We all come to a point in our lives, where we reflect on where we have gone and what we’ve contributed in life. It is the transition everyone must go through, taking us from the morning of our lives…to the afternoon of our lives. Carl Jung often referred to this as the shift into the afternoon of our lives. Those who transition find happiness and live happily ever after, but those who do not…go on miserably.

The mid-life crisis is the label for when this occurs. A time when we must change the way we see things in life, letting go of our past experiences and what we have already learned. In letting go, we lighten the load as we embark on a new beginning of our lives. Again…those who make the shift, find happiness. Those who do not let go of the past, will continue a “living death.” A living death is where we take up space, breathing in air, while slowly decaying away.

As long as we are green we are growing.

Yellow, we are a dying fellow.

Brown…we are down.

~Cal (at 5 years of age)

Shifting into the afternoon of our lives we instinctively look to fulfill a purpose. A purpose that many struggle to find. Sages, gurus, yogis and other enlightened beings often say we must “go within” to find our purpose. The formula for finding our purpose is so simple that many will shun the idea. Is there something that you have always dreamed of doing in your lifetime? Is there an idea that you wanted to explore since you were a child? Chances are this is the answer you are looking for.

The dilemma comes with conditioning. We have been conditioned to think we need to make more money, need to have a “real job,” or have a respected place in society. We can do this, but will we be authentically happy? Do you want money or happiness? I am not suggesting you cannot have money to be happy…it is possible to have it all. I am suggesting to gauge your life on your happiness and let the money come second. Chances are if you love what you do, you will profit by your success.

If, while making the shift, you are not happy, then it is time for a change. Change towards happiness is always a good idea…make it now. Taking this leap may require a bit of labor and maybe even a bit of faith. Do you know of someone who has made a significant change in life, while going against the grain to what everyone else suggested he do? These are the Warriors who decide once and for all, it is time to be happy. Everything on the line, they take the leap.

Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It’s something we call Heart power. Once a man has made the commitment, nothing will stop him short of success.

~Vince Lombardi

Pondering the thought of standing firmly in Her beliefs, Ani Po reflects on the changes that she has made in Her life. From pilgrim to Warrior, with a single thought…Her life changes for ever. Realizing that She has stepped onto the path of Warrior, She knows She can never go back to the way it was.

With further reflection, She recalls a friend who is currently transitioning to the afterlife. Now in hospice care the family says, “He has suddenly become ill.” Ani Po knows differently and has known that he has been dying for some time. While we are all dying, this gentleman gave up on living about ten years ago and followed a path of darkness. Ani Po, for years, tried to get him to see Light but no success.

Ani Po: “Why are you always so negative? Can’t you find positive in any given situation?”

Friend: “No. I  see things as they are and it isn’t always pretty.”

Ani Po: “If you cannot find good in any given situation, then you are already dead. Sadly, we think that things are horrible and that is the only reality we’ve ever known. Have you ever read The Death of Ivan Illych?”

“No Ani Po.”

“I would highly recommend it.”

What if my whole life was wrong?

~Ivan Illych

While Ani Po is saddened by Her friends health options, She respects Her friends decision to die, knowing that maybe this is how her friend chose to live her life…alone till the bitter end.  The truth is that our world is a mirror image of how we see ourselves.If we are inspired and feel alive, then we go on living as such. If we feel the world has fallen around us, then we slowly decay until we reach death. We all have a choice to believe in negativity or positivity. One promises growth, the other death. While death is eminent, we do not have to leave this place in misery.

Step into the Canvas with indomitable spirit. The only person who can conquer you is yourself. When someone brings negativity towards you, turn up the positivity. Step with confidence today knowing that your afternoon has arrived and it is about to get a lot Brighter. You are a Warrior and you are no longer afraid…