motivation and inspiration to continue to grow and improve. I wonder who answered your request to speak / connect / collaborate. They found the time. They knew the value of professional courtesy. Maybe they even felt compelled to “pay back” because of the success they have been able to enjoy, to honor the faith and the loyalty they enjoyed from those they serve.

I don’t know why you have opted to completely ignore the phone calls, the emails, the in-person visits, or the letters. I just want you to know it matters. It matters a great deal. And maybe, just maybe, you are the one missing out on something.

Still, I wish you continued success. And someday, you may actually want something that I can offer. I promise to try my best to keep my integrity and uphold the values that others may not have shown, but that support a more productive, and mutually respectful business and prosperous community.

Thanks for the lesson. 
#business  #work #community #success #courtesy #professional