Knowing What You Want

In today's post I am going to ruminate around the concept of "knowing what you want." Considering how the vast majority of the population seems to be totally focused on wanting things, this may seem to be an irrelevant statement.

That same vast majority seem to be incapable of separating what they want from what they really need in life. If directly asked what they want in life, other than, "stuff", the response is generally on the order of, "I don't want...." (whatever).

Daydreaming about what one fantasizes they would like, while possibly a fun way to pass time, will not accomplish anything.

A topic to write about in a journal, or otherwise, would be, "What do I want for myself?" If such a question had been asked, and contemplated on, in early life, it might have changed the entire course of the subsequent life. This, however, is not generally encouraged. Granted, the list would probably have been made up of such things as: a .... (car), lots of money, be a sports star, have a rock band, etc., etc., rather than figuring out practical ways of achieving outcomes congenial to oneself.

It is never too late to delve into your inner self; you may just find a clue as to current life dis-satisfactions. If you want to start to consciously create your own reality, instead of just taking what you accidentally create, you need to be clear about what you want! You, also, need to be able to express that want clearly and concisely.

This subject ties into, "Intentions." A popular older folk saying is, The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." This, to me, is a deliberate misdirection on the part of the powers-that-be. The reason for this is the power of the word, "intentions," itself. Try using, "It is my intention that, ...." before stating your desires.

Focus is another aspect of creating your reality. A former friend of mine, many years ago, was complaining about the fact that a neighbor, and friends of theirs, were millionaires. The gist of the complaint was that he was just as smart, capable, etc., as this friend, so why didn't he also have a million dollars at his disposal? I told him that, that might be true, but instead of focusing on making a million dollars, he would rather spend his time: scuba diving, playing guitar, partying with friends, etc., etc. His neighbor had, instead, focused on making a million dollars.

While we may, while young, be told to focus on something or other, by the adults in our life, few are trained in the way to go about doing so. This is a problem which becomes evident to those who attempt to practice meditation. For most people, it is discovered that, by the time one is an adult, the mind has taken over, much like a spoiled child, and is not willing to relinquish control.

Individuals who have set out to learn a skill, craft, or pursue a hobby requiring a particular set of skills, have, "a leg up" in this regard. In order to learn those skills requires, not only practice, but the ability to focus.

One way to go about bringing something into your life, after you have become very clear about what it is you want, is to focus on it. If you visualize, this is a good way to clarify whatever it is you want, and to begin manifesting it.

If you do not visualize, you can create a picture book containing pictures of what it is that you want to attract to you. Focus on it, think about what it would be like having it. There are many places you can get information regarding attracting whatever it is you want to you. You must, firstly, believe that it is possible to do so, and remove all negative thoughts around the subject.

I have written previously about focusing on being positive, as opposed to negative, in not only thoughts, but, also, deeds and intentions. Again, in addition to focusing on what you want, if you want positive changes in your life, you must focus on the positive, rather than the negative. This then becomes one's stance, or chosen attitude, as a life pattern; it is a choice one can make, regardless of one's history.

On the other hand, worrying is a focus on negative expectations regarding future events, which may bring about those undesired outcomes. Vengeful thoughts may bring about desired results, but will only sink one deeper into negativity. Regrets, which many indulge in, are focusing on past events, and only positive present actions have the potential of erasing the negativity embedded in those past actions.

To repeat, creating one's own reality requires, not only being clear about what it is you want, and clearing away all the mental and personal distractions and thoughts getting in the way, it also requires the ability to focus on that objective. Above all, it requires that you Believe that it is possible to change your life in this way.

With that, I end today's blog.

Shirley Gallup