Fulfillment “satisfaction or happiness as a result of fully developing one’s abilities or character”.

We may think things outside ourselves can bring us the fulfillment we seek.  By definition fulfillment is the result of fully developing our abilities or character.

When we are willing to stretch past what we thought was possible, we are creating fulfillment in our lives.  We are doing those things others predetermine are not possible; so they don’t even try.  We are testing the boundaries of our own perseverance and belief system.

“I can accept failure, but I cannot accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

When we are willing to do this, we push past old limits, break world records, and invent things people didn’t conceive possible.  Not all of us will go down in history for our accomplishments, but we can put mindful intent into our good work and create fulfillment for ourselves.

We can take that project we didn’t really want to do and decide to do our good work with joy.  We can feel a deep sense of satisfaction for our efforts.  We can smile when we are down, call someone to offer support when we feel the need for support, and embrace life’s challenges as an opportunity for learning.

“There is joy in work.  There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something.” – Henry Ford

After all what is the alternative?  Do we begrudge someone in need because we feel our need is greater?  Do we withhold our affection because we feel disappointed in someone’s effort. Where does this get us?  Does it help us feel closer to do this or even more disconnected?  Does it help us see the beauty in life or only turn our attention to all things irritating?

“Work is love made visible.  And if you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy. For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man’s hunger.” – Kahlil Gibran.

So why not smile, put our best effort forward and break away; especially when we think we are too busy.  Will this not renew our energy?  Will this not make that impossible project possible?  Is it possible we can create our own fulfillment by changing our thinking?

What thoughts will you allow your mind to dwell on today? What areas of your life are you willing to stretch yourself instead of looking for the outside world to change?  What are you willing to change to create fulfillment in your life?