Keep Growing: Observe, Listen, Learn

I am on an interesting journey and I am having a great time. Arrived in Lagos (Nigeria) a week ago.  Headed quickly to Accra (Ghana) to speak at a conference.  Will travel next weekend to Abuja.

I love travel.  It is a stretching experience--from waiting in line for hours getting through immigration to dealing with a taxi driver who wants to charge me twice as much as a local--it is all LEARNING.

I am fascinated by life.  I am in awe of my journey.  And, I desire to keep growing every day.

My desire is to keep my eyes wide open and OBSERVE.  

"What is really going on here?"  I ask myself.  "Why are things the way they currently are?" and

"Is there a way this could get better and develop more?"

As I take my morning walk in Lagos, I notice the trash scattered on the road and wonder, "How could this be cleaned up?"  I see there are plenty of people who want to work.  I see the trash trucks sitting by the side of the road not in use.  The pieces of the puzzle all seem to be there.  I pray and know that there will be a time when it all comes together into a workable solution.

I have been purposefully quiet this past week.  I am doing my best to LISTEN.  Young and old have many experiences to share.  I ask questions to draw out this wisdom.  As I do, I smile.  I have much to gain from the perspectives and ideas others offer.  God brings me the right learning partners at the perfect time. 

Treat each conversation you have as a precious opportunity to develop yourself.  Consider these words of Coach John Wooden, "Others, too have brains.  A leader listens.  Don't act like you're listening when you're just waiting to talk.  People know when you're not hearing what they say.  Sometimes we forget that we're not the only smart person in the room." 

Your challenge this week: 

Be open to learning.  Be ready to grow.  Take off your blinders.  Look at life closely.  Be full of wonder in your day-to-day experiences.  Pray for a fresh perspective.  Be willing to see the world around you from new angles. 

Wishing you a fantastic week of personal development!

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Patience & Maturity

We are in a rush.  We want it NOW.  "Why has my dream not come to fruition yet?  I am trying so hard."

I have felt this.  I have heard it from clients, friends and family. 

"Am I doing something wrong?  Am I off track?  What am I missing here that is causing this delay?"

This sure has gone through my mind the past few years.  And, I hear people around me doing the same soul searching.

The irony:  every moment, every experience, every step, every waiting period, every challenge--is ESSENTIAL!  It is not optional to S-K-I-P steps. 

To get to the breakthrough, to have the culmination of your vision, you must be willing to be persistent and stay the course no matter how things appear.

There is Infinite Wisdom in the Grand Design of Life.  How beautiful it all becomes and how interesting it is when we KNOW that every circumstance is for our highest good and for our personal growth.

If you truly believed the above statements, how might your approach to your daily journey change for you?  Would you be more relaxed?  Would you feel greater peace?  Would you not be so hard on yourself? 

Maybe, just maybe, if you do your best and stay focused, the rest happens at a natural pace.  And, perhaps your satisfaction and enjoyment of the entire journey would increase exponentially if you knew that YOUR LIFE IS ON SCHEDULE. 

You are maturing.  With each moment, growing more and more.  Invest yourself where you are.  You may want to be on the big stages with the grand audiences -- and that will come.  But for now, use your skills where you are and with the audiences in front of you.  This time period allows you to further develop, to be truly prepared for the BIG BREAKTHROUGHS.

Be patient.  Trust the process.  Know that you are maturing.

All is well.
You are on schedule.
Simply live one moment at a time and do your best.

Written from the depth of my spirit and my experience,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/