Rev. Dr. Sheila McKeithen, ContributorWE ARE almost three months into 2005. Many of you have begun the process of living your higher possibility, which you claimed at the start of the year. However, there are many who have not taken the necessary steps to bring their highest possibility alive in 2005.
The reasons for refusing to move into action on the possibilities are numerous. In talking to various persons, including members of my congregation, I have noticed that the word 'but' has prevented many persons from moving on the possibilities that they claim to want so badly. The purpose of this article is to encourage you to get off your 'but' and bring your possibilities alive in 2005.
The word 'but' is a barricade on the road to success. People who use the word 'but' cause their possibility to take a detour off the road to success and on to the road called 'delay'. Although the possibility in its pure form is without limits, it is continually 'delayed' or 'put off' in its expression because we refuse to get off our 'but'.
For some people, it is common practice to introduce the word 'but' into the sphere of their possibility. Haven't you heard people say: 'But' I don't have the money. 'But' he/she left me. 'But' God is punishing me. 'But' I'm too fat. 'But' I am not pretty or handsome. 'But' I was raped or abandoned. 'But' I don't have the right contacts. The list of 'buts' goes on and on.
While it is important to reflect on where you have been in life and the experiences you have had, it is more important to consider where you want to go. The incident happened. It wasn't pleasant. You would not wish the incident on another soul. At some time in your life you must encourage yourself to move beyond the painful experiences that have come your way. You are also greater than any mistake you have made. Refuse to be limited or defined by your experience or your mistakes.
You are not the first person to have accumulated baggage as you travelled life's highway. Consider famous personalities like U.S. television talk show host and one of the richest women in the world Oprah Winfrey; U.S. comedian and entertainer Bill Cosby; former U.S. President Bill Clinton who have publicly admitted to making mistakes as they travelled the road of life. Yet, they continue to grow and thrive. They confessed their mistakes, however, they never identified themselves as a mistake. Why can't you do the same?
To get to the top of the ladder of your life tomorrow, you must be willing to release the baggage you are carrying today. The higher you climb, the lighter your load must become or eventually the weight you are carrying will prevent you from reaching the top. I maintain that you don't have to continue carrying the load of 'buts' and all of their cousins named 'could have', 'should have' and 'someday I will'. If your grander possibilities are to come alive in 2005, you've got to get rid of the 'buts'.
Follow these five steps to get off your 'but'.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANTBe firm in your decision to have it. Place reminders all around you that will keep you focused on the decision you have made. This includes surrounding yourself with people who support you in the goals you have set for yourself. More importantly, support yourself by making choices that will get you where you want to go.
BE RECEPTIVE AND OPENThere are a number of ways that the possibility you are creating for yourself can come true. I encourage you to get a big dream. On a sheet of paper, list the many ways that your goal or possibility can be realised. It doesn't matter how outrageous or far-fetched the ideas appear; write them down. This simple exercise pulls your ideas from the invisible realm of thought and solidify the idea into written form.
BE ENCOURAGEDEncourage yourself by reviewing your written list every day. Instead of focusing on what may not happen or reverting to your 'but', think of one thing on your list that you can begin to act on today. Encourage yourself by looking at what you have already accomplished, no matter how small that accomplishment appears to be. Remember the Indian proverb that says, "Every journey begins with the first step."
BE THANKFULGive thanks for the courage to move towards the new life you are creating. When you feel like you are 'off course' and moving away from your dream, encourage yourself by reviewing your list of accomplishments. As you look over your list, give thanks for the good that has already taken place as a result of your decision to change your life. Never forget that thanksgiving is your secret power of increase. This is why I Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to 'give thanks' in all things.
BE SILENTDo not share your life plans with a non-dreamer. Remember, people who can't see where they are going in life, can never see where you want to go. In fact, such persons may talk you out of the plans you have made. Be silent and do whatever is before you. Validation from others is not necessary. Once you decide to do a thing, DO IT. After all, it is your dream and only you can make it come true.
There are nine full months remaining in the year. Get your 'but' and let your possibility come alive in 2005.
Rev. Dr. Sheila McKeithen is senior minister at the Universal Centre of Truth for Better Living in St. Andrew. Email:drmckeithen@yahoo.com
