Eternal Gifts

Stop justifying.

Stop pretending.

The only person you’re fooling is yourself. The reason you procrastinate is that you’re scared.

Scared of change.  

Scared of failure.

Scared of vulnerability.

And in order to hide your cowardice, you’ve chosen to commit the ultimate transgression.

Uglier than abuse.

Crueler than torture.

Yours is the sin of Neglect.

You neglected your dreams. You locked them away in a dark dungeon called “someday,” deep in a fortress of solitude. You chained them to the walls of insecurity and sat them down on a foundation of fear. Shrouded in a smokescreen of obligations, this pit remains hidden from the rest of the world. They’ve all fallen for the facade of busy-work you’ve created. Words like, “maybe, probably, hopefully,” are the demons that torment your dreams. They whip and lash, bite and gnash until your dreams have no choice but to hide in the dark recesses of the mind.

There they sit and fester--seething on the inside.

Without proper attention, your dreams grow weak and tired. They hunger for the smallest of interactions. A letter or a phone call. But every time you revisit them, they seem more and more pathetic. It’s hard to look them in the eyes because you know you’ve failed them--completely.

Then, shame sets in and you try to justify your actions.

This wasn’t your fault. There were important things to do. Other people who needed you.

Work.

Friends.

Family.

Obligations.

This goes on and on until eventually, you wish that your dreams would just disappear. You desire nothing more than to be free of their burden, so you allow the waves of time to drown them out and wash them away.

But dreams are not earthly things.

They are eternal.

They are immortal.

They are everlasting.

These specters take the form of regret. And they will come back to haunt you. You, who abandoned them. Who forsook them. Who ignored them. And with one simple question, “WHY?” they will eat away at your soul--one salty, rotten piece of dignity at a time. What will you do when these nightmares confront you in the dark? Where can you run? Where can you hide? Who can you turn to on the day of reckoning? Did you think that the world would protect you from their vengeance?

Heed this warning before it’s too late.

Don’t wait until your life is all but spent.

Take action now.

Yes, it’s risky. Because the moment you take action, your dreams are no longer safe. The world is allowed inside. They can finally see you for what you are. Every flaw and every fault is on display. Make no mistake, it will be painful at times. The world is the consumer of egos and the ultimate judge. It will chew you up, and spit you out.

If your dreams aren’t strong enough, they might end up broken.

And you assume that must be avoided at all costs.

But it is quite the opposite.

Your dreams must be challenged and given a chance to grow. Like a toddler learning to walk, they’re bound to get bumps and bruises along the way. But this is necessary for them to fully develop. Dreams need a little friction. Like a muscle, they must first be torn down before they can be built back up. They must be pushed to failure constantly. Over time they’ll grow big and strong. You’ll build confidence in your abilities and soon enough your dreams will break free from the chains that bind them. The walls of insecurity will crumble and the foundations of fear will collapse under the mighty power of your dreams. A new sense of direction will lead you through the shroud of obligations and into great lands of adventure.

There, your dreams will face the world head-on.

No mettle is mightier, no blade sharper, than those forged in the flame of adversity. And so too, will your dreams be. Battle after battle, challenge after challenge, your dreams will lay waste to all those who question your resolve. Even the Fates themselves are no match for your dreams, for those who take hold of their future steer their own destiny.

Alas my friend, at some point your journey will end.

Everyone’s does.

Take solace in this somber, yet sobering truth.

For it is the only promise that will never be broken.

After sailing along the waves of time, we all reach shores beyond life’s horizon. It is both the final destination and a new beginning. On this glorious day, you will face the ultimate challenge.

Death.

She is mistress of the afterworld and keeper of mysteries. Her undying beauty is known throughout the universe, as is her prodigious power. In her hands, she holds the keys to eternity. One leads to absolution, while the other leads to pain. In order to pass peacefully, you must submit a worthy gift. Yet, many meet Death unprepared. They cower and cry out, begging for more time. Others come empty handed and are completely forgotten. But unlike all those who came before, you will look Death in the eyes and embrace her with open arms.

Because you know her secret.

Dreams are not earthly things.

They are eternal.

They are immortal.

They are everlasting...     

----------------------------------------------------------------

[GET JOSH’S BOOKS] https://www.amazon.com/Josh-Coker/e/B...

-FREE WEBINAR: HOW TO WRITE COMMERCIAL FICTION THAT SELLS- https://www.story-ninjas.com/blockbus... Serious inquiries only--limited spots available: ➢ Josh’s Business and Consulting contact Email: jcoker@story-ninjas.com ➢ Online Coaching/Consulting: https://www.story-ninjas.com/free-ini... Show your support by subscribing, sharing and giving a thumbs up! Leave any questions or ideas for future videos in the comments below. Thanks! FOLLOW JOSH!!! ➢ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshumusprime/ ➢ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joshumusprime ➢ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepolymathp... ➢ Snapchat: @Joshumusprime ➢ Amazon: Josh Coker ➢ Blog: http://thepolymathman.blogspot.com