Part 1: Is your environment helping you or holding you back?
I’m super excited about today’s post, because I believe it will bring a much needed release to a lot of people’s lives. I hope – if you’re in need of one, it will be you. My wish for you, is that your life will begin seeing an increase after reading this series. The series will continue for the month of June. My birthday month… and to celebrate my life – I present you this gift. Thank you for taking a moment to read what came to me one day while I sat embracing gratitude for my own increase, on the mountainside of Georgia. Blessings. Enjoy.
Expand Your Territory - You won't know what's over the horizon, until you go see it for yourself.
W. Clement Stone was quoted to have said, “You are a product of your environment. So choose the environment that will best develop you toward your objective. Analyze your life in terms of its environment. Are the things around you helping you toward success – or are they holding you back?”
Even though the entire quote pretty much illustrates the message I wish to convey in this series – it’s really the question at the end of this compelling excerpt that I would like to pose to each of you in the 4-part series I’ve entitled, Expand Your Territory.
I also encourage you to go back and check out the first 4-part series I published here as well.
“It’s Not the End, Butterfly” was a series based on the hardships I faced in my life, that had me thinking the end was near for me. I now reference that series as being the cornerstone of RMT. It’s where it became apparently clear to me that my life was in need of a metamorphosis to take place.
And if “It’s Not the End, Butterfly” is the cornerstone of what RMT is all about, then “Expand Your Territory” could very well be the foundation.
What does Expand Your Territory mean? And what’s my goal in writing this series?
The term “Expand Your Territory” is one that I first heard growing up in church. The verse, 1 Chronicles 4:10, was one I’ve heard many sermons on over my life, and was even one that I would use in one of my first messages, being groomed for my initial sermon. (The initial sermon would never happen, but the power of the verse and it’s meaning, would remain intact in my heart and soul.)
“Expand your territory”, in its simplest form, means to experience an increase in our influence. Since there are so many areas in life that could benefit from seeing an increase of influence; many people apply the term, to any and every area in their lives, that they desire to see an increase in (i.e. business, finances, relationships, wisdom, and so on).
However, for the purpose of this series, the term will mean to break free from any self-limiting beliefs, behaviors, and practices – that were created, developed, or adopted (knowingly or otherwise) to keep us being a prisoner to our comfort zone and mindsets. I believe that’s where any increase, begins.
The phrase should encourage each of us to believe that we can become more, do more, and access more in life, than we could have ever imagine for ourselves.
In order for us to access this type of expansion in our lives, we must begin retraining our way of thinking and freeing ourselves of any environmental mindsets, we may have acquired on this journey.
My goal in writing this series is simple – It’s to remind each of us – myself included – of the incredible amount of influence (whether good or bad) our environment has over every aspect of our lives.
Releasing Life Lesson
We can never know what’s possible for our lives, if we aren’t capable, willing, or honest enough of telling ourselves the truth first.
Upon this series completion, my hope to come of this is for each of you to be able to access an increase – not only in your territory – but also in your environment, your finances, your home, in more purpose filled relationships, and throughout your lives, in general.
Exposing the Dangers of Underestimating Your Environment
There are many of us who are incredibly susceptible of becoming defined by the environment we associate and relate ourselves with the most.
As a result, there are many who have become prisoners of the circumstances and situations they’ve had to face in life. I would grow up seeing this behavior throughout my own environment, and I’ve even been witness to the behavior being passed down through the generations.
We must take responsibility for our life and social environments, in every realm we may find ourselves. This must take place because we have choices whereas our environment is concerned. And wherever there is a choice for us to make, concerning our lives, as soon as we make that choice -whether good or bad – we’ve taken responsibility for that decision.
Failing to own that responsibility will cause us to ignore the many resources we have available to escape our circumstances, and it will keep us refusing to acknowledge the self-imposed prison, we’ve built for ourselves; using our fears, adopted self-limiting beliefs, ideas, mindsets, and traditions – all of which was supplied to us by the environment we were exposed too.
If we don’t know any better way of doing things, or seek out better than what we do know, we will never experience the best that could potentially be, ours to have.
