What wealth do you possess?

There is a long standing tradition for Buddhist monks to arise each morning very early and set out to collect alms bowls, and go out into their community to collect donations of food, usually merely of rice or curry. Surprisingly though, none of this food is eaten as the monks are typically well stocked at their monastery. Why? This age old tradition is still in existence simply to allow the nearby townspeople to experience the joy of giving. Do you have resources or talent that you can use to help others? By hoarding what you have you not only waste opportunities but also fail to leave any sort of positive mark on the world. You might have money, talent, time, knowledge, or energy, but all of these things should be shared. No one is better off by keeping their wealth--in any form--to themselves.

They who give have all things; they who withhold have nothing.

Struggling to find your voice

In the face of conflict we might be tempted to just go with the flow and not make waves. The path of least resistance is saying "yes" when you want to say "no" and that road is always paved with regrets and mistakes. While compromise is good and a necessary part of healthy relationships, no one should have to fully deny their feelings and remain voiceless while others dominate a situation. It might feel easier to nod your head and passively agree, but in the long run you are being cheated. While there might be a whole list of justifications and excuses for stepping off the path of your principles, staying true to yourself reaps countless more rewards than selling out to appease someone else. Reconcile today the negative passivity you have displayed in the past.

It is the path of least resistance that makes rivers and men crooked.

What we can learn about patience from a diamond

Trying and persevering--but failing--to see your goals realized can be frustrating. Margaret Thatcher once said "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it," and she was absolutely right. You've got to believe that you will succeed! Never admit defeat as long as time and effort remain. Our greatest asset is patience; our greatest weakness is throwing in the towel. Banish discouragement and feelings of impossibility by working hard, doing more, and not giving in! A diamond was only made beautiful after millions and millions of years as a lump of coal.

Even if our efforts of attention seem for years to be producing no result, one day a light that is in exact proportion to them will flood the soul...Simone Weil

Reinforcing Healthy Competition

Competition is a natural part of life. We are faced with competition for jobs, a mate, and even the best parking spot at the store. Approaching these situations with grace is an important way to model good relationship skills--especially to our children. Often people get angry during competition, but try to be mindful of how this frustration is unleashed. No one wants to be on the receiving end of either a sore loser's lack of composure or a boastful winner's lack of grace. Don't gloat to your friend that your daughter can run faster or read at a higher level than her child. Remember, after the basketball game concludes she is still your friend and you don't want a moment of hot-headedness to interfere with what really matters--your relationship. Modesty can go a long way!

Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.

The positive cycle of forgiveness

Be honest to urself(atleast while reading this article.r else no point to continue reading). Do you hold grudges? Do you allow old drama to determine your behavior? Is there someone you just can't seem to forgive? Grudges and a non-forgiving attitude do nothing but harm both parties. You might feel like you're "winning" by not letting someone off the hook, but you're only increasing your own worry and stress. Bitterness can lead to hate, which can sour a life. Today, write a letter explaining your point of view to the person you resent. Clear the air; offer forgiveness. Even if you don't send it, it is an excellent way to relieve tension. Forgiving someone does not absolve him or her of the wrong that you experienced. It can simply free you to live a life that isn't anchored to the hurt and resentment of past events.

What leaps of faith are you willing to take?

Trying new things can give you a real zest for life. Pushing beyond your comfort zone in a responsible way helps you grow confidence and creativity that you can apply to your everyday life. Do not let fear control what you do (or don't do)? While taking risks can be scary, doing nothing is a big mistake, as it produces nothing fruitful within you. There is a direct relationship between the things that we achieve and the effort we put forth to obtain them. To reach the fruit, you have to climb the tree first!

Cultivate what gives you joy

The easiest way to identify what our heart wants is to examine the feelings that surface when we relate to that subject. Do you find solace when picking up your journal to write a daily reflection? Does time spent with your child thrill you to tears? What feelings arise when you chase down the things that make your heart flutter? True happiness comes when we routinely engage in positive activities that we love. Take a look at your life as a whole. Pursue the things that make you feel alive and fill you with joy, and healthy balance.