Faith

The ability to trust what cannot be seen;
To thrive on the energy that can only be felt;
To create from the wisdom that is handed down from experienced practitioners;
The light that radiates from a source that is greater than us:
Reminding us to live!

Free Will

We all have a choice;
The question is will we use it to evolve?
Once I decided to change my outlook, a library full of new opportunities opens up.
Renew your library card, and start reading!

Trust

Questioning, encourages growth;
Doubting, invites fear;
But neither can replace trusting.

Practice Makes Stronger

Tools are only useful if you’re willing to do the work;
Developing the skills daily––like a carpenter refining their craftsmanship,
I continue to seek enlightenment and awareness.
Through Faith and fearlessness;
I will continue to evolve.

Spotlight

The creatures who fear light remain in the depths of the ocean for a reason;
It requires overwhelming effort to ascend from the darkness.
Hiding in the shadows is easy––stepping into the spotlight is terrifying;
Once you feel the power of light, your journey will find new purpose.

Note To Self: Letting Go

Some days just start off on the wrong note––no matter how hard I try to find the pitch, the music is flat.
In those moments I used to freak out, rage and live in negativity;
Thankfully, yesterday I was able to exhale anger and breathe in awareness.
The day didn’t get any less complicated, but as my outlook shifted, I was able to laugh through the setbacks.
Life can be overwhelming if I allow external circumstances to dictate my emotions;
But the power to take control, remain calm, focused and present in the moment is always the option that will lead to a more productive day.
It will keep me healthier, too.

Happiness Party of One

Everything in life worth having,
Comes with an extremely high price tag: hard work.
If we don’t invest effort in improving our inner well-being;
Connect to a higher power,
And release the idea that happiness should be “easy”;
No amount of success, fortune or fame will fill the void.
No procession, person or social status will radiate the joy that is produced through personal awareness of the present.
Happiness only takes you.

Do The Work; Every Day.

When everything is going your way––the real work begins.
I’ve heard a similar sentiment before, and I thought I knew what it meant;
After reading “The Tools” by Phil Stutz and Barry Michels, the idea has a new meaning.
Most of us are striving to achieve the goals and dreams that have consumed us since we were children––those thoughts that would inspire us to fight through the pains of adolescents.
We had a target to focus on, and spend our life working toward achieving those benchmarks.
Harnessing our passion, and through hard work, dedication, and focus we begin to reach these achievements––in doing so we think our life is going to be easy from there on.
Then we realize that each new victory reveals a more difficult challenge;
No amount of success, riches or fame can “fix us”, like we imagined it would when we were kids.
But as adults we have the power to seek repair from the inside out;
Focusing on self-improvement, becoming aware and releasing the fantasy that money, possessions, success and fame are the answer to all of life's problems.

Grateful

I used to think that if I didn't feel pressure, overworked, overwhelmed or constantly searching for a way to stay creative, I wouldn't achieve my goals;
The constant chaos felt like I was actively building on my career.
Obviously there are so many paths towards a victory––and while I did follow my dreams and accomplish so many of my goals, I wasn't always present.  I didn't always feel satisfied with the outcome; worse, I almost never enjoyed the moment as it was happening.
I'd look back with a sadness––if only I would have enjoyed that process (I'd think to myself).
I woke up and decided that I no longer wanted to live with those feelings.
Rather than focusing on the past, I decided to concentrate on the present.
This requires letting go of the things I cannot change, and accepting that, no matter how hard I try, I can't predict the future.
I have to be present, now.
Every time I start to feel like I'm not doing enough, I close my eyes, take a deep breath and focus on this moment.
Awareness has been my way to a new adventure; my only goal is to enjoy the moment for whatever it brings.  The old me would have been terrified that I wasn't trying hard enough––the new me is ready to be grateful for whatever the day has to offer.

I Am Here.

The moment you let go of the past;
Is the instant you embrace the present.
The second you start worrying about the future;
Is the point when you release control of today.
Be here, NOW.

Through Darkness Seek Light

Grey clouds roll in covering the perfect LA facade;
The rain is a sign of renewal,
And a reminder that in a storm, I seek the light of the sun.
The rays are still there hiding behind the darkness;
I search for a sliver of light––if I look close enough, I see a silver lining.

Be Here Now.

Knowing that I am one with the universe,
Trusting that God has a plan for everyone,
Believing in something even if those around me don’t,
Grateful for every journey, adventure and lesson;
Faith when all else fails––trusting that my path will always be clear.
Aware of how short life is,
I live in this moment, and that is all that I have.

Dark Clouds Block Light

Above every dark cloud remains the brilliant shine of the sun’s rays.
Seek the silver lining in the cracks, and follow that sliver of light to the positive place––where creativity, productivity, and Faith remain.
The warmth and power that accompany light are worth searching for.

Express Yourself

Express yourself.
It’s more than just a song by Madonna;
It is our greatest tool to shine.
When our hidden shadow and our conscious-self collaborate to manifest an authentic experience––we become aware, and therefore create the most enlightened version of ourself.

