Last Saturday one of my neighbors was selling their tickets to Cirque du Soleil for a bargain price (or so they said!) of $420.  Knowing the key to happiness, I recognize that spending outside of my desire zone is simply not the path.  Taking a pass, it occurred to me in the moment that I would really like to go to the show. 

No real surprise, then, when I received an email invitation the very next day to attend!  I just love the way the Universe listens to my requests and responds!  In this time of almost instant manifestation, it still blows me away to experience the rapid responses.

But that’s not the point of this story.  The true key to happiness lies close within us.

A first timer at the Cirque spectacular, I was struck by the great courage that was shown time and time again through nearly every act, and also found myself in awe of the incredible testament the performers demonstrated to the possibilities for human potential and expression.

So, let me ask you: when was the last time you touched your head to your rear end?  When was the last time you stood on top of 15 stacked chairs and balanced your entire body in the air with only one hand?

I don’t know about you, but my answers were never.  And that’s just a couple of the questions I could ask.

And, yet, I was struck by the idea of the great potential we all have that may go unrealized, the great talents and gifts that each and every one of us have that may lie buried within just waiting to be displayed to the world.

I’ve been through my own march of courage lately and have been privileged to watch others do the same.

All too often, we’re talked out of our gifts because others tell us it’s impossible or ask the question “Why?” effectively killing our dreams and inspirations and aspirations with their implications that it’s pointless, useless, and certainly unappreciated.  But that’s only their opinion, of course.

It seems to me that the real question we should be asking ourselves is “Why not?”  Play in that game for a while, stand on the stage of your life and be your magnificence, move confidently and passionately forward to reveal your true brilliance and then we have something truly remarkable to celebrate and applaud!

Sometimes we get trapped into believing that the small things just don’t matter.  That’s simply not true.  Every great accomplishment is made up of small steps, and every time we walk through a fear we demonstrate courage that strengthens our resolve and increases our self-esteem.

Even if those around us don’t appreciate it – the important thing is that we know what an amazing feat we’ve just accomplished!

The true key to happiness unlocks the door to our heart and our deepest desires so that they can be fulfilled in our reality.

What have you been holding back on?  What brings you great pleasure and joy?  What is your gift that you have yet to share?  In your fondest dreams what would you be doing?

Discover that.  Celebrate that.  Do or be that. 

And, then let the show of your incredible life begin - one that you applaud!  I’ll be right there with you clapping my hands and standing up to honor you!