'REASONS' VS. 'EXCUSES'

There is a big difference between having a reason and making an excuse. I know. At one time, I was a BIG one for making excuses. They included: 'I am a female. I am African-American. I am from the inner-city of Detroit. I am divorced. I am now a single parent of three young girls. I am homeless. I feel alone. I didn't complete my degree at Wayne State University.'

Of course, I didn't see these as excuses at first. They seemed like reasons to me. Spiritually, I knew I was a powerful person. I knew that there was much more to my life and the lives of others as I began my inner search. By now, you may have grasped the concept that a spiritual search indicates in itself that it must start from within. You cannot locate your spirituality in someone else, nor can you locate it 'outside' of yourself. It is an inner search. A search that has taught me so much during my lifetime that even now, as I write about it, I realize that had I not actually gone through my own inner search, I would not have felt it would have been possible for me to do some of the things I have been able to accomplish.

What is the difference between reasons and excuses? An excuse is what we use when we fall short of something, do not meet a goal, didn't meet up to our responsibilities or someone else's expectations of us. It doesn't explain the true why--it simply says something didn't work out as expected or planned. A reason, however is valid. It explains the true why of a situation, is specific and detailed and it holds dignity in the validity of it! For example, if you were expected somewhere but didn't show up--an excuse could be any of the following: 'I just washed my hair, (It could have been washed earlier or later, depending upon the time) I had nothing to wear, (usually you're aware of a special event before it occurs, hence you could prepare something to wear, buy something, have a garment cleaned and returned, etc) or an excuse could be a flippant, 'something else came up.' (something else always comes up when we really don't want to do a particular thing in the first place!)

However, if you take the same circumstance of not showing up somewhere within a specific time frame and apply a reason to it, it would validate your not being able to make it to a specific event. A reason could be: I was hospitalized or in the emergency room with my kids/parents/friend/spouse, etc.  You certainly couldn't have made it in that situation! You do have other obligations at times in life and being there for family and friends when they truly need you may be one of them. Or you may simply have changed your mind about attending an event--and that is a reason in and of itself.

In short, excuses have 'holes' in them. We can always shoot them down and we usually do. This is why you will hear people say: "What's your excuse this time?" Or, "I don't want to hear any excuses." They're worthless to even listen to. But when someone is coming to you in the right way, in a truthful way, in a valid way, you're more prone to ask: "What was the reason you couldn't make it?" Not what was your excuse.  You will also notice the 'reason' question gets asked of the most responsible people. The people not coming with a bagful of excuses trying to figure out which one to use. 

The point here is this: When it comes to dealing with the Spirit, we don't have any reasons why we don't heed it's word--we only have excuses. We have reasons in the physical world, because we are physical beings. Needless to say, this imposes specific limitations on us due to our physical capabilities. We couldn't sprout wings to fly no matter how positive thinking we become. But the Spirit world works with us through our spiritual capabilities. So when our Spirit instructs us on what to do, or how to do something, It is already aware that we are physically capable of doing a thing or It would not request it of us.  Do not be afraid of where your Spirit takes you, or the longings you have to pursue your dreams, fulfill your desires and create the life you want. The resources that are needed for you to succeed in your endeavors are already here, in this time and space for you. All that is required is that you truly begin to believe in that which you truly want to receive!


Personal Power can be utilized on a daily basis to manifest what you'd like to create in YOUR life!

Sherry Brantley is an Author, Speaker and Trainer. She is  the Owner of S.T.E.P.P. Its Mission Statement: To assist people to make positive choices in their lives on a daily basis to effect positive change by tapping into and utilizing their Personal Power while accepting and respecting the Personal Power of others.  

www.inspirationalvoice.com
S.T.E.P.P:  Start To Exercise Personal Power
'STEPP Up To YOU!'

'STEPP' UP TO YOU!

Welcome to my S.T.E.P.P. Blog!   S.T.E.P.P. is an acronym for  my speaking business which stands for: Start To Exercise Personal Power!

The information I am sharing in the first postings of my blog will include excerpts from my first book, 'Choices--The Power Is Within You'. This is the first of a 3-part blog focusing on your Personal Power and how utilizing it can have a lasting, permanent, positive impact in your life--and the lives of those around you.

What is Personal Power and how do we go about 'tapping into it?'  Personal Power is an innate Power derived directly from your Spirit, that gently guides and steers you towards your purpose, your passion and the gifts you have that you would like to offer to others. It is a power that is personal to each and every one of us. Although it is derived from the same source and we all share it in equal amounts, we do not all use it in equal amounts! It is manifested in each of us in a unique way. Not just through the individual talents and gifts we were all given, but in our very thoughts, perceptions and understandings of the world around us. Unique in our passions and our creativity. Our belief systems. Our longings. Our desires. Unique in the many different ways in which we utilize our talents and gifts.

Some of us express this Power through our musical and/or other artistic talents. For example, many of us have enjoyed the pianist who was able to play in such a way that made our Spirits soar, heard the singer that moved us to tears of joy or sorrow, or witnessed the dancer that seems to move as one with the Universe--in smooth, fluid movements.

The passion and commitment that some people exhibit in their careers, on the job, with their families and throughout their lives on a daily basis is a testament of how some of us are choosing to utilize this very powerful, very spiritual force. The leaders that have taken a stand for righteousness by peaceful methods against all odds and yet, maintain a thirst that refuses to be quenched until they've reached their goal. The teacher that believed in someone--when no one else would, by refusing to accept what others said or thought--until that person ultimately began to believe in themselves as well. Parents that continue to struggle on a daily basis to ensure a better life for their children. These are all examples of people who have recognized, visualized and began utilizing their own Personal Power.

Personal Power can be utilized on a daily basis to manifest what you'd like to create in YOUR life!

 **This is the 1st of a 3-part series in relation to utilizing your Personal Power!



Sherry Brantley is an Author, Speaker and Trainer. She is  the Owner of S.T.E.P.P. Mission Statement: To assist people to make positive choices in their lives on a daily basis to effect positive change by tapping into and utilizing their Personal Power while accepting and respecting the Personal Power of others.  

www.inspirationalvoice.com
S.T.E.P.P: Start To Exercise Personal Power
'STEPP Up To YOU!'