You may use this image in your ezine or website if you choose to publish my article. Click here to see the picture full-sized.--- Mark Susnow

Take a second and think about your life. Think about who you are, 
what you are doing and the people in your life. How satisfied are 
you? All of your past experiences, the people you have met and 
the choices you have made have contributed to who you are. 
Without any of these experiences you wouldn't be who you are 
today. Your beliefs about what is possible in your life are a 
reflection of these past experiences. Those moments from the past 
have also prepared you for the fast pace of the modern world. You 
have more choices than you realize. You also have more strengths 
than you realize. You can change how you think, what you do and 
who you hang out with.

Part of discovering who you are and what you are capable of 
requires you to reflect upon some of the key moments from your 
past. We all have experienced "defining moments." Those moments 
that define who you are and what you stand for. Those moments 
that help you create clarity about your life purpose and your 
life values. Sometimes those moments are in response to life's 
challenges. It's when you rise to the occasion. It's when you 
become the person you always wanted to be.

And at other times those moments are in the form of challenges. 
Challenges that force you to make a decision that ultimately 
determines your character and your destiny. To help you in this 
process of remembering and discovering I will share with you some 
defining moments that have contributed to my journey.


Expanding my sense of personal power was at the core. 

What I mean by personal power is the ability to create the life 
you want by expanding what is possible. It's the ability to 
consciously determine your life path and to stay on purpose. It's 
making a commitment to your self and keeping it. Staying on 
purpose requires you to say "no" to the distractions and 
influences that are taking you off course. This involves 
discipline and though challenging for almost everyone is 
essential. I was a smoker while in college and in law school. I 
wanted to quit but wasn't ready to stop. As I was preparing for 
the bar exam I set up a personal challenge. I knew if I was 
successful with this challenge my sense of personal power would 
be expanded. I quit smoking the day before the bar exam. Although 
I failed the bar exam the first time and had to take it again, I 
have never smoked a cigarette since. This defining moment 
expanded my belief in what was possible in my life.


Developing a clear sense of boundaries was the next building 
block. 

When I was a young lawyer and struggling, I had planned a trip to 
Greece and Israel with my girl friend. It was going to be my 
first vacation since I started practicing law. My biggest client 
who gave me a sense of financial security wanted me to change my 
plans so I could complete his project sooner. He let me know that 
if I didn't comply with his wishes he would get someone else. The 
time on my calendar was already blocked out and if I didn't take 
the vacation now who knew when I would have another chance. I 
went ahead with the trip and the client got another lawyer. This 
defining moment for me established at a young age the importance 
of personal boundaries. It also established for me the importance 
of living a life in balance which has always been one of my 
strengths.


Making the decision to take time for quiet reflection was the 
next step. 

When I was 29 my life was falling apart. It was one of the 
darkest periods of my life. And because of what I was 
experiencing I was the most open and vulnerable. The next 
defining moment was when I decided to begin meditating. 
Regardless of how busy I was or what was going on in my life I 
always began my day with this practice. This practice has helped 
me integrate my many interests and responsibilities.

All of these moments as well as many others have contributed to 
who I am today. Of course there have been continual challenges 
since then and the ride has had its share of ups and downs. But 
what helps me get through these challenges are the decisions that 
I made in the "defining moments from the past." They have helped 
give me the inner strength and faith to navigate the challenging 
waters of life's journey.

I bet if you reflect back upon your life, you will discover your 
own defining moments. After you have revisited them, build upon 
them to help you discover your destiny.

Imagine making a decision today or tomorrow that can potentially 
define the direction your life takes in the future. What will 
this decision be? When will you make it? Let me know.

Thanks for being in the Letters on Life network. There are now 
over 1300 subscribers all over the world that are reading Letters 
on Life. Perhaps many more as most of you are forwarding it to 
friends in your circle. Thanks for your continuing support and 
referrals.

Journey On

Mark 

Mark Susnow has a unique background. Formerly a successful trial 
attorney for 30 years, as well as musician, he integrates what 
it takes to be truly prosperous in the world with the inner 
wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation 
practice. As a personal coach, leadership consultant and 
inspirational speaker, Mark provides inspiration and motivation 
to many business leaders and professionals. He knows what it 
means to have a big vision and has demonstrated the courage and 
energy it takes to accomplish it. Consider contacting Mark and 
be sure to visit his website http://www.inspirepossibility.com