If we constantly find ourselves surrounded by companions we don’t really admire, if we seem to always become involved with weak or negative people—perhaps it is time for us to take inventory of ourselves. We attract what we are.
Our outer world is a reflection of our inner, secret self. It is quite obvious what needs to take place if we desire a better set of circumstances and higher type companions, isn’t it? We must first of all establish within ourselves a sense of harmony and a deep desire for good. We must love life, integrity, peace, and good in every form. As we become one with these, our life and affairs will express them. Others of like mind will gravitate toward us.
We are lifted up—not by outer means—but by pressing a button deep within our own being. This button is pressed by true desire for good. When our desire for good is strong enough, nothing can hold it from us.
Life is a process of growth. We often speak of a person as “grown up,” meaning he or she has reached a certain level of physical and emotional maturity. However, after we reach this stage, we continue to develop mentally and spiritually.
Spiritual growth involves an increased awareness of God and our true identity as God’s children. We may not be aware of our own growth, but it happening. It is true that we can temporarily resist the process, perhaps even for years, but the Christ within is constantly seeking to come forth and will not be denied. Sooner or later, we must return to our Father’s house.
Isn’t it thrilling to know that we never stop growing? Each day is an adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities to grow. If we have resisted growth in the past, we can turn back to our spiritual heritage now, knowing that God ever awaits us.
Poise is a highly desirable state of being that results in a stable and tranquil attitude toward everyone and everything.
The secret of poise is balance, and balance in living includes time for work, recreation, rest, and prayer each day. Place too much emphasis on any one of these areas and you lose your sense of poise.
Work, using your abilities to accomplish something good and useful. Purposeful activity is essential to your well-being.
You also need recreation or play—to serve as a release for your mind and body. It will renew and revitalize you.
Rest, but not too much. We actually need much less than we think, provided we maintain proper balance in other areas of life.
Pray. This does not mean removing yourself from the world, which would merely be an escape from life. Prayer should be a part of every activity. Prayer enriches all aspects of life. Renew your awareness of God in you. Then take this realization into the rest of your daily activity.
Look at your day. Plan it with attention to the law of balance and you will be poised.
Are you facing a task that seems almost too much to attempt, too great even to begin? To be successful, you must have deep within yourself a conviction that the job can be completed—and that it can be done by you.
Release God’s power within your mind and heart by identifying with it mentally and emotionally. Get the image in your mind of doing the task. Affirm, “I believe it can be done, and with the help of God in me I can do it.” Say these words over and over. Give time and attention to thinking about the project. Keep telling yourself that it can be done and that you can do it. When you have this conviction within your mind, then go ahead and begin. Keep at it and the results you desire will come.
Greatness is a gift of God available to everyone. What are you doing today to develop your mind and abilities? What are you doing to make yourself wiser and better equipped for life?
Age has nothing to do with it, nor does education or any other excuse you can think of. Stop kidding yourself. God doesn’t know the first thing about your excuses. You are here to learn and to grow, to make new discoveries. The seed of genius is within you, but you must care enough to develop this great potential. You must refuse to waste your life away in pettiness.
There is more for you to accomplish in life than you can presently imagination. Start where you are. Set your sights high and maintain an intense interest in developing your mind and abilities. You have talents and gifts and great understanding waiting to be recognized and developed by you. Get going!