While walking around the granite warehouse with the owner, he showed Dee and I some samples for a building project. Russell was enthusiastic about all of his products, and his face lit up as he described the unique qualities of each piece. He was a great salesman, not because he was trying to sell us, but because he truly enjoyed his product and his career.

     As he showed us one style, he explained, "When I saw this I just had to get some. I know this sounds weird, but I buy stuff just because I love it."

    No, that doesn't sound weird to us at all, we told him. We think that's a great reason to buy stuff - far better than buying it because you think it might sell.

    How significant is joy as a factor in your decision-making process?  When considering a purchase, career, date, relationship partner, or vacation, do you make your choice based on what you should do; what you have historically done; what other people advise you; what the formula says would work; or what is the cheapest?  Or do you tap into your deepest aliveness and move with that?  Personally, I think anything that does not include joy sounds weird.

     My friend Frank Levinson ran a spectacular trail ride on Maui for many years. Frank loved horses, the outdoors, and turning people on to riding, nature, and Maui. He would take riders out to the edge of majestic cliffs over the ocean, and then up to hidden waterfalls. It was a fantastic adventure.

     I perused Frank's guest book in which his customers recorded their comments about their trail ride. All of them were glowing. One comment caught my eye and has stayed with me. It asked, "And you get paid for this?"

     The comment behind the comment was, "I can hardly believe that someone could do something so fun and make a living from it."  And yet that is what a career is supposed to be. Contrary to popular opinion, a job is not something you suffer at daily and the reward for your pain is money. A real career is something you would do even if you weren't getting paid, and money and sustenance flow to you as a result because you are contributing to the lives of others your physical service as well as your uplifting attitude.

     The words "job" and "work" tell all too clearly how most people have settled for stress as a daily regimen. The word I like better is "vocation," which derives from the same Latin word as "voice," indicating that a real livelihood proceeds from your inner voice.

     While you may not be able to switch careers overnight, you can take steps to lean in to your joy. When making a decision of any kind, value where your enthusiasm lives as a significant factor. When dining at a restaurant, don't read the price list; order what you would have just because you would like it. Pursue hobbies that may not be a career today, but could be one day. Choose friendship and business relationships just because you like the people. The heart is a muscle, and the more you exercise it -- spiritually speaking -- the stronger it becomes, and the better it will serve you.

     No, Russell, we don't think buying granite you love is weird at all. That's why we bought yours.

 

           Alan

 

 

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1,000 Quote Archive Online!

 

 

We are delighted to announce that all of the daily inspirational quotes sent out over the past three years are now archived for you to peruse online!  The quotes, by Alan and many other inspirational leaders and philosophers, illuminate many subjects, including self-esteem, success, relationships, prosperity, religion, family, and just about anything else you might think about. Access to the archive is free. To view, click here. If you want to receive a daily inspirational quote via email, click here.

 

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Q & A

 

From the "Ask Alan" section on our web site:

 

How Do I Break a Repeating Cycle?

 

 

I stumbled upon your articles on an inspirational website and have been hooked every since! My question: How do I break a cycle of repeating the same patterns over and over again? i.e. choosing the same type of man; ending up in the same job situation with abusive bosses' I know "lessons are repeated until they are learned". I "think" I am acknowledging my "lessons" yet the same patterns keep showing up over and over. Your response is greatly appreciated.
 

Click here for Alan's response.

 

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You will help more people through your delight than through your suffering. 

 

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Conversations with God

 

Movie arrives in theaters October 23

 

 

The powerful movie based on the outstanding book is coming your way. My dear friend and inspirational teacher Neale Donald Walsch has uplifted millions through the Conversations with God series. Now the Spiritual Cinema Circle has brought the story to life on the screen. Henry Czerny masterfully portrays Neale as a down-and-out man who discovered God in the midst of his own dark night of the soul. Using his experience as a springboard, Neale has gone on to give many people hope and a brighter vision. I highly recommend you see this important film and share it with your friends.

 

Click here to view trailer
 

Info about Spiritual Cinema Circle

 

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