Guest post by Steve Rice, creator of True Spiritual Awakening, and a sponsor of this year’s blogiversary. Enjoy!
Can I be real with you, Uncommon Chicks (and Chicos–I know there are a few hombres like me out there in Uncommon Chick land!)?
Here’s the deal. You’re here because you’re not average. You shun mediocrity and you refuse to settle. (If this doesn’t describe you, then you probably won’t stick around long because this awesome group of movers and shakers will have you feeling out of place and uncomfortable.)
I’m all about helping you to create a congruent life by lining up your intention with your experience.
(and here’s the ‘be real’ part) 
When you hang out in the world of spiritual principles and philosophies–like I do–it’s easy to blow smoke without a lot of fire. This is known as bullcaca. (I told Kesha I’d keep it clean since I’m not on my own site…but you get the gist.)
And I’ll be the first to call “a thing a thing” (as Iyanla Vanzant says).
That’s where my soulwork–my real work–comes in. I distill the truths of universal consciousness into powerful insights that help you to live a more enlightened life. But what does that really mean?
Each of us is different and has a different soul journey on this earth. I can’t give you 10 Easy Steps…cuz most of that is bull–well, you know!
I am going to share the most powerful principle I know for building an uncommon life. It is embodied in one simple word–surrender.
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours. -Henry David Thoreau
Surrender doesn’t mean giving up. Sometimes the word surrender carries all sorts of religious connotations that mess people up, so let me say it a different way.
The Struggle Is Unnecessary
Struggle is unnecessary. Just sit with that one for a minute. Take a breath. Okay, now continue.
I’ll never forget the first time I learned this principle. I was talking to a friend about some mutual acquaintances and all the craziness that was going on in their lives. I went on and on until my friend stopped me cold.
He looked right into my eyes and said, “I don’t need to hear any more. I choose not to engage that drama!”
That simple statement changed my life. It snapped me out of that emotional cesspool I had cannon-balled into by focusing on and associating with the drama consuming my other friends’ lives. It reminded me of this powerful truth–I decide the meaning for my life.
So do you. You always have.
The reality in your own mind is the only reality that exists. If this is true, then you are free to craft your life with intention.
Notice, I’m not giving you license to become delusional!
Resistance to reality creates stress because you’re lyin’ to yourself. But I am here to tell you again–struggling is unnecessary.
The powerful woman faces the reality of her circumstances head-on. Instead of being manipulated by them, she stands strong in her truth. She focuses steadfastly on the prize. She refuses to allow those circumstances to determine her destiny.
She decides what they mean and then she empowers those in her family and her community with a different story that she has crafted from the power of her own intention!
(Download this poster to hang in your home or office)
You have the power! Don’t get down in the mud to try to convince the hogs that cleanliness is next to godliness! The hogs won’t believe you anyway.
Instead, get up out of the pigpen and clean yourself off. Write yourself a new story and go tell everyone who will listen. The rest don’t matter. Truthfully, the only one that needs to believe your story is you anyway.
Once you believe it, you will find that “unexpected success” will meet you right there on the less-traveled road–and as the poet says–that will have made all the difference!
Steve writes and podcasts about inspiration and spiritual fulfillment at TrueSpiritualAwakening.com. In his debut book, An Imperceptible Spark: Finding the Courage to Live a Life of Joy, Steve tells the story of his journey creating an “awake” life from one that was filled with frustration and hopelessness.
Over to you…
Can you guys see why I love Steve?! He is truly awesome and a loving soul and you should definitely connect with him further.
Struggle No More Giveaway!
Okay, so I want to do something special for you guys. Piggybacking on Steve’s post and the topic of struggle and in celebration of Mind, Body, Soul (this year’s Blogiversary theme), I have some awesome giveaways! See quick video below describing the giveaways!
1. Custom made Gratitude Journal (y’all know I love gratitude journals!)
2. Imperceptible Spark: Finding the Courage to Live a Life of Joy by Steve Rice
3. (3) Subscriptions to Live Healthy Magazine
Giveaway Video Link: http://youtu.be/JEKfcTIxwCQ
Giveaway is now over…congratulations to our winners!
Giveaway ends at midnight on September 28th, 2012. Open to U.S. residents and winners (18 or older) will be chosen by Random.org through Rafflecopter and contacted by email. Please respond in 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you for entering and good luck!!
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Hi Steve!
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i agree with you but in my view that it is depend on the luck if your luck is with you then there is no need to struggle but if you are unlucky then may be necessary.and in every man life there is some of type struggle so he can’t far away from this.
anshul recently posted..College Management Software Noida
Hi there anshul! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It’s really interesting because we all believe that struggle is a part of life.
I really understand what you mean about luck–or good fortune–being in someone’s favor. Sometimes it just seems like you either have it or you don’t.
The “struggle” I refer to in my post is really more about the contention with life’s circumstances…again, it’s not about giving up…but it’s more about recognizing reality and acknowledging the truth and then stepping back and being present enough to make the changes necessary to alleviate the struggle or suffering.
Thanks for sharing your insight and joining the conversation.
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Steve Rice recently posted..Red High Heels, Feather Boas and Old-Lady Mumus…An Uncommon Lesson in Greatness
What a wonderful message Steve! Thanks so much for this fabulous topic and for mentioning how awesome we women are! Oh yeah, never settling and never staying in that “negative mindset” either.
