Chris Forte gives himself some advice on how to be a Good Man.
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Part of my spiritual fitness routine is writing, writing to understand myself. I have had many wonderful experiences up to this point as well as suffering. Honestly, it’s the suffering that helps us break through, to transform to living a purposeful life. A life filled with love, joy, passion, forgiveness, compassion and kindness.
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July 5, 2015 Writing to my 24 year old self.
Hi Chris- This is Chris at 44, giving you tips on what I’ve learned over the last 20 years. Learn form my mistakes, take this to heart. In the last 20 years I have been married with three daughters, started and sold a successful business, and have started other businesses that were not successful. Got divorced after a 17 year marriage (I prefer the Death of a Marriage, gives it much more meaning).
As I sit here in my backyard on a beautiful day I share with you these tips:
- Be Grateful for everyday in your life. First thing in the morning and the last thing at night say Thank You to God for your life.
- You are never alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family or friends. Always know God is with you.
- Take Full Responsibility For Your Life. Do not blame anyone or anything if things are not going your way. By doing that you are giving your power away.
- Do not take anyone for Granted. Treasure the gifts God has lent to you. I thought I would be married forever.
- Know that every problem has a solution and that you have the opportunity to learn and grow.
- Your Body IS Your Temple that houses your spirit. Take care of it.
- God/Universe has your back.
- Go For the Life you want, take risks, learn from mistakes, continue to grow.
- I Love you Chris. The sooner you realize to Love yourself unconditionally the more Love you can bring into the world. Incorporate- Love your neighbor as you Love yourself.
- We are all equal. Do not judge.
- Read! Read anything that inspires you.
- Believe: You are limitless and have the Power to do anything in this world.
- Smile More, Hug More, Be Kind
- Don’t take yourself so seriously. Have Fun. Be Humble.
- Money and material things are ok if you don’t get caught up in it. The Best things in Life are Love, Your Family and Friends.
- Have a relationship with Jesus, work on it daily. Spend a little time with him each day. It could be through prayer, meditation, exercise, work, family, etc. Just acknowledge his presence.
- Be patient: Life is a journey. The journey is the Gift not the destination.
- You will face problems in your life. Some big, some small. You have all the power to work through it. Know God wouldn’t give you anything you couldn’t handle.
- Take this mantra with you. I AM LOVE! I AM Everything!
I love you Chris. Life is adventure. Enjoy the ride. Trust that all is in Divine order. Follow Your Heart, Live Brave!
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July 7, 2015 Writing to my 64 year old self.
Dear Chris- I’m writing to help give you a little wisdom over your next 20 years. You have spiritually grown over the last 44 years. Continue the commitment to grow. You now understand there is a purpose behind everything. As you say good-bye to your former wife, be grateful for the time you had. Ok here we go.
- Be Present. Stay Present in everything you do, in everyone you meet. You will experience so much Joy being present.
- Continue to take care of your Body. It’s a gift.
- Thank God every morning & night for your Life and the many blessing He has granted upon you.
- Live your new mantra– I AM LOVE! I AM Everything!
- Stay Present with your three daughters. DO NOT take these relationships for granted. When your with them, cherish them. They will be with you forever. God has blessed you with these three gifts. Love them, Have fun with them and Be their role model.
- Start Having Fun!
- You have done a lot of spiritual work but still more to do. Be Yourself- Your Authentic Self.
- Follow through with The Humble Warrior. It will open so many doors for you that you couldn’t even imagine.
- Enjoy the adventure, remember it’s the journey that is the gift not the destination.
- You are enough!
- Love your neighbor as you Love yourself.
- Your parents are in the last ¼ of their lives, enjoy them as much as you can.
- Live Simply, Be Patient, Be Compassionate– Incorporate these three and life will flow for you.
- Be Humble, walk with confidence. Know Jesus is with you always. Know the Universe has your back!
- Give, Give, Give. Give your time, talents and money to those who need it. You will be lead the way.
- Go for your Dreams!
You have all the power within yourself to have everything you want. Remember Love, Passion, Joy. Love triumphs fear. Live your Mantra.
Live Brave, Chris
Follow Chris at The Humble Warrior or on Twitter.
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Photo by Yuri Samoilov