Daily Gratitude: Many of the great philosophers have spread this word – that whatever you believe, you can achieve. This should be the basis for everything you do. As you cultivate a desire, a passion, a goal, remember this. If it’s a mad desire within you, the universe has meant for you to have it. The universe does NOT give you ideas that you can’t achieve. This universe or higher power can lead us to our desires – if we let it. We have to let go and allow things to unfold the way they are supposed to. Perhaps right now it doesn’t feel as if you will get where you want to be. Just know that it will happen but it will happen in the universe’s plan, not your plan. I have beaten a dead horse i think but this applies to my not getting into medical school when i “should have”. So many good things happened (although they didn’t seem so good at the time) in the two extra years it took me to get into medical school. I don’t know what would have happened had I gotten in right after college. I wasn’t ready, my body wasn’t ready and my emotional/spiritual life wasn’t ready. These things needed more time to grow up and the universe knew it. I was mad that things didn’t go the way I thought they should. But, i was forced to give up control and wait, just wait. And imagine what? It was the best thing for me. I believed i was to be a doctor and eventually i became one. I gave up a lot of things (shed my various skins) on the way but i never gave up the belief i was supposed to be a doctor. When things seem dark for you, hold on to the belief you can succeed!

Daily Gratitude: There’s always needs around us. Most of us have what we need in life. Part of our responsibility as human beings is to look around us and give whatever help we can to others. Maybe it’s by donating to a cause; maybe it’s smiling at someone; maybe it’s talking with a person who’s hurting or depressed; it could be anything. You may know the person or maybe you don’t. On the other side of the coin, is something that is often harder than giving – accepting help or gifts. Always remember that when you accept what someone else offers you, you are giving them joy. If you don’t accept it, then it’s a form of insult to them – sort of like saying you’re better than they are and you don’t need anything from anyone else. You don’t want to do that but usually people don’t realize that’s the message they are giving. Most people don’t want to hurt others, but have difficulty accepting from others. Make an effort to keep track of your checks and balances in this regard. Thank others, accept what they have to give you, and know that you’ve made them feel good too.