Article Source:  The Positive Observer

enemy
1: one that is antagonistic to another ; one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent 2: something harmful or deadly 3 a: a military adversary b: a hostile unit or force – Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

What a very strong word. How often are we faced with barriers between ourselves and others? How long do we continue to maintain such barriers and do we even understand the true origins from which they come from? In most instances, we rarely even know the names or the actual substance that our “enemy” is comprised of.

If you determine that an enemy is part of your past or present, then ask yourself if there are really that many differences between you and another. By taking a moment to ask yourself the right questions, you may find that the BEHAVIORS that both of you exhibit differ greatly, but you share the same PURPOSE and INTENTIONS. People are not necessarily their behaviors. Such statements may initially seem unrealistic, but look at the bigger picture in relation to the situation and in both people’s desire to just exist. Consider opportunities for new exchanges. Seek congruency. 

Has there been a breakdown in communication? Maybe the conversation has just been one-sided rather than an open dialog shared equally between both people or groups. Maybe you are actually seeing an aspect of yourself in them that you do not care for? How often do we see an undesirable trait in someone that we, ourselves have shown in the past or we are currently demonstrating? Consider how highly we hold reverence to actors and the roles they play. Which roles or characters grab your attention the most? Each time? Why do we talk about and judge the personal lives of our celebrities and athletes as much as we do?

Bullying seems to be very present in our schools these days. Hundreds of books and organizations have been born as a result. What is your definition of a bully? Why do you think someone would become a bully? What are the reasons we share with our kids? Does it originate out of ego or fear? Actually, ego is completely fear based. How about out of anger? Under all anger is sadness. So who is the real victim? Do we hold the same representations of a bully now as we did as a child? Can there be a difference?

So now for the bigger question, “Where does the actual or larger enemy exist…in your neighbor or in yourself?” Does an enemy stem from unmet expectations? Whose expectations? Maybe the initial expectations were too high or too low to start with. How does conflict resonate within us? Ask yourself why and what you continue to hold on to. Are there different parts of yourself acting independently, but that share they same intentions and purpose? Could you instead build congruency between these different parts? Heal and bond rather than re-installing old conflicts.

Whether externally, internally or both, does it serve each of us to have an enemy? Is it really necessary? What happens when we no longer have one? Do we all need to have one of these "jackets" to put on from time to time? How does it help us to avoid other things in our life? Where does the circle start and where does it end?

Here is how children grades 1st through 12th answered the question. The list of responses is long; longer than previous questions we have shared with them. Our kids are amazing. Click on READ MORE to see the expanded list.

Article Source: The Positive Observer

Ask Yourself:  "What Do I Consider A GOOD Day?"

As is with most things out there, a good day is what you decide it to be. You make it or break it. Maybe if you slowed down a little and gave it some thought, you might realize that there are a lot of little things that can make for a good day. Not everything has to be elaborate, well thought out or even experienced in a far away destination in order for you to reap the benefits of being alive. We all have our own definitions on what is "good." Consider how you represent "what is good" to yourself. Just know that it is everywhere. Good people. Good places. Good things. Good vibrations. All around you...all the time.
 
A friend of mine refers to these moments as "little pearls." What are the little pearls in your day? What stops you from noticing and experiencing them every day? A new year is upon us. How do you choose to go through it?
Take a few minutes to read some of the responses from our youth. Simple. To the point. Honest. Obtainable.

Article Source: The Positive Observer

Ask yourself: “What Purpose Do I Serve?”

Hold that response for a moment...

Now ask yourself: "How Am I More Than That?"

Isn't now…today, a great time to consider these questions? We all have a purpose in this life. Your purpose is not about your lot or “place” in society. Never limit yourself to socio-economic hierarchies. We are equally important. Purpose is about what you are here to do in this lifetime. As we move forward on the roller-coaster of life and especially during these global economic times, everything starts with one, everything starts with you. It is truly noble to work together for the collective and common good, but think of the added degree of service you can offer if you first remember and recognize your individual purpose, possibilities and self-worth.

  Youth Responses: We asked our youth this same question. Notice the clarity and self-assurance in their responses. Their new arrival lacks the barriers that we, as adults encounter in seeing ourselves in the world. Again, ask yourself the same question. Think back to a time in your youth and remember what your purpose was back then. The human mind can always recall previous thoughts and intentions. One only needs to sit still for a moment and look back upon their Timeline. Is your original purpose consistent with your current endeavors? What stops you from reconnecting to your original purpose and intentions? Is there really anything that can actually stop you?

Article Source: The Positive Observer