A Self-Sustaining Life

"Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."

This phrase from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu has been around for hundreds of years, and embodies a universal truth and teachable principles that is held today.

I was brought up on the second part of this phrase - that by teaching a man how to fish, he'll be able to feed himself for a lifetime. That's just my paraphrasing of it, the meaning is powerful. The essence of this phrase sums it up like this - be self-sustaining, be self-disciplined, and be self-managed - these three maxims revolutionized my life. Instead of always depending on others, you should learn and employ the skills you need to meet all of your needs.

One should know the skills one needs to become independent and self-sufficient.

First, a self-sustaining person, you need little help or assistance to reach your personal targets. You can meet your own needs and decide the pathway you need to take to reach the next level. When learning a new skill for example or a new language, decide on a target you want to hit. Decide on the next level, this is self-directing your future. You are in charge.

Today, many rely on our government to survive and meet their needs for food, water and shelter. Most obtain their daily fish themselves; however, others take advantage of public programs for their own selfish gain. Becoming dependent on others for aid or support for long periods steals away your independence and self-worth.

My mother raised a large family without my father, not because she didn't want him to be around, but because my father was an alcoholic and abuser. His dependency was so evident to her that she refused to let him break up a peaceful home, nor allow him to influence his children's by perpetuating his bad behavior. I once read an old saying: "Don't depend too much on anyone in this world, because even your shadow leaves you when you're in darkness."

My mother would not accept any handouts, because she hated the ideal of dependency. Now all her kids have grown up to be professionals in their perspective fields, and their hard-working ethic can be attributed to our mother. My mother taught us the art of fishing, so we could all be self-sustaining and self-sufficient throughout our lives. Sometimes all you need is to trust your own ability and strengths.

Secondly, self-discipline means your mind and body motivate your spirit to move towards the results you want to realize, free from the constraints of conformity and tradition. This can bring about a shift in your long-term circumstances. A self-disciplined life moves you towards your destiny. You make choices that line up with your goals - even down to what you wear, who you hang out with, and what foods you eat.

Third, a self-managed life boils down to this: you are taking full control over your talents and abilities and moving towards your true purpose in this life. You have a special destiny and purpose that requires self-sustaining abilities and self-discipline to reach. Self-management involves becoming reliable in all aspects of your life and moving towards success, your own set of personal goals. Every step, every decision, every action moves you towards your ideal self. Earl Nightingale said it best: "Success is the realization of a worthy ideal." For example, if you desire to become a teacher, learn everything you need to know about that profession. Get up every morning to study for certifications, read books on the subject, get a mentor. Discipline your life daily, manage your life consistently, and soon you'll realize that you've arrived.

Thomas Edison, the great inventor and innovator of the 20th century, embodied these principles when he invented the incandescent lamp. It took him over 10,000 tries with different materials to come up with a filament that could last for many hours. Thank God that Edison had the self-discipline to continue his pursuit of a long-lasting light bulb - if he hadn't, we all might still be sitting in the dark, and reading by candlelight.

So learn the art of fishing. Become self-sustaining, forge your own path, and move towards your destiny.

https://ezinearticles.com/?A-Self-Sustaining-Life&id=10186159

A Path to the Self - Three Ways to Claim Your Personal Power

The true purpose of power is to transform yourself and your world. A sense of empowerment renews your life purpose. Shame is the demon. It takes away your joy. The healing process involves letting go of shame that who you are and what you do is not good enough.

As a society, we have been raised into obedience and trained for cooperation. We think of power as "power over," based on struggle and opposition. We have lost the sense of our own divine nature and personal power. To change our concept of power, we need to move away from struggle and toward transformation. We must move toward a power that inspires and strengthens us without diminishing others.

Accept yourself as a unique individual and take responsibility for your life.

Before you can engage with the world, you must have a clear sense of yourself as a separate individual. You are willing to be unique and risk disapproval for the integrity of your own truth. To claim your personal power, you must first be your true self. By blaming others you remain passive and irresponsible. Personal autonomy requires that you let go of blame and accept responsibility for your life.

You cannot create change in yourself and the world unless you accept yourself for who you really are. Otherwise you remain trapped in the expectations that society and others have for you. To be a unique individual you must overcome unconscious habits that define you. You must take responsibility for your life and truly claim your personal power. In the process of becoming your own person, you allow the unfolding of your unique journey on Earth.

Look within to know what you really want and need.

Determining the course of your life requires a strong will. You must pay conscious attention to your desires and their expression in the world. The desires of your heart provide fuel for your will. They give it strength and direction. You act with clear intention and not only from whim. You move steadily toward your future and make choices that honor who you really are. You align with your true Self and release your personal power.

During quiet time alone you make contact with your true Self. You discover the longings of your heart. You know your deepest thoughts and feelings. In the midst of life's busyness, quiet time alone may seem an impossible goal. But solitude is not a luxury. It is essential for your well-being. You pay an enormous price for ignoring your inner needs. Desires come from deep within. By following them you access the power of your inner Genius.

Use your mistakes to grow and develop a sense of personal power.

To be thankful for the gift of each new day requires self-esteem. You are willing to meet daily challenges with a sense of trust in yourself. You face life's uncertainties and accept that mistakes will happen along the way. You learn that it is not the mistake but how you respond that matters. Mistakes help you grow in confidence and develop your sense of personal power.

