There is an old song called, “I’m On The Outside Looking In” which details a love affair that turned sour, but it more aptly describes what we are all looking for in life– The Inside.

I keep threatening to write a book about a phrase I coined - “Chasing the Horizon.” That’s what our lives are dedicated to for the most part - chasing that which can’t be caught - The Outside.

For many it takes an entire lifetime to learn that life is not out there; it’s in here. That means we spend a goodly portion of our precious time pursuing that which is a handful of air - The stuff out there.

Out there is anti-climatic. It never measures up to its press. The things that are supposed to make you happy don’t. If you ever use any form of the phrase, “When I have _______, I’ll be happy,” you are caught in the allure of outside.

But inside is more than about happiness; it’s about comfort in your own skin. I read peoples’ Facebook postings all the time, and when I see someone write, “I’m so bored,” I know they are uncomfortable with themselves. They are bored with themselves because their outside seekings aren’t bringing any fulfillment findings.

There comes a time to turn our attention inside out. That means that we halt our pursuit of finding “it” out there and focus on what’s already here - our inside. Our inside is always with us; our outside is always at arm’s length.

Please don’t misconstrue my message. I’m not advocating moving to a cave, wearing sackcloth, and renouncing the pursuit of earthly treasures; I’m simply claiming that the real treasure is inside.

You may find a replica of it in a shop window, but as my mother used to say, “cheap goods don’t last.”

Inside is what we all long for; we just keep looking for it in the wrong place - Outside.

If you have to distract yourself with levels of activity so that you don’t have to spend time with your own thoughts, you are caught on the outside. Comfort in your mind and body is a sure sign you are inside. The unrest is put to rest and the outside solutions are no longer necessary, just optional.

When you live life from the inside out there is nothing to chase because you are comfortable where you are - Inside - looking out on a wonderful world of possibilities.

All the best,

John