How many times has someone told you "that's for other people," or "that's not for people like us"? Meaning, something that you desire is unattainable and out of your reach. Perhaps it was a particular college you wanted to apply to, a salary you want to make, or a city you've always wanted to live in. Perhaps it's as simple as not wanting to live paycheck-to-paycheck.
How many times have you accepted this excuse and settled for what you have at this very moment, never giving a thought to what you could have?
My family grew up very modest. We didn't have a lot of money. No fancy cars or a big house. It was just us. My parents and grandparents didn't live on the "nice" side of town, and we certainly didn't go to the best schools. But what we did have was a lot of enthusiasm and overwhelming desires for each other's success.
I remember my dad used to come home very tired from working long hours and having to muster up the energy to still cook and clean for us. I would ask him why he did what he did or why he didn't go out with his friends or take a vacation. He would simply reply that he wants so much good fortune for me that he is paying it forward to the world in his own way. Making sure I had a good meal, clothes and plenty of rest (we were always big on rest and sleep for the mind to function optimally) were his gifts to me and the universe. Knowing how badly he wanted me to succeed and the desire he had for my happiness kept him working day in and day out without ever wanting to give up.
I believe that the world operates as a recycling mechanism. You receive what you put out there. If you want to be treated with kindness and respect, you must treat others with kindness and respect. If you want people to work hard for you, you must work hard for them. If you want loyalty, you must be loyal. I don't believe that good things only come to those who wait. I also don't believe that if something is meant to be that it will be. I believe that good things will come to you if you do good for others. And this doesn't only apply to actions. You must wish good fortune on those around you.
Throughout the early part of my career I have encountered many people who had "intentions" for me. How wonderful (right), people wanting and having the best of intentions for me? That wasn't always the case.
I have had people in my life who pick a part my professional aspirations with the intention to destroy or manipulate. I also have had people who take me under their wing with the intention of helping and sharing good fortune.
People have desired many different things for me -- some good and some bad. The beauty of intention is that the universe doesn't respond to misguided intentions. If you take your selfishness and your ego out of the desire for personal gain and channel that energy to the success and happiness for someone else, the universe will respond and answer your own desires.
My dad's desires were to keep the family healthy and happy. To have everyone together on the weekends, to watch the grandkids play and to cater to us. It's what he enjoyed and he knew that if he channeled all of his wants and desires to us that the universe would respond to him in a magical way. And it did. And my life is grand as a result.
Every intention has a link, but is the link corroded? Ask yourself the same thing. When you encounter people that seem to have it all, keep your intentions for them pure and selfless. Greed, anger and jealousy -- the recipe for bad intentions -- will be rejected and, like the recycler it is, the world will return it to you.
For my family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, people I haven't met yet and people who call themselves my enemy -- I want nothing more for you that to be successful, happy and healthy. You deserve greatness and you deserve peace. I desire for you to find all that you're looking for and wish that the world will bestow good fortune to me as a result of your success.
Know that I want it more for you.
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