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Twinkle Lights

17 Dec

During the holiday season, we often see strands of twinkle lights hung over doorways, in shop windows, on cars, and many other places. We might decorate our homes with them and hang them on our Christmas Tree.  They aren’t big, and aren’t loud or dramatic, but wherever they are they cheerfully and quietly add charm and delight. It’s a small thing to hang them up and turn them on, but these tiny little dots of light cheer us as we move through our days. As they extinguish just one small drop of darkness, they may lighten our steps and lift our spirits. We have the same power within us. Every time we do something for someone else out of charity and kindness, we too, extinguish just a small drop of darkness and bring light.  We don’t have to move mountains, feed nations, or cure diseases to make a big impact.  One small act when someone needs it will bring great relief and comfort to those who receive it.  Maybe we just offer a helping hand with a heavy bag of groceries, or open a door for an elderly stranger, maybe we check in on our neighbor to see how they are, or call a loved one we haven’t seen in a while.  Small acts of kindness are powerful, and just like a stone tossed into a pond, may have endless rippling effects for good.  Our lives are busy and it’s easy to get caught up in our daily routine and all the things we have to accomplish.  But if we take a moment, just one small snatch of time, to look around, we will see something we can do that will enhance and improve the experience of someone around us. When we share, when we give and lift others, the whole world is enriched. We have so much to offer and so much to give.  By extending ourselves just a little and touching those around us, we can be like those tiny, beautiful twinkle lights. We have the power to change the world. Sharing with others, and caring about those around us will bring us great joy, and lasting fulfillment.

It’s hard to be around continually grouchy people, and their constant bickering brings us all down. As they bemoan what they don’t have or what they didn’t get or how they weren’t recognized or endless other gripes, those around them may try anything to get away. If we care for them we may try to encourage them to see things in a different light, and we might succeed.  However, our personal happiness is our own responsibility and if we’re determined to be miserable, there is little anyone can do. Life is complicated, and sometimes things will not go our way. Sometimes we’re going to fail, sometimes we’re going to lose, and sometimes we’re not going to get the job. But nothing is permanent and even if we’re struggling now, eventually things will change.  We can trust ourselves to do whatever is needed to change course, and find success.

Nobody gets a perfect life filled with rainbows and roses. We’re all going to suffer at some point.  If we’re enduring an extremely difficult passage, and it seems we’re doomed and there is no hope of rescue, we may struggle to find any light. It may seem as though everyone else has it better than we do, and somehow we’ve been singled out to suffer. Of course, that will never be true. Hard times may come, but no matter what happens, we will get through. No storm can last forever, and eventually the clouds will lift and everything will change. We are strong and capable, and nothing can hold us down forever. By focusing on what is working and keeping our eyes on the road ahead, we can walk through any trouble with confidence and clarity.

Today, remember how valuable and precious you are. There is great strength and wisdom within you and you are a gift to the world. Bring light to those around you, and share who you are.  Nobody could ever replace the blessings you have to offer.  Step forward with confidence.  Every gift is waiting, and every success is possible.  Nothing can keep you from your dreams, and you will prevail.

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Fries and Ketchup

24 Nov

At Thanksgiving time we may take a moment to reflect on our lives and where we are. We all take a lot for granted. We get used to having a place to sleep, clothes, food, and many other enhancements that make our lives comfortable and enjoyable. As we’re rushing from one activity to another, working our jobs, tending to our chores and trying to get everything done, it’s hard to think about all the blessings we have. Of course, nobody gets a perfect life where everything is rainbows and sunshine all the time, and we’re all going to suffer from time to time. We may go through horrible, intensely difficult days that try us and push us to our limit, but those times won’t last forever. Even if we fail, even if we lose all our earthly possessions, even if everyone we know turns against us, there will still be something to be thankful for. We’re still here, and we’re still breathing. Taking the time to be grateful for whatever we have, helps us tune into where we really are, and what we’re doing. If we’re unhappy, we can change. If we don’t like where we are, we can move. Everything is possible and we are stronger and more powerful than we think we are. There are so many possibilities, and every destination is there for us. By remembering how much we have to offer, and how precious and rare we are, we can decide how we want to proceed.  There isn’t anyone else like us.  We are a gift to the whole world. We can be grateful for all we have, and move toward the lives we want the most.

