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September 2008 
First Century Inspiration
Posted on Jun 27th, 2007
by 
Nancy
Nancy
Have you ever been instantly transformed by reading one simple quote? That was my exact experience when I first laid eyes on the following:
“Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for a man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity.” ~ Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor & Stoic Philsopher, 121-180 AD)
Do you get it? It says, if it’s ever been done by anyone – or if it’s even remotely possible for anyone to do – then it’s also possible for you (and me, and the guy in front of us at the grocery store). Wow. Powerful stuff.
Do you realize it puts us in the same league as Richard Branson, Oprah, MLK, and Einstein – just to name a few? Because, anything that’s possible for them to achieve, is also well within our reach.
I know that’s potentially a huge contrast to the beliefs that guide many our lives today. All too often, we walk through life mistaking false and limiting beliefs as the truth. Things like, “Yep – we could be great achievers like Einstein if only x, y or z were true.” Or, “When x, y or z happens, then I’ll be able to move forward and accomplish my dreams.”
But here’s the deal – unless something is true IN AN ABSOLUTE SENSE, it’s simply not true. So, unless it’s true in all circumstances, and for all people, it can’t really be the truth. Instead, it’s merely a temporary state or perception that has no real power over what’s possible in our lives – besides the power we give it.
So, take all of the beliefs stopping you today and ask yourself, “Is this true in an absolute sense?” In other words, would it be true for Steve Jobs, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela or Ben Franklin? If not, then it’s not your truth either. It’s a temporary illusion that may feel like the truth, but if you trust that whatever is possible for anyone is also possible for you, you’ll soon begin to see the old false beliefs melting away, and the new possibilities bursting open before you.
C'mon, folks! It’s time to break free of our old shackles, get juiced by what’s possible, and fully embrace the greatness that lies within our reach. And it’s time to take your place alongside your own personal heroes, because they’re merely a reflection of what’s already inside of you.
I’m not saying that all people’s paths are going to be the same, or even that it’s going to be easy (ask Oprah if it was easy being an abused child raised in poverty). Certainly, we all have our individual journeys, challenges and gifts to bring to the party. What fun would it be if our autobiographies were the exact same as Bono’s or Gandhi’s, after all?
What I am saying is that it’s time to step forward and allow yourself – for at least one minute each and every day – to believe that true greatness is not only within your reach, but it’s absolutely, positively, and 100% your destiny.
“Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for a man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity.” ~ Marcus Aurelius (Roman Emperor & Stoic Philsopher, 121-180 AD)
Do you get it? It says, if it’s ever been done by anyone – or if it’s even remotely possible for anyone to do – then it’s also possible for you (and me, and the guy in front of us at the grocery store). Wow. Powerful stuff.
Do you realize it puts us in the same league as Richard Branson, Oprah, MLK, and Einstein – just to name a few? Because, anything that’s possible for them to achieve, is also well within our reach.
I know that’s potentially a huge contrast to the beliefs that guide many our lives today. All too often, we walk through life mistaking false and limiting beliefs as the truth. Things like, “Yep – we could be great achievers like Einstein if only x, y or z were true.” Or, “When x, y or z happens, then I’ll be able to move forward and accomplish my dreams.”
But here’s the deal – unless something is true IN AN ABSOLUTE SENSE, it’s simply not true. So, unless it’s true in all circumstances, and for all people, it can’t really be the truth. Instead, it’s merely a temporary state or perception that has no real power over what’s possible in our lives – besides the power we give it.
So, take all of the beliefs stopping you today and ask yourself, “Is this true in an absolute sense?” In other words, would it be true for Steve Jobs, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela or Ben Franklin? If not, then it’s not your truth either. It’s a temporary illusion that may feel like the truth, but if you trust that whatever is possible for anyone is also possible for you, you’ll soon begin to see the old false beliefs melting away, and the new possibilities bursting open before you.
C'mon, folks! It’s time to break free of our old shackles, get juiced by what’s possible, and fully embrace the greatness that lies within our reach. And it’s time to take your place alongside your own personal heroes, because they’re merely a reflection of what’s already inside of you.
I’m not saying that all people’s paths are going to be the same, or even that it’s going to be easy (ask Oprah if it was easy being an abused child raised in poverty). Certainly, we all have our individual journeys, challenges and gifts to bring to the party. What fun would it be if our autobiographies were the exact same as Bono’s or Gandhi’s, after all?
What I am saying is that it’s time to step forward and allow yourself – for at least one minute each and every day – to believe that true greatness is not only within your reach, but it’s absolutely, positively, and 100% your destiny.
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