That is an interesting quote, isn’t it? What was your initial reaction when you read those words by Frank A. Clark? Your assignment today is to journal for twenty minutes using that quote as a topic. Try to keep your hand moving the entire time. Don’t stop writing, no matter what. One enlightening form of journaling is to keep the pen moving even if you are writing “I don’t know what to write” across the page. Eventually, your honest feelings will emerge if you keep practicing putting pen to paper and don’t give your mind any time off to rest or distract you.
You choose your path in life. Did you pick an easy hike? Did you try to find a route that had few or no obstacles? If the answer is yes, how do you like the journey so far? Are you bored out of your mind? Maybe you feel like you’re walking in circles, because the view never really changes.
You can change your path right now. You can opt for more treacherous terrain if you’re up for the challenge. The bigger the challenge, the greater the rewards. Would you like to travel along an interesting road that is sometimes laced with failure but leads to spectacular views, or would you rather take an easy path that leads nowhere? It’s completely up to you. You are the tour guide on this excursion.
Just remember, if you are not happy with where you are you have the power to alter your trip itinerary. Do you want to travel to new heights, or do you want to go nowhere?
195
You have been journaling about overcoming obstacles for the last several days. Obstacles do come up in life. That’s something you can count on. How many of them did you create yourself?
Some of the obstacles you face in life are just there. You didn’t put them there. They are a byproduct of living in an unpredictable world. Your challenge is to find a way to overcome them when you encounter them.
But what about the obstacles you create?
You may be thinking, “What? I don’t create obstacles. Why would I sabotage myself?”
Are you sure about that? You might be doubling the obstructions you face by creating obstacles that aren’t really there. Those obstacles are trickier to deal with, because they change shape. They get bigger when your fear grows, and they show up when you feel the most vulnerable. Those are also the obstacles that you have the power to obliterate completely. You don’t have to deal with them. You can zap them out of your life.
Look back at the list of obstacles you made in your journal several days ago. Take a close look at them and try to ascertain whether they are real or a fabrication you created in your mind. If you find out some of those obstacles are a product of your imagination, you can cross them right off your list. Zap their power. They can’t hurt you. You can walk right through them.
196
It’s not very productive to look backwards. You can’t do anything about your past. On the other hand, you can do anything you want with your future. Walt Disney was a stunning example of success because he was always moving forward.
Curiosity is a great tool for moving forward, because it lacks judgment. You don’t ask if something is correct or perfect. You ask yourself questions like:
What does that do?
Where does that path lead?
What would happen if I do this?
What would that look like?
What if I looked at it this way?
I know what’s behind door number one. Now what’s behind door number two?
When was the last time you used the tool of curiosity to lead you toward success? Have you asked any of these questions or similar ones lately? Make time to be curious today. Don’t worry about past mistakes. They don’t matter anymore. Keep moving forward. You’ve got an endless supply of doors to open and paths to walk down.
