Tag: cliff

Thoughts to Ponder

by energywriter, posted in Thoughts to Ponder

“Should you ever find yourself on your path
moving along in spite of fear
wondering if you’re ready or not to rise to the next level,
chances are great that you will not be ready.
Rise anyway.
You see, wondering means you’re not ready,
doing means you are.”**

Some people seem to be always ready to walk a new path, apply for a new job, dive off the high board. Others seem to be afraid to try anything new. Most of us are somewhere in the middle. We’re eager to try new things as long as the risk isn’t too scary, but we shy away from life changing possibilities.

I wander up and down the readiness ladder.

Once I tried for a job that sounded fun just for the application experience, knowing I wouldn’t be hired. Even though my skill set wasn’t exactly what they had in mind, I was hired because I’d done a number of different jobs and adapted easily to change. That job turned out to be my favorite, more fun than work.

I’ve moved to different states without much thought. Sometimes those moves were beneficial and made me happy. Others were dead ends that made me want to flee within the hour, if possible. It never was possible, and I learned valuable lessons.

Then there are smaller risks, like riding roller coasters. I’ve always been the one waiting on the ground for my friends to descend from their heart-racing adventure. Recently, the doctor told me to stay off roller coasters. Relief! Now I have a valid excuse to stay on the ground.

Writing “Thoughts to Ponder” was frightening at first. Who was I to offer life suggestions to others who probably knew more than I. However, I’ve learned that most people enjoy reading them and thank me for presenting a new idea. Those who don’t agree usually don’t comment.

Now folks are urging me to write a book. That is a terrifying thought. How can I stretch a 500-800 word thought into a 60-80,000 word book? Who would edit it? Who would publish it? Who would buy it and read it? At this point I’m still pondering those questions.

Recently I wrote about a meditation in which I was directed to step off the cliff. As soon as I can determine how to turn 500 words into 60,000 I’ll take that step, knowing the other issues will be solved as I write.

In the meantime, I hope you will take a little risk, then a larger one, then step off the cliff. You just might find a wonderful adventure.

** “A Note from the Universe,” February 17, 2015, Mike Dooley www.tut.com

© by Sharon D. Dillon, February 20, 2015

Sharon D. Dillon, energywriter@cox.net, http://energywriter.me “Laugh your way to peace, love and joy”

Chesapeake Bay Writers, Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop, Southern Humorists, National Society of Newspaper Columnists, VOICES of Williamsburg Toastmasters Club

Author of one of 14 stories in The Book of Mom: Reflections of Motherhood with Love, Hope and Faith, published by booksyoucantrust.com. Available in print and e-format at Amazon.com Continue reading “Thoughts to Ponder” →

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Step off the cliff

by energywriter, posted in Thoughts to Ponder

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,

but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Maria Robinson

 Some of us have lived several decades, others only a few years. Most of us have regrets. Some allow those regrets to shape our lives. Others have allowed “words of wisdom” to forever shape our lives and our futures.

Those thoughts have influenced our decisions, sometimes for good or bad. My dad used to say, “Once you are in debt, you are always in debt.” That was his experience. However, after his retirement he and my mom sold their tiny house and moved into a low-income senior community. They paid all their bills and paid cash for their first new car. They were able to take a few budget vacations and live more comfortably. While their life seemed Spartan to others, it was good for them. Retirement allowed them to make a new beginning.

A few years ago a relative I hadn’t seen for many years made contact. While reconnecting was a joyful experience, I couldn’t help feeling sad for her. During that and subsequent conversations, she stated firmly, “—- has always been this way and will always be this way.” She had experienced unpleasant events and was filled with anger.

She was convinced that since these situations had been her past, they would be her future, not allowing new experiences to come into her life. The last time I saw her, another disaster had befallen her family and she was bowed under the weight of more responsibility. I hope that the fairies will clean her window so she can see a brighter future.

Life was similar for me for years. I saw life as one crisis after another with little happiness between. Even joyful events seemed to have time limits. However, something within me, encouraged me to take a risk and another and another. Some brought me a measure of joy, some brought painful lessons. Yet . . . .

The past 15 years have shown me that lasting change is not events, but thoughts. We can choose to feel trapped or to see a path leading into a sunnier future. Not all my choices have turned out as I wished, but they all led me forward. This last year I’ve faced several minor health crises that initially made me feel afraid. However, as I proceeded through diagnoses and treatments, I saw that each crisis resolved a long standing health issue allowing me to move forward with more energy and enthusiasm.

For example, a few weeks ago I saw a podiatrist for an ingrown toe nail. She provided standard treatment and asked a few questions. She then added a pad to my arch support that allows me to stand straighter. Not only is my toe healing without stress, but also my steps are straighter and more sure. No more wobbling. No more fear of falling.

Last evening during meditation my guides took me on a trip. The details aren’t important. The lesson is. They showed me is that it is safe to step off a cliff, metaphorically speaking. If I’m brave enough to take that next step, adventure and joy will follow. Just as my health issues are resolving themselves day by day, my courage can also grow if I let it. When my courage grows, my joy will grow.

Creator Spirit,

Thank you for these lessons, even those that come with bumps and bruises. Each lesson brings us closer to learning that peace, love and joy is all there is. You are showing us that we can only experience the best life has to offer – if we are brave enough to take that next step, whatever it might be. Open our windows to the world and show us that our past does not have to be our future.

And so it is.

© by Sharon D. Dillon, January 29, 2015

If you know someone who would appreciate reading “Thoughts to Ponder,” please suggest that he or she contact me at: energywriter@cox.net

Sharon D. Dillon, energywriter@cox.net, http://energywriter.me “Laugh your way to peace, love and joy

Chesapeake Bay Writers, Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop, Southern Humorists, National Society of Newspaper Columnists

Author of one of 14 stories in The Book of Mom: Reflections of Motherhood with Love, Hope and Faith, published by booksyoucantrust.com. Available in print and e-format at Amazon.com