Me and My Shadow: The Collaboration

I’m working on joining forces with my alter ego;
The short, fat kid with acne who still lives inside of me––making occasional appearances in moments of pressure, fear, or uncomfortable circumstances.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m going to give my little butterball the love and attention he needs.
Rather than trying to hide that version of myself (or worse, pretend he never existed), I’m going to listen to him.  I’m going to be the “cool” best friend that he thought he never had in middle school.
His rage, insecurity, passion, and need to be heard has helped motivate my life;
Now I’m in a position to help him heal.
I’ve done the work.  I accept who I am.  I’m not afraid to expose the dark imperfections.
It’s time.

Self-Expression through our Shadow

Who hasn’t felt small, insecure, shamed?
We endure pain and humiliation as part of the universal human experience;
Which also means that we can connect through that common bond.
Once we acknowledge our shadow self, we can confront others without fear.
The language of love and understanding can be expressed in our ability to face the darkest version of ourself––and use it to express our greatest (and most unique) voice.

The Path Is Clear

When you release the fear of the unknown;
It becomes clear to see the road in front of you.
One step, in any direction, will lead you to the next step.
We’ll face challenges and setbacks no matter which path we choose;
Deal with those roadblocks when they happen––until then, enjoy the journey for what it brings today.

Insecurity

The moment we decide to take authority over the destructive demon––the outdated version of us, which is thriving in the darkest corner of our memory; you will begin to soar.
We all have an idea of how the world perceives us;
Until we’re able to detach from that image and shine who we really are, we are doomed to a life without realizing our greatest potential.
Self-expression is what makes us unique:
Beautifully flawed,
Vulnerable and still strong,
Creative without judgment.
Insecurity will not serve us, it will stop us from becoming who we were born to be.

Trust

The journey to self-discovery begins within;

Consuming information and expanding ideas through reading and writing—eventually you just have to trust.

Trust that you have invested wisely and will respond accordingly to every circumstance, or that you have the Faith to trust in a higher power.

Enlightenment comes through awareness and faith.

Grandpa Knew Best

My grandpa used to tell me that I worried, too much.
I would sit at the table while my grandma and grandpa read the morning paper, and my mind would be lost in thought;
Grandpa would ask, “What’s wrong Matt?”
I would shake my head and say, “nothing.”
He would laugh, and then remind me, “Life is short––don’t worry so much. Whatever you’re thinking about, if you want to do it––do it; if you don’t want to do it––don’t do it.”
It was simple, albeit lost on me at the time.
But grandpa was right, and it works this way, too:
If you want to be angry––be angry; if you don’t want to be angry––don’t be angry.
There’s no point in allowing someone or something to effect your life.
Release and move on.
The past is gone, why live there in your mind?

Courage

In order to live a full life––I have to release the ideas and expectations I perceive from society;
Self-inflicted thoughts bully me into unproductive patterns.
Staying aware, present in the moment and open to the opportunity that exist today; not waiting for a bigger, better, brighter experience tomorrow.
Every adventure starts NOW and leads to a journey that is more magnificent than any plan or dream.

Take The Step

The first step can be overwhelming;
Anticipation, fear of the unknown, and doubt make it hard to lift your leg.
With a deep breath you find the strength to lift your leg––soon you’re walking one foot in front of the other.
Soon you’re in a full stride with grace and confidence;
Pushing yourself toward new opportunities.
With action comes adventure!

No Pain, No Gain

The deeper we dive into the pain;
The closer we are to finding a way to move past it and heal.
Avoiding uncomfortable conversations, activities and events prolongs the experience.
Facing circumstances head-on forces us to work through the discomfort and evolve.
The fear we endure from pain is no match for the euphoria we experience once we’ve conquered it.

Comfort Zone

Push past the Comfort Zone;
Living small, safe, and secure will not lead me to new opportunities.
Shine bright, be fearless, and adventurous.
It may cause embarrassment, pain, or insecurities to arise;
Only then can we evolve into the person we were born to be.

Faith

Freedom
Awareness
Infinite
Trust
Happiness
Once you release the idea that Faith is intangible;
You can begin utilizing it.
We can’t reach out and grab a handful of air, but that doesn’t stop us from breathing.
Those who need proof of the existence of Faith––should look for the absence of it;
There they will find hopelessness, anger, fear, darkness and doubt.
Now, look for someone who radiates light, positive energy, fearlessness––all trusting.  It is no accident that they succeed and achieve remarkable things.  It is a belief in a higher power, energy or collective consciousness.

Breaking the Habit

Breaking the ego––creating space for awareness;
Focused on breathing to release the negative ideas and actions that will not serve us.
Living in the present, ready for new opportunities, adventures and evolution.
Growth happens whenever we allow ourselves to experience the moment;
Accepting the situation––while continuing to invite new ways of thinking enthusiastically, to gain a greater peace of mind.
“A new attitude means nothing unless followed by a change in behavior.”
––”The Tools”

I Am Here.

Once I released the need to control my path;
My journey became about self-discovery in the present, instead of a premeditated excursion.
Life––awake in this moment, is reward enough.

A New Earth

Acceptance. Find the peace in what has to be done.
Enjoyment. Seek joy from within, not from an accomplishment.
Enthusiasm. Stay positive and present on the journey.
Three ideas that require letting go of ego to make space for inner peace.
Aware that this moment, the present, is the only space in which we can awake and serve––ourself and others.
Enlightenment is not the end goal––it’s an active choice.