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Reverse ABC’s

Whatever the mind can Conceive and Believe, it can Achieve.

Most of us are familiar with one of the great speeches of all time, “I have a dream…” by Martin Luther King. As I listened to the speech, I was reminded of another period of time in our great country, the United States of America.

For eight years, January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017, we listened to the oratory of another fellow promise great things. Heck, he even had the masses mesmerized by his magnificent dreams.

One Little Word

We can all dream — and we do.

In fact, dreams without action are known as fantasies.

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
If turnips were watches, I’d wear one by my side.
If “if’s” and “and’s” were pots and pans,
There’d be no work for tinkers’ hands.
Scottish Proverb

Whatever the mind can Conceive and Believe, it can Achieve.

One little three-letter word “and” stands between dreams and achievement. Fantasies and oratory are easy — dare I say cheap. What is very hard and of great value is Belief.

Count The Times

Out of curiosity, I downloaded the typewritten speech given by Martin Luther King and used Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to recognize the text. Then, I did a “search” for the word believe. — and to my surprise it only appeared three times — in the negative tense. See for yourself. (CLICK)

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.
We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults…
…a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote.

Only a wish, “…somehow this situation can and will be changed.”

I’m not interested in what someone doesn’t believe. I want to know what they do believe — and that’s missing from a speech to 250,000 people on August 28, 1963. Here in Montana, that’s known as all hat and no cattle.

Anyone can complain about a problem — only a select few can “believe” in a solution. However, those select few offer real hope for the future and inspire change in behaviors. They are the Inspirators. Let’s examine their beliefs.

One More Time

After many blows of the hammer, I wanted to ask, “Why — are we doing this?!”

Yet, I settled for, “When do you think it will split?”

As he always did, my Dad just grinned and answered, “I don’t know. That’s what makes this fun.”

Before beginning anything, Dad always knew the “Why” of producing the intended result. I believe that’s what kept him swinging and believing.

A full measure of belief is necessary to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.

See You At The Top

Another hero of mine, Zig Ziglar, came from humble beginnings and influenced many. As a cookware salesman, he learned and taught, “People buy what they want — not what they need.”

As a twenty-something Entrepreneur, the cassette tapes of Zig Ziglar captured my attention and motivated me to serve the public in ways which, before, were unimaginable.

I was inspired to believe that if a pots and pans peddler from Yazoo City, Mississippi, could achieve his dreams — then, I could, too.

You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.

V-8 Power

There’s a story about Henry Ford wanting a V-8 engine for his automobiles. He asked his engineers to make one. After several months, they returned to say it couldn’t be done.

Henry explained why it was important for families to travel in safety, with the increased power of more horses under the hood.

Off the engineers went, to try, again. After many more months and with conviction, they reported that the task was impossible. Henry said firmly, “Boys, you don’t understand. You can either build me a V-8 engine, or I will find someone who can.”

They built Henry his V-8.

Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.

Believe and Succeed

The strangest secret is, “We become what we think about.” However, only 5% of the population is thinking — the other 95% are conforming. After the conception of a goal, all we have to do is put forth the effort to create.

Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. Conceiving an idea (dream) is worthless, unless we act on it — with purpose and faith (belief).

What you believe will be done for you.
The Word

Easy, or Hard?

Which is easier to say?
1.) I believe.
2.) I have a dream.

Which is harder to do?
1.) Believe
2.) Dream

I Believe

All we do begins with a thought.
Service to others is love made visible.
We receive in proportion to the way we give.
Things work together for the good of those who LOVE.
Fascination and Curiosity can overcome resignation and despair.
In starting with nothing (but a dream) and building something special.
Whatever the mind can Conceive and Believe, it can Achieve.

What do you believe?

Stuttering Roadrunner

Why does a stuttering roadrunner say, “BBeep, BBeep!”?

Because — they are so dang excited about new business opportunities.

They know “BBeep” is the short version of, “Better Business evolving everyday Plan.” Or, we can shorten that to, simply, “Better Business Plan.”

For 19:32 minutes of entertainment from Wile E Coyote and Roadrunner, click: (HERE) or, watch below.

Roadrunner & Wile E Coyote

You might be thinking, “What is a Better Business Plan?”

And — “What does that have to do with me, cartoons, and having fun?!”

My response, “Everything!”

Let Me Explain

Everything begins with YOU.

Your thoughts, your ideas, your dreams will, eventually, be the catalyst to Build Something — Special.

