Overcoming the Obstacle to Ultimate Success
Scott F Paradis
Copyright (c) 2010 Scott F Paradis
Do you believe your life is destined for something great? It is. But alas, one obstacle stands between you and a full and fulfilling life. You must overcome the one obstacle to become the person you are destined to be.
You are an observer of an earthly drama, a dreamer of a grand dream. You are an individual observing, sensing, experiencing the infinite unfolding epic of life. You are, in truth, a witness experiencing this reality, yet you live what you think you are. Instead of accepting a "self" as free spirit frolicking in a playground, you succumb to the one and only obstacle to ultimate success: EGO.
Ego is the snare of the human condition. Ego leads from tranquility to turmoil, from cooperation to competition, from abundance to scarcity. Ego implores, berates, condemns the individual to believe he or she is separate from the environment, separate from others and separate from what is. By placating ego, you invite pain into your life.
Ego clings to the body and what the body can sense. Ego embraces physical reality, dismissing out of hand any alternative to what it can see, touch and manipulate. Ego, though intended to be servant, seeks to be master. Ego turns the dream into a nightmare. Unleashed, the ego intends to dominate; to define a separate self, a self apart and distinct from all else, a self that would be king. Ego seeks to control, to dominate, and in so doing "be" something. By surrendering to ego you lose contact with your essence, your awareness � and in so doing lose your freedom.
The ego's main weapon is a double-edged sword - one blade fear the other arrogance. Both blades cut deep. Fear rules in relationships - you dare not engage less you face rejection. Fear rules in business - you fail to put your talent to the test less you confirm you are not worthy. Fear rules when you dare not act less you appear the fool and risk loss of status or prestige or respect. Fear weakens and enslaves. Ego also rules by arrogance - by intimidation and pride. Ego convinces you, you are superior to those others - more capable, stronger, more intelligent, more deserving. Arrogance causes you to believe independence is your birthright, your gift, your power. You stand separate because you are better than the great unwashed. Ego's double-edged blade threatens your true purpose - yet you can control the weapon.
To overcome the obstacle to success you have a choice. To prosper in life choose opportunity over ego. To overcome ego, recognize ego's influence and choose again. When you release yourself from the grip of ego you learn to forgive - yourself, your circumstances, others. You will then find peace and joy.
As observer in and co-creator of this unfolding adventure, you command a body, a mind, and a will. Choose humility and acceptance over the fear, judgment, vengeance and arrogance of ego. Remember, ego is not in charge. Do not allow ego control. Until you accept full responsibility for what you have, are, and do will you understand what ego tells you about being separate is a lie. Embrace the paradox; accept responsibility for what seems beyond your control.
To neutralize the double-edged sword of ego, accept that all is right with the world - it's okay. Rain, wind, snow; rich, poor; educated, uneducated, it's okay. The circumstances of life are neither "someone's" nor "the system's" fault. There is no victim. There is no one to blame. This lesson is offered until this truth is accepted. You are not separate; you are master of your fate.
The promise of life is: your journey is meant to be one of abundance, excitement, joy and opportunity. You have a unique purpose, a unique mission and unique gifts. To fulfill you grand purpose, to contribute to the grand design - to grow, to learn, to live, to love - overcome ego - the aspect of your being that insists you are alone - separate from others and separate from what is.
To succeed in life master ego. Face fear and let go of the need to judge. Learn to forgive. By forgiving you find your place and your purpose in this world. Open yourself to the journey.
My prayer for you is that you recognize the promise of this life and in so doing overcome ego to fulfill your ultimate potential. The choice is always yours. Make the right choice!
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