Personal Growth Planet Blog

What If…

Life was actually an adventure to be lived and not a struggle to be endured?

You already are as beautiful/competent/successful/intelligent/creative as you’re striving to be?

You looked around at ALL that you are and and ALL that is going on in your life instead of only at the problems and things needing to be “fixed?”

Your partner/kids/parents/siblings/friends/world don’t need to be changed after all?

Nobody and nothing was working against you?

There really wasn’t anything to prove? Nothing at all.

Challenges and mishaps were experienced as opportunities for growth and expansion?

You’re already free to be, do or have whatever you desire?

The journey was more rewarding than the achievement of goals?

You didn’t wait to be joyful?

Your smile and kind words– for even just one person– could set off a chain reaction that would positively transform the world?

“Sacrifice” is a heavy-duty concept. It is laden with so many connotations that I even hesitate to highlight it in this way.

It is often associated with the Christian Easter story in which Jesus sacrificed himself for the good of humankind. Over the past several weeks, many people have made sacrifices in the form of giving up something that is dear to them to participate in Lent.

No matter what your religious or spiritual beliefs are, it’s probable that you’ve encountered a sense of sacrifice at some point.

The traditional Christmas story goes something like this…

A very pregnant Mary and her husband Joseph find themselves in Bethlehem. Because of a government-ordered census, there is no room at any inn and, finally, the couple settles in to a humble stable, sharing the space with sheep and cows.

After Mary gives birth to Jesus in the stable and lays him a manger, a star and Angel guide all manner of wise men, shepherds and others to visit this special baby who grows up to be a very wise and enlightened man.

Every morning I do sit ups and supported back bends over a big plastic balance ball. After I’ve stretched and moved my body in this way, it feels so good. It’s an infusion to my system that helps me prepare for what’s ahead that day.

But, as I reach my hands backward, toward the floor, my balance is challenged. My body is gently pulled just a little bit more than it’s used to being pulled.

This is an uncomfortable feeling. Sometimes, I tumble right off the ball onto the floor. Other times, I notice myself holding back– not fully giving my all to the backward bending.