Accepting What Is

How often do we lie to ourselves?

We say that we can afford that new outfit, despite being close to our credit card limit. We squeeze our feet into shoes that are too small, rather than admit to our actual size. We say that our relationship is great, despite the warning bells and red flags that keep popping up.

Unfortunately when we lie to ourselves we simply exascerbate the problem. Not being honest with ourselves can easily result in more debt, foot problems and being stuck in an bad relationship. The more crap that we pile up in our life is simply more stuff that we have to dug out from under later.

The first step to improving your life is "accepting what is". "Accepting what is" no more than being truthful about your current reality. It's an acknowledgement that you are going to stop lying to yourself. Most important, "accepting what is" becomes the foundation creating the life that you want. Accepting what is provides you with the tools to map out a path to a happier and more abundant future.

Exercise:
Think about places where you aren't being truthful:
-finances
-relationships
-career
-weight
and think about how you could take steps to improve that situation if you were willing to accept what is.

Lessons from Richard II

I've been off the radar for a while. I had a fabulous vacation in Sag Harbor with my family as well as old and new friends. It gave me a much needed chance to unwind and reflect. I am truly grateful that I had the ability to kick back and just eat, drink and think for a week. However almost immediately upon my return home I participated in the annual back to school world wind. I am glad to say that my son is happy and adjusted at his preschool so I can now get my and routine back on track.

For the last few days I have been thinking about Shakespeare's play Richard III. Al Pacino did a documentary in 1996 about the play itself and his production of it--he played Richard III. In extreme brief, Richard III killed and betrayed family members in his quest to be King of England. Essentially Richard III lost his humanity as he advanced his ambitions. Furthermore, one he became king he grew ever more paranoid that he would be de-throned.

The play Richard III lend me to wonder about real people--- how we allow our desires for status, money, material goods, sex to diminish our own humanity. Ultimately, living a happy and abundant life is about seeking experiences and even things that add to our human-ness, not detracts from it. Moreover in the pursuit of these desires we should be guided by love of self and others, rather than by fear or envy.

So today's exercise:
Determine whether or not your the pursuit of a particular desire is actually making you less loving and more fearful?