Just like your friend giving you that wake up call about other people’s drama, I slowly came to my own realization probably about six years ago now. I guess I just got so tired of listening to so many people complain about their life that I knew I wanted more for mine.
That’s when I started my own path of self discovery and am so thrilled with where I am now. It’s all about being who you were meant to be and making that choice to change.
Love this message and fabulous giveaway Kesha!
~Adrienne
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Adrienne recently posted..How To Track Your Links In Facebook
Hi, Adrienne!
I so appreciate your support across the Soc. Med. world!
I’m glad you appreciated that insight and graphic. Of course, this could probably be said for men as well, but as this is a “Chick” website–it says it in the title!–I figured that made sense. Plus, in my experience, women have a unique way of influencing their families and communities in a powerful manner when they stand in their strength and re-write the story of their lives!
You know how I appreciate your insight online and your impact in the blogging world, Adrienne. I’m so grateful that you did decide to step out and create a powerful life. You definitely are a woman of power and influence…and gracious…that’s the best part!
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Steve Rice recently posted..Is The Fear That Holds You Back Really Selfishness in Disguise?
Hi Steve and Kesha
Great post today. Been down that road of working with negative people. It can be so self-destroying that if you are not careful you become one of them.
I agree when you give up the struggle things will happen. It you are grateful for all you have and continue to appreciate you will attract more good things in your life. If you accept what is, you can then have the ability to change it.
The struggle is like doing battle with yourself…you can’t win! Hmm..I think I shall have to hang on to that concept.
Thanks for the way you look at it.
Mary
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Mary Stephenson recently posted..How Creative Are You?
Hi Mary!
Thanks for joining the conversation. I appreciate you. I’m so glad that you brought up gratitude. I go on “gratitude” walks when I find myself slipping into the struggle mode. I’ve found that for me it is impossible to truly be grateful and continue in my own self-pity and despair.
This is also great!===> “The struggle is like doing battle with yourself…”
You’re SO right! And that’s what it really is—doing battle with our own minds. When I allow someone else to climb inside my mind and influence how I think (and consequently, how I feel), then I begin to believe that I am helpless or put upon by circumstances…and this is absolutely the furthest from the truth.
So glad for your input, Mary.
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Steve Rice recently posted..Why Do You Do What You Do?
It’s a thought that is hard to digest.
This sounds so familiar, one of the main reasons why I stopped watching the news, because of all the horrendous things that happen in the world. I have to argue with my mom as she runs down the top stories. I have repeated a number of times STOP, you know I do not like to hear this stuff.
Loved this post! Great Job STEVE
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Djrelat7 recently posted..Marriage…Giving Up A Piece of You?
You sure we don’t share a mom? That sounds like my mom as well…she’s starting to get a clue now because before she even gets started, I ask her “so what GOOD thing did you hear on the news today Ma?” And what’s crazy is she has to think about it for a minute…SMH…the news isn’t worth much in my opinion…
I will have to try that, asking her what good thing did she hear on the news today
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DjRelAt7 recently posted..Marriage…Giving Up A Piece of You?
I so needed to hear this today. This post reminds me of my mantra that this situation is temporary and that my reaction controls the outcome. It is not always true but it gets me through the day with a positive outlook.
I can’t even add to that Dionne for you said it well girl! I’m glad to hear that this post was exactly what you needed and that you’ve realized that you are in control.
*hugs*
I really love the concept of “The struggle is unnecessary”. It’s so easy for people to get wrapped up in other people’s drama, that they don’t realize the effect it’s having on their own life. Earlier this year, I’ve had to cut way back on a few people because every time we spoke, etc. it was nothing but negativity. It’s draining, and like you said: unnecessary. Great post!
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Christine recently posted..It’s Our First FB Fan Appreciation Giveaway!
Christine, I’m glad you saved yourself from more drama by removing the negativity (often times it’s negative people we need to remove from our lives!) from your presence. I think a lot of people can experience less struggling if they did the same (even if it’s family members which can often times be the case!) LOL
I believe that struggling is truly unnecessary. Only our minds interpret challenging situations as struggles. That’s all it is. “Struggle” is a term that should be replaced with “challenge” because I do not believe in struggling….I only believe in accepting challenges.
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Shelda Raymonvil recently posted..Bullying: Spread Awareness -Shelda Raymonvil
Ooooh Shelda, I love that – swapping out the word struggle for challenge! It’s a matter of perspective. I do agree that most of the struggling we go through is because of our mindset/thought processes and is self-imposed. This is one of those topics that we can talk forever about and those who struggle constantly will most likely disagree.
I actually welcome feedback from those who believe that struggling is necessary too.
Glad you stopped through and shared your feedback!
Hi Steve – awesome article…thanks… oooooh I have to get a gratitude journal like that!!!!
Loving the video Kesha – you’ve gotta do a quick one for your Mag Feature – it’s not too late…. xxx
Vicki, I got that journal off Etsy from the I Love It All store. I’m sure Monika will create you one as well.
Great post Kesha! Steve really nailed it and this quote “Don’t get down in the mud to try to convince the hogs that cleanliness is next to godliness! The hogs won’t believe you anyway.” is right on the money! I enjoyed this!
So glad you enjoyed this Caroll! Yes, Steve was on to something with this one and I’m so glad he shared this with my audience.