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The Greatness Within

How to Manage Peace in Your Life

AuthorHouse

THE ORIGIN

Chaos in the world, as we know it, is built on the lie that everything that we need to be successful is outside of us. We are told that if we do not have particular brands of products, exquisite services or certain types of relationships, we are bound to have an unsuccessful life. For those people that believe in such a lie, they have an emptiness inside of them because their peace is dependent upon acquiring the things that they have been told will bring them closer to success.

This mentality serves as the backbone of greed, oppression and violence when left untreated. We live in such a world that technology has flourished, while our humanity has diminished. We are much more connected, but have much fewer relationships. We give praise to potential alone instead of accomplished deeds. We look toward everyone else for the answers and never consider trusting ourselves. We are shackled by the illusions that we enjoy the most and freely give our power away. This is not the way our lives were meant to be lived.

The only way for us to fill this void is to restore peace in our lives. Peace is commonly defined as pure tranquility and freedom from disturbance. Peace exists when we learn and apply principles that bring harmony and balance to our lives. The most interesting quality about peace is that no matter the circumstances, we still have the power to live a life of serenity. The ultimate question is "How do we manage living our best lives with inner peace?" The answer – by examining and developing the greatness within us.

THE JOURNEY

THE GREATNESS WITHIN teaches applicable life lessons and techniques that encourage PEACE – the highest achievement of truth attainable in life. The better we manage these techniques, the more consistent experiences of PEACE will be expressed in our lives.

We are embarking on a journey that will reveal the truth of who we are. This is not a moment of chance or coincidence. In life, we all struggle with some type of challenge. Addictions, offensive treatment of others and trouble coping with turmoil only scratch the surface of what we may endure. But there is always hope. Even in the loneliest of hours and darkest of circumstances, we are capable of having peace in our lives by developing our personal philosophy to strengthen our innermost being. We may not be perfect, but we can always be better.

In the spirit of personal advancement, guidance is given regarding some of life's most commonly asked questions, such as: "What career path should I pursue?", "What is my purpose?" and "What actions do I take to live the best life possible?" This volume will also provide various practices for better living, such as how to:

• Accept the shortcomings of our past

• Respectfully resolve conflict

• Improve self-esteem and confidence

• Cope with disappointment

• Become wealthy in every aspect of life

• Foster productive relationships

As participants in humanity, it is our responsibility to honor our past, be productive in our present and bring about a more peaceful world for the future – our children. To achieve these goals, we must focus on the inner peace of the individual. World Peace begins in you. The primary task is to understand and cultivate your philosophy for a peaceful and productive existence. Your development centers on the mastery of three areas: Your True Self, Your Connections and Your Power. The application of the teachings in this volume is key to empowered living.

MASTERING YOUR TRUE SELF

The first stage of pursuing peace is all about you. This begins with considering how your past has affected you and then highlights some of the life principles that a successful foundation is built upon. Before you can have an understanding of everything around you, you must know yourself in the purest form. The module ends with valuable information on how to maintain yourself and your valuable resources. Together, these ideas are designed to strengthen your self-confidence.

JANUARY

ACCEPTING THE PAST

From grand events to the smallest details, our history has shaped who we are today. The majority of the personal issues that we may face will stem from a past disappointment or trauma. We must view our history through the eyes of motivation so that it fuels our desires instead of dismantling them. It is critical to accept the past because if we do not, we will be forever shackled by it.

JANUARY 1

YOUTH

The time in life between childhood & adulthood

Major moments of our youth shape who we are today. Unfortunately, a vault of negativity can open as a result. Look at the past for what it is - a time that was and is now gone. Nothing will ever change the past. Use your past only as current motivation. To relive the pain and agony of the past only holds us back from seeing the wonderful things that life has in store for us. Press through the pain, no matter what the source. Those situations become the moments that we can forever cherish because they will ignite the determination within us to improve our circumstances. This is how you overcome your past.

To embrace your past is the first step on the path to a better tomorrow.

JANUARY 2

HISTORY

Chronological record of significant events

One day, I asked my world history teacher "Why is knowing history so important? Am I ever going to use this?" With a half-smile on his face, my teacher replied, "Keep living. One day you will understand." Soon enough, the day of enlightenment came. While researching the goals I wanted to accomplish in my life, I realized a subtle yet amazing fact. I found myself looking into the history of successful people to learn what they did (and did not do) to be successful. The key is to create an outline to pattern your actions so you can better the chances for achievement.

