“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” – Joseph Campbell

In high school, a great friend of mine and I used to go off-roading in his Jeep. My favorite memory of those adventures was the day we decided to go off the trail and make our own. It consisted of avoiding cactuses, driving over boulders, and maybe even cutting a fence to get back to a paved street.

One thing that I have been doing recently is asking the Universe to fill me with the greatest energy of all, Unconditional Love. I know that love can heal any pain, create the most magnificent works, and put a smile on peoples’ faces. When I trust and follow unconditional love it always leads me to the correct boulevard for blissful living. An avenue that gets me off the path that everyone else is walking.

Had I followed the life others set before me I would have never lived on a submarine, I would not have graduated from college, and most importantly I would have never been a part of this website.

Today, I plan to trust this unconditional loving truth and live life full out. I hope you will NOT follow me, but find your own unique path and trust your inner guidance system to get you to live happily ever after.

Affirmation:  This life is mine to live; today I will not waste or give away one second. I am lead to my path of Life.

Call to Action: How have you been lead or blazed your own trail to blissful living? Or where did you follow the crowd today and not let your greatness shine? Please share with the CYLFriday community how this looked for you.

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“And if you see me, smile and maybe give me a hug. That’s important to me too.” – Jim Valvano

I recently walked into a business where everyone was happy. They were walking around, laughing, joking, and in a good mood. Their happiness caught my attention.  I walked out of the establishment content and satisfied with my interaction, and I thought about the contagiousness of happiness.

At my last place of employment the policy was to smile at all our guests. Sometimes I went in agitated but there was a smile. At first it was the smile through my teeth as I muttered curse words. Eventually forcing a smile on my face actually put me in a good mood. Then as my mood began to change I would laugh about my attitude before. Every time I forced the smile other people would see me and smile back with a greeting, “good morning” or “how ya doing?”. People would comment on how I was always in a good mood. It does not always come easy but it always started with a smile.

I notice that happiness is contagious. I like to be around happy smiling people.

Happy Trails.

Smile.

Affirmation: I know the Universe smiles upon me at all times. My smile to the world is my sign of gratitude and a knowing wink back to the Universe.

Call to Action: Try plastering a smile on your face and a happy greeting to all when you otherwise would not. Share how this made your Friday different.

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Simplify
SIMPLIFY
SIMPLIFY

Living a good life is really easy until we complicate it with an incredible amount of wants and stresses.

My Father is the keeper of an incredible amount of wisdom, most of which I remain ignorant to but here and there I am able to learn some of the lessons that he has tried to teach me. The biggest one of all, in his opinion, is that a simple life is a good life.  I am beginning to see how true this is today in our overcomplicated world.

I think I am most struck by this belief of my Father’s because for him it is beyond an idea or a concept, it is a code for living.  He lives this way and in order to do so has made reminders for himself that he keeps in his house, truck, and shop which simply say “SIMPLIFY”.

The range of places where this lesson can be appropriate stem into so many parts of my life that if I put them all here I would be completely going against this weeks topic. Recently I was attempting to get a photo of myself using the timer on my camera.  I fumbled with where to place it, how to get it set, and getting rightly in the frame when the simple solution came.  Ask one of the many people that were around me. The result was the exact photo I wanted and a fine conversation with some people I would have not met otherwise.  The simple answer is not always the first answer but I keep finding that it is the best.

Affirmation: The simple solutions in my life are all that I see.

Call to Action:  Identify a place in your life that has become over complicated.  It could be your schedule, your routines, your wardrobe or even just the way you view problems.  Once you have identified that area find what is truly important at it’s most simple form…now cut out the rest.  The last part will surely seem like the hardest but once you do, please share with our community the benefits from simplifying your life.

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“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams

When it rains in southern New Mexico it is an event and people take notice. While I sat watching the raindrops splash in a freshly formed puddle I started to reflect on my day.

Right before lunch I stopped by the bank to open a new account for the organization I work for. The interaction did not go very well, and I felt that I was treated as a second rate customer. Instead of making a big scene, I simply thanked the woman and left. Driving back to the office all my thoughts were about writing an e-mail or calling back to complain. Luckily I was able to release the interaction, forgive the woman, and go about my day. When my co-worker asked me about it later, I told her it was nothing and this afternoon was for forgiveness and release.Watching the puddle as hundreds of ripples were being created and dispersed a question came to me “What kind of ripples are you putting in the world?” Most days I believe I add positive ripples. Today my best was avoiding the creation of a negative tidal wave. I am grateful for the growth I receive when I take time to choose my actions instead of reacting to every little thing that might not go my way. Stop, breath and smile.

Affirmation: I create only ripples of good and joy. I smile as the good radiates into the Universe ad infinitum.

Call to Action: Find a way to start a ripple of good today, or continue a ripple of good that comes your way. Did you have a chance to transform a negative ripple? Thank you for continuing to share your experiences with the CYLFriday community.