The reason WHY you want to Build Something — Special is so YOU can be your own boss, provide well for your Family, and achieve personal and business success to the level you choose.

Stuttering Roadrunner ~ Better Business Plan (BBeeP)

Wile E Coyote and Roadrunner offer intrinsic lessons to teach us how to navigate the threats and compensate for weaknesses — so, that, we can build on our strengths and focus on the opportunities. (SWOT)

Having fun is the definition of a rich, full, and abundant life. This preamble from our United States Declaration of Independence speaks volumes to what should be our chosen lifestyle.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Importance of Speed

Until I was twelve years old, I though my middle name was Runget. Dad was a ranch-hand, working on Montana ranches owned by Trust Fund Babies. Although our family was poor of money, we were rich in love — Dad loved his Family and I loved to go with him, to work.

Whether we were building new wood fences for the bullpen, fixing a broken piece of equipment, or training a young horse, there were always those occasions where Dad needed something we didn’t have, with us.

So, he would say, “Kim, run get…” (whatever it was imperative to success)

And, I ran. Me and Forrest Gump — we ran. I ran so much that by the time we moved to the foreign country of East Texas, I ran the other guys off the track and brought home my share of 1st place ribbons.

Wile E Coyote

If you want to see the predators circle, begin building something of value. A whole pack of your enemies will be first to the scene — and not far behind them will be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Many you counted as friends will show their true color — green, with envy and jealousy.

Even though cute in a cartoon, this is an apt definition of a coyote.

“… long, slim, sick, sorry-looking skeleton” and a “living, breathing allegory of the desire to want. He’s always hungry.”
Samuel Clemens’ book Roughing It

Unless you go all in to achieve success according to your plan, the predators will go all out to destroy your hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

And — that’s WHY it is imperative that you have a Better Business Plan.

Roadrunner

We never see the Roadrunner working on his blueprint to stay alive. Yet, his resourcefulness indicates that he is constantly modifying and adapting his Better Business Plan to avoid the wiles of the coyote.

Much more important than playing not to lose (his life) it is much more fun playing to win (your success).

Beyond the importance of speed discussed earlier, discipline, dedication, patience, perseverance, and collaboration are the secrets to drafting, implementing, measuring, modifying, and celebrating your Better Business Plan.

Better Business Plan

Since we have two hands with five fingers on each, let’s simplify all this into a 5-Step Model.

Drafting (discipline)
Implementing (dedication)
Measuring (patience)
Modifying (perseverance)
Celebrating (collaboration)

Drafting ~ The first step is to make a plan. All creations of value begin with an idea captured into a Blueprint.

Implementing ~ Once the plan is available, the adage, “Work the plan!” rings true. Blood, sweat, and tears will be the investment.

Measuring ~ In order to manage, we must measure — “What is going right?” — and, “What needs improvement?”

Modifying ~ “Nothing works quite right the first time.” Our choices are Resignation and Despair — or, Fascination and Curiosity.

Celebrating ~ Success is a beautiful experience, to be shared with admiring friends and respectful enemies. Enjoy!

Two Choices

We have two hands — and, not three, five, or eight — because they are a reminder there are only two paths available: Light, or Darkness. On one hand, this — and, on the other hand, that.

The creation of light requires effort — make a candle, gather fuel, or strike a match all require resources and time.

Darkness is a void — a vast nothingness of worthless space. Yet, host to those who choose to hide their evil thoughts and actions.

Wile E Coyote usually met his demise in the darkness of a canyon, as we watched him go “poof” into a cloud of dust. His own actions were the cause of the result — and Roadrunner was, simply, a spectator to Karma.

The Secret

186,000 miles per second — that’s the Speed of Light.

We may not be able to build that fast — but we can harness the Power that designed the metrics. All we need to do is ASK — Ask, Seek, and Knock.

Darkness cannot extinguish Light.

With your Better Business Plan in hand, YOU can move quickly from any taint of darkness into the light of a better day and time.

If a Stuttering Roadrunner can do it, YOU can, too!

Performance Realms

In an ordered Universe, these four — in this order — would be the performance realms: Goodness, Thought, Action, and Feelings.

Goodness would fuel our Thoughts, which motivate us to Action, resulting in warm fuzzy Feelings.

However, we live in a time with slogans similar to, “If it feels good, do it.“

Reverse Engineering

So, we begin this Story upside, down.

Genius is taking the complex and making it simple — which, then, means Stupidity is taking the simple and making it complex. Let me illustrate the silliness of this hampster-wheel existence.

