| "We're in a time when we must choose between | | | | moment to stop and 'be' on your options for a |
| what is right and what is easy. And remember, Harry, | | | | moment. Use your body as a barometer to make the |
| whatever happens, you're never alone." | | | | choice to 'go' or 'no-go'. Use this process: |
| Wise words to Harry Potter by Dumbledore, the head | | | | - Think about one option and the possible |
| wizard at Hogwarts School of Magic. | | | | consequences. |
| Recently, I had the opportunity to see 'Harry Potter, | | | | - What do you feel in your body? Do you feel: a knot |
| The Goblet of Fire' at an IMAX theatre. For a country | | | | in your stomach; tightness in your back, shoulders or |
| bumpkin like me, who rarely watches TV let alone | | | | legs; jittery-ness; heart pounding? |
| visits a theatre, this was a fantastic experience to be | | | | - Is this feeling a 'not right' feeling, or an uneasy 'this |
| immersed in a brilliant work of art. | | | | may be tough' feeling that will force you to stretch? |
| By a mysterious event, young Harry is entered into an | | | | - How will this option and the consequences affect |
| extremely treacherous competition against older and | | | | others - build trust and rapport, or tear it down? |
| more experienced wizards. The challenges are far | | | | - What and who can you ask for support? |
| beyond the abilities of which Harry thinks he is capable. | | | | Now use the same process for additional options. |
| Time and time again, Harry overcomes the dangers, | | | | Notice your thoughts and feelings. |
| fears, battles, and spells through his determination, | | | | As I practice this, I usually sense one option as 'the |
| kinship, and love. He was continually challenged to do | | | | right' choice - not necessarily easy, but one which |
| what was right in his heart, rather than to do what | | | | forces me to go beyond my current level of |
| was easy, and naturally, he was victorious in the | | | | competence and confidence. And I feel motivated |
| competition. And consequently, the movie ended with a | | | | because of how it will affect my life and the lives of |
| clever segue for another sequel. | | | | those I love and care for. |
| The other attendees vacated the theatre within | | | | I have a hunch that if you are honest with yourself, you |
| minutes and I sat there, all alone, reflecting and | | | | have experienced the sick, gut-wrenching feeling when |
| pondering the lesson for me. The credits rolled for | | | | you make the 'easy, life sucks' choice. |
| almost ten minutes, accompanied by an enchanting | | | | It takes courage to make the 'right' choice. As Albert |
| musical composition. | | | | Einstein said, 'Great spirits have always encountered |
| Where in life do I take the easy, quick, or convenient | | | | violent opposition from mediocre minds.' I take this to |
| way, rather than do what is right in my heart? | | | | mean opposition from our own mind, and from others |
| When honest with myself, I see that it happens more | | | | who, unconsciously, would like to keep us small. |
| than I care to admit. | | | | Rise above mediocrity and complacency, listen to your |
| As humans, we are continually in positions that require | | | | body, and choose what is 'right'. Accept ownership for |
| us to make choices. Some are almost automatic and | | | | your choices and results, and keep in mind that you |
| others require more thought or 'being-ness'. | | | | are not alone. Others feel honored to help you, just as |
| When I think about my life, there were many times that | | | | you feel honored to help them. |
| I made easy or convenient choices, which allowed me | | | | You don't need a Harry Potter magic wand. The real |
| to stay small and mediocre. When I made a habit of | | | | magic is inside of you. And just like in Harry's world, |
| these choices, I found that life sucked - big time. I felt | | | | love is the bright clean light that cannot be masked by |
| empty, alone, and negative. And often I ended up | | | | darkness. |
| having to re-do what I had done, or found myself | | | | Copyright© 2006 |
| eating a lot of 'crow' to mend relationships that I had | | | | Dan Ohler is a relationship, change, and happiness |
| damaged. | | | | specialist. Through Dan's insights & humour you learn to |
| Yet, when I am mindful of what is occurring and make | | | | apply the basics of human psychology - the natural |
| 'right' choices that require me to stretch beyond that | | | | laws that create life-long flourishing relationships, and |
| which I think I am capable, cognizant of enhancing my | | | | abounding success. |
| relationships with others, I feel inspired, invigorated, | | | | Visit to subscribe to Dan's FREE e-zine, 'Soaring |
| positive, and heartful. | | | | Insights', and see Dan in action while you're there! |
| These are the moments that help me to feel victorious | | | | This article is free for republishing |
| in life. I don't mean that I win at the expense of others. | | | | Source: |
| It does mean that I have encouraged myself to make | | | | Occupation: International Author, Speaker, Facilitator |
| decisions to enlarge my comfort zone to a new bigger | | | | Who is Dan Ohler? |
| level. I have swallowed my pride and asked others for | | | | Dan is based near Edmonton, AB, Canada. |
| their support, and have willingly supported others on | | | | As a relationship, change, and happiness specialist, Dan |
| their journey. These are the moments that give me a | | | | uses high-content keynote presentations, workshops, |
| 'buzz' and allow me to feel that I am on a good path. | | | | and comedy presentations to help you and your |
| What about you? | | | | organization excel. |
| As you approach your daily challenging choices, take a | | | | |