Trees in a Forest

I came across a thought provoking message recently about trees in a forest…

When we stand in the middle of the forest, we are able to appreciate the beauty, and the diversity in nature that surrounds us. As we look around, we become aware of the individual uniqueness of each tree. Some grow tall and straight, and reach high above the forest floor. Others may be bent or spindly, but they persevere. Many different varieties may be mixed in together, not caring who they stand next to. All this, and more adds character and creates the natural beauty in the forest of trees. We don’t stand in judgement of those differences, we appreciate and love all that they are!

 What if we practiced thinking about people the same way we see trees.  Appreciate and love them just the way they are!

Michele Ward

Perseverance

I recently watched a couple of inspiring videos which helped to remind me that no matter what my circumstances are at any given moment, if I change my thought patterns, amazing things can be accomplished. Many individuals have overcome extreme obstacles with little more than the power of their mind. I know that I have determination and I know that I have perseverance. I just need a little reminder now and then.  

Support can come from many people and sometimes from places that you don't expect. If you don't have much in the way of support, accomplishments and success may require more effort, but success can still happen. That's where the determination and perseverance come in.

Michele Ward

No Going Back!

Working towards mastery and leaving mediocrity behind... that's the journey I started just over a year ago. My experiences and all I have learned, have been substantial over the course of this amazing journey.  Prior to embarking on this path I would say that for me, parenting and job performance are two areas that mastery were already part of my life and mediocrity filled in the rest. Reflection and awareness have played major roles in reducing the mediocrity and in getting me to where I'm at today.

Consciously or unconsciously, many of us strive for and achieve mastery in some area of our life while letting mediocrity take over most other aspects of our being and not understanding all that we are missing. I have a new appreciation and understanding of "awareness" and what it means for me personally.  With that awareness comes new challenges. As I move forward and implement what I have learned, I find that those closest to me are in a different place and don't relate to this journey that I am on. It is hard to keep up the momentum without the support and understanding of those close to  you. I have to remind myself that I am not alone in this journey and that each and everyone of us can make a difference.  Knowing where I was a year ago, and how far I've travelled, I wouldn't want to go back, but I am feeling a bit stuck right now.

Michele Ward