Understand history to receive timesaving wisdom.

JANUARY 3

RECTIFY

To correct or make right

No matter what the age, we all can create a clean slate from conflict in a couple of ways. One way is to agree to disagree when reaching a 'breaking point' with another. This is quite effective at resolving issues because at the least, both sides have their moment to give their perspective. A second way is to inform the person of the wrong thought or action committed and then let it go. If the person understands the fault, then all is well. If the person refuses to understand, at least you can know what to expect from them in the future. Keep moving forward.

The unresolved issue is the beginning of a new problem.

JANUARY 4

REVERENCE

A feeling or attitude of deep respect

We all know people that shaped who we are and what we do with our lives. These people dedicated countless amounts of time to their work hoping to pass the torch to us so we could be successful. Remember the sacrifices of those before you. In most cases, they gave their blood, sweat and tears so you would not need suffer. Know that you did not achieve the goal by yourself when you are praised. Think of the people who were trailblazers in your field or those who took the time to teach you what you needed to reach your goals. Leave something positive and substantial for those who will follow in your footsteps to continue the legacy.

Always give honor to the people whose shoulders you stand upon.

JANUARY 5

CLARITY

Easy to understand or clear in appearance

With any goals, distinct pictures reside in our minds of what we expect to accomplish. If you possess the skills, resources and the opportunity to seize a moment, then focus and perform. Be direct with what you are attempting to do and seek help from experts along the way. They will hold valuable information for you to guide you to what you desire.

Understanding the road conditions will give you a quick & safe passage to your destination.

JANUARY 6

VULNERABLE

Open to attack, criticism or temptation

We are conditioned to believe that negative things are bound to happen to us, but this is not true. Life will throw major challenges at us but we cannot be overcome with fear. Regardless of how strong or weak we perceive ourselves to be, we are in control of the life bestowed onto us. Never be afraid to seek and embrace good experiences. We must trust our thoughts and actions as we work toward positive things so we will not miss out on great experiences that will come our way.

Do not allow fear to corner you as a victim.

JANUARY 7

RELEASE

To let go of a stronghold

We all encounter moments when we realize that some people expect us to fail. These people are the same ones who tell you what you cannot do because they do not believe they can have success. How often do we base our abilities on someone else's experience? Abandon the limitations that others place on you. Discard all wasteful energy and push toward your goals with what remains.

Cast away all that does not benefit you.

JANUARY 8

RECONCILE

To re-establish a relationship

Take the opportunity to re-establish a once fruitful relationship and to appreciate the importance of strong support systems. Some of these individuals can give us an encouraging word or a listening ear so we can move on with the tasks in front of us. We tend to take these relationships for granted as life progresses. Simple lacks of communication can damage any relationship. Do you know of any long, lost friends or family you could contact? A couple of phone calls can go a long way.

People who do not value relationships are soon left with none.

JANUARY 9

YESTERDAY

A day ago or recent past

Negative situations of our past seem to burn their way into the pits of our emotions. Sure, some "bad" experiences may occur, but we choose whether to take those negative emotions with us or not. Life gives us various types of experiences and what we choose to hold on to will have lasting effects. It is not always easy, we must put forth the effort to separate the joy (positive) and the lesson (negative) from all experiences to be productive. Do not take life's bitter moments into fresh experiences.

Keep the important pieces of yesterday that will carry you through tomorrow.

JANUARY 10

HUMILITY

Moderate opinion of one's value, achievements and abilities

You may encounter people who are talented and well known. Some of them tend to believe they are so much better than others. To experience true and lasting success, one must be humble. Humble people center themselves in respecting others and investing into their work ethic. Being humble is not about thinking people are beneath you in any way. Humility is not weakness - it is a lasting sign of internal strength.

Success is granted only to those humble enough to receive it.

JANUARY 11

ACCOUNTABILITY

To accept responsibility for one's actions

No one can ever "make" you do anything. As the classic question about peer pressure goes, "If someone tells you to jump off a bridge, are you going to do it?" For any request made before us, we have the power and the right to say no. On the other side of the coin, we also must accept full responsibility for our actions. The decision always rests in our hands.

