Where is your real power?
Aug 27th, 2008 by spaceagesage
Have you ever been caught between the light and the dark?
… between extending a kindness and opting to remain silent?
… between a hope and a fear?
… between a step toward a dream and an excuse to stay put?
… between a friend and a new opportunity?
… between accepting the magical moment and staying in stress?
… between growing beyond the current you and letting the status quo be good enough?
Our power and our lives hang between the choices we make.
In both ancient texts of wisdom and self-help books, you will find insights on the ramifications of choices made in the now, the right now. Yes, past experience has value and vision gives guidance, but the act of deciding between options A, B, C, or Other in the present moment holds the most effective power in our lives.
We can’t change the past; we can’t jump ahead to alter the future. Today — this moment — is the constantly moving “point of origin,” the forever crossroads, the once and future starting place.
What we say and do now may not make or break us or alter the course of the world, but it will change us forever. Choices that are made, not made, or ignored affect our timeline. Doing something or doing nothing — it all creates repercussions, ripples, and reverberations in our lives.
That is why the now is where our real power lies.
And lest we become too serious about all these deep thoughts, we must remember humor is a choice as well. Mae West understood this when she quipped:
When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I’ve never tried before.
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– – – –Photo credit: speech path girl
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{NOTE: This post has been submitted to the Killer Titles — Group Writing Project. Please check it out!}
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These posts may also interest you:
Actions and attitude — ripples on the pond
Kindness — it’s even a Knightly Virtue
A tale of two motivations
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Focusing on the now… very timely for me, as you know, as I’ve been focusing too much on a future that I can’t really control.
Hi, Vered —
It is true the future isn’t controllable, but our fear of it is powerful stuff, and it’s part of what we walk through to gain wisdom and insight. As a perfectionist, I walk through it a lot, and despite my blog title and writing name, I still don’t have any of this down pat myself.
…do the best that you can in what you are doing ‘right now!’…
What/how you choose to live the present will inevitably define your future…
Hi, Ricardo —
Indeed.
Some times our decisions aren’t always in the Best category, but fortunately the powerful “now moment” moves with us.
It is so true about being present – something that I am constantly trying to improve! BTW, love Mae West’s quote. 😉
Well said! Now is the best time of all! Yet most of us tend to dwell in the past or worry about our future. We forget that we can only have control over this moment Now.
I have learned to listen to that voice inside. Every time I ignore it, kaboom! Even little things like ‘do not put that glass there. When you walk away it will fall.’ CRASH. No, that voice is very real and very wise. It always manages to tell me exactly what is the right thing to do right here and now.
I can always use a reminder to live in the present!
Hi, FatFighter —
Nice to have you here!
I think being is the present is a something we all work on!
Hi, Evelyn —
Yes, the now is the control point, but isn’t it amazing how much we run from it?
Hi, Urban Panther–
I have been learning more and more about that voice. You’re right, it is Inner Wisdom.
Hi, Al —
Glad to provide the reminder!
You raise Interesting questions. I find myself in the place between light and dark all the time, and sometimes it’s not so clearcut what the right choice is. I tend to think of these moments as a bit uncomfortable. I like your way better, of focusing on these moments as chances to exercise our power in the now.
Hi Lori
This was inspiring! Thanks!
Hi, Bill —
I agree with Urban Panther about finding comfort with the answers provided by our Inner Wisdom to help in those times.
Hi, Robin —
Thanks for the feedback and for stopping by!
Hi SpaceAgeSage,
This is a great reminder to step our of our comfort zone and dare to be brave (even though it’s scary at times).
Hi, Barbara,
Wouldn’t it be nice if personal growth and more weighty decisions were embraced as comfortable and not embracing them would be scary?
It’s wonderful to be reminded that we are the driving force in our own life. And sometimes the worst that can happen is that this moment, now, does nothing to change us. Good thoughts going into a weekend–it’s time to take some action!
Hi, Sara —
Welcome and thanks for your comment! I hope your action weekend goes well!
[…] Where is your real power? by SpaceAgeSage […]
Now is the only thing that is always with us! I like that quote by Mae West. I’ve smiled at that one many times.
Hi,
Love the picture you chose! Reflection in the moment.
Thank You!