One Powerful Change Of Perspective

Today a friend shared a YouTube video that changed the way I look at the words Faith and Hope. And surprising to me, it came from Jim Carrey’s Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM Graduation. (I’m posting the video below.)

He said something that got me thinking.
“Take a chance on faith. Not religion, but faith. Not hope, but faith. I don’t believe in hope. Hope is a beggar. Hope walks through the fire and Faith leaps over it.” ~ Jim Carrey

This week I’ve altered that quote a little bit. I can’t claim it as mine in a copyright; the inspiration and credit still go to Mr. Carrey. But I wanted something that was easier for me to remember and share with others. So here’s what I came up with.
“Have Faith, Not Hope. Hope is a beggar. Faith is a Believer. Hope walks through the fire and Faith leaps over it.” ~ Dr. Vickie Carey 2014

Wow. Hope is a big thing in my thinking. Hope that things will get better; that we will endure the struggles, that we can overcome the challenges. Hope we’ll win the lottery.

If I let go of the begging, as he puts it, what is there? Faith is a belief. And I’m left with: A belief that things will get better. A belief that we will endure the struggles. Belief that we will overcome the challenges. Belief that we WILL win the lottery. Why not?! It has to happen to someone!

Update 7/28/2014:
This commencement address has had a larger and more profound impact on me than I thought, or even expected. Little things he said in this address keep popping up in my thinking. This week “Don’t be contained, be the container” is playing a big role in my thinking. (see the video at the bottom of this page).

The full quote:
I have no limits! I cannot be contained because I’m the container. You can’t contain the container, man! You can’t contain the container! 

What an amazing difference and powerful change of energy that one word can make. It takes me from holding out hope, a plea, a request, a dream that you hope will be fulfilled. To a strong belief that changes “I hope it can happen” to “I believe it will happen”. From begging to empowerment. From a possibility that it can; to an assuredness that it will. Imagine the subtle change in energy that one word creates. We take the energy from a wish that is sent out into the Universe, to an empowered action that we manifest ourselves.

I have to admit that I haven’t been a Carrey fan. Until now. We all change and evolve over time. We “hope” we change for the better and evolve into a more enlightened being. He sure has. I’m both impressed and not too surprised as I know he has been working on aspects of himself that he wasn’t fond of.

In recent years I’ve seen a few interviews Jim Carrey has given that began to alter my opinion of him as a person. His comedy still isn’t my cup of tea, but both of us have grown up a bit. A little older, a little wiser; I believe. Separating the person from the persona of anyone in the public eye is easier for me to do today.

There are a lot of things I wish I knew 20 years ago that I know today. But when we don’t allow ourselves to learn something new, or to look at something or someone differently; we hold onto to that staunch perspective that holds us back from ever-moving forward.

This address gave me a lot to think about. It also put into sound a lot of things I’ve written about, putting music to the words. I found myself agreeing with much of what he said and gave me confirmation and a feeling of gratification. Something that’s always nice.

He spoke of how fear is limiting. How our decisions to limit our talents, abilities and dreams can back fire when we try to play it safe. Cloaking our fear in practicality – I really like that one. Along with “You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” Don’t let fear rule your life. No matter how small; don’t let it limit your dreams.

Don’t be contained, be the container!
Your method of travel can be an Armored car, guarded in constant fear,
or it can be a convertible with the top down, ready to fly free!
~ Springwolf  🐾 © 2014
Inspired by Jim Carrey

Watch the entire speech and decide for yourself how you limit your actions and thoughts. Maybe this address will change your view and perspective for the better as well.

There are so many tid-bits of wisdom packed into this 28-Minute Commencement Address.  Every graduating class; no..every person on Earth needs to see this speech so we can graduate from the place of fear that holds us back, causes us to do what’s safe instead of what our heart is trying to guide us toward. So that we make judgements, choices and actions that are based on love and not fear. So we can practice a love of self that allows us to believe in our unlimited possibilities. The following video is provided by Maharishi University of Management on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/V80-gPkpH6M

 

Additional Reading:

• Be Inspired  Resources To Help Get You Inspired & Motivated
  I do these things myself. They always make me feel empowered and focused. They’re great for turning your emotions around and reminding you what you’re working toward. Remember only YOU can control your emotions. Don’t let others deflate your dream or empty your baskets. Have faith you can and you will accomplish your milestones and attain your goals. You can do it. You can’t be contained when you have faith in yourself!
•  In Full Disclosure – Have Faith, Not Hope! Giving Credit
  A follow up to this original article.

© 2014 Springwolf, D.D., Ph.D. Springwolf Reflections / Springs Haven, LLC. All Rights Reserved.