“The warrior tries to show each person how much they are capable of achieving.” Paulo Coelho

I posted this little tidbit, last night, on my facebook and had some very emotional responses. One, in particular, commented that these words had made a huge difference in their life. So, I’m posting here.

Often, my facebook friends will private message me about dealing with death. It’s a regular occurrence. I think it’s because I’m so open about my husband’s & mother’s deaths. It makes my friends aware that somebody out there is open and willing to communicate about this. Last night, some things compounded to overwhelm me with feelings of support and love, compassion for people. I ended up posting some very raw emotions & some of the thoughts that guide me through the darker moments of life.

Dark Times Cover

It’s easy to forget our strength and, instead we panic or give up, as the weight of the world closes in around us… because panic & giving up are the easiest things to do. They are the first options that appear.. and yet, in many cases, they are not a viable option. We often choose them, anyway.. Our vision is obstructed. But, our answers lie beyond these illusions, panic & giving up, that are masquerading as options. Breathe deeply, rest easy in knowing that you have breath, and move through these shrouds of fear before you bury yourself in them. On the other side, you will be able to see them for what they are…. just curtains blowing in the wind, shadows in the dark of night. Nothing to be afraid of.

The Warrior Quotes
When my husband died, I searched out warrior quotes and posted one every day until I no longer needed it to move forward. These are those quotes.

Your universe loves you!!! Donkey loves you!!! Life with you is the most magical existence. -David Cook, my husband

Let your inner calm and happiness shine again. Forget the recent past and live now. – David Cook, my husband

Independence day celebration, everyday! Total freedom and unconditional love are the only assets worth keeping. I may not be a billionaire, but I am a very wealthy being! – David Cook, my husband

There’s an image that goes along with being bad ass.. but it’s the wrong image. The real bad asses are the ones who are there for you. The ones who drop everything and come running. The ones who don’t know what to say.. so, instead they take action.. – Me

Can I look at everyone with the same love in which Dave looked at me? If I can, I’ll be a very happy person.  – me

You haven’t yet opened your heart fully, to life, to each moment. The peaceful warrior’s way is not about invulnerability, but absolute vulnerability–to the world, to life, and to the Presence you felt. All along I’ve shown you by example that a warrior’s life is not about imagined perfection or victory; it is about love. Love is a warrior’s sword; wherever it cuts, it gives life, not death.

A warrior chooses a path with heart, any path with heart, and follows it; and then he rejoices and laughs. He knows because he sees that his life will be over altogether too soon. He sees that nothing is more important than anything else.

A warrior considers himself already dead, so there is nothing to lose. The worst has already happened to him, therefore he’s clear and calm; judging him by his acts or by his words, one would never suspect that he has witnessed everything.

from barefoot artist: “I want to taste beauty with every fiber of my being and I don’t want to settle for anything less than being in breathless awe of my life every day.”

Let your love flow outward through the universe, To its height, its depth, its broad extent, A limitless love, without hatred or enmity. Then as you stand or walk, Sit or lie down, As long as you are awake, Strive for this with a one- pointed mind; Your life will bring heaven to earth.~Buddha~sutta nipata.

“A warrior is not a leaf at the mercy of the wind. No one can push him; no one can make him do things against himself or against his better judgment. A warrior is tuned to survive, and he survives in the best of all possible fashions.” -Carlos Castaneda

“A warrior must cultivate the feeling that he has everything needed for the extravagant journey that is his life. What counts for a warrior is being alive. Life in itself is sufficient, self-explanatory and complete. Therefore, one may say without being presumptuous that the experience of experiences is being alive.” – C. Castaneda

“A warrior must learn to make every act count, since he is going to be here in this world for only a short while, in fact, too short for witnessing all the marvels of it.” C. Castaneda

“The warrior tries to show each person how much they are capable of achieving.” Paulo Coelho // Failure is easily acknowledged and we beat ourselves up over it. Achievement isn’t so easily recognized and we beat ourselves up over not achieving more.  Stop for a moment and recognize all the achievements that make up your day.. you deserve it.

“Don’t wait until you die to learn the warrior’s way. Do it now, each night, just before you drift off to sleep. As you review your day, consider these 2 questions of courage & love. Learn from each day, so that each day you can show a little more courage & a little more love. Then, as incidents occur, you may rise to the occasion & look back at the end of your life & feel good about the way you lived.” Dan Millman

When you begin your training, focusing your best efforts, without attachment to outcomes, you will understand the peaceful warrior’s way. -Dan Millman

3 thoughts on ““The warrior tries to show each person how much they are capable of achieving.” Paulo Coelho

    1. Thanks so much, Katherine! I try to share the things that get me through the rough patches in hopes that they will help others.

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