Wednesday, December 23, 2009

First Steps

Christmas is such a joyous season, and would be incomplete with out the little ones. Just this past Sunday, one of these little ones thrilled a crowd by standing alone, and taking some of her first steps. The applause, shouts, laughter and congratulations from over 20 relatives was shared joy visible on the 11 month old’s face. She repeated the process of walking to mom several times, and each time the crowd of onlookers cheered.

Regardless of one’s personal beliefs about Christmas, the little ones remain the focus. Jesus came as a new born. As the Christmas story unfolds, common folks and royalty alike become equals. In the presence of a child, we are able to experience both the miracle of existence and our fragility. Without condition, we are connected with the vital truth that each one of us is someone, not something.

Christmas is a time in which each can be reminded of the value of our lives, and choose to advance to our next challenge, much as did our grand daughter. The memory of her first steps will soon fade from her consciousness, being replaced by the joy of walking without encouragement, running, climbing, jumping and ever greater independence.

The experience is reflective of a question, “What is the difference between those of us that pick ourselves up and get over tough times and those who don’t?” Knowing that each one of us, has the choice to make a decision to go to the next step or stage rather than remaining in our present condition, yielded to circumstances may be the answer to that question. Christmas is about beginnings, love and celebrating life. Merry Christmas, and May you have a most wonderful and magical New Year.


23Dec2009
Russ Hardesty

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

What I fear I create!



What I fear I create!


The banner with the statement “What I fear I create!” hanging on the wall reminded me of the first time I considered this truth almost 25 years ago. After 40 plus years coaching and encouraging people to better their lives, I realize the statement is one of the universal truths governing our future. Most of my life I have just made do, thinking and believing my life events were results of my heredity, environment, karma or other external forces. It often seems that natural limitations explain the circumstances of life more than intentions or choices. We become victims rather than accountable in life. Quickly arguing for and defending our limitations.

The psychologizing of one’s situation is the norm, which only reinforces belief that each is the victim of circumstances of external forces.

The good news!

The statement, “What I fear I create” is only a portion of the greater truth – “I experience what I create”. I can choose to create from my fears or from my positive intentions. Each of us are made in the image of the Creator, giving each of us the power of creation, will and choice! One of my favorite writings is found in Genesis 2:4-5, “The Lord God made the earth and heavens and every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew.” Each is given the capacity to choose much of our future. We can make our future bigger or more powerful than our past and present circumstance. Fear lives in the past, and only has power that is given to it.

What do you want?

None of us has to remain believing what is to be will be. Our world is full of mystery and our creative minds allow us to aspire and live abundantly. Begin by forming the image of what you want that is in harmony with your being (contract) and directing the energy into actions (doing). Energy comes from the image or idea of what we want. We become true to our nature, co-creators with the Creator – powerful and potent.

Russ Hardesty 9Dec09

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Goals and Gratitude

One of the more powerful parts of Life Success is the BE - Do - Have. The Being is that which you are. Doing is the natural expression of the actions of who you are. Having is the willingness to have what you have created by doing who you are. The challenge for me is to answer the question, "Am I willing to have what I want?"

This thanksgiving time is a definite opportunity to reflect on our willingness to Have what we want. Thankfulness, or being full of thanks is the most powerful force for creating what we want. Gratitude is an affirmation of who we are (our being) and appreciation of actions (doing) of ourselves and others.

As you work on your goals, reflect on the question, "Am I willing to have ......(the goal)?" "What actions require that I have ....(outcome of the goal)?" Living in faith would have each of us to say, "I am grateful that I am (result of the goal). for example, "I am grateful that I am healthy and thinner".