If we being with feelings, the analogy is of a person on the beach, who discovers a small rowboat. They’re in the mood for sun-bathing and the calming effects of water motion — so, they give the boat a push into the ocean, hop in, lay down, and float away on the waves.

Next, let’s picture another individual as a fitness guru. They know the action of their muscles can power that rowboat. So, they search about for a set of oars, before launching. They row furiously to work those arm and leg muscles — yet, we find them rowing in circles, for hours at a time.

Now, here comes someone to that same little rowboat with a map and a plan. They have put thought into their upcoming voyage. In addition to oars, they have brought the appropriate provisions for the trip. They set their compass for a destination of their choice and set sail.

Finally, we have an individual who boldly strides into the theatre of our mind exercises, with goodness in mind. In other words, they have a purpose when approaching the little boat on the beach. As a result, they have brought an Evinrude outboard motor — and off they go.

Begin With The End In Mind

Then, this challenge comes from the clueless, “What end?!”

And… that’s the point of this presentation, “We need a source of goodness to establish a purpose — that’s so dang exciting and challenging — we are inspired to go all-in and give all.”

The complexity of this challenge can be simplified into three words.

Why
How
What

Why are you thinking about doing something? Does it complement your purpose in life? Will it provide happiness and joy? (People)

How will you accomplish your goal? Are you able to make the sacrifices necessary to let go of the old habits and develop new ways? (Process)

What will be the benefit to you and others in your sphere of influence? Is this legacy adequate for your mark on the world? (Results)

Back To The Story

Whatever became of the individuals we left on the boat?

For a while, the feelings person enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the motion of the waves. In time, they dozed off to sleep — and, then, awakened to the blackness of night, tossed to and fro by the hand of fate.

Our action Jackson figure sure enough built a few more muscles, for his own admiration. Because, after all, he was alone in that boat with his oars and paddling like a riverboat gambler — going nowhere fast.

Since all we do begins with a thought, that individual was at least headed to a specific destination they had chosen. Might be an adrenalin rush to get there — yet, once there, boredom is apt to set in.

Designed for greatness, engineered for success, and motivated by goodness our Captain of Destiny is courageously headed into uncharted waters to serve the multitudes.

From The Top, Down

There is an order to the Universe and it is this simple.

Spiritual
Mental
Physical
Emotional

Regardless of belief, we are not the center of the Universe. Contrary to the modus operandi of the narcissist, there is a higher power — and Karma is deadly accurate in the delivery of what is earned.

All we do begins with a thought — and we have the freewill to choose what influences our thinking. Just like a radio dial, we can select the media flowing into our minds — good, or evil.

Yes, actions speak much louder than words. After sharing our intent with talk, we must make the walk — to deliver for the benefit of others. As we perform, The CARE Credential guides our conduct.

Guaranteed we will, then, experience natural highs better than any illegal street drugs. There are no side effects, crashes, or withdrawal symptoms. And — the beauty is — we can reach these euphoric states at any time.

The Secret

Undeniably, there are two competing, unseen, forces in our society. Just like the concept of gravity, words are useless to describe the intangible — yet, the effects are very tangible.

To keep things simple we will acknowledge these two influential sources as — Good and Evil. The wavelengths of each are there for us to tune into.

Those of an older generation will remember a time when we were lucky to have three TV channels — maybe, one good and two with snow (white flickers on an otherwise black-and-white picture). Naturally, the clear black-and-white channel was watched the most.

Between the forces of Good and Evil, there is not a third choice. There is no maybe to this spectrum of choice. As analogies, a skydiver is either in the airplane – or, out; a woman is either pregnant – or, not; and we either believe – or don’t.

If we choose Good over Evil, we become conduits of goodness for the treasures from above to flow through us for the benefit of those below.

It’s as simple as that.

Pearls and Pigs

Attacked, Condemned, and Trampled

Have you ever been attacked for offering goodness?

Have you ever been condemned for doing right?

Has another person ever trampled you into wondering, “What’s up with that?!”

A Better Way

There must be a better Way.

In the realm of human nature, there is nothing new under the sun. Things today are about like they have always been. Amazingly, though, when it’s our pain, the hurt is real.

When managing our emotions, this one encouragement is a reminder of the power that is ours.

We get what we allow.

In other words: If we do what we have always done, we will get what we have always got.

This Is The Way

Tired of being attacked? Sick to death of being condemned? Crawled out of the mud, for the very last time?

