"Today, I will begin to create my life exactly the way I choose it to be, knowing that the power to become is limited only by my thoughts. I will use prayer and meditation to manifest my own destiny and bring into my life only those people and things that will further develop and enrich the path I have chosen. I will remove myself from toxic relationships and move closer to those souls who walk the path of light."

Emily was dying of breast cancer. Diagnosed at the young age of 31, she had battled the disease with the usual arsenal of drugs and radiation. Now frail and weakened by weeks of chemotherapy, she stood in disbelief as her doctors told her there was "nothing more they could do." Emily was given six weeks to live and sent home to die.

"Looking back on the last few months," she remarked just days after dismissal from the hospital, "I realize had it not been for this disease, I would have never taken the time to find my spiritual self. In some ways, the cancer saved my life."

"What do you mean "saved your life?" My God, Emily, you're dying of cancer. I can't bear the thought that soon you may be gone. How can you look at this in such a positive light?"

"It's true that at the moment my body is dying," she whispered, wrapping her arms around me for the emotional comfort only touch can provide. "But, you know, years ago, long before the cancer, my soul was slowly dying. It just shriveled up and began to starve from lack of attention. On the outside I looked great, but on the inside I was spiritually dead. The toughest part was that no one knew it. No one but me."

"But now," she continued with the excitement of a child, "now I feel as if I have been given a new set of eyes. For the first time, I am beginning to see and appreciate the many treasures of life — the things I always took for granted, the presence of God. The doctors may have written me off, but God hasn't given up on me yet. I am praying for a miracle: to be healed by the power of God. I know that my prayers will be heard."

Emily reached deep inside the pocket of her faded jeans and pulled out a tattered piece of paper. "Here," she said. "Read this. This is how I intend to live my life for whatever time I have left."

I could no longer contain my tears as I read the heartfelt words that Emily had written. At that moment I realized that, even as death lay on her doorstep, when it would have been justifiable for her to be angry, bitter or just plain mad at the world, this beautiful soul had chosen to embrace life and the power of God in a way that few of us ever do. The words read:

"Today, I will begin to acknowledge the truth that lives in my soul and the kindred spirit of love and honesty that permeates my heart and speaks through my feelings. Today, I will take a step towards remembering the childlike innocence that accompanied me on my journey from the womb, an innocence that I allowed to die a slow and painful death.

I will believe in the power of God, knowing with certainty that God is living in the very depths of my soul. I will allow God's presence to be expressed through the words of my lips and the work of my hands. "How can I help?" will be the greeting I will bestow upon everyone I meet.

I will listen to the little voice that speaks to my heart, knowing that it is the voice of truth, love and spirit. By making still the world around me, I will truly listen with new-found ears to the message that is written in the wind. In these moments of silence, I will notice and pay attention to the beauty that surrounds me, as if I am seeing the colors of life for the first time.

Not only will I love every living thing with unbridled passion, but I will first love myself with unconditional forgiveness of my past mistakes. As long as God allows my soul to occupy this bodily vessel, I will live in the present moment, focused on helping all of mankind with the unique gifts that have been bestowed upon me. Guilt no longer has a place in my vocabulary.

Today, I will begin to create my life exactly the way I choose it to be, knowing that the power to become is limited only by my thoughts. I will use prayer and meditation to manifest my own destiny and bring into my life only those people and things that will further develop and enrich the path I have chosen. I will remove myself from toxic relationships and move closer to those souls who walk the path of light.

Today, I will remove the shackles that have held my spirit in check, allowing others to do the same as they seek their own path, in their own way and at their own speed. I will offer forgiveness to everyone and everything and, in doing so, will find freedom -- freedom to love, freedom to live and freedom to courageously direct my earthly existence with the spiritual powers of my soul. Let the music begin!"

Many of us are blessed with good physical health but are spiritually undernourished. An Awakening Within can happen to all of us if we will only create enough silence in our lives to tune in to the power of God. A terminal disease is not required, but we must act now. For in truth, our physical life on earth is terminal, and the opportunity to contribute to a better world is as fleeting as the ticking of a clock.

Some Things To Consider

What would you do differently if you knew you only had six months to live? Why aren't you doing it? Take some time today to meditate and connect to Spirit. Listen to the voice within and begin to follow your hearts desire. How can you take a few baby steps toward your dreams today?

All Rights Reserved © 2002 By Jeffrey Alan Hall