_{Copyright © 2011-2012, Change Your Life Friday. All Rights Reserved.}

“I believe that one defines oneself by reinvention. To not be like your parents. To not be like your friends. To be yourself. To cut yourself out of stone.” – Henry Rollins

Many of my friends are looking for work. They may be depressed because they cannot find the right kind of work or their pride will not let them take a job that is beneath them. I have experienced both situations. I think back to about three years ago when I was really struggling. I did not have the right kind of experience for the jobs that I wanted, I never finished my college degree, and my ego was out of control. Even in a situation where I had lost everything due to some bad investments and poor life choices I still felt like I deserved a leadership role or that I was entitled in some way. I struggled looking for work and complained about the alleged economic crises.  

A friend explained to me, “just get something for the time being while you look for something better. “ The best little nugget of advice I heard was think about how you can help or be of service in the workplace. Up until then I was always thinking about what is in it for me?  Instead of the job being just a paycheck or hating the job, I thought about what I could do to add to the stream of life.  How can I bring something positive to this world, my workplace, or my fellow man? When I bring that attitude into the world I am rewarded with bigger and better opportunities.

Reinventing yourself is never easy. Taking an entry-level job, and being grateful for the opportunity is a humbling experience. When I thought about what I could do to help the reputation of my company or better serve their customers, I got a sense of pride in my work. I got the most out of that job and eventually moved up to better paying gigs. When I set aside my pride I was able to be grateful for my humble job, knowing that it was a stepping-stone to something greater.

Affirmation: I honor my true self by being the best me I can be!

Call to action: In order to become the best I can be in the future, I have to start living today as if I had that perfect job or situation.  It is Friday so for the rest of today, do the work in front of yourself as if it is saving lives, the truth is it just may save the dream life the you so desperately want to experience…

Thank you to NotesFromTheCouch.com for the use of this picture.

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“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” – Walter Hagen

June 1st I released most of my personal obligations by resigning from a job and handing on my belongings reducing my responsibilities to just eating, sleeping and hygiene. My assumption had been that with so little to do in a day I would have an incredible amount of free time, no worries and I would never be in a rush.  Well, you know what is said about assumptions… What changed were my outside circumstances, without changing anything else, I was still busy rushing through situations and concerned about getting things accomplished.  I realized that no matter how much I change on the outside, if I do not do the inner work, nothing will truly be different. 
 
The beautiful thing today, thanks to cylfriday and other outlets of positive practices, is that it only took a few days to realize what I had been lacking. I found that I was not taking time to pause during the day and recognize the beauty around me. I decided it was time to slow down, chew and enjoy my food, consciously breath in the air around me, look around and feel all of the different textures of the world. 
 
I had become so busy with life that I had forgotten about those simple things.  As I reflect back on this last year I can think of many other times that this occured. A little reminder to pause would have saved a great deal of hurry, worry and indecision.  Life is short and today I choose to not rush through the pages of my days to reach the next big break or score.  I will take time today to enjoy what is beautiful right here and now.  Thank you so very much for joining me this week for a short pause.
 
Affirmation:  The most amazing and beautiful experience that I have had in my life is THIS ONE RIGHT NOW.  I am so blessed to see the beauty around me.
 
Call to Action:  Set an alarm on your phone to go off once every hour and take a pause from what you are doing to identify some beauty in the world that you are a part of.  Please share that experience and the beauty with us.

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“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” –Rabindranath Tagore

I had the opportunity to talk to a very wise woman this week. I was drawn to this woman by the fact that she had been involved with, studied, and practiced many different religions. Her life journey included multiple Christian traditions, Buddhism, New Thought and Religious Science. She has come full circle and returned to the tradition that she started with as a young girl. I was intrigued and asked “Why the return?” “Easy” she replied “service.”  Our conversation continued, but all I could think about was that one word, service.

I joined the Navy straight out of high school and thought I was doing a great deed serving my country. My reasons for joining the service were all selfish. I was able to get out of my home town, it guaranteed me money to go to school, and I knew that I would have a good paycheck every two weeks. I hated most the time I spent in the Navy and the act of serving brought me no joy.  Gandhi reminds us “Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.”

When my life is filled with service backed by joy and no ulterior motives I can truly understand the second half of the above Gandhi quote “But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.”  Today I can comprehend why a woman would be led back to a tradition of service. Now when someone thanks me for my past military service I can smile and thank them because I understand that others benefited from my time working for Uncle Sam.

Affirmation: My life is full of love and joy. I serve all just as happily as when someone is willing to help me. Thank you Life for the chance to serve today.

Call to Action: Look around as you move throughout the world today. Find one instance that you can be of service to another without looking for something in return. Share your service with us in the comments.