Do you want to know about a better Way?

Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.
Don’t throw your pearls to pigs!
They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Pigs

Who are PIGS?

People
Intently
Glorifying
Self

Pearls

What are PEARLS?

Precious
Exquisite
Arrangements
Reflecting
Life’s
Secrets

The precious gem of your multifaceted life Story deserves to be shared with the world. Because a few ugly creatures are ungrateful, does not diminish the value of YOU.

Please, accept the responsibility for never again offering your gifts to the wrong people, move beyond the pen of PIGS, and boldly share your PEARLS of wisdom — Your Life Story — with those patiently waiting for the one and only, unique, courageous, and priceless creation of YOU.

Why and How

The secret to getting things done is to ask, “Who is going to do What by When?”

An even greater mystery to doing the right things is to know, “Why and How!”

There’s a story about a Montana rancher that goes something like this —

A country doctor is suturing a cut on the hand of a Montana rancher.

Rancher: “At least this hurt comes from building something. Just imagine the pain of a post turtle.”
Doctor: “Oh? What is a post turtle?”
Rancher: “Well, when you’re driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top. That’s a post turtle. You know he didn’t get there by himself; he doesn’t belong there; he can’t get anything done while he’s up there; and, without help to get down, he’s stranded!”

How often do we get stuck?

Pedestals, Ivory Towers, and White Horses

Do we ever consider: “Why?” Is it because we allowed someone to place us on a pedestal, in an ivory tower, or on a white horse? It’s one thing to work hard to earn our place in the world — it’s quite another to be placed somewhere. Even more dangerous than the physical geography is the mental fantasy. It can be our mind playing tricks on us — or, the imaginations of another person projected onto us.

From our earliest memories we are indoctrinated with the propaganda that, to be somebody, we must rise above. Movies, novels and childhood stories revolve around the themes of a princess in an ivory tower attracting the knight in shining armor who gallops in on his trusty white steed.

Joy Is In The Doing

What goes up must come down. Down to the reality that the greatest joys in life are found by serving — not swooning. Life is all about attitude — not altitude. Love is defined as giving — not getting. Let’s all get down, to the business and pleasure of accepting others for who they, really, are — not who we want them to be.

While the grandeur of heights is intoxicating, the grounded efforts of servants produce harvests of abundance. Those who are the greatest, purposefully, take the lowest rank. They are recognized as true leaders by their efforts to serve.

They are the ones who know Why they are here; How they got here; What they are doing here; and, Who have absolutely no fear of falling down. When they stumble, it is to learn a new lesson on their way to another opportunity — of service.

Radical Acceptance

From Upset To Ecstatic

Is anything bothering you – right now?

Are you uptight about any event, thing, or individual — who has caused you grief?

For most of us, the answer is, “Oh, let me count the ways!”

Yet — there is a secret to calming ourselves.

For the sake of conversation, pick an item, above. Odds are good that, if it’s:

1) an Event, you’re replaying the video in your mind of some action, or inaction, that might have gone better.
2) a Thing, you’re reminded of the expression, “We don’t own things — things own us.”
3) an Individual, you’re either plotting revenge — or impatient for Karma to deliver their just desserts.

In other words, we feel trapped in a world beyond our choosing.

But… what if, I can guarantee to change that feeling — immediately?

The Secret

Radical Acceptance

That’s right — simply, unconditionally, accept what is – iiWii – It Is What It Is.

That event you’re replaying over and over in your mind. Stop it! Wrap your mind around this, “Forgiveness is letting go of the notion that there can be a different, or better, yesterday.” The event is done, over, and in the Past — where it belongs. Move forward into the Present and set your mind on a dream of the Future.

That thing you’re obsessing about. Fix it, give it to someone less fortunate, or be as happy with it as the day you bought it. And, if none of that works, absorb the lesson of, “Beware the impulse shopping purchase and sleep on any major decision requiring resources of time and money.”

That individual you’re imagining in Hades. Let them go. They have made their choices — now, make yours. Decide that you can’t fix Stupid. Take back the power you have given them over your Thoughts. Change their role in your life and think this, “When I give, I’m all in — but, when I’m done there’s no looking back.”

Forgoing All Others

There is something magical about making a choice. Notice the adjective “a” — singular. While there are multiple options, we are stressed — uncertain about which one to choose. At the moment we pick one, we forgo all other choices.

Again, it’s radical acceptance of that one option.

Doesn’t it feel good?

