“The secret of a good cake, is not the icing.” – Emmanuel
For most people there is a continual search in their lives for the right connection, or balance. They’re looking for the “Good life,” that brings harmony to the big six; Relationships, Financial, Career, Personal, Enjoyment, Freedom. In essence we all want our cake and want to eat it too.
Reality is that there is always a sacrifice. The good life comes with understanding the compromises you have to make. Do you know who you are and what you are looking for? Have you accepted your shortcomings and decided to make the best of it anyway? Finding yourself is the first step to creating the balance for your good life.
Many people find religion and live a life of rituals following dogmas. They find comfort and this helps find a sense of purpose. Others look to themselves alone and accept what is enjoying what they can without explanations. Still others know the value of simple goodness and practice this everyday despite the reward.
No matter what angle you take in life, knowing your true self is the beginning of finding the good life. You can be in any of the above groups and still not know who you are. I believe we are one body and when you truly find yourself you find everybody. You recognize the interrelations of all. You see the uniqueness and sameness in all aspects of life. We and they fall away to oneness and compassion.
Finding who you are gives purpose to life bringing you to a spiritual understanding outside your religious beliefs. When we consider the greatest teacher that walked the earth never had a church we can see the value of finding self to live a life of truth.
So if you want your cake as well as time to enjoy a slice of the goodness, get to know the ingredients in yourself. Having a strong sense of self enables you to handle even the worst events in life, and you begin to learn the truth in the saying,” what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” You create your world through what you choose to focus on and do. Knowing who you are allows you to change your thoughts, behaviors and actions to build a life that sits well with you.
Below are some questions that can help you discover who you are:
• What would I do if it was my last day on earth?
• What would I do if I knew I could not fail?
• Do I like who I am becoming?
• Am I living my life in tune with my most important values?
• What I am I settling for that do not fulfill me?
• Where do I focus my attention everyday?
• What am I holding on to that I no longer need?
• Do I spend my time with people that support and inspire me?
Excerpt from “Secrets To Life Book” by Chris Emmanuel
Book available at Chris Emmanuel Art Gallery (Sunbreeze Hotel) and Pages Book Store