_{Copyright © 2011-2012, Change Your Life Friday. All Rights Reserved.}

“Man’s nature is not essentially evil. Brute nature has been known to yield to the influence of love. You must never despair of human nature.” –Mahatma Gandhi

I spoke at a youth detention center earlier this week. Usually at my speaking engagements I share a certain message with slight variations to accommodate for length and audience. As I watched these children walk in the room, labeled criminals by our society, it dawned on me they may have no hope for the future. Upon release most criminals go right back to crime. As a member of the CYLFriday crew and a believer of positive change I knew what message needed to be conveyed. I am not sure if they got what I was saying, but they listened. To get a group of 11-17 year olds to listen to you for an hour is quite a task.

When I was younger my parents told me many things, including I could be anything I wanted to be. The problem was I did not know what I wanted to be.  I did not listen to my parents and did not allow myself to believe them. I was a troubled youth, which followed me into early adulthood. I looked up to the people who influenced me positively. I listened to these people even though they usually said the same things my parents did. I am not sure of these youths’ background, but I do understand the power of positive influence. I get so wrapped up in my own life that I forget to pass on what I have learned.  I have to ask myself; “How often does my busy life keep me from helping my community? How often do I forget about the youth?”

Affirmation: I am a positive influence on all people I encounter. My life is a positive example to those that are looking to me for Light.

Call to action:  How many of you have younger family members, neighbors, friends children or children of your own? Am I doing all that I can to be a positive influence? Do I take the time to acknowledge the youth in my community? Please share your experience with the CYLFriday community.

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“Do work son!”  -Rob and Big

When we started CYLFriday our goal was to help inspire and challenge our community to be bold and brave, using actions to make positive change.  I can say that our lives have changed, and I hope that it has inspired others. The crew that started this journey together have truly bought in, all in, and allowed our lives to change in ways we could not have predicted. 

At 10:45 this evening I will leave the comfortable life I have become accustomed to over the last 7 years in Phoenix. I hit the road to see what else the world has to offer.  In preparation for my travels I have liquidated my possessions down to two boxes of mementoes, one box of clothes and two bags that will be coming with me on my journey.  I sold my vehicles, bigger electronics, my kitchenware and furniture; I also gave away many things to the people that have been a big part of my life in Arizona.  My plan with this journey was to change my life and report on the change throughout the journey. What I have found is that the lessons and growth have already started before I have landed at my first destination.

I have gained insight into my “needs” and soon after acquiring these alleged needs they end up not serving me.  I have been reminded how smooth everything flows when I am acting rightly and trusting my inner truth.  I have been full of gratitude for all of the amazing people that have helped mold me into the person that I am today. That man is someone who is willing to take a big chance and make a big change.  I have also been blessed with a great reason to examine the steps which brought me to this point of willingness to follow my dreams. The Universe has given me a call to action and thanks to the practice that I have made over the past several months, following the calls have seemed natural, effortless and fearless.  Having learned so much in such a short time inspires me to work harder and trust more. I am blessed with results that are beyond my wildest dreams. 

I think it is so fiting that this life changing journey departs from my current comforts on a friday. I will proudly be wearing my CYLFriday t-shirt on the plane.

Affirmation: I follow my intuition with great trust. I am guided and protected during every step of the amazing journey the Universe has for me.

Call to Action: Determine a change that you have been avoiding. Take a step in working towards that change today. If you are currently going through a change share how the evolution of that change has opened your eyes to some insight. Please share anything that calls you to in the comments.

_{Copyright © 2011-2012, Change Your Life Friday. All Rights Reserved.}

“Great stories happen to those who tell them.” – Ira Glass

Sunday morning I completed a 10-day meditation retreat. One aspect of the retreat included a nightly discourse where the teacher would explain the theory behind the meditation we had worked on that day. His favorite way, and more importantly his most effective way, to drive home a point was through telling stories.  Storytelling has been and will most likely always be the best way to transmit a message to an audience. 

I was reminded of this again on Tuesday afternoon when Change Your Life Friday crew sat down with an amazing woman and shared our story.  It was a tale of friendship, evolution, support and most importantly inspired change. The four of us sat around a table for two hours and allowed the story to flow with her questions. We had the chance to see how our life had played out over the last four years through new eyes.

As the week rolled on I was listening to The 3 Tenors with my grandfather. He loves opera music and while sitting with him he shared a story of how he started singing at 15. I knew he had sung for his church at one point, but I did not know this was a lifelong endeavor he enjoyed so much. I was shocked because at 28 I feel extremely close to my grandfather and thought I had heard ALL of his stories. 

Who cares? The point is storytelling is one of the most powerful things we have in society. It can be used to learn or teach a new skill. Storytelling can help us connect with others and grow in relationships. Sharing a story or listening to a story can also add a new perspective to your life. What is your story?

Affirmation:  My story is ever changing, ever growing and always playing out exactly the way it is supposed to.  Today I love the story of my life. 

Call to Action:  What is your story?  What is the story that you tell yourself about your life?  Is it a tragic tale of loss and lack or is it an amazing adventure of growth and change.  Take some time today and see if the story that you play for yourself serves you.  If you feel that your story is boring or uninspired and as a result you see yourself that way, refer to the quote above.

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