It’s time to stop playing it safe and embrace your unique way of being in the world. Begin by recognizing what brings joy into your experience and go from there.

Imagine how it would feel to be genuinely excited by the various things the day has to offer. What if you viewed every interaction as an opportunity to be amazed? What if the majority of your experience was flitting from one joyful moment to another? Your expectation has a lot to do with your interpretation of life.

On my gratitude walk yesterday I saw a large bird fly up from the ground to the lowest branch of a large oak tree. Thinking I might get to see a hawk up close, Kizzy, Minky and I went to investigate. There I saw the duck pictured above. She, in spite of our close proximity, spent several minutes exploring life from a new perspective while her mate waited below. In a way this was a far more wonderful experience because her behavior was so uniquely different. It was a blessing to find inspiration in such a simple and unexpected moment.

Our experiences, perception and insight are an inspiration to those with whom we interact. As we grow in consciousness, we build a unique foundation that supports us no matter what unfolds. This is how the awakened soul teaches.

Whatever your spiritual truths, sprinkle them throughout every aspect of your life. The peace you discover in mediation or gratitude changes how you wait in line, interact with your family or do your work. Everything in your experience is your spiritual practice. See how consistent you can become.

Life provides opportunities to observe how we respond to our challenges and how willing we are to accept the gifts of loving kindness that surround us. Old souls thrive by being different. We cultivate our unique way of being in the world by celebrating the journey.

Find your footing. Consciousness is the foundation from which you can share your Beingness. Imagine that you are firelight flickering in the darkness. The flames of love provide comfort, warmth and authentic connection to those around you.

To see another as an enemy is the antithesis of higher consciousness. As we awaken, the ego has to become more subtle and this is often experienced as righteous anger. When in the grip of opinion or judgment we lose sight of the love which connects us.

Many spiritual students goes through a phase where others’ unconsciousness is extremely distasteful. Moving into blame or hatred, words like “evil” or “they” get peppered throughout their vernacular. Realize that every single being on the planet comes from the same source – we are One. The only difference between us is where someone currently resides on the path of enlightenment.

There is no Other. There is only opportunity to transform through love, kindness, patience and compassion. When you can rise above and step into love, your interpretation of the world will expand. Lack of reactivity will allow you to express yourself in ways that are empowered and transformative.

Empowerment is simply taking full responsibility for your own joy in the present moment. Fortunately, that frees us from waiting for others to change or attaching expectation to outcomes. No matter what you wish to change, begin now. Take one conscious step forward and observe how life unfolds. You may decide to pivot direction, shift an old behavioral pattern or change your thoughts.

For instance, if you wish to see more harmony in your relationships, make a dedicated effort not to participate in conflict by purposely remaining neutral or positive. When you choose your words carefully, responding rather than reacting, you’ll discover a different type of strength.

Anger solves nothing. It feeds energy into negative circumstances and strengthens them. The spiritual seeker notices anger when it arises, processes it internally by recognizing that reactivity is in play and chooses to pause, thereby creating space around the situation. These simple moments of presence and intention can transform our experience in surprising ways.

The joy of creativity lies in the act of creating itself. When we open to inspiration, our energy and actions enhance life on every level. We cultivate more beauty, gratitude, joyfulness and passion in our experience. Whether you write, play music, celebrate the art of cooking, add your flair while decorating your sacred space or dance your way through raindrops, in creativity we discover our unique connection to the Divine.

Creativity connects you to your bliss and adds dimension to your experience. In solitude you find a space to play alone in your vision. You experiment without fear, discard what doesn’t work and celebrate when it feels right. In the greatest moments thought disappears, the art disappears, the artist disappears and all that remains is the Divine, expressing itself in physical form.

Be the watcher, the observer as you dance with Inspiration. Open to expression from the highest vibration possible and you will touch the energy of the masters. Then life itself becomes a mystical experience, for you are a channel of light and wonderment.

One of the things I love best about my life’s purpose is that it has allowed me to cultivate the ability to see through the illusions of ego to the truth of the soul. Even when the personality is in distress or confusion, the light of the soul shines through – radiant, captivating, beautiful. Seeing this sacred light takes away the need to judge; conversely, it prompts me to pick up a mirror and show the person with whom I am working the amazing things that I can see.

You too can cultivate this quality. Begin by celebrating yourself and your unique journey. Honor the pathways that have led you to this moment, the souls who have shared your journey and the challenges you have overcome. When you learn how to see the sacred within yourself, you will be able to recognize it in others.

Acceptance is the most important aspect of this process. Being non-reactive to the ego creates a sense of safety and trust. When others feel safe in your presence, they can explore without fear. The light that flows from an open heart chakra is transformative.

New experiences offer an opportunity to explore undiscovered aspects of ourselves. Fresh adventures have a unique beauty all their own. When you view your journey as a joy and a celebration, you’ll find that true security comes from a willingness to be fully present within the never-ending expansiveness of life.

Today is a new world filled with infinite possibility. Participation is key. Be willing to explore, experience and feel. Don’t close yourself off out of fear, for you never know what beauty may be waiting to unfold in your life. Listen and allow your authentic self to shine. Planning creates a rigid sense of expectation and limitation that precludes our ability to trust and express our inner wisdom.

Plans are meant to inspire movement. They open the heart to new ideas and start a flow of change in our lives; however, often that is their sole purpose. Once we set sail, the winds determine the direction.

Don’t wait for some achievement to give meaning to your life. Instead, see yourself as an adventurer into the infinite. The destination is joy.