So to end part 1, the introduction to this series, I want to encourage you become the controller of your environment, and own the responsibility of the environment you may have created and accepted for yourself. Over the next few weeks – I will share with you how to go about doing this, and so much more.
I hope you decide to stay tuned for the rest of this series. Peace.
What are you thinking?
Have you ever been a victim or prisoner of your environment? Did you become a controller of your circumstances and situations? Share your story – you never know who it might assist on their journey.
If you enjoyed this article, consider having Releasing Me Today sent to your email or RSS feed for updates. You can signup for the newsletter here, as well.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Deeone…What’s up!
I’d love to say that I’m a master of my environment. I have faith that one day I will be able to say that…because I’m certainly aiming for that monumental milestone. It’s a huge feat that most people in life, I believe, never reach.
Today, I am a victim and prisoner of my environment too often. There are circumstances and situations that are within my control, that I battle controlling. Sometimes I can control them, other times I can’t. [I actually can, because the ability is within me, but for whatever reason, I choose not to at that given time].
I believe we are destined to be in control. It’s a part of our human nature. We’re highly intelligent, have the ability to learn from our mistakes and have total choice to do whatever we want. I’m committed to transforming into a state of being in control of my life.
Thank you for the great series start, my friend!
PEACE
Catch you on the show tonight!!!
Good day Jk,
It’s great to read you here, my friend. I know how incredibly busy you are – so I want to say how appreciative I am that you took time away to share your thoughts with me on this topic.
You bring up some very interesting point here. I think that many who would believe that they are a master of their environment, aren’t – and many who believe they aren’t, really are. If that makes any sense whatsoever. I say that, because learning much about you over the last few months – I’d say that you very much are one.
I think the most important environment that we can master is the one within us. If we can control our reaction to what’s occurring around us – then I believe we have certainly began mastering the environment, somewhat. I’ll go a little deeper into that point further into the series though. However, I understand perfectly what you mean here.
We are destined to be in control. I believe that’s what we’re here on this earth for – like you said – to learn how to master ourselves by learning from our mistakes and making better choices from them when that situation presents itself to us again.
I won’t go too far into your comment, because you actually addressed a lot that I will approach in the future posts of this series.
So for that, I thank you, my friend.
Looking forward to the discussion tonight on WROAR!
Peace and Blessings to you and yours. Cheers!
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..The Knowing Part of the Process
Wow…this post is so powerful, Deeone. Can’t wait to read the rest of the goodness you have planned.
I have to tell you that your writing style has become more clear and effective. Loved the direct insights and power you projected in this post.
I LOVED this quote: We can never know what’s possible for our lives, if we aren’t capable, willing, or honest enough of telling ourselves the truth first.
It’s all about being honest with ourselves and then with our world. You’re on it now, my friend!
Great work.
Steve Rice recently posted this awesomeness..How to Bring Certainty to an Uncertain Situation
Good day to you, Steve!
Hey man, thanks for that awesome compliment. I’m just as excited as you are about the rest of the series.
I tell you man, I started writing it as a single post and before I knew it I had 7 pages of content.
Now, I knew I couldn’t post all of that – and most of what I’ve written will more than likely have to be cut. I will have to figure out at some point where to put the other parts later… it ever well may go into the book. We’ll see.
I also thank you for taking notice of my writing style. I have been trying to become more mindful of it, and ensuring that my points are more direct and effective. Much of that, I owe to Rob – who has taught me the importance of making it short and powerful. I still have far to go though… but that’s OK; I’m willing to learn all takes to become an even better writer.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this mate. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Blessings.
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..Are We Really Our Own Worst Enemy?
I have no doubt that this will be a powerful series Deeone. Heck, anything you share is powerful and wakes us up.
So I’ve had plenty of aha moments this week myself. It wasn’t necessarily about my environment so to speak but my mentor had a serious conversation with me yesterday. To say that I haven’t been giving it my all would be the truth. You see, I still have a few things that are holding me back and luckily he called me out on them. Exactly what I needed to.
