Mr. Achievement - Stanley F. Bronstein - Personal Development BlogPersonal Development Blog of the Founder of the Achievement IQ Movement and Creator of the Laws of Positioning

Law #58

Position Yourself To Be Joyful

All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. However, a path without a heart is never enjoyable. On the other hand, a path with heart is easy—it does not make a warrior work at liking it; it makes for a joyful journey; as long as a man follows it, he is one with it. (Carlos Castaneda)

Some Definitions

All -The whole of (used in referring to quantity, extent, or duration). The whole number of (used in referring to individuals or particulars, taken collectively). The greatest possible (used in referring to quality or degree).

Path(s) - A course of action, conduct, or procedure. A route, course, or track along which something moves. A narrow walk or way.

Same - Identical with what is about to be or has just been mentioned. Being one or identical though having different names, aspects, etc..

They - People in general.

Lead -To go before or with to show the way; conduct or escort. To influence or induce; cause. To guide in direction, course, action, opinion, etc.; bring.

Nowhere - In or at no place; not anywhere. The state of nonexistence or seeming nonexistence.

Without -With the absence, omission, or avoidance of; not with; with no or none of; lacking. Free from; excluding. Not accompanied by.

Heart - The center of the total personality, esp. with reference to intuition, feeling, or emotion. The center of emotion, esp. as contrasted to the head as the center of the intellect. Capacity for sympathy; feeling; affection. Spirit, courage, or enthusiasm.

Never - Not ever; at no time. Not at all; absolutely not: never mind. To no extent or degree.

Enjoy(able) - To experience with joy; take pleasure in. To have and use with satisfaction; have the benefit of. To find or experience pleasure for (oneself).

Other - Additional or further. Different or distinct from the one mentioned or implied. Different in nature or kind.

Hand - A person, with reference to ability or skill. Possession or power; control, custody, or care. A position, esp. one of control, used for bargaining, negotiating, etc.. Side; direction.

Easy - Not hard or difficult; requiring no great labor or effort.

So What Is This Quote Suggesting?

First of all it suggests that paths lead nowhere. I’m not totally sure I agree with that point, except I suspect Carlos Castaneda was suggesting that all paths are empty; they lead nowhere; except for what we create with them. IF we interpret his quote in that manner, then I’m comfortable with it and I agree with it completely.

Next, it suggests that no matter which path you follow, IF your heart is not in it, then it is empty; it is never enjoyable. NOW THAT I AGREE WITH COMPLETELY.

Our heart has to be in all of our endeavors, otherwise they are empty and without meaning. Anyone who has read either one of my first two books knows how strongly I feel about having heart / passion in whatever it is that you.

Quite simply, if your heart isn’t in it, then you’re not in it.

However, if your heart IS in it, then doors will open all along your way. Paths will mysteriously open. Opportunities will mysteriously come. All because your heart is open and your passion is behind your activities.

Warriors shouldn’t have to work hard at what they are doing. If they like their path; if they believe in their cause, then a warrior’s work will be easy. All they have to do is believe in the cause and then devote their energy for the betterment of the cause.

If a person enjoys what they are doing, their path is easy. If they do NOT enjoy what they are doing, then that path is hard.

It really is that simple. We must enjoy ourselves, as much as possible and as often as possible.

So, Joy Is What It’s All About

You bet.  Joy is what life itself is all about.  If we cannot take joy in our actions, then we might as well not be alive.

The interesting thing I’ve observed about the “human condition” is that human  being have the uncanny ability to take joy from just about anything.

For example, a concentration camp survivor can take joy simply because they survived another day; or simply because they managed to spread a positive message, in the midst of an otherwise not so good day.

That’s what it’s all about.  Finding joy everywhere, especially in the little things.  AND appreciating joy everywhere, especially in the little things.

Is There Joy In Your Life?

I don’t know the answer to this question.  Only you can answer it.  All I can tell you is that I make a concerted effort, each and every hour, each and every day, to try to find joy around me, wherever possible.

Don’t misunderstand me.  There is horrible pain and suffering going on all around us, all over the world.  HOWEVER, there is also joy; there is also pleasure all around us in the world.

IF WE FOCUS ON THE JOY, we learn how to recognize it and how to create it.  By learning how to create it, we can help ourselves, and teach others to spread joy in their own lives.  The more we all spread joy, the more joy there will be.

The more joy there is, the better the world will be.

Position Yourself To Be Joyful Today !