Do You Know What You Own?

We live in a very materialistic world! Now before you jump to conclusions, this is not going to be one of those "don't let your possessions possess you" type of articles. There is value in that line of thought but I'll save that for another day. Today, I'm going to talk about what you really own and what you just think that you own.

I believe that we have this whole idea of "ownership" completely backward. We get so caught up in the buying and selling of things that we can never really own. Yes, we may "possess" them for a time but we can never really "own" them. Too often, this focus on owning the wrong things greatly interferes with our desire to live a happy and productive life.

What do YOU think you own?

How about your car? All it takes is to meet a distracted driver and there goes your car.

How about your cell phone? You take one little misstep that causes you to drop your phone and it can be ruined.

How about your home or possessions? A fire breaks out or a major storm comes through your neighborhood and you could lose everything.

You see, we just think we own cars, houses, and gadgets of every kind but any one of those things can be taken away in the blink of an eye. Even if we escape these scenarios, time will rob you of all possessions, including the human body that you value and think of as being YOU.

Isn't it ironic how we spend so much time surrounding ourselves with things that have sentimental value or serve as lucky charms, that we think we need to live; yet, once they are lost or destroyed, we are forced to live without them. The point is that you can never really own anything that has a temporary life span.

So, what can you own? 

How about your thoughts?  Can anyone take those away from you? No, they can't. No thief can climb in your ear in the middle of the night and run off with them. They are yours and yours alone. I like the adage, "Your thoughts are yours to possess." 

How about your words? No one can speak them for you and, trust me, they can outlive you by eons. I sincerely hope people find enough value in what I say that my thoughts outlive me. 

How about your actions? Do you have a friend or loved one that has passed but people, even you, still talk about the things they did when they were alive? Most of us do.

Your thoughts, words, and actions are the only things you really own. They are yours and yours alone. Only you have complete control over them and only you can decide how valuable you want to make them. 

One of the most important things you can do to achieve a meaningful life is to make sure your thoughts, your words, and your deeds add value to the world. So, take ownership of them!

While many consider this season of Lent (the 40 day time period up to resurrection Sunday, also known as Easter Sunday), as a time to give up things, the real opportunity for all of us is to commit to the elimination of thoughts, spoken words, and behaviors that are inconsistent with the YOU that your heart desires to emerge from hiding. 

The focus should be to stop living passively, as though you are content with only half-living your life on your own terms and conditions. See, no matter what age or circumstance you currently see yourself in, your heart desires for you to live an expanded life of greater love, peace, value, service, and prosperity.

My challenge for you this week:

Make your thoughts, words, and actions consistent with the desire of your heart.

1. Do a mental inventory of the things you regularly think about regarding your ability to take action to reach the desires or goals you have.
2. Make a list of ways you think about yourself or how you describe yourself that contradicts the mindset of you being a strong, capable, and limitless person.
3. Review your daily behavior patterns and adjust them so that they focus on constant movement that builds momentum in the journey toward your desires and goals.
4. Keep a daily journal that chronicles your thoughts, expressed words, and actions you initiated that felt empowering.

Whenever doubt, uncertainty, or fears flash into your mind, review your daily journal to recharge yourself!