As your power grows, you are able to change and transform yourself. Power exists to help you become who you really are. It is a process not a thing. It allows you to escape the narrow limitations you place on yourself. You transition from past to future. Power expresses the presence of the divine within you. As your power grows, you find your own unique path and create a joyful life experience.

Having a healthy sense of power allows you to approach life with vitality, joy and confidence. You choose a plan of action and move forward to accomplish your goals. Each moment is full of possibilities until you make a choice. Having a life vision guides you in making wise choices. It serves as a catalyst for change. It helps you stay focused on what matters the most to you. You become the powerful creator of a happier, more purposeful life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Path-to-the-Self---Three-Ways-to-Claim-Your-Personal-Power&id=9417225

Living Your Routine or Breaking Out From Your Comfort Zone?

When we encounter an old friend or acquaintance and ask them "how have you been?", the most common answer we get is something between "just fine!" and "same routine different day". I am not against the phrase "I am fine". It is the most ingenious phrase the human kind has ever made. You know why? Because when you are fine, you are done with yourself, there is no progress. No progress is viable when things are "fine".

Did you ever consider that your responses and generally your verbal or non-verbal communication with the rest of the world projects a "vivid" tone of mediocrity? Or have you noticed from the depths of your consciousness that you are suppressing your true goals and keep telling yourself phrases like:

"I am good where I am, I don't need to go any farther... I just don't feel like it. I am sure that if my emotions are telling me not to do it, that means something"

There a substantial reason why your emotions are not telling you to try new experiences. Human beings are creatures of habit. Having said that, overcoming a habit that doesn't align with our true purpose, stands as an extremely difficult task. To our DNA change equals danger. As a result when your brain notices a change to your daily routine, he generates doubtful feelings that get in the way and sabotage you.

I have no purpose of undermining the importance of fear and his contribution to our survival. But there are times when you have to ignore your feelings in order to move forward and improve your life the way you want to.Fear is a primeval emotion with deep and uncontrollable stimuli. It is associated with a group of neurons in the brain called Amygdala, a relic of the primitive brain. It is linked with emotional intelligence and emotional reactions, with memory and instinctive functions.Parents try to manipulate their children using fear as their "weapon" when in fact they just transform it into a "weapon of destruction."It is true that there are times when fear overwhelms us and others that we try to make sure that we have buried it inwardly.

As Elliott Hulse says the warrior inside you must take action. Give your routine a purpose that comes from the heart. Build several habits that you enjoy during the day. The more you live with a purpose the less unsolved life problems will seem more manageable. Furthermore people will turn against you, trying to suppress you in order to force you back in your "routine".

In the end what counts is what you choose... Living your "routine" or break your comfort zone? You are responsible for your actions.

Pick wisely.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Living-Your-Routine-or-Breaking-Out-From-Your-Comfort-Zone?&id=9242243

5 Habits Holding You Back From Your True Purpose (And How To Change 'Em)

Pursuing your purpose is the key to an authentic, fulfilling life. But where do you start? Being constantly attached to cell phones and laptops, and spending your days pursuing someone else's vision can detach you from your deepest desires.

The quiet reflection necessary to uncover your inner truths can seem unnatural or uncomfortable. But, in order to find your path, you have to spend time alone.

With that in mind, here's a step-by-step guide to conquering the obstacles between you and your true purpose. 

1. You haven't asked the hard questions.

Self-exploration can take many forms, but as a starting point, sit with yourself — alone — and ask these questions. Try to take the logical, rational mind out of this exercise and focus on your heart’s desires. Be sure to write down your musings. Writing out your thoughts reinforces them in your subconscious and conscious mind.

If possible, complete this exercise outside in nature. The organic environment can help to put things into perspective, as well as inspire and relax us.

• What ignites you? Some examples could be: music, acts of kindness, dance, art, philosophical debates, organizing, cleaning, sports, color, or writing.

• How might you redesign your life if there were no limits? What would you want to do in life? Be in life? See in life?

• What small steps can you take right now that will bring you closer to your ideal life?

Once you discover what activities and goals invigorate you, incorporate them into your life on a daily or weekly basis. These are the first steps towards integrating your passions and purpose.

2. You haven't embraced your unique gifts and strengths.

Celebrate your individuality and the gifts you have to offer. There's no one else who can do what you can do, or be what you can be.

What talents do you bring into this world? What gifts set you apart from others? How might you use them for a greater good?

3. You aren't setting a daily intention.

Give yourself a goal for the end of each day, or come up with a mantra to help you move closer to your purpose. Some examples could be:

• Today, I will achieve balance.
• Today, I will be grateful.
• I am empowered.
• I feel joy in the present moment.

I highly recommend writing down your intentions to reinforce and make them more powerful.

4. You're getting in your own way.

Although it's counterintuitive, we often self-sabotage, preventing ourselves from achieving our true potential.

Write down your potential minefields and reflect on what experiences or events in your life may have contributed to forming these thoughts or behaviors in the first place. Some examples of negative minefields:

• Negative self-talk/doubt
• Excuse-making
• Lack of confidence

5. You aren't listening to that still, small voice.

When you hear the desires of your soul, begin to design your ideal life around them. Ignoring them will lead to frustration and bitterness.

Debbie Ford said, "Your life is sacred. There is and always has been a path for your soul, and if you follow that path, it will lead you to the inner utopia that your soul longs to experience in this lifetime. You are here to manifest the glory of the divine in a way that will serve your own soul and serve the evolution of other souls as well."

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-20234/5-habits-holding-you-back-from-your-true-purpose-and-how-to-change-em.html