So I had another blogging friend that I called today who is a coach for two different businesses and she helped me understand what I needed to do in order to move forward. So here is me, moving forward ever so slowly but I’m bound and determined to do it because I’m worth it Deeone.
I need to start seeing me how everyone else does and keep taking those necessary steps to get me to where I desire. So I’m going to enjoy your series because I’ll be able to relate even though the path I’m on isn’t exactly related. Oh heck, you get what I’m saying and that’s what matters right!
Thanks Deeone for another wonderful does of reality. I’m glad we can all learn through your experiences as well.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted this awesomeness..What Kind Of Legacy Will You Leave
Hi Adrienne,
That’s mighty kind of you to say, sweetie. Thank you. I truly believe now, that confidence and self-validation is allowing me to really put even more heart into my work. For that, I am indeed grateful and humbled.
That’s absolutely awesome that you’ve been having moments this week that seems to have you ready to cease this moment, and go for what you know is yours to have. I don’t necessarily think this series will be one that people can apply only to their environment, but also to any area in their life. Just as you’ve shared here.
I believe in you. I know that you are very passionate about what you’re doing – and I heard someone recently say, “With a strategy, passion, and purpose, there’s nothing that’s impossible – and God always blesses those who operates in that arena.”
So go for it! I definitely get what you’re saying, my friend.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Blessings.
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..What lies are you giving yourself permission to believe as truths?
This is something that is being heavily breathed into the atmosphere right now–the importance of your environment. We can go on day-to-day for years and not even realize what are environment if feeding us or even notice that we have not done anything to change or manage it in so long. It really is time that we start being more aware of this. I know that I am.
This series sounds like it will hit home for me–which is great–we could all use a heightened awakening of everything around us and within us. I will be staying tuned for sure!!
I can see a lot of releases and breakthroughs coming from this! So very exciting!!
MELISASource recently posted this awesomeness..Truth Hurts: When Self Discovery Takes an Unexpected Turn
Trust me, I hear ya loud and clear, Makeba!
I said the same thing! It seems to me as though something bigger than us all is trying to get our attention on several topics in this arena. One of my cousins and I had a very long – and extremely powerful – conversation on this yesterday.
We have to be alert of our environment, mindset, and comfort zone. We have to know that it’s time to change, and allow that change to permeate through us and through those that are attached to us. Many will not be willing to go along with that change, and if that’s the case – like the conversation of we had yesterday in #inspirechat about toxic people – we have to be willing to let some people, places, and things, go.
I am confident that you’ll enjoy this series. If has been a total eye-opener for myself. As I read through it, I was amazed that I even wrote it.
I know it’s going to help many people – at least those that will allow for it to do so. I can no longer waste precious energy or time on those who aren’t or won’t. My mission and purpose in life is becoming more and more clear to me, daily. And it’s time I become clear about going after it and making it happen.
Thank you for your support and continuous encouragement, my dear. You have been one of the many that have shown me that my life has a purpose. Blessing to you.
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..A Social Media Challenge and The Beautiful Bloggers Award
Great post, Deeone! Environment is important, and we need to choose as wisely as we can. I also think that we need to cultivate whatever environment we may be in. It is improving our environment from our work, our actions. I guess it is similar to the phrase of leaving the place better than you found it. Make the most of where you are… don’t wait. Thanks for the post that encourages to consider what this means for us and those around us! Jon
Jon Mertz recently posted this awesomeness..A Pendulum of Freedom and Responsibility
First, thank you for the compliment, Jon. I appreciate it.
Next, your comment is right in line with how I see my “actual environment.” I believe we were placed here for reason, but it’s been extremely challenging to say the least. However, it has taught me some very valuable lessons about myself, about my relationship with my partner, and about people who live in this type of environment.
Since I grew up around this type of mindset, I am better able to identify it whenever I see it. I also know that changing it can not be demanded or evoked, but rather voluntary and done by the individual in need of it.
But you’re so right – the improvement comes by a person (in this case, me) taking responsibility for my own words, and actions – and then allowing the environment around me to see that; hoping that it will awaken a need for change. I do hope in the next 4 – 5 weeks before we leave, a seed has been planted, for the better.
