Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 87 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom.

It Is the Life in Your Years That Count

Thank you for joining us for our 7 day a week, 7 minutes of wisdom podcast. This is Day 87 of our Trek. This week we are exploring the 7 principles that will enable you to put more life in your years. We are equating these principles to our hiking trails. So far we have explored trails 1-4, and today we will finish up with trails 5-7. Each day of life is a new trek. Let us always make the most of it.

We are recording our podcast from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today is our actual anniversary and day three of our Anniversary Week #36. Today we visited Blennerhassett Island and Mansion, which is across the river in Parkersburg, West Virginia. We have talked about visiting for years, and now we finally did.

Paula and I are working on being more intentional in living life fully by taking action on our plans, instead of just making it a someday plan. After 36 wonderful years together, we realize just how fast the years slip by and taking actions on our plans must be done intentionally. The day was beautiful – in the mid-70s and sunny. It was such an enjoyable and relaxing day.

We also learned a bit more about the pioneer history of the Mid-Ohio Valley, which happened about the same time as my ancestors traveled to and settled in Marietta. We toured the museum, and then took a paddle wheel boat to the island where we spent about three hours touring the mansion and grounds. Thank you for sharing this special day with us. Tomorrow we plan to go over to Mountwood State Park, which is about 30 miles from us, for a picnic and hiking.

As we venture out to explore three new trails today, don’t just listen to this podcast but apply these principles to each day. Remember that it is the life in your years that count.  Regardless of what your life has been in the past, it is what you make of your life from this point forward that will make a positive impact on your world. This is what God thought about the Prostitute Rahab in James letter to the Jews in Chapter 2 verses 25-26, “Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.”

Believe in someone or something; don’t give up on your faith.

· Trust Yourself

In times of stress and challenge, we all question our choices. We can read and research more available information than any one library could house in less time than ever before. As more information is downloaded, our beliefs are clouded and we can become lost in a sea of information, looking for the “right” knowledge to move forward. The reality is each of us possesses an insight that we can harness. That little voice inside that some call “intuition.” In the midst of doubt, trust yourself to know how to take the next step, know that if you can find your inner comfort and listen closely, your choices will enhance your journey in ways that will nourish and strengthen your beliefs. As a Christ follower, I believe this comes from God’s Spirit that is integrated within me.

In the midst of doubt, trust yourself to know how to take the next step.

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· Pray Daily — Talk to God

Prayer requires no planning, no funding and no fear. I personally believe in a loving and living God, but you may not share my belief. Open your heart and speak your mind to the power you believe in, whether you call it God or not. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Just do it. Tell Him your joys and your sorrows, your plans and your worries. You are welcome from day one. There is no special club card required. Pray like your life depends on it.

· Meditate Daily

Meditation is the quieting of the mind through a practice of relaxation and reading scripture or inspirational literature. It is a time of silence when you are able to quiet your thoughts, be at peace, and think of what is most important in life. This silent reflection will provide insight into your journey. The practice of meditation is not difficult, and anyone can learn how to do it. Take the time to relax, to learn, and listen.

Take the time to relax, to learn and listen.

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6. True character shows in adverse times. Be of strong character.

· Face Your Fears

You are right where you are supposed to be. Let me repeat that. You are right where you are supposed to be. Being afraid or holding on to anger does not make your situation better, you do! Bad news and bad situations don’t get better by ignoring them. Have the courage to admit your fears and your mistakes and learn from them, let them go, and move forward.

· Do What Is Right

Most everyone knows right from wrong and when put to the test most choose to do the right things. A person with strong character uses the “Front Page” test every day when making their choices, which means whatever choices they make, they are comfortable with their actions making the front page of the local newspaper or the top of every social media platform. Do what is right even when no one is watching.

· Find Your Purpose

On the same part of the journey as developing a strong character is finding your purpose. It is important to realize that everyone is unique. YOU are unique. No one else on this planet is identical to you. No one will ever do what you do, so get on with the process of finding your purpose. Your uniqueness will change the world and influence others in an awesome way. A great way to start is to ask someone you trust and who cares about you, “What do you think is my best talent, what is my best trait, what do I do well?” Then ask yourself, “How can I serve others?”

7. Make a difference one day at a time.

· Remember You Are a “WOW” Person

Everyone can make a difference by being “WOW” — a wise one that is willing. Making a difference is about using your talents to influence and inspire. You are wise. You possess personal knowledge and life experiences no matter your age. The challenges you have had on your journey so far give you the wisdom that can help others. One “you” is all it takes. One person can make a difference, helping one person with one problem and sharing one kind word. To the world you may be just one person, but to one person, you could be the difference in their life. Now add willing. Make the commitment to be ready, eager, and prepared to do something. Your willingness coupled with your expertise will actually make a difference!

· Take Time to Reflect

Before you close your eyes each day take a moment to reflect. Whenever you are struggling during the day thinking that nothing you do is worth the effort, stop and reflect. Think about your day and find at least one thing that made a difference that day, influenced something new or made it better, or inspired someone to excel and make the world a better place. No matter who you are and no matter your challenge, you make a difference!

No matter who you are and no matter your challenge, you make a difference!

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· Rise to Your Potential

What would you do if you knew you would not fail? Through embracing a positive attitude you will soon understand that anything is possible. A great amplifier of positivity is practicing nonjudgment of others. Cease judgment for one hour a day by saying, “For the next hour I will turn all my judgments into potentials.” As you reduce your judgments of yourself and others, you will begin the rise to your true potential. Above all else, believe in yourself, embrace your challenges as adventures, and remember anything is possible!

Take advantage of every day you wake up under the sun. Every day is a new opportunity to make better choices. Never forget who you are and never stop going after your dream daily. Even if the fulfillment of your dream(s) may be pretty far away, never lose hope and never stop taking advantage of today. Live each day to the fullest because in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.

Review and put into practice the seven trails that we have explored and then join us at our “camp” tomorrow for another day on our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy. Tomorrow we will begin to look at the 10 principles for making wise decisions.

Well, that will finish our podcast for today. If you missed any of our previous podcasts, please check out Wisdom-Trek on iTunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Spreaker, YouTube, or Wisdom-Trek.com.

If you enjoy our daily doses of wisdom, I encourage you to take the time to invest yourself.

1. Invest in improving Wisdom-Trek by leaving your name, email address, and a comment on our website, so we can provide you with wisdom and insights that best fit your needs.
2. Invest in yourself by listening to our 7 minutes of wisdom each day.
3. Invest in the lives of others by encouraging your family and friends to journey with us on our Wisdom-Trek.

Thank you!

The journal from this podcast can be found at Wisdom-Trek.com, where we also have pictures, tweetable quotes, wisdom nuggets, and free resources.

Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most of all your friend as I serve you through the Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal each day. 

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

This is Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy the Journey, and Create a Great Day! See you tomorrow!