The Hourglass of Life

There comes a time when one realizes that more sand has escaped from the hourglass of life than there may be left. The realization comes to bear that there have been more suns and moons already experienced than are left on the horizon to witness.

Rather than accepting this with sadness an enlightened heart can welcome this as a time of awakening of the spirit within. It is a time of understanding that comes only from life’s experience. Now is the time to realize that life must be lived fully ~ without compromise. The awakened soul holds steadfast in the vision of the life that was anticipated so many years ago; and still believes this image is within the world of possibility.

The life force within compels each of us to honour our truth and be our own person regardless of circumstances or the opinions of others. I urge you to be true to your spirit, and honour your higher self and the mission for which you came to Earth to fulfill.

“My greatest wealth is the deep stillness in which I strive and grow

 and win what the world cannot take from me with fire or sword”.

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Something to Think About!

I call this photo 'Tenacity'.  It was taken in 2001 during a 500 mile kayak trip with my husband, Chris. We travelled from the French River (near North Bay, On.) to Pukaskwa National Park on the north shore of Lake Superior.  The challenges we had changed our lives (which were in jeopardy on more than one occasion) during our 63 day trip.

To me, this tiny piece of life growing between rock symbolized courage, strength and endurance. No doubt, these qualities were already a part of me but had never been allowed (or required) to fully develop. I discovered, in very short order, how much tenacity I really have and I know it literally, saved our lives. 

After a day of three very close encounters with a large black bear, we endured eight hours in our kayaks shrouded in darkness, with a cold wind and 6 foot waves surrounding us.  We had to yell to make each other hear and use pocket flashlights every few minutes to show that we remained upright.

After nearly crashing into a rock face in the rough water, we finally summoned the last our strength and made a rough landing on the beach before dawn.  Only upon climbing out of boats did we realize that Chris had severe hypothermia and was in a very dire way. Despite exhaustion, my adrenalin immediately went into overdrive as I was now the only chance we had for survival. 

There was no way to get a fire going because of days of rain, so the best I could do was get him dry and covered with extra clothes, both sleeping bags and a solar blanket.  As he shivered uncontrollably and his eyes rolled up I thought my efforts had been in vain.  All I could do then was ask Great Spirit to protect us.

As I patrolled the beach praying that our black friend would not return for breakfast, I laid out long lengths of yellow rope to form an SOS, having no idea if anyone would see it in time.  Thankfully, as daybreak came Chris' condition slowly improved and we began to assess our limited options.  I was on the verge of collapse from the stresses and exhaustion of the past 36 hours and Chris urged me to lie down.  Almost as soon as I drifted off, he woke me and said he saw a boat.  After frantically waving our arms to get their attention, two park wardens arrived on shore in a Zodiac with a chopper landing a few minutes later.  After many hugs and tears of joy, it was with awe and humble gratitude that we were air lifted to safety on the morning of September 11th, 2001. 


I'm sure at one time or another; you've all had experiences that have shaken your confidence and belief in yourself. But it is in those times of the greatest difficulties, and the biggest obstacles that we have the highest opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Since the life changing incidents of our adventure, I've come to believe that those qualities are necessary for a life lived 'on purpose'.

So I'd like to leave you with something to think about. I hope these words by Brian Tracy may resonate with you, "develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation".

Tap into your own hidden resources and utilize the force within you to magnify your innate talents and express your excellence!

"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal.

 My strength lies solely in my tenacity." ~ Louis Pasteur

Key to Self-Improvement

I believe that one of the keys to self-improvement is reading the words of wisdom written by those who have traversed this journey before us.

One of the many authors I have been reading recently is Og Mandino (1923-1996) whose nineteen books, have sold over fifty million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. No other author that I have read has been so articulate in getting his message of hope across utilizing a combination of his own life’s wisdom with true to life characters (usually modeled in part from his own history).

His books show us the many sides of humanity and the turmoil that ‘we’ create for ourselves. In an excerpt from The Greatest Miracle in the World (written in 1975), Mr. Mandino affirms the dilemma that much of humanity finds itself struggling with through the eloquent words of the books protagonist, Simon Potter. He says, “You see, Mister Og, most of us build prisons for ourselves and after we occupy them for a period of time we become accustomed to their walls and accept the false premise that we are incarcerated for life. As soon as that belief takes hold of us we abandon hope of ever giving our dreams a chance to be fulfilled. We become puppets and begin to suffer living deaths. It may be praiseworthy and noble to sacrifice your life to a cause or a business or the happiness of others, but if you are miserable and unfulfilled in that lifestyle, and know it, then to remain in it is a hypocrisy, a lie, and a rejection of the faith placed in you by your creator”.

Here are my questions to you based on Simon’s words.

Are you living in a self made prison?

Have you created a life for yourself, of which, you believe the circumstances cannot be changed?

Do you feel that you are sacrificing the life of your dreams for the sake of another’s wishes for you?

Have you become like the puppet whose strings are manipulated at the discretion of someone else?

I hope that you were able to (truthfully) answer no to these questions, but if you were not please understand and recognize that there is always another way and that you have the freedom to choose again. Never allow another to hold you back from the life you were meant to live. Never allow your own doubts or fears to hold you back or to keep you small. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Hold an image of the life you want, and that image will become fact”.

You are special, you are unique in all the world as Simon goes on to say later in the book; “never, in all the seventy billion humans who have walked this planet since the beginning of time, will there be another such as you…you are the rarest thing in the world. You are the greatest miracle in the world”.

We as humans are graced with the freedom of choice and it is within the power of each of us to live life on our own terms. Never abandon your dreams. Celebrate life, celebrate you!

Other Books written by Mandino

The Greatest Salesman in the World
U.S.A. in a Nutshell
Cycles
The Greatest Secret In The World
The Gift Of Acabar (with Buddy Kaye)
The Choice
The Christ Commission
Mission: Success!
The God Memorandum
The Greatest Salesman In The World Part II: The End Of The Story
The Ten Ancient Scrolls For Success: From The Greatest Salesman In The World
He Is Tough
University of Success (Compilation from other works)
A Better Way To Live
The Return Of The Ragpicker
The Twelfth Angel
Spellbinder's Gift
The Greatest Mystery In The World
Secrets For Success And Happiness
The Greatest Success In The World

Threshold

Today I crossed a new threshold. Today my spirit has begun to soar with the eagles, for now I know I am on the right path.

My purpose and destiny lie before me. I am now willing to let the Universe unfold its magical ways and be guided by my own inner light.

I am a healer, not only of myself, but of other souls that my spirit touches on this Earth walk.

I am an advisor, that I may guide others seeking their path. I am a writer of words and ideals that will help heal the planet and the people.

I am a teacher so that others may learn of my experiences.

Thank you Great Spirit for guiding me on my quest.