Joyous Life Works- August 21, 2008

Have you been watching any of the Olympics the last few weeks? I'm not a huge fan, but I am so impressed with the dedication and focus these (mostly) young people have! (And a huge YAY! to Dara Torres, who, at 41, showed the world that "older" people still have it in ‘em to compete at a very high level.)

I think most of us are inspired by excellence - and the Olympic athletes certainly exhibit excellence through their talent, ability, hard work, and HEART. Seeing them, hearing some of their stories, makes me want to strive for more excellence in my own life...even if that's just in little ways. What about you? Are you inspired by the Olympic athletes? What do they inspire you to do?

War. The economy. Politics. What are the issues that get under your skin? These, and many other issues, can distract us from living the way we'd really prefer to live. Fear, doubt, confusion, worry are all nagging concerns that seduce us from how most of us really want to show up in the world. When you're stressed, upset, confused, it's just plain harder to make good choices. Being aware of who you want to be - how you want to show up in your life - is like having your own internal navigation system. Having this awareness, and using it, obviously can keep you on track. And being able to stay on track helps us get where we want to be!

Remember the wristbands that were so popular a while back, WWJD, What Would Jesus Do? In many ways, these were great reminders to help people remember to "take the higher road" or to behave in a more kind or loving way. How often do you take the time to re-evaluate how you're living your life? Our world is moving so fast, many of us are "on automatic" and we forget that we have choices. How often, when feeling pressured, do you take the time to ask, "How would my best self handle this?" Knowing your values and being able to consult them as you're moving through your day is like having an internal guidance system. When you're on course, things go better. When you're not on track, well, life just doesn't feel that great.

Recently, I had a tiff with my husband. I was irritated with him, feeling bitter and resentful, and avoiding him. I felt entirely justified in not being loving towards him. After grousing for about half an hour, I asked myself, "Is this how I really want to be?" "What would feel better?" Truth was, I wanted to be more loving and caring with him - and more open and truthful about what was bugging me. Now, it took me a bit of back and forth between my righteous indignation and higher road, but the higher road eventually won out, a very fruitful conversation ensued, and choosing to live more in line with being a loving, caring, gracious me was a big win.

Are you familiar with, and following, your inner guidance system? If some of the concerns of this world have taken you off course, it may be time to readjust your inner GPS. Here are some ideas to get you back on track:

As humans, I don't think we're made to do this perfectly. We'll go off course, but once we have that sense of who we want to be getting back on course is so much easier and more joyous, as well.

What's that you say? I love to hear from you, and I read every email personally, even when I can't reply to all of them. Send your thoughts to shawn@joyouslifeworks.com or visit my blog: InnerPeaceActivist to add your comments! And if you prefer not to be quoted in a future article, just let me know.

Please feel free to pass it on or to reprint this article on your Web site or in your own e-zine. I ask is that you forward the newsletter in its entirety and/or that you include the following paragraph and copyright line with live link if you reprint the article.

This article originally appeared in the Joyous Life e-zine and is reprinted with permission from the author. Shawn Murphey is owner of Joyous LifeWorks.

For more information, visit Joyous LifeWorks.

Upcoming Events

The following events are excellent ways to help you become more familiar with your internal guidance system:

Speaking Circles Thursday evenings
September 4, September 18, and October 2, 2008
7:00 - 9:00 PM Pacific - Click Here to find out more

Next COMPLIMENTARY Attraction in Action teleclass: Increasing Your Vibrational Essence
Monday, Aug 25th, 2008 - 6:00 - 7:00 PM Pacific

When we align our vibrational "output" to that which we want to attract, we increase our ability to draw it to us. This is definitely a "feel good" opportunity! Click Here to Register.

Remember Your Sparkle - complimentary teleclass:
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 - 6:00 - 7:00 PM Pacific

Inner sparkle is the glint of Light being reflected in your heart and soul. It's a sense of loving being who you are. If you have a fleeting memory of you sparkling at some point in your life, and you'd like to rekindle that feeling now, Click Here to Register.

Email me, or phone me at 916-369-2077, for more information on any event or to register.

Do you want to play a bigger, more joyous game? Isn't it time for you to be getting the results you want? Contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to overcome the obstacles keeping you from living the life you want and deserve.