Thank you for that powerful comment, my friend. Great points made! Blessings.
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..Circumstances and Disappointments – Life’s Lesson Teachers
Wonderful Deeone!
I can see what the environmental get-away has done to you – you are surely brimming with ideas and the start of these series seem great too
I am one person who just loves nature – starting right from the smallest of insects, birds, trees, mountains and all that it offers us. I can get lost for hours and hours if I am not pulled away from it. And yes, I get the inspiration for my posts while I go for my daily morning walks in nature. There can be nothing more motivating and inspiring as learning from nature.
I guess we need to value and appreciate the environment and learn to look after it more than anything else, which most of us don’t do. The reason being we are so lost in our own affairs and never ending work to be done, unless we take out the time to connect with it- isn’t it?
I am sure your love for nature is the reason you are thinking of shifting to the mountains, as you had mentioned in your earlier post. I can just about imagine the killer posts you are going to come up with then.
Thanks for sharing and reminding all of us to be part of the environment.
Harleena Singh recently posted this awesomeness..How To Make Quality Family Time?
Hi Harleena,
Thank you. Your comment is a great example of why I love to write. Everyone’s takeaway from what is read is different – not wrong or right – but different. And it’s those differences that allow us to come to together, to see how similar we are, and the loves of life we share. Thank you so much for that.
You’re absolutely right, nature has inspired me and awaken within me something that I could have never seen coming. The transformation I’ve been undergoing has me really open to allowing myself to receive the Universe’s signals to me, and what it will have for me to say and do.
I now believe that it is constantly wanting us to live on purpose, and encourages us to help humanity with the lessons its given us. While we still aren’t sure of whether or not, the mountains will be home for us – I am extremely hopeful that that is the case. If so, you’re right the killer posts will be presented here at RMT – because indeed it inspires greatness out of me.
Thank you for your wonderful thoughts on this, my friend. Much appreciated, indeed. Blessings.
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..A Lesson in Tenacity and Resilience from my Garden
In my case, I can’t do much about my physical environment. My bedroom is my office. I’m limited that way. And it really has more cons than pros. One of cons is that I can’t sleep much… I think I began to equate my bedroom with work instead of sleep…. Hopefully, I’ll get my own office someday…:)
But i can learn to control other things about it too…
Cleanliness, organization, etc.
Good luck with the series!
Glori recently posted this awesomeness..Introvert Myth Debunked: Introverts are NOT Self-Absorbed
Good day Glori,
I’m loving that everyone is bring such wealth to this subject – and also, things that will be confronted in this very series.
I understand what you’re saying – as a matter of fact, my physical environment at the time is not an ideal one for a writer. There’s constant disruption occurring, and most days – well, everyday – is a constant battle for me to maintain my focus. However, I truly believe that this was a lesson for me to show me how to focus. And I would encourage you to look beyond what it “looks” like right now, and see all the lesson that you’re being presented with right now. I do hope that you eventually find more balance in your current situation, so that you may get more rest in the future.
May I suggest to you, retraining your mind to make your “office” your bedroom at a set time – by shutting down any type of work related activities everyday at the same time. Preferably, at least 3 to 4 hours before bedtime. Instead, when it’s time to shutdown, grab a book, some sleepytime tea (if that’s available for you). I’m not sure of what you’ve tried already, but I have done this when I had similar living conditions – and it did wonders for me.
I do wish you much rest though, my friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me – and for the good luck wishes. I appreciate them all. Blessings.
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..Recalculate, Refocus, and Stay Committed to the Process
My first visit to your site and I’m already hooked! I love the topic of your series and look forward to following it. As far as my physical environment I’m pretty lucky because I live in Maui and from my deck I see the beautiful West Maui mountains and the ocean. There are always challenges growing a business or creating meaningful change in life, but I’m a big believer in ‘realistic’ optimism and regularly expressing my gratitude to those who help me along my journey.
marquita herald recently posted this awesomeness..Learn to Appreciate Life More Through Everyday Mindfulness
Hey there Marty!