It is our Independence Day.

We have found freedom from the outside influence of anything or anybody.

Builders

There are two types of People in this world — Builders and Janitors.

There are three types of Builders — Constructive, Creative, and Conscientious.

There are three types of Janitors — Lazy, 9-to-5’ers, and Trust Fund Babies.

Those Who Maintain

Lazy is a condition of idleness. For the hard-working men and women, this is a daydream of ours. To kick back and take it easy. Yet, when we do, there is an underlying uneasiness — of wondering, “What’s so great about this?” Imagine a lifetime on the couch with a clicker. No joy there.

9-to-5’ers make it through each of their days, doing what is asked of them — and, no more. They work for a paycheck and have no interest in making the world a better place. They are self-absorbed and, simply, wait for their shift to be over — so, they can pursue a hobby of their choice.

Trust Fund Babies are born on third base — believing they hit a home run. They are full of arrogance and ignorance, which makes them dangerous. They play not to lose and have no clue how to win. Since they have no idea of how to make anything of value, their favorite tactic is to nickel-and-dime everyone else.

The Good News

Before we examine the lives of Builders, let’s offer hope to the Janitors.

We have been created with freewill — the ability to choose our destiny. At any moment, at any time, we can make a choice to have a different life. The world is what we make of it — if it doesn’t fit we can make alterations.

Able and willing are two, very, different concepts — because, even, though we are able to do something does not guarantee we will be willing.

A mind changed against its will — will be of the same opinion still.

As an eternal optimist, I believe in possibilities. I just don’t believe the odds are very good — that Janitors will choose to become Builders.

Those Who Create

Constructive builders have something to show for their hard work at the end of their days. Every tangible blessing we enjoy has been built by the hands of the industrious. Up before dawn to draft their Blueprints, driven through the day to produce Value, and through the evening they review their Accomplishments.

Creative builders operate in the realm of Intellectual Property. Their goal is to build up People. In the intangible realms of mental, emotional, and spiritual, the creative types bring into existence thoughts never before shared with the World. From those Thoughts, flow Decisions, and Actions for the good of humankind.

Conscientious builders oftentimes can be found at the end of a shovel, or broom. Maybe, because of the hand of fate – or, by design – these individuals are diligent in their high calling — to Serve. They are not servants. They do, however, offer themselves in service for the good of all. Whatever their hands find to do, they proudly do it with their might.

One, Or The Other

In today’s society, many individuals seem to be zombies trudging through their days with an attitude of Fifty Shades of Grey. To them, there is no light or dark — their world is, simply, various shades of dullness.

If distressed jeans are any indication to the mood of the wearer, then, we have many distressed individuals, today. Through the 24/7 propaganda machine of the media, these individuals have become convinced they are powerless to make a decision. So, they float back and forth on the spectrum of choice. Which shade of grey will it be, today?

Yet, they have the ability to make a black and white choice – a decision – for a different ending to their life Story. They can shun the grey pale of drudgery, turn their back against the dark forces, and open their minds to the colorful goodness of heaven on earth.

I Can Hear The Whining

Those happy in their ruts (graves with the ends kicked out) will start their chorus of whining — about what they don’t have, what they can’t do, and how they are the victims of the victorious.

On the other hand, I can hear a few – putting their foot in the throttle – who are determined to wind up the RPMs (until their engines whine), catch some gears, and make progress down a road toward their new destinations. I love the sound of Progress. 🙂

DNA, or DME (Doesn’t Make Excuses)

I’m a Builder. My dad was a Builder. His dad was a Builder. And, his dad escaped from a life of luxury on the East Coast to homestead in Fishtail, Montana. Yes, he was a Builder, too.

So — the question becomes, did my son, Ryan, have no choice but to be a Builder? As the owner of Crosswire, Inc. is it simply a matter of DNA? Maybe, although, I’m more of the belief it’s because of his DME. He doesn’t make excuses — because, Builders don’t.

Builders accept responsibility for each of their decisions. They want to earn Respect.

Janitors, on the other hand, want to be Liked. They have no idea how to earn anything, so they manipulate. In the simplest of terms, they truly are wannabes.

The Secret

Unless we are growing, we are dying — the default condition of the physical realm is decay.

How do we escape?

Start with nothing and build something special.

Too simple for the complexity of our modern world?

There is one powerful concept often ignored by the masses, “Keep It Simple Sweetheart.” — affectionately known as the KISS Principle. Try it, you’ll like it.

