There was I time I believed work always had to be hard. I suppose that's not an uncommon belief. Most people in the world we live in keep two separate lives, work and play, the job and the rest of life. “All work and no play makes Stevie a dull boy.” This quote clearly illustrates the distinction. Work is work and play is play.

But as we dive deeper into these times of change, as we examine our old beliefs and discard the ones that don't work, we have an opportunity to change what we believe is true. And in changing our beliefs and our thoughts, we change our reality and our world.

There have always been some who understood that work can be fun and fulfilling:

• There is joy in work. There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something. – Henry Ford
• Where your talents and the needs... Read More »

As we dive more deeply into understanding, and as we embrace these times of transition, it's sometimes good to step back for a few moments and assess where we are and what really matters. Life, looked at clearly, is quite simple. We are all connected, yet unique. We're here to learn, grow, love, be loved, and be happy. Let's remember today, while we continue to learn and grow, to love and to enjoy this life that is our miraculous gift.

Most of us have a pretty good idea what faith is - believing in the unseen and unknowable. But what is faith at a more practical level?

What is love? At the highest level of understanding, Love is God, and God is Love, the Divine Presence that moves through us, created us, recreates us in each instant. Love is the utter essence that touches our highest levels of understanding. Love fills us with a sense of peace, contentment, with a feeling that all is right in our world.

"Embracing Failure" is a mindset, a paradigm, understood by all successful people throughout time, if not consciously, at least instinctually. Anyone who has ever enjoyed sustained success in any field or endeavor has also experienced failure, usually great failure. Failures build character and guide us to learn what not to do next time; failures can be great teachers. Embracing Failure is developing an awareness that we succeed only through trying; and that more often than not, the initial tries do not bring success, but bring failures. To become aware, to accept, and to embrace the fear of failure and the failures themselves therefore frees us to be willing to take greater risks, more often. To embrace failure greatly improves our odds of ultimate success.

Why do we procrastinate? Usually it's based on either not wanting to face and be our highest selves or it's simply caused by the habit of procrastination. Procrastinating creates more procrastination; we create a cycle of habit, and the habit takes on a life of its own. Procrastination becomes a place of comfort, not because we actually like being in this place, we don't, but because it's familiar. There's a certain comfort in the familiar. This comfort becomes an impediment to change and growth.

One of the reasons love sometimes doesn't find us when we're trying to attract love is not seeing ourselves as beautiful, as perfect, as worthy. The Law of Attraction clearly states that like attracts like. If I see myself as equal, in whatever terms matter most to me in a romantic partner, I stand a really good chance of attracting an equal romantic partner. If I see myself as somehow less, whether in terms of beauty, intelligence, creativity, kindness, or any other attribute I can quantify, I'll not feel worthy of attracting that perfect mate I think I want.

It simply amazes me how much love I feel some moments. The euphoria of life, the ecstasy of being, the amazement of quiet knowledge, the endlessness of it all.

Chapter One – A Sudden Urgency

So... just what does it mean to be empowered by divine. For me, at this stage in my journey, my awareness, my life, it's allowing knowledge, understanding, intent, and practicality to be merged in the life of my dreams. I have a wonderful home, a fulfilling career, friends, interests, hobbies, and enjoyable activities. Everywhere I go, everything I do, I do with an awareness and oneness with the Divine that is my higher essence. Mundane daily activities are fulfilling; my heart, mind, and soul are engaged and active in the moment; I am an active co-creator in each miraculous moment.