It’s a pleasure to have you here, my friend. Although, I’m a bit envious (in a good way, of course) that your environment is one where there’s an unlimited amount of sunshine, beaches, and mountains. Now, that’s the life there! Can I please live vicariously through you? I’ll assume that the answer is yes, unless you say otherwise.
I also can appreciate your ‘realistic’ optimism and share your regularly expressed gratitude. It’s been a journey getting to it, but I am very much a man that is grateful for where life has brought me, and excited about where it’s headed. I look forward to getting to know you better as well, over at IGG! Thanks again for stopping in and checking out the place. Many blessings sent your way. Cheers! 
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..Recalculate, Refocus, and Stay Committed to the Process
Deeone, it has been so wonderful to see your site and message evolve over time. You too have grown and it is obivous in your thoughtful posts like this.
You have a really important messge in there. I think we all have been prisoners of our environment at some point or another. The key of course is recognizing this and having the strength and courage to look for and chase after something different than what we know.
I know people from my youth who never left that town..heck that area of town…EVER. I know people who refuse to leave the comfort of their own self limiting mindset.
And I know people like yourself, who reach for the brass ring every time it comes around.
I’m not sure if we can ever master our enviroment because that keeps on changing but I think we can get close by becoming the masters of our reactions to it. Choosing to live in gratitude instead of want, choosing to find the opportunity in troubles that come rather than lamenting them.
We certainly can not, as you say, “experience the best that could potentially be, ours to have.” if we don’t try to find it. Sounds amazingly simplistic but we complicate it with our self judgements and skewed perceptions.
Your post really got the brain moving today Deeone. I suspect I’ll be pondering some of these thoughts the rest of the day.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, Bonnie. I am truly humbled by your message. I see and feel the growth, as well.
Having done exactly what you’ve said about “…having the strength and courage to look for and chase after something different than what we know.” I know how difficult it can be to step out from what you’ve always known – and doing things differently.
Much of your thoughts on this I will address in future parts of the series. Like the people you know who have never left the town they live in, mastering our environment, choosing to see and/or find opportunity, and so much more.
What this tells me – is how kindred of spirits we are and how our message is aligned with the other. I am truly grateful for your presence in my life, my friend.
I know this series will all many people – who desire for it too – to break free and release whatever is holding them away from realizing their fullest potential. And that, to me, is how we begin to expand our territories and see increase – in whatever form it comes in – in our lives.
Thank you for this powerful contribution to the series, my sister. I so appreciate it. Blessings.
Deeone recently posted this awesomeness..Shift of Focus and Use What You Have
Hi Deeone,
This post is so powerful and empowering at the same time.
I totally agree with “We can never know what’s possible for our lives, if we aren’t capable, willing, or honest enough of telling ourselves the truth first.”
I think most people on earth know best what is wrong and know best what other people should do with their lives. Except when it comes to their own lives, then of course it is never their fault. Just my two cents.
Wish you a great day,
Mark
Mark Hunt recently posted this awesomeness..Hamstring Strengthening Exercises
Greetings Mark,
My apologies for just getting to your comment, my friend. I have no idea how I missed it.
I can relate to what you shared here, however, I myself, used to be one of those people who pointed the blame and saw everyone else’s faults, and was blind to my own. Thankfully, I was able to start seeing where the fault really lied, and begin making the necessary adjustments to my journey.
I hope when people read the contents of RMT they will begin seeing the potential that lies in each of us, when we take ownership of how we perceive life and the situations we face in it.
It’s always a pleasure to read you, my friend. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..What Does ‘Trust the Process’ Mean? – I Trust Life to Handle the Process
Deeone, I just found your site through a post written by Hajra. Your writing style is awesome and I like the way you personalized the site.
Michael Belk recently posted this awesomeness..School paddling; A license for child abuse?
Good day Michael,
Hey, thanks for not only stopping in to check out my site, but for also introducing yourself by leaving your thoughts. I’m delighted you found me through the awesome Hajra! I look forward to getting to know you better in the future.
Blessings.
Deone recently posted this awesomeness..Make The Difference By Taking Pride in Being Human