Welcome back to Second Chance to Live. I am always happy when you stop by to visit with me. I have been thinking about time. When the topic of time is discussed most people think in terms of the past, present and future. Some people live their lives in the past, whatiffing. Other people live their lives in the future and think “when”. When I do this or when I get that I will be…
And then there are other people who merely meter their time living in the drama of the moment. People that live within these time constructs believe that time is something that has to be endured or waited upon. Time for these individuals seems to enslave and dictate their quality of life and well being. Circumstances become the memories of success or failure.
Being a victim or martyr for these individuals, becomes a sort of banner that is raised in contempt for how they must live their lives. Hope is a fleeting concept that can not be owned, because time dictates what happens in their world. Time seems to own their past, present and future. Instead of pursuing their bliss, they believe they are stuck and subservient to time and the pressures of life.
There are other people who choose to see time in a different light. These individuals understand that the future is now. The future is not in some time down the road or when something happens. These individuals are not waiting for a crescendo of events to cascade before they can live their dreams. These individuals are not dependent upon validation or acceptance from other people.
Disapproval or negativity does not discourage them from pursuing their passion. Because they believe that the future is now these individuals draw upon courage and hope. Believing the future is now enables them to live life on life’s terms. They choose to learn from their circumstances. They see their experiences as building block upon which they build their destinies. These individuals draw from the well of empowerment.
They refuse to live fixed on the past, present or future. They find strong encouragement in knowing that their circumstances are meant to build them up and not hold them down in life. These individuals do not identify themselves with what they do, but who they are on the inside. Being, to them becomes more important than doing. Doing becomes an expression of being.
Creative energy wells up from their being as they express themselves through their passions. They are not held captive by daunting pessimism or cynicism, because they are fulfilling their destinies, one day at a time. They refuse to live life in self-pity. Through realizing that the future is now, these individuals create with their lives unencumbered by doubt.
Their disabilities do not define who they are in the now. Their limitations are not a stumbling block to prevent them from following their bliss. They are not waiting for some thing in the future to happen, but are using what they have now. They do not focus on “the” what IFF’s or “the” when’s, but they are living their lives with anticipation, now.
These individuals learn and grow from their experiences rather than believing they are victims because of those circumstances. These individuals grieve their loses and then use them to be a blessing to those in their worlds. These individuals believe that they are not alone to sort out their lives. They believe in a power greater than themselves to guide and direct their lives.
These individuals make the most of their time. They see progress not perfection as the goal and they are committed to their process. They believe that regardless of their position in life they are a gift to their world.
Life is filled with endless choices and possibilities. Consequently, I will continue to ask myself a question each day. Where are you living your life Craig? If I am stuck in the past, I will do the necessary work to make peace with my past. If I am waiting for something to occur in my future before…I will stop myself and celebrate my life now.
In the event that I find myself focusing on my present with the eye of a victim or martyr I will change my focus to one of gratitude. I will not be persuaded by the voice of doubt or discouragement. The iff’s will not dissuade me. When may never come so I need to live my life in the now. Consequently, to think that I am a victim is foolishness. I have choices.
I am a unique empowered life force to impact the live of those in my world. I am on course to fulfill my destiny. I will not give up on the process, on a loving God or upon myself because the future is NOW.
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boomerlife says
Well Craig, this is another of your articles that inspired me to write my own! I have to tell you that I had an incredible breakthrough because of it! You can read it at:
http://boomerlife.wordpress.com/2007/07/23/where-or-when-do-you-live/
George
Connie Steiner says
Hi, I am a care giver for my sister with TBI. I have no medical background but, have been learning as I go in careing for her. I think your recovery and determination are inspiring. I struggle daily tring to motivate my sister….sometimes it feels like swimming against the current. We have a doctor appointment today so I will read more on your sight when we return. I am thrilled to find a place I can go for encouragement. I am also with Soldiers Angels and currently have adopted about 9 of them.
I am an “In Home Care Provider”. I’m unable to work outside my home as long as I care for my sister. She was injured in a car accident with closed head injuries on her right frontal lobe. She also had damage at the back of her brain from it “bouncing” around on impact. She just had her 6th head surgery this JUne. She had to learn to walk, talk, swallow,eat, read,write,dress. Just about everything. I thought about and have been asked to help some soldiers here but, to be honest… This has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. I am not sure I can take on more at this point. I have worked retail most of my life. A huge change for me. I look forword to getting more information from this sight. Sometimes in small areas there are no support groups and fewer places to go for help. You are inspiring me to keep on working harder. thank you.Connie Steiner