When I was young I realized that I looked at the world from a different perspective. Early on this caused me trouble and for a period of time I kept quiet about what I saw and denied my own understanding. I kept my ideas to myself and wrote my observations in a private diary rather than speaking them out loud to many people. Then I began meeting people who wanted to hear my view on things. And pretty soon there were quite a few people asking for my perspective. Over the years I have gotten bolder and braver. I have stopped being concerned about what others think of me and instead really enjoy watching the lights go on when I offer my passionate perspective in a way that helps and uplifts others.

Here is the thing. Most of us dream big and think small. The two are not a very effective combination. Especially for those of us who are serious about really living our dreams not just having fantasies about them. Big vision and constricted thinking creates frustration and tension. And since our behaviors are motivated by the good or bad feelings we generate within ourselves we would be wise to get familiar with our thoughts, weed out the ones that restrict us and choose self-empowering ones that encourage us instead. If we really want to bring our greatest desires into realities we need to develop flexibility and agility in our minds instead of holding out in our solid and locked positions. Thinking small inhibits passionate living.

Our big dreams are magnificent. They propel us forward to have adventures, to take on challenges and to attract opportunities that we might never have imagined. But in order to enjoy what we encounter we need to hold our dreams in a broader context. We need to stretch wide open those places inside of us that are shut or closed up. Why? Because expanding our perspective liberates all sorts of energy. It gives us access to many positive qualities that belong to us and enrich our day-to- day experiences. We are, in essence, so much more than even our biggest dreams hint of. Heres a list of twelve of those natural qualities and quick ways to connect with them.

The energy of Freedom comes when we stop restricting ourselves.

The energy of Clarity comes when we tell ourselves the truth about what we are really wanting.

The energy of Peace comes when we stop fighting what is and instead get curious to see what kinds of learning opportunities are in front of us.

The energy of Love comes when we release our judgments and instead decide to extend positive feelings.

The energy of Health comes when we accept ourselves exactly as we are right now and choose to do good and pleasurable things for our selves.

The energy of Balance comes when we recognize the bigger picture and take all factors into account when making our decisions.

The energy of Creativity comes when we take responsibility for our choices

The energy of Joy comes when we value happiness over suffering.

The energy of Abundance comes when we appreciate what we have right now and trust that there is an ongoing flow of goodness available for us.

The energy of Wisdom comes when we recognize and acknowledge our own link to higher intelligence and are willing to ask and receive guidance.

The energy of Power comes when take responsibility for our thoughts, feelings and actions.

The energy of our own Magnificence comes when we acknowledge our uniqueness and decide to live authentically.

Sound simple? Yes, and it takes practice. We have learned the value of physical exercise. Now we know there are internal creative muscles that have a lot to offer us if they are exercised also.