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Look Up

18 Jul

When things are going wrong, when plans don’t work out, when we’re troubled, overwhelmed and downtrodden, it’s hard to look ahead. We have to process the disappointment, and figure things out. Sometimes the pain of where we are can be paralyzing, and we have to stop for a time before we can move again. It hurts when things go wrong. And when we’re hurting, it can be hard to think of anything but just getting through it.

Disappointment and trouble are part of life. We all wish everything would go easily, every plan would work out well, every day would be filled with sunshine and roses, but that’s not life. That’s fantasy. An active fantasy life is one thing, and real life is quite another. There will be dark days, there will be sad moments, and sometimes there may be devastating developments. When we’re going through these times, it’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever. It can feel like forever, but things change every day. Whatever is driving us down today will be different tomorrow. It might not be perfect tomorrow, it might still be difficult, but it won’t last forever. Eventually everything changes.

When we’re unhappy our demeanor is off. We walk with our heads down, we may talk more quietly, or we may scream and rant. We may feel prickly inside, agitated, and wired, or we may feel numb, depressed, and sullen. Whatever the expression, it’s off from our normal personas. Our friends and family may offer suggestions which sometimes help, and sometimes don’t.  It’s not a good time. But it’s not forever. It’s just a moment. It will pass. Eventually we’ll feel whole again. Our dispositions will return to normal, and we will find happiness once more.

Today if things aren’t going well, or something disappointing has happened, if you feel bad and you’re not yourself, it’s okay. Feeling bad is a normal response when things go wrong. If you’re walking with your head down, and feel heavy with the challenge, look up. Lift your head, and square your shoulders. This will not overcome you. You will navigate it and you will conquer it, whatever “it” is. You are strong, you are capable, and you will walk right through this to the other side. Keep looking up, and keep walking. This is just a moment. You’ve already come so far. The other side is just around the corner.

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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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Outside the Lines

15 Jul

When we’re children we’re told all sorts of things about how we should act, and what we should do. “Take turns, no cutting in line, play fair, and color in the lines,” among others. It is polite to take turns, and we shouldn’t cut in line, and it’s nice when everyone plays fair, but that doesn’t always happen. However, do we really have to color in the lines? Do we really have to keep the colors where the picture tells us to, or can we color outside the lines and make our own pictures? Some of us are more comfortable with the lines there to define where we are, but some of us prefer to ignore them, and make an abstract. Inside or outside the lines, wherever we choose to color, our creativity can blossom, and we can fully express who we are.

There are all kinds of rules, and laws in the world. We mostly try to obey them because they bring order, and order is something most of us like. But when it comes to expressing ourselves, we need to be free of restriction. We should be able to show as much of who and what we are as we like. Our personalities, our gifts, our talents, and our offerings are unique to each of us. We need to feel free to express them completely. How we do that is up to us.

Some people are natural at coloring outside the lines. They dress in styles unique to them, they play interesting and different music, they wear their hair in unconventional styles, and every day, and in every way, do exactly what feels right to them. Others prefer a more conservative approach. They like to dress to fit the norm, they are comfortable in predictable patterns, and they like traditional activities, and things. They prefer the picture with the colors in the lines. Neither expression is wrong. We just need to decide which we prefer.

Whether we color in or outside the lines, the important thing is that we color in some way. We can use broad strokes and be bold, or we can define each detail as we go. Either way, we need to express who we are genuinely. It’s important that we give the world the exceptional gifts we have to offer, our way. We’re the only ones who can bestow our specific talents, and the world is blessed because we share them. Everyone around us is embellished when we share who we are with them. They say variety is the spice of life. When it comes to us as people, nothing could be more true. We’re all different. We’re all supposed to be different. Whether we are in the lines or outside of them, we are blessing the world because we’re here.

Today be who you are in everything you do. Let go of restriction in expressing yourself. Be free to be your true self. Be confident, and let your uniqueness shine. You don’t have to fit a mold or an idea to be worthwhile. You are perfect just as you are. Today, share your best, unique self to those around you. Just be you. That’s the very best person you can be.

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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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Because I Can

10 Jul

We can do anything we want to in this life. We can make good decisions, and bad decisions. We can be wise, and we can be foolish. There is no limit to what we can do if we want to. Perhaps when someone has done something you didn’t understand you’ve asked them why, and their answer was, “Because I can.” Well, we ‘can’ do anything. But the big question really isn’t can we do it, but should we do it. Just because we can do something isn’t always enough reason to justify actually doing it.

Mistakes in judgment are part of the human experience. We all make them. Unfortunately we don’t have a personal manual to read every day to alert us when our judgment isn’t quite on target. We make decisions where we are, and we learn as we go. Even when we try to be wise, we may falter. But we will falter more often if we go plowing through things not thinking at all. If we just follow our noses around, and make decisions because we can, we may find ourselves in situations that aren’t exactly where we want to be.

Having the ability to do something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for us. For instance, a Maserati is a very nice car, and we may find a dealer who will gladly sell us one even if we can’t afford it. We could buy it, and be the envy of our friends. But if we do, we may not have money for our essentials as we struggle to pay it off. But we could do it. However, if we can’t afford it, the purchase will likely bring us hardship. There are countless examples of things we could do just because we can. But that doesn’t guarantee the choice will bring us what we want.

It’s best to remember that even though we can do whatever we want, we need to take some time to evaluate the choices we are considering. There are two sides to every coin. It’s wise to look at them both before choosing the side we want. We need to ensure that our decisions are not just what we could do, but also what we should do so we can be successful going forward, and don’t create unnecessary stress.

Today before you jump on a decision just because you can, take a moment to reflect on whether or not it’s a move you should make going forward. You can do anything you want, but it’s wise to make sure your choices bring you happiness, and not hardship. Think about your decisions. Look at both sides of the coin, and then choose. You’ll be wiser if you do, and happier with the results. And happiness is the best thing you can give yourself today.

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