YOU are the only person responsible for YOUR actions.

JANUARY 12

INTENSITY

Exceptional concentration, power or force

Does a person's power exist in a resoundingly loud space? No. Is one's power comprised of uncontrolled movement? Absolutely not. Brash noise and lack of control does not make a person powerful. To be intense is to exhibit complete focus on a task coupled with controlled, direct action. This is the key to all work toward accomplishing tasks. The more centered one's mental and physical energy is, the higher the likelihood of achieving the goal.

Intense preparation leads to a high-level of performance.

JANUARY 13

ZERO

Complete absence of value; to possess nothing

Starting from scratch is quite the challenge. The new beginning occurs as a new set of circumstances or the result of a substantial loss. Instead of viewing this as a sad or negative point in life, look at it as an opportunity for a fresh start to work toward a better life. It may take time but you already have the most important asset - yourself.

Starting over gives you the power to author a new and exciting chapter of your life.

JANUARY 14

DEFEAT

Failure to accomplish a desired goal

The risk of failure is present every time we attempt a goal. We may work harder, study harder or even practice more than everyone else does but the chance remains that we may not attain the success we want. Nevertheless, no matter how horrible the failure may seem, teachable moments will arise. In these instances, you can learn more about the overall experience, correct your mistakes and improve yourself. Failure inspires critical development much more than winning does.

Each defeat is worth the agony when you embrace the lesson along the way.

JANUARY 15

LOGIC

Chronological record of significant events

People are creatures of habit. If we constantly find ourselves in tough or compromising situations, consider the choices we made to affect our negative condition. Our decisions retain the power to affect today, next month and even next year. If a trend appears which seems unfavorable to you, explore how you can avoid such anguish by choosing to move in a different direction.

If your shoes are hurting your feet, put on a different pair.

JANUARY 16

TRUTH

That which is actual or in accordance with fact and reality

People will tell you anything to persuade you to do what they want. The majority of your decisions are based on information from others, so you must confirm the information is truly based on fact. You must do your best to prove all things so your judgment is sound. Society often operates based on what the majority of people think, without regard to whether the idea is true or not. Successful people make decisions on that which is known, not by what the masses may feel or think on a random day. Truth is the foundation of all information and all virtues. You own the strength to choose concepts of proven truth instead of following meaningless opinions supported my misled people.

Although an idea may be popularly accepted, that does not mean that it is true.

JANUARY 17

LOSS

Feeling of grief when deprived of someone or something of value

Some of our most pivotal moments revolve around a loss. The deficiency of resources, ability or even people can be tough to manage within the situation. It is easy to fall into a mentality of worthlessness and self-pity. Instead of going down this slippery slope, pour your energy into what remains. Our most creative moments occur when we lack resources because genius is born out of necessity. Take the remaining pieces of a broken situation and explore how they can evolve into magnificent opportunities.

Do not worry about what was lost, but cherish what you have left.

JANUARY 18

ATTENDANCE

Frequency that a person is present

Your participation in any event is important. For example, the moment a celebrity enters a restaurant for a meal, an electricity buzzes within the establishment from the excitement. You do not need to be a celebrity to create these effects. You possess a unique energy within your own skills and personality. Fantastic opportunities can arise when you simply show up.

You instantly add value to the room when you arrive.

JANUARY 19

CREATIVITY

Ability & power to create; characterized by originality and expressiveness

Society will pressure you to conform to others to exhibit the same habits, same appearance and even the same type of life. Every advancement in history occurred due to someone taking a stand and daring to do something against the norm. Trust your creativity and express yourself honestly to push the envelope of plain thought.

Your contribution to the beauty in the world is extremely valuable.

JANUARY 20

AUTHORITY

Power to influence or enforce

In all roles, a hierarchy exists of who is in charge of various tasks. The fool would attempt to move quickly and recklessly up the ladder without regard to those involved. This wastes time and energy. The wise would look strive do the best job possible in the current role while networking with others to market what they are capable of doing. The opportunities will present themselves and these key people will place candidates at the top of the list who can follow directions the best.

Power and respect are gained only by yielding to those in charge.

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Excerpted from The Greatness Within by Walter Lee Prater. Copyright © 2015 Walter Lee Prater. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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