“God says: Take what you want and pay for it!” – Spanish Proverb
Author Dorothy Van Doren once wrote an entire article around the Spanish proverb above. She wrote that when she first heard the proverb, it actually frightened her: “I used to dream of an Angel with a flaming sword. But as I thought more about it, I realized that the Angel held not a sword but a balance.”
Her eloquent illustration actually left more of an impact on me than the proverb, itself.
Imagine a scale for a minute. On one side, we can put our heart’s desire – usually one of the ones listed below:
- We want more money.
- We want to lose weight.
- We want a promotion.
- We want more traffic to our web site or blog.
- We want a closer relationship with our spouse.
- We want our kids to be successful.
Irregardless of our own personal desires or needs, we have to realize that nothing is free in life. I went to Target today and found the things I wanted: cat food, sinus medicine, white grape juice, and bleach. I put them into the cart one at a time and wheeled along my familiar path to the cashiers. After placing my goods on the conveyor belt, I got out my billfold, after all the things I want come with a price tag (even though the one on the sinus medicine should have been ashamed of itself).
The process inside Target isn’t any different from the one outside Target. Nothing comes free in life. If we want to lose weight – there’s a price we have to pay. We have to eat healthier foods and get more exercise. It’s the exchange we make in order to have our heart’s desire.
If we want more web traffic, a job promotion, better relationships, or success in any area – we have to give in order to get. This simple little truth is the basis of most self improvement and growth. No one’s going to come along and do the work for us and no one’s going to hand us everything we want wrapped in gold foil.
We can’t sit back and keep on doing what we’ve been doing – especially if it isn’t working. If we “think” we’ve been doing enough (paying the price we need to pay) we might need a wake up call. The bottom line is, if the price we’re paying isn’t achieving what we want, we’re pretty much counterfeiters. We aren’t fooling anyone but ourselves. The scales aren’t balanced because what we’re giving doesn’t weigh as much as what we want.
When we make the necessary adjustments and give as “good” as we hope to get – that’s the spot where magic happens and dreams come true.
Cybil says
September 15, 2009 at 12:31 amGREAT article! Love it – especially the end. Thank you for sharing!
Felicia says
September 15, 2009 at 11:01 amThanks Joi! I love this piece,”the spot where magic happens” what a beautiful thought. I shall keep it at the forefront of my thinking today 🙂
I almost lost hope in thinking the scales would never be balanced… but then I remembered that “magic” place you referred to and I now know that I don’t have to worry about balancing the scales. I will be so caught up in that “magical” place where worry doesn’t exist.
Have a wonderful day! Fe Fe 🙂
Brad Morris says
September 17, 2009 at 7:45 pmI love the analogy. The scales really bring it all into perspective. Here’s to everyone seeking their own “balance”!
joi says
September 18, 2009 at 7:10 amBrad – isn’t that a cool analogy? The author really made a lasting impression on me with her illustration. Thanks for the wonderful comment and best wishes! – Joi
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Ken says
September 24, 2009 at 7:53 pmGreat post Joi,
Love the story. It makes me think about people that are looking for an easy way to be successful and when they don’t achieve the success they look for the next thing and on and on. If they would of stayed the course on the original goal or project they would have succeeded by now.
.-= Ken´s last blog ..Success Affirmations – Why and How =-.
Patrice says
September 26, 2009 at 8:52 amYour post serves as a reminder to me that there’s a need of a check and balance of everything that we want to achieve. If someone wants promotion from work then he/she has to be superb in all the projects and performances.
Great post by the way.
.-= Patrice´s last blog ..Exercises to Shape Up Your Self Esteem =-.
Nea | Self Improvement Saga says
October 8, 2009 at 6:08 amI suppose it’s human nature to want everything the easy way, but there’s rarely a way around paying your dues. Thanks for posting this article.
.-= Nea | Self Improvement Saga´s last blog ..50 Regrets and the Life Lessons to Learn From Them =-.
joi says
October 9, 2009 at 8:49 pmNea,
Dues? They must, indeed, always be paid – kind of like the electric bill! – Joi
Jes extender says
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.-= Jes extender´s last blog ..Best Selection of Penis Enlargement Products =-.
Bhawna says
February 13, 2010 at 5:34 pmGreat read! Beautifully elaborates the Max Depree quote, “We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”
But, it is very crucial to measure your goals and actions.
joi says
February 14, 2010 at 11:21 amBhawna, I adore that quote – up one side and down the other!
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Q | Positive Afffirmations says
February 9, 2011 at 1:50 amSo true, so true. This post reminds me of the often-used saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
Too many of us, and yes I include myself, forget that there’s always an exchange of something going on. Whether it’s like your example, exchanging money for products, or ‘giving’ a helping hand to a stranger to ‘receive’ the good feelings that come afterward. An exchange is always taking place – big or small.
I appreciate the reminder, Joi.
Thanks,
Quincy
Bill McGee says
December 13, 2014 at 2:23 pmThoughtful and valuable insights, Joi. I believe one of the best questions in life is “What do you want?” Most people (including myself) often stop there. If you really want it, then the next questions might be “Why don’t I have it?” or “How can I get it?” If “it” is not harmful or immoral, then your path is clear. Are you willing to walk it?
You might find some interest in my post “I feel good” at choosingbetterrealities.wordpress.com. Thanks for a great site.
Bill
Bill McGee says
December 13, 2014 at 2:31 pmMy mistake in just-previous comment re post/blog of possible interest. I meant “A Few Choice Words” at everythingpersonal.wordpress.com