By bringing into existence that which was formerly unknown, YOU become a creator. Since we’re made in the image of a Higher Power, a small leap of faith brings us to the realization that the Joy is in the building, the creating, and the serving.

Birds Of A Feather

Have you noticed that Eagles do not cavort with Turkeys? Or, that Bluebirds don’t spend much time visiting with the Pigeons? And, that the Meadowlark has no use for the Prairie Hawk?

So, evidently, it is true, “Birds of a feather flock, together.”

If we choose a life of doing, we escape the Thanksgiving table fate of the Turkey.

In fact, we will soar on wings like Eagles.

Let’s build on that premise!

Steel and Velvet

Life is experienced on a tightrope.

Fine lines of distinction separate This from That.

As an example, the short riddle below, comprised of two sentences, is deserving of being solved. It will be our segue into the Thought Du Jour.

Each sentence is accurate.

Together, they become powerful in thought and deed.

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.
Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

While appearing contradictory, the Secret is within each of us, at our core. If we know who we are and are generous of spirit, the ‘answer’ becomes obvious:

We refuse to follow a foolish person down rabbit trails — and, we boldly share our beliefs with them.

Men of Steel and Velvet

You might ask, “What does this have to do with men of Steel and Velvet?”

The answer, “They can be firm and soft — at the same time.”

In fact, they are who they are — yet, they generously share of themselves. The perception of these differences become reality when interacting with the individuals who approach them. For example — these men of Steel and Velvet have the patience of a Saint. Some people will recognize the character trait as a virtue — others will perceive the same trait as weakness.

Two Sides of Same Coin

The first group will experience the softness flowing from mutual respect — as stories are shared. The second group will experience the hardness resulting from a rude awakening — as they are jolted from their ill-conceived perception to the harsh reality of a definitive limit. While giving the benefit of the doubt, these men of Steel and Velvet will defend their boundaries — for the benefit of those who seek protection.

Boundaries are simply ‘fine lines of distinction’. One of these fine lines separates forgiveness from flaccidity. Forgiveness is hard (to do) — flaccidity is (by its very definition) soft. Forgiveness lets us enjoy the present moment — while moving forward into a future of opportunities. Flaccidity is for those who allow themselves to be a doormat for the feet of their enemies — while remaining tethered to the past.

Lambs to the Wolves

Is it possible for lambs to move through a pack of wolves? What is the Secret to that?! Answer: “We are to be as wise as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Wisdom is the forerunner to success. In fact, a four letter word is the pun intended to create a new beginning in our lives — Fore.

Yes — that which comes before. Have you ever wondered how generous people got to be that way? They give here, there, and everywhere. What came first? What is at the very beginning of their current efforts?

Answer, “Fore-give” — and, in the vernacular, Forgive.

Forgiveness

One of the best definitions of forgiveness was received in a place far removed from a religious setting. Yet, it dovetails with a belief in a Higher Power and summarizes the distinct black and white choice we will each make in our, individual, lives.

Forgiveness: Let go of the notion that there can be a better, or different, yesterday.

Simple enough. Yet, check your thoughts. Where are they? Dwelling on an episode, conversation, mistake, hurt, offense, etc. of the Past? If so, look again at the definition above.

“But”, you might say, “I have tried to forgive and that person does not deserve it, will not accept it, continues to do it, etc.” (the excuses continue on ad infinitum and ad nauseam)

Fore-giving is not about anyone else. It is about us and totally within our control.

Does it mean we condone the actions of another? No.

Does it mean we continue to allow another to use and abuse us? Heck, no!

Does it mean we forget, for now, with hopes of revenge, later? Again, the answer is — No.

We, simply — Let go of the notion that there can be a better, or different, yesterday.

Then, we assuage ourselves with, “Right here, right now, it’s great to be alive!”

The Offended

Many will choose to be offended. They will be envious of the peace and tranquility in our lives. The pathologically challenged will remain tethered to their past, while we move forward.

Each new day will bring the tightropes for us to walk boldly and in balance. Through it all, we retain our innocence by being able and willing to, quickly, ask for forgiveness when we are wrong and offering it freely to erase the foibles of others. By doing so we achieve —

The Reward

We ignore the foolish arguments — while sharing our core beliefs.

We wisely chart our course through danger — while being careful to remain harmless.

We forgive ourselves and others — while receiving an invitation to the future.

We, eventually, learn the inherent principle of Steel and Velvet —
Easy is hard and Hard is easy.