Remember the childhood game, "Red Light, Green Light, One, Two, Three?" You close your eyes, only as long as it takes to say those words, while your friends quickly and quietly move toward you in order to tag you. The split second before you open your eyes, everyone is supposed to freeze, so that when your eyes are open they all look magically closer than before, as if they hadn't moved at all.

This is what happened when I returned down under after a 20-year absence. We lived in New South Wales, Australia for three years in the late '80s, and while we planted deep roots of friendships, we always knew we'd be returning to the States. A trip back to Oz seemed financially unmanageable as we were raising our family, but then an opportunity recently dropped into our laps, and we couldn't refuse.

So when we opened our eyes, the children of our friends were now parents themselves, compatriots had aged and some not well, there were deaths of parents, struggles with health and life. And I was overwhelmed with the feeling of how quickly life had passed. How is it we imagine that things will always be as they are now? The truth of life is that change happens, whether we notice it or not, and that the choices we make along the way influence those changes, taking us down paths that alter our entire future.

Everyone says, "Enjoy those children while they're young, because before you know it these years will be gone." But we don't believe it, as life feels so slow, as we are experiencing it, but so fast, as we look back upon it.

So if life, full of twists and turns, successes and challenges, really flies, as we know from our experience, then why don't we live the life we desire? Why do we imprison ourselves in the limiting beliefs of insecurity or fear? The opportunities are before you; now is the time to act, to take stock and set your course. Take the leap you've been considering instead of being in a state of waiting. We wait for the perfect moment, or the ideal set of circumstances; we compare ourselves to others, thinking someone else has more, is smarter or better or has a more perfect life, but when we do this, not only is there no peace, but it stops us from even trying. Shakespeare says, "Our doubts are like traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." Sound familiar?

So how do you do the 'mind-check' necessary to control the negative thoughts that threaten your very existence? To move in the direction of your dreams is a challenge if your unconscious mind (the mind you are not aware of) continues to assault you with negative messages. If you had a way of changing your thoughts you would have the power to control your life. The first step is to be aware.

Once you attune to your own mind, in other words, become aware of what channel you are watching, you can decide if it's a healthy place to be. Medical research is finally acknowledging Yoga, Meditation, Qigong and the list of alternative and complementary therapies as beneficial for anxiety and stress reduction, lowering bold pressure and cortisol levels, as well as releasing the hormones that bring a sense of wellbeing and calm. So the answer is, do whatever it takes to keep you moving forward in a healthy way.

The lessons from down under were many, but three main messages came through.

1. Life will pass whether you are fully engaged or not; waiting for the stars to be aligned before you act may negate opportunities.

2. Everything you touch, every person you interact with, is affected by your energy and intent; stay as conscious as you can to be sure the impact is a good one.

3. Remember to be grateful for every little thing, from the blessings to the tough stuff; it's all a gift.

So when you count to three and open your eyes, make sure you did the things you meant to do in the way you intended to do them, and keep your mind dwelling on those thoughts that bring hope and possibilities. This is your life; one, two, three… go.

Amy Martin is a nurse practitioner, doctor of RoHun Transpersonal Psychotherapy and certified hypnotherapist. She is the owner of Center for Healing Therapies, a holistic wellness center, located at 83 Boston Post Road, Waterford. Counseling, massage, classes and groups for personal growth and transformation. Visit www.time4healing.com or call (860) 443-0800.