Rising out of the ashes

The phoenix – a mythical bird found in the stories of a number of countries, has a lifespan of up to a thousand years.  Once this period has passed it sits in its nest, self-combusts, and is destroyed; the resultant ashes evidence the bird’s past immediate existence.  Out of these ashes a new bird is birthed.  What strikes me about this process is that the replacement bird is just that. Nothing changes, the story remains the same - life, self-destruction, death, rebirth ...; a repeating cycle which the bird is destined to replicate no matter what.

Unlike the mythical phoenix when we rise up from the ashes of the fires of anger, frustration, hurt, disappointment, heartache and/or pain, we are presented with an opportunity to make a choice.  That is to change how we will live our future; how we will respond to life’s challenges; how we will change what we don’t like about our habits; how we will connect with others.   We don’t have to repeat the mistakes, bad decisions and wrong turns already practiced. We can transform the life we had into the life we want. We, unlike the phoenix, have the capacity to decide to and make change.  

Makings of a winner

We often think its strength and numbers that help us to win a particular battle.  However, when we look at history, we find that some armies totally outnumbered, seemingly out-trained, somehow won.  Dazzled by or complacent in size and quantity, a company of great numbers has its own weakness.  The multitude carries within its ranks numerous motivators governing its participants’ actions.  Such disparity of purpose and lack of awareness results in loss.

Wisdom, determination, endurance, and diligence are among the key factors in anyone overcoming any challenge.  Before a marathon the wise runner exercises, trains and warms their minds and bodies, in readiness for the coming challenge.   The distance stretched out before them, they wholly determine to get the better of it.  Once started, with endurance they pace each kilometre and stride their internal hurdles.  For some being first in crossing the line, in certain time is their goal.  Others know they will not be first over it, but rely on their diligence to take them through to the end.  They take one step after another because they know that this is what will take them to their goal of completion. 

What makes you a winner?

The Turning Point

The instant just before 2011 ended and 2012 began was the turning point, transferring us from one year into another.   Countless people with bated breath, awaited the new year’s arrival.  Some slept through, its entrance bearing no significance to them.  Others hastened towards its beginning, desiring to say goodbye and good riddance to a difficult, challenging period.  Minds and eyes set on seeing the clocks show  midnight, we listened for the bell’s chime, ready to emphatically declare ‘Happy New Year!’ to one another.  In all this, the moment - just before the hour struck - went unnoticed; we were already living past its immediate history. 

The turning point is important if change and transference is to happen.  Sometimes it’s evidenced in a moment.  It can show itself through various circumstances bringing about a difference.  It may present in - what is for us - an unusual manner, requiring our mindset to be open to our unexpected.  The moment generally heralds breakthrough and portends better to come, but sometimes brings the opposite.  Its flow and wave can be used to transport us to wherever and whoever we want to become, however the point arrives. 

So, how will you manage yourself when it does?