There are some experiences that constitute a turning point, or what is also known as a change of heart or perspective. Life is just a fleeting moment.

Many of the beliefs that seem to be our guiding force in life can be stripped away in a moment. How often do we take life experiences for granted? The reality has always been, and always will be, that life spins on a dime. It can change in an instant. Nothing is forever, little is for sure.

Many of us know this, and yet, for some reason, we constantly forget it. Why do we so easily delete important information from our minds and hearts? Why do we choose to ignore what is really significant?

In life there are things we know and other things we do not. What we know has everything to do with the past. What we don't know are the experiences we will have in the future. We can plan, we can dream, we can hope. And yet, we have no guarantees.

The only thing that is definite is that when we willingly allow ourselves be guided in life, we have more peace and serenity. We may not always understand why things happen as they do, and yet with acceptance in our life we have more clarity. When we are open, we receive life's messages clearly in all that we do.

Turning Points

There are some experiences in life which constitute a turning point. This I know to be true. Often I intellectualize the experience and resist the change. The key to true growth is to take the change to heart. This is the purest type of turning point I can allow myself to experience. By allowing myself to be guided by a power greater than myself I find the turning points in my life easier to embrace and accept.

Purpose

How often do I take my time on earth for granted? There is a purpose for each of us. The simplicity of our purpose is to sincerely do the best we can do. I am constantly being shown what I am destined to do, yet my mind, ego or intellect can get in the way. I may try to analyze so much of what I experience rather than just living in the moment. The key to true serenity and happiness is to simply experience life as it unfolds.

Change

Change is the natural order of life. Some change I willingly embrace. Other change I may be tempted to resist. When I get in the quiet place that allows me to listen to the process of life, I realize all transformation is a part of the master plan for my life and the lives of others. The more I embrace the change, the closer I can be to following my path.

Expectations

For today I will be gentle to myself. When I find that I am having unrealistic expectations about who I think I should be or what I should have accomplished in my life by this point in time, I will take an imaginary step back and realize I am human. I don't have to be all things to all people. On some days the best that I can do is to suit up, show up and do the next indicated step. It may be something as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. For today, I will be gentle on myself and allow life to unfold in its' natural order.

Resistance

There are occasions where I may resist what is going on in my life because I think I know what is best for myself or others. By resisting what is, I experience unnecessary pain. I am, in essence, saying I do not trust life's plan. I have the choice to either resist or not. What I do know is that when I flow with what it, regardless or what it is, I can move through the difficult times with more dignity and ease. Moment by moment, my actions will have influence on the circumstances of my life. When I slow down, get quiet and allow myself to tune in to all that is occurring, I can see that everything is happening exactly as it should be.

Excerpted from 'Message of Hope' by Kathleen Gage. This book is dedicated to the loving memory of Van Andreasen 1961 - 1998. 'Message of Hope' is also dedicated to people everywhere who have inspired me by their courage to walk through challenging experiences in life with dignity, integrity and love.