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It’s Already There

25 Jul

We’ve all read or heard stories about people who were facing extraordinary situations where they had to do amazing things to escape danger, or survive. We hear about heroism that has no limit, strength that defies the odds, and unbelievable endurance. Somehow in these extreme instances, those involved found within them the ability to overcome each situation and not only survive, but conquer. Sometimes we wonder how they were able to do it. Where did they find the courage? How did they manage it?

We may think we could never face situations like these. We may believe we don’t have what it takes, we aren’t strong enough, or we aren’t brave enough. But actually, when extreme situations arise, we can all find within ourselves attributes we may never have known we possessed. We will find a way to survive despite the obstacles, and we can pull from deep within us the willingness to keep going. It’s already there inside us. We just have to reach down, and get it.

At some point in all of our lives, we will be in situations where we will have to do more than we think we can. We will have to push harder than we believe is possible, and we will have to endure serious complications. Everyone will get the chance to prove their mettle. If we haven’t faced it yet, it is sure to come. And when whatever it is comes to us, even though at first we may feel we cannot possibly endure it, we will. We are far stronger than we realize, and we can do far more than we think we can. Everything we need for everything we face in this life is already inside us. We don’t have to study up, we don’t have to try to create it, and we don’t have to worry. We can handle whatever will come. We already have all we need.

Today if you’re facing a hard situation, something you don’t think you can handle, you can do it. You can manage it, no matter what it is, even if it’s really hard. You have all you need to get through it inside you. Rely on that. Trust in it, and take things one step at a time. You’ll overcome whatever this is, and you’ll be stronger when it’s over. Keep walking. You will succeed. This trial will end, and you’ll go forward with more confidence and clarity. Dig deep. What you need is already there. You can do this.

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Power Outage

21 Jul
We’re all very busy in this day and age.  We might have family responsibilities, jobs, chores or tasks that never seem to end.  With the technology available to us, we are rarely out of touch with others.  We carry our laptops, tablets, and smart phones with us, and people are continually contacting us.  This constant availability and our continued responsibilities can wear on us.  We can become overwhelmed with fatigue, and get burned out.  And when that happens, everything we do may suffer.  Our concentration is off, our energy level is down, and we’re just going through the motions.
 
When it all catches up to us, and we are burned out, we have to stop.  At that point, stopping is the only way to go forward.  We have to take some time for ourselves, take a break, turn off all our gadgets, and get some respite for a while.  We can, and we should plan time for ourselves every single day.  We can keep our batteries charged instead of waiting for them to die completely if we take a little time for ourselves.  It doesn’t usually take much.  Just a short time for personal pleasure every day – say fifteen minutes in the morning, and then again in the afternoon – may prevent a full blown power outage.  During our down time we could just goof off, lie in the sun, read a book, take a walk or whatever else we enjoy.  We can regroup and rest for a moment before starting again.  We work hard every day.  We do a lot.  We deserve a break, and we need to take it.
 
It takes planning to prevent burn out, but sometimes we don’t take the time to make a plan.  We know if we’re working all the time the crash is going to come, but instead of planning for time out, instead of scheduling a break, we sometimes just keep pushing forward.  There is the next thing on our list that needs to be tended to.  There is that project coming up we’ve already put off twice that must be done.  There is so much to do, we can get lost in the busy-ness of it, and forget we need a break.  But we’re important, and we deserve to be at our best.  We can only do that if we remember to schedule time for ourselves along with the time we’re scheduling for everyone else.
 
Today if you’re feeling burned out, and exhausted, just stop for a while.  Take a break.  Go outside, get away from your phone and your computer, and take a breather.  Give yourself recess.  Take the very best care of yourself.  The time you take to refresh is as important as anything else you will do today.  Take it.  You’ll feel stronger, you’ll have more energy, and you’ll be happier.  You deserve every good thing.  Today schedule time just for you.  You are the most important person on your list today.
 

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Resolute

16 Jul

In this day and age it seems that we are pressured to accept every idea that comes along. If we don’t like something and speak up, we may face criticism. But it’s not possible to like everything or agree with everything we come in contact with. And we are certainly still entitled to our opinions, even if they differ from the mainstream. We are all individuals, and unique in our personal standards, and beliefs. It’s appropriate and correct for us to choose our own way, and determine our own preferences. It’s right for us to be resolute in those decisions. We can be unwavering if they are important to us. We are, after all, on our own paths, and not on some pre-determined road designed by someone else.

When we are faced with a situation where we disagree with an issue being presented, we can speak up. There may be some who criticize our opinion, but we are still entitled to it. It is narrow-minded and inconsiderate to expect everyone to follow along when they disagree. Unfortunately, sometimes that narrow mindedness is part of our lives, and we are placed in uncomfortable situations. But we are still in control of our lives, and we may choose what we agree with, and what we don’t want.

