Experience an incredible inner journey to the heart - the fullest possible flowering of human potentiality. I challenge you to walk with me on a life path that leads to self-awareness and a new beginning. On this phenomenal path, life is a process, not a destination; we seek progress, not perfection, and the intent is to make today and every day count. (p. 1)
You are about to embark on an astonishing investigation of yourself, your inner Self, and the marvelous awakening of the Spirit within. Discover what it means to be fully human and what it takes to become a healthy, vibrant, value-centered individual. We are individuals who want to be treated as persons of value. Each one of us has an amazing potential for health and happiness (pp. 1-2)
In this chapter, you’re going to discover the value of emotional development, including identifying, naming, and expressing feelings, staying calm, and living in the moment. I feel. You feel. Everyone feels. Emotions are natural. The words feeling and emotion are used interchangeably. Feelings give meaning to your life. . . . We can better understand ourselves and others when each person shares what they are feeling. (p. 26)
The key word is willing - a desire to listen, to ask questions, to seek additional data, and to want to improve who you are as a human being. Perhaps most importantly, you must be willing to look at your inner Self, be willing to discover what you’re doing that is not working in your life, and be willing to change. Your self-awareness increases as you become more aware of your feelings and more willing to change. You see life more clearly. You begin to feel more genuine. You accept you are imperfect and never need to be perfect. You assume responsibility for your own growth and development and are open to hearing other people’s opinions. (p. 73)
You are responsible for your words and actions. Yet, without being aware of what you feel - without self-awareness - you may react without thinking. Your behaviors will be on automatic pilot. You may react to stressful situations with sideways anger. This means acting with conditioned behaviors such as yelling at, withdrawing from, arguing with, lecturing, and, or judging anyone who gets in your way.
With self-awareness, you thoughtfully choose everything you say and do. Without self-awareness, you continue to say and do the same old things - reinforcing old patterns and expecting a different result. When you’re unaware and not assuming responsibility for your actions, you're forfeiting your humanity and your sense of personal responsibility. Awareness, acceptance, and good choices lead to positive actions. (p. 81)
Your inner Self is who you are as a person. Your search for Self will lead you to the discovery, exploration, and development of your character. You reflect your inner Self, your character, through your words, actions, attitudes, and dispositions. You present your character to others each day. Your character traits and your internalized universal moral values determine who you are as a person. (p. 72)
The Golden Rule -- treating others the way we want to be treated -- is a fabulous life concept that is appreciated by most people in the world. It’s a major premise in most religions. The Golden Rule is a moral foundation, a yardstick for measuring moral behavior. (p. 116)
We have identified fourteen universal moral values we call ValueSkills® (12), such as kindness, patience, and courtesy. Our ValueSkills®, values that can be taught and modeled as skills, have never been challenged as inappropriate by any individual or community organization. They have been universally accepted. (p. 118)
You will learn how to identify things you do well, guidelines for managing your money, how to create a life purpose and a life direction, and the significance of engaging in safe, fun, life adventures. (p. 140)
I admit I am fragile and vulnerable.
I believe you also are fragile and vulnerable. It’s a price we must gladly pay for the privilege of being human. Our hope lies in the process of becoming more fully human.
I want to remind you of the three areas of awareness that provide a solution to the issue of human vulnerability:
First spiritual awareness: Be aware and admit you are fragile and powerless over certain things in your life. Be willing to be humble.
Second spiritual awareness: Accept the existence of a universal Higher Power.
Third spiritual awareness: Commune with and embrace God, and give your life burdens and areas of powerlessness over to the Spirit within. (p. 180)
Celebrate being alive and having one more fabulous day to touch, sense, hear, see, feel, and cherish life’s glorious treasures. Let nothing stop you from discovering spiritual goodness.
Feel the excitement about living fully today and the rest of your life. God’s love and goodness is always available to you. Let the light of God shine and brighten your day. (p. 217)
Love makes your heart sing, and love makes your heart break. You need to love yourself. You need to love others and be loved by others. Most of us are ready and eager to be loved by a Higher Power. Love is like magic in the air. It is the core ingredient in practically all good personal stories. It’s probably the heart and soul of your life story. (p. 283)
My life goal is to replace the secular world’s emphasis on fear with a focus on love. And, it is love that is changing my life and probably is changing, or soon will be changing your life. Inner Journey: Finding Happiness Within highlights a life philosophy based on being open to love.
Love is my gift to you.
You, in turn, will give it to others (p. 13)