I have recently been working on the e-book I mentioned on this blog some weeks ago. I have decided to call it “Lessons life taught me.” Travelling back along the time track of my life searching for pivotal moments that influenced the way I live has been a chastening and uplifting experience.

When I look at my earlier ignorance and antisocial behaviour I realize just how long this journey we call life really is. Looking at the highs (rare) and lows (common) I have begun to realize what, to me, has become really important in my life.

I’m not going to go into that now. (That’s for LLTM a little later in the year. (Lessons Life Taught Me)

However, I am going to share a secret with you. It’s not really a secret, but so many of us overlook this obvious fact when life seems too daunting and threatens to overwhelm us. When I realized it (again) I kicked myself for being so stupid.

One of the ancient Chinese philosophers (His name escapes me, perhaps Confucius, said. “The longest journey begins with a single step.”

How elegantly simple; and how true. So what? you may ask. Well, I believe any knowledge is only truly valid if you can apply it. So, how can we apply this?

When you are faced with a task that looks imossible just lower your eyes to what will be the first, simple task to get you started. Don’t worry about the final outcome, simply focus on the first task and do that.

Something wondrous will begin to occur. It’s like magic. When you approach completion of the first simple task you will realize you have learnt something and your understanding has increased. You then take the next task, which will become obvious to you as a result of completing the first and you can then take the next step.

One danger here is that you will begin to want to go faster and faster as your confidence rises, That’s a natural human reaction. Beware! You may start to make mistakes and before you know it you are stalled.

I have realized over my life that the most precious gift you possess is your AWARENESS. This is the essence of life and living. So, do whatever the next step is deliberately. Be aware of every action and its consequence. You will be amazed at what you will see as you progress. You will begin to be able to predict, to an extent, what is going to happen as the situation unfolds. It is as if life is revealing to you the answers to puzzles as you progress.

That’s an amazing outcome that will enhance your life immensely. The benefits of being really aware of your actions and the effects they cause on others make you more effective, more compassionte and, above all, aware of what is right for others as well as yourself.

I know we all get tangled up in what we want for ourselves and the general confusion that seems to occur in our lives but, if you step back, look at what it is and start with one action, then the next and the next, being deliberate in what you do and aware of the effects you are creating, you will find many pleasurable outcomes occuring.

Try the magic.

Live well,

Ollie Lind