I received this inspirational email from Tom LaRotanda of Core Matters in Lakewood, Colorado. Although this is very different than my business blog, I know it is so revelant to what is going on today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. And perhaps I will share more inspirational stories.
“Security is an illusion. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”
- Helen Keller
I seem to have a problem. According to the news headlines I should be depressed, worried, terrified, and running for cover. Things are in dire straights we’re being told. Yet as I sit sipping my morning coffee on this third day of 2009, I have never been filled with more optimism, hope, and excitement for the future. What is wrong with me? Why am I not hiding under my bedspread? As far as I know, Starbucks has not been found guilty of putting hallucinogenic drugs into their coffee!
It’s not that I’m shielded from the consequences of what’s happening in our economy. The events of the past few months combined with some decisions I’ve made in the past few years have totally wiped out my 401K retirement portfolio. I have no equity left in my home. My credit card debt is at an all-time high. This is the first time since my early twenties that I have no savings account to fall back on. If I don’t generate enough money in the months to come my bills won’t get paid. What I find ironic about the timing of my situation is that it’s occurring when I’ve chosen to be a co-provider for two beautiful children. God has an amazing sense of humor and poetic justice, yes?!
My story isn’t unique. I know many of you reading this have even more challenging stories than mine. So how can I be so bold to state that my excitement is at an all-time high? Have I finally lost my mind? The truth is… I am losing my ego-mind… and choosing to turn to a Higher Vision. This Higher Vision is reconnecting me to a passionate sense of adventure and purpose I haven’t felt since my early twenties. The disappearance of my financial security has cleared the slate. It’s a second chance at life. By finding a deeper meaning in this crisis I’m engaging a vibrantly fresh vision that is energizing me to recreate my life!
When “worldly” security evaporates we have two choices: 1) continue to idolize the ego’s definition of security and live under the fearful vibration it creates or; 2) challenge that definition by stepping into the adventure of a spiritual being experiencing this physical realm. My personal economic crisis has become the greatest opportunity ever gifted me. It’s a wake up call from my Higher Self to claim my divine inheritance as a human being – unlimited access to the enormous creative power and laws of the Universe. I’m not alone in this opportunity. It’s my premise that we are all allies in the most perfect plan to ever unfold in the history of this world. Humanity is being called to awaken its highest potential by letting go of the false concepts of security.
Victor Frankel was a psychiatrist who was imprisoned in a German concentration camp from September 1942 until April 1945. His wife and parents were quickly killed in the camps. Yet under the harshest inhuman conditions ever experienced in modern times, he continued to assist fellow prisoners in any way he could and after the war chronicled his experience. He discovered that in even the most sordid conditions, human beings can find a meaning and reason to live and serve. My favorite quote of his is, “The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I chose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedom is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”
If Victor Frankel’s quote rings with truth, which I believe it does, surely you and I can find meaning in this current economic crisis and choose to thrive despite all the fear and anxiety surrounding us. We are losing our jobs and assets – Victor lost that and much more, including the lives of those he dearly loved and endured nearly three years of torture, starvation, and indignity at its worst. Let’s get real and put this crisis in proper perspective. We can overcome anything with the power of our choices and attitude. This is true security and freedom.
My inspiration to you, this day, is to look inside you and discover your true security. Let no one or no thing take away that power. Make a choice to welcome this crisis as a golden opportunity. Then go out and inspire others by seizing this opportunity with optimism, courage, and confidence. This is how we will solve this crisis and all others to follow.
Tom LaRotonda, CEO of Core Matters, L.L.C. has over 25 years of international corporate senior level management experience delivering outstanding business solutions impacting profitability, productivity, quality and service. He is an innovative change agent, coach, facilitator, speaker, writer and trainer. Visit his website at www.corematters.com. Email him at Tom@CoreMatters.comor call him at 303.964.0969.
