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Smile in the Midst of the Storm

Smile in the Midst of the Storm
Summary

By focusing on what gives us joy, rather than on our imperfections, we learn to smile in the midst of the storm.

Smile in the Midst of the Storm
 
By focusing on what gives us joy, rather than on our imperfections, we learn to smile in the midst of the storm.
 
Nature has its many mysteries. When we look deeply there is always a gift. Not only does nature nurture us, it reminds us of the cyclical nature of life. It also reminds us how unpredictable life can be.
 
After a flurry of fresh snow, there is a sense of awe and transcendence as the sun melts the snow that clings to the trees. You feel a lightness of being as you look around and breathe in the fresh air. But it's not always that way. Many of us have been in the midst of a violent storm that we thought would never end. Because we have been through many storms before, we have learned a fundamental truth: No matter how dark it seems, we know that the light of spring is coming. But sometimes we forget and let the challenges overwhelm us.
 
Spring, with its sense of optimism and hope, is a time of new beginnings. We ready ourselves for the spring ritual of planting our gardens. Although we don't totally understand the process, we know for certain there's an intelligence in nature's way of doing things. But we need to do our part.
 
We prepare the soil for planting by first pulling out the weeds, which are the limiting beliefs that clutter our minds. Then we turn the soil and mix in compost and fertilizer before spreading the seeds, which are possibilities in the gardens of our subconscious mind. We don't know how many of these seeds, or which ones, will emerge from the darkness to the light. But we have faith that if we tend to our garden, some seeds will grow.
 
We also know from our work together that our intentions determine what we harvest. Not only do these intentions provide food for the body, they provide food for the soul. From the darkness there is a miraculous process that gives birth to creation. That's the way it was for each of us. We emerged from the darkness of the womb to the light of the day. As we continue on our journey that light keeps getting brighter.
 
Our ability to experience joy and love keeps expanding.
 
We've become spiritual warriors.  Although not easy, we've learned to accept the imperfections and disappointments in life that goes along with being human.  
 
Our hearts are more open and we're able to experience more joy, and to love more deeply. We're gentler with ourselves and have learned to accept the things about ourselves that we can't change.
 
By focusing on what gives us joy, rather than on our imperfections, we learn to smile in the midst of the storm. We know we'll get through it. We've been there before.
 
We smile for no reason. We stop asking "why." We've made the choice. Keep making that choice. Keep spreading the seeds.
 
It is my hope that the seeds you plant renew your sense of hope and optimism. May you be inspired by the journey.
 
Thank you for being part of the Inspire Possibility Community during these past years, and I hope you will encourage those in your circle to also become part of the Community. If you haven't done so already, become a fan of Inspire Possibility on Facebook. 
 
You can also tune into the Inspire Possibility radio show on the BBS Network. The show is syndicated on most major podcasts. Take a Listen. There are over 150 conversations with some amazing people. Be sure to listen to the conversation with Dr Mark Goulston. You can subscribe to the show on ITunes or just go to the podcast app on your smart phone and search for the Inspire Possibility Show.  Or even easier just google me and it will come up. 
 
You know I love to hear from you. Feel free to share Possibilities with those in your circle. Until then,

Embrace this great mystery, this great adventure, called "Life."

Journey ON

Mark

I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive. Joseph Campbell

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Mark Susnow, knows change. At the turn of the new millennium, he transitioned from a successful career as a trial attorney to what he does now as a life coach and strategist and thought-leader inspiring others to believe in themselves.

He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. He integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation and playing music.