275. It's miracle grow...for the soul

I just covered this topic with some colleagues of mine that I feel warrant an entry.   

I believe that although there are many characteristics and things that we need as humans...there are two big umbrellas, under which all other things fall, that feed our souls...one is our ability to continue growing and the second is the need to give of our selves to others...

Now, let's open these up a bit more.  Growth is something I have been writing about for a while throughout this blog.  Something that I've brought out in my writings over and over again.  Growth is the continued challenging of our perceived limits.  It is the self reflection and thoughts that fuel who we are as people.  It is the death of the hero that has fueled most of our early life and the birth of the soul that seeks meaning and life in all things.  Growth is the chalk lines we set and the bars that we strive to continue pushing.  It is the self reflection and the continued to drive for more from ourselves...more from what we have put onto ourselves.  It is questioning our beliefs and the continued challenging of what we hold as true and of value.  Yes, challenge your own values and beliefs.  

I also believe that in order to birth a stronger soul, one needs to focus on the ability to give to others.  The need to realize that we are no longer the center of the world, but simply a warrior in it.  A warrior who needs to give.  Now this comes out in a variety of ways.  It can come in the form of being a good father...a man who listens rather than hears...a man who knows the difference between kind and nice...a man who focuses on others without expectation or reward.  The type of person that gets up day after day to do what needs to be done to feed the children.  Tired.  Sweaty.  Worn.  I believe that greatest gift we have as man is not our ability to "think" or "weigh options" it is our ability to love.  Love therefore isn't about you...love is about the other.  It is about the selfless act of giving for the benefit of another despite you own.  

So...what am I asking you to do?  Well...nothing really...but should you like to.  It's time to take an inventory of these things.  If you are fearful of something...the dark...cat things...heights...love...force yourself and choose to engage with these things despite your feelings and worries.  Push your boundaries ..re-set your lines...challenge your perceptions.  It will stretch your soul and force it to grow.  The more you work it...just like going to the gym...the more you will grow and the more it will grow stronger.  

Secondly, focus on what it is to give to others.  I'm not saying give money if you don't have it...I'm saying give time and attention.  Spend an extra 5 minutes of your day with something or someone else. Push yourself to donate and give even if you have nothing.  Offer compliments to those around you. Pat someone on the back.  Provide support and help to people that you normally wouldn't.  These smalls things will make a world of a difference...I promise.