Even as children, we learn important life lessons that carry us through our lives. I was eleven years old, and sitting on the dock at the cottage our family was renting that summer, when I saw a seagull flying over the water looking for food. I was totally fascinated when from way up in the sky the bird came down with an incredible splash and flew up with a prized fish in its mouth. I sat there in amazement at the birds focus and by its ability to see the fish below the surface of the water from such a distance.
This small but important moment was a turning point in my life. What I learned stayed with me until adulthood: If I want something, I must keep it in my sight and be totally focused on the end goal; otherwise it will get away.
Many years later, I heard someone say that your thoughts go out into the universe and come back to you manifesting in your life as reality. This concept, that what you think is what you attract, rang true for me and has since proven itself to be an exceedingly important principle to live by. Time and time again this philosophy has shown itself to be true and is now a defining principle that underlies how I approach all of my goals, actions and choices.
So what practices can you use to go after your dreams as directly as the seagull did his dinner?
Here are the steps I consistently use to make my dreams a reality:
1. Begin with writing down your goal: Writing things down gives them strength and cements them into your consciousness.
2. Create a picture of what you want in your mind’s eye and visualize yourself in the state of completion: How does it feel, taste, sound? Where will you be when this occurs; what will you be doing?
3. Get really creative and infuse the goal with all of your emotions and creative energy: You may choose to create a vision board to help you stay focused on the end result.
4. Finally surrender your goal and let it go. You have to trust that it will show up in the best way possible; perhaps in a way that’s slightly different then you pictured.
Now that the Olympics are taking place in England, we see numerous examples of the discipline it takes to achieve a long-held goal. An athlete, who wins a gold medal, may have spent years visualizing themselves on the podium holding that precious medal. And of course they had a teacher or mentor to show them where they needed improvement. And, you can be sure that the athlete had an unwavering sense of self-worth.
Another important point for anyone who truly wants success is: You are the company you keep; so surround yourself with people who are positive and successful. The energy of successful people rubs off and supports you in your quest. And after you have achieved your goal, remember to keep an attitude of gratitude for all you have been given. Never doubt that you deserve the very best, as the universe is always working on your behalf.
I like to say: Life is like a restaurant; you have to put your order in. Always expect the best and above all, never, ever give up.
I’ve had many opportunities since that time as an eleven year old, to test the principles of success I learned from my friend the seagull and because of that, I now live a life of incredible success and joy. Try these principles out for yourself and see how your life changes for the better. I promise you’ll even surprise yourself.
In health,
Jane Durst – Pulkys, BSc., R.N.C.P., C.N.P
