My Personal Legend

On my quest to Enlightenment, I am taking small steps each day, knowing that this is a life-long journey and a never-ending path to discovery.  The changes I have been making since beginning of this phase will hopefully stay with me over time and continue to bring new positive changes in my life.

1. Choose to Be Happy.  I realize that happiness is a choice - it took me awhile to get there.  I have spent too many years dwelling on my sadness and living in the past.  I'm thankful for my life, friends and family and by putting a smile on my face, the world is a happier place.  This new-found optimism also seems to be rubbing off on the people around me.  It's amazing how a few words of encouragement and gratitude can go such a long way.
2. Meditation.  I view this as a form of exercise for my mind and soul.  To me, it's not connected to any religion or God; just an act of peace and lovingkindness to myself.  The more I practice it, the better I get at it.  Clearing out my mind for 20 minutes, twice a day, puts me in a calmer space. It helps to rid my mind of negative thoughts and gives me encouragement that I do matter and life is happening now and the world is conspiring to bring me peace and happiness.
3. Stay Busy - Help Others.  I recently signed up to volunteer at a local food kitchen. My days are wide-open, so I mind as well fill them by helping others.  I am also trying to say 'yes' to whatever comes my way - in terms of exercising or hanging out with friends, events or anything new that interests me.
4. Read.  I have always loved reading. I continue to pour myself into books, instead of lounging in front of a tv. I could keep myself busy for the rest of my life with an endless supply of books at the library.  I am also finding that this is helping me re-spark my love of writing - hence, this blog.

I finished two books this weekend, and without planning, there themes both focused on personal growth and making your dreams become a reality.

• The Water-Babies, by Charles Kingsley.  This fairy tale classic was first published in 1863. It's a magical story of an unfortunate young boy who's life changes for the better, only after he takes on a journey of self-discovery, with a lot of bumps in the road.  "You must not talk about 'aint' and 'can't' when you speak of this great wonderful world round you, of which the wisest man knows only the very smallest corner..."

• The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.  I read this book years ago, and fell in love with it all over again. The clear message is to follow your dream, your Personal Legend, as the Soul of the World is conspiring for you to achieve it..   "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting..." "Before a dream is realized the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way."  

The young shepherd is told that his Personal Legend was discovered early in life, when everything seems more clear and possible.  It is not until you experience pain and disappoint for the first time that your Personal Legend (dream) starts to fade with the fear that it will not be realized.  It is this fear that should be your driving force in life to work even harder to accomplish your goals. "It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend.  It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the Universe.  It's your mission on earth....And when you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."  This helps me realize that I may not be on a specific career path at this present time, but I cannot be afraid to start over; start something new and take a chance in life.  What was my Personal Legend as a small girl?  How did it fade away so deep and quickly that I can't even remember what it was in the first place? Possibly, my Personal Legend has yet to be discovered, so therefore, my dreams are wide open and ready to begin.  With this path before me, I still try to keep with the practice of living in the now and forgiving myself for any past mistakes or mishaps along the way.  "The secret is here in the present.  If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it.  And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better.  Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children.  Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity."  I have today, right now to grow with an open heart and dig deeper than I ever have to uncover my Personal Legend; what matters most to me in this world and start working towards it.