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Nancy Mitchell

When Did You Die?

That’s an odd question because you’re reading this story in the flesh! However, I assure you, the meaning of those words are revealed, as this story unfolds. Many of you have already died, not physically but in a way that is truly tragic. You die when you become a fraction of who you are. The worst part is, you believe this is life and how you are supposed to live. What if there is more, so much more?  The truth is, there is. Yet many of  us never get there.

You become your habits– good or bad. We become what we are in the habit of being and doing. Everyday you wake up to the person you were yesterday. Whatever thoughts you had about life or yourself are carried over to how you feel today. That “carrying over from yesterday’s” existence doesn't allow for growth. Without giving it a second thought, life becomes a series of days, weeks, years of behaving who you were yesterday. You stay stuck in this “less than you” version of yourself until you, hopefully, decide to be more. This behavior starts in childhood when you are molded by the beliefs and perceptions of others. So often in family dynamics in order to “fit in,” you become what others expect of you, rather than expressing your “true you.” Of course when this happens, you lose yourself and become, like so many of us, “the walking dead,” existing but not living. Now, I'm speaking from the point of view that you have allowed your thoughts and habits to create a fraction of who you are. However, the reverse is also true if you grow from these experiences and direct your thoughts and habits so you are in alignment with “being the awesome you,” then you are having a good life. Then, you are using your powers of inner belief to guide you to the truth of your being. Today, however, the focus is on what happens when you don't do that. Many of us are truly lost, unaware of the powers that are within, not knowing that you can change everything and make life unfold like an amazing dream.

When you come to understand that every state of being is an emotion, you’ll understand that thinking and feeling are very important to how you live your life. Your emotions control your existence. Like musical notes, like sounds on a radio dial, every emotion has its own frequency. Happy is not on the same channel or frequency as sad, for example. The goal is to experience a happy, satisfied frequency most of the time. Understand that happiness comes from within, so be happy about something! The best way to be happy is to be grateful, even for the smallest blessing. An attitude of gratitude always carries you far, even if initially what you receive isn't quite what you wished for. Be grateful anyway. Thankful for the blessings you receive. The fact that you are breathing is a good start! Be grateful that you can change and have the emotion of happiness. Be grateful that you are alive and growing in this knowledge of learning how to live a better life. That’s a happy thought!

Still, none of this is without challenges.

The hard truth is that staying in this frequency of gratitude and happiness can be difficult when surrounded by negative thinking. You’ve heard that “complainers never win,” which is the absolute truth. It is also true for those who listen and become negatively influenced by the negative conversations of those around them! Negativity is very prevalent in our society today. Much of this stems from the belief that "working hard” is the key to achieving success. This is a misconception. Focused effort is not the same thing as working hard. Millions of people work hard and end up with very little to show for it. However, those who have a clear idea of what they want and believe there's a way to achieve their desire will enjoy the fruits of their efforts. Millions of people miss out on this basic truth because they believe they are not worthy or that is not the way life is. It’s utter nonsense to think this way. Still, millions do and why they live in poverty or at a fraction of who they can be. Does that describe you? Are you living your life with purpose, feeling satisfied that your skills and abilities are appreciated? If so, congratulations! You are among the 20% of people who are living a wonderful life. If this does not describe you, take an honest assessment of your life. What would truly make you happy? Dream a little. Okay. Dream a lot! Go beyond the realm of where you are to where you would love to be. Who would you love to be? How would you love to live your life? Based on where you are now, it may seem impossible. This thinking does not go along with logic. This is “what if?” thinking. What if it could happen? How do you feel? I tell you, if you can feel it, it is within your grasp to have it.

This may seem far-fetched, even impossible, but I assure you, and you may feel this truth from your core right now, that the way will be shown to you. The first thing you must do is believe that if you desire it, there must be a way to achieve it. All growth requires effort and this is a step in your personal growth. Until you do this, you are dying. Literally. The real you is fading from life. The happier, healthier, more fulfilled you is waiting for you to break free and take that step forward. Your choice is to stop acting on what society or another tells you to be, or to be true to yourself. The truth is, not being you is robbing you from being the true person that you are! So, why are you acting like someone who is not you? The moment you accept a life sentence of being a “false self’ is the day you die.