This world is full of contradictions, differences, opposites, and contrasts. It’s what makes life interesting, and gives our experiences depth. If we were all the same, all believed the same things, all agreed on the same things, and all did the same things the same way, it would be very predictable, and very boring. Thankfully, we’re all different. It’s those differences that make us special, and unique. The pressure to conform can make us feel that our opinion is unworthy, but nothing could be further from the truth. We all need to hear other ideas. We need to embrace opposing viewpoints, and we need to encourage those around us to share their thoughts. We’re all finding our own paths, and we need to do that our own way. It’s good to be who we are. We need to embrace that, and we can be resolute in staying true to ourselves.

Today if you feel pressured to accept something you disagree with, remember your opinions are valuable. They are as important as the opposing viewpoint. If you disagree, speak up, and share your thoughts on the issue. Express your feelings, and hold strong to your beliefs. You are entitled to make your own choices. You don’t have to go along. Today be true to who you are. Your opinions are important, and they are worth hearing. Be resolute in them. This is your path. Stay true to it.

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Finding Happiness

14 Jul

Life can be difficult sometimes. Things don’t go well, we get hurt, or we get lost. It’s hard to find peace in the midst of turmoil, and it’s hard to be happy when we’re struggling. Everyone has times of distress, and we all suffer at some point. It can be a brief moment of discomfort, or it can last for years. It all depends on what we’re facing, and what we have to navigate. But even in the worst moments, if we try, we can find respite from the sorrow. We can find peace. If we try, we can even find moments of happiness.

You often hear lovers tell each other how much they want to make each other happy. We’re often happy when we’re with those we love, but nobody can really give happiness to us. We have to find it ourselves. Of course, it’s easier to be happy when everything is working out according to our plans, when we have more than we need, and when we feel loved, and cared for. But even if these things aren’t in our lives right now, we can find some measure of happiness. We have to determine first that we really want to find it. If we do, then we can begin to do things that will bring it to us.

In times of distress, we can find happiness in the things we enjoy. Perhaps you love the outdoors, and being outside gives you comfort. If you’re suffering, plan to be outside and refresh yourself. Maybe you love music, and no matter where you are, when you hear it you feel lighter. Find the music you love the best, and keep it close. When you feel down, turn it on, and listen. Listen intently, escape the moment, and your spirits will rise. Or perhaps you love animals. Studies show that people who are ill or depressed are improved by spending time holding, and interacting with pets. If you don’t have one, visit a friend who does, and spend some time playing. These are small things that can help you find a little joy when you’re struggling. If you take a moment to identify what makes you happy, and then make it a priority to spend time doing those things, you’ll feel better, even when you’re suffering.

Today if you’re struggling and feeling bad, remember that happiness is still there waiting for you. Set aside some time to do the things that bring you joy. Immerse yourself in the activity, and let the sorrow go for a time. You will find peace. Eventually what you are going through will change. You will overcome it, and when you do you’ll be stronger. Until then, remember that your happiness is important, especially now. Look for it, plan for it, and embrace it. Every moment you live is precious. Make each one as happy as you can.

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Light

11 Jul

There are so many people in and out of our lives all the time. We have family, friends, acquaintances, and people we meet in passing. Every time we interact with them we have the chance to be a light in their lives. We have the chance to lift their hearts, make them feel valued, and show we care. There is a lot of darkness in this world. Crime, death, disasters, wars – we hear, and read about them constantly. But there is light as well. And we can be part of that if we so choose.

It’s sometimes hard to feel like we fit in, and sometimes we may feel alone. It seems we are more isolated today than in years past. All the technology makes it easy to communicate without spending time with others. Instead of a phone call on our birthday, we may get an email message. It’s nice to be remembered but without the personal interaction, it doesn’t mean as much. More and more we have lost the need to meet and talk in person, to call and chat, or to spend social time with our friends and family. As a result, we are more separate and apart, and that can make us feel alone and lonely, even surrounded by others.

When people feel left out, or lonely, it’s hard for them to be happy. They can feel forgotten by others, and sad. We have the opportunity every day to be a light to those around us. We can lift them by just showing that we care. We can show we are aware of them by saying hello when we pass them. We can support them by stopping for a moment to ask how they’re doing, and really listen when they talk to us. We can call those we haven’t seen in a while just to say hello, and remind them that we are thinking about them. And we can plan to spend more time together with those we’re close to so they remember we love them. We can share a smile with everyone we meet, and we can extend the hand of friendship. This world can be a lonely place, and it can be dark, and sad. If we care, we can lift others, and bring a smile. We can be the ones to bring the light.

Today try to extend yourself to someone around you. Say hello, have a short conversation, ask how they are, and let them know you are aware of them, and that you care. Tomorrow do it again with someone new. Share your light with others who may feel alone. If you light one candle with another, you have two flames without diminishing the first. The world needs all the light it can find. You have enough to share. Be the one to share your light today.

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