You deserve to live the life you were meant to live, and you have the energy to do it. It's time to focus that energy instead of wasting it. And by energy, I mean your money, time, physical vitality, creativity, enjoyment, and relationships. All these are forms of energy that you and I can learn to focus toward what we truly want in life. We can master this energy or remain frustrated and in a perpetual bad mood.

Luminosity summons images of light and radiance. All of us want moments in which there's enough light that we can see clearly all the possibilities open before us. We want our eyes to see and our ears to hear what has always been there.

Luminosity is also about going toward the light, being in love with the light and not even worrying about getting away from the darkness. I've learned that whatever I try to get away from only follows me, nipping at my heels. Going toward the light gives more hope. It takes less energy than trying to get away from something - and it's much more fun.

There, I've said it. Fun: the f-word. A friend once told me something like this: I want to get enlightenment, but I don't want to be so heavy about it. This enlightenment stuff sounds so serious. Can't I just have a little fun? (The answer is yes.)

It takes guts to turn your attention away from what you think is wrong with you, others, or your work environment - to turn from complaints to contribution. It takes daring to become focused on dreams instead of dilemmas. You could get worried that if you don't look at your shortcomings - or those of others - something bad will happen. You may be so used to looking at your problems and concerns that the thought of leaving them behind sends chills through you. In my book, Mastering Life's Energies, I explore why this is so and give you a way to go beyond your worries as you travel on the road to luminosity.

But right now, begin to ask yourself, Would it be all right with me if life got easier?

The above article is an excerpt from Mastering Life's Energies, copyright 2007 by Maria Nemeth, Ph.D. It is printed here with the permission of the publisher, New World Library, Novato, CA, 1-800-972-6657 ext. 52.

Maria Nemeth, Ph.D., is an international inspirational speaker, author, seminar leader and personal coach. For more than 20 years, Dr. Nemeth has trained professional coaches, ministers, clinicians, executives, teachers and private individuals using the coaching methods and skills she has designed. Her courses and workshops have been taken by thousands of people from around the world who report significant (and even miraculous) changes in their lives as a result of her teachings. To explore her work further, visit her website, www.marianemeth.com.