When things are going wrong and it seems nothing we do works out, we can reset our thinking by focusing on the small gifts around us.  If we’re having lunch, we can be grateful for fries and ketchup.  They aren’t that valuable, are available everywhere, but when we want them, bring us great pleasure. It’s a small thing to focus on but if something that small can bring us happiness, how great will be our joy when we think about all the other blessings in our lives.  

Some people are never happy. They find problems in every situation, and complain constantly. If we’re happy, they may try to bring us down so we can share their misery. Our lives belong to us and every decision is ours to make, and we never have to embrace any negative attitude. Our journey is ours to design, and we can disconnect from any relationship that keeps us from reaching true happiness. There is greatness in us all. By being grateful for everything in our lives, we will find enormous comfort and satisfaction. 

Today, remember how amazing you are and how much you bring to the world. You have gifts to offer nobody else can give. You bring great light to everyone around you, and have so much to offer.  Focus on all the blessings in your life, and be grateful for every experience.  Every single dream you desire is within your reach.  Be sure, be confident, and be happy.  Every success is there for you and you will reach them all.

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Leaving With Grace

25 Jun

Life is full of ups and downs. Everyday brings us something new and we never know what will come next. Sometimes all our plans go well and we make good, strong connections that pave the road ahead and help us reach our goals. Other times, despite our best efforts, things go awry and we face changes we didn’t plan on. Relationships end, jobs change, people leave, and roads turn. There will be times when we must walk away and start in a new direction. Nothing is permanent and life is unpredictable. If the change takes us by surprise and we are heartbroken, we may feel angry that we can’t have what we thought was there for us. It’s normal to be upset when what we desire and plan on is no longer possible. We can scream and shout, belittle others who are involved, stamp our feet and slam all the doors, but that will not change our new reality. Serious disappointments are hard to navigate and we may give into every immature and vicious emotion possible, and that may make us feel better for a while, but it will only delay the inevitable realization that we are powerless over the change we must face. Instead of giving in to our most base instincts and lashing out at whomever or whatever has caused our discomfort, we can stop and step back. We can stand still and quiet for a moment and give ourselves time to adjust to what’s happened. There is great courage and stamina within us all, and if we take a moment to breathe, we will be able to manage what’s happened and see our way forward. We may have to leave where we are, and we may be unhappy and unsettled, but by trusting ourselves and remembering who we are, we can leave with grace. Nothing is more powerful or gives us more strength than self-control in times of great discomfort. Everything may have come apart, and the bottom may may fall out of all our plans, but the world hasn’t ended. We are still here, and can still succeed. Nothing is strong enough to hold us in place indefinitely and keep us from our goals. No matter what’s happened, our dreams are still possible, and with determination and patience, we will reach them all.

Everyone has an idea of how their lives should go. We can make all kinds of plans and chart our course ahead, and everything may go well, or we may be stopped in our tracks. Nothing is guaranteed and even if we’re sure we’re on the right road, things may change and we may get turned around and end up going in the opposite direction. Decisions may be made we have no control over that impact us negatively, or someone may enter the picture who takes over and changes our trajectory. A lot can happen, but nothing can keep us from moving ahead. We can adjust our plans, and step forward in a new direction and still reach success.

There is greatness in all of us. When things go wrong, and everything turns, even if we are upset and unsettled, we can trust we will find our way forward. By honoring our personal nobility, we can step away from any situation with grace and patience, and decide how we want to proceed. There will never be anything so difficult and complex that we can’t find our way through. We can trust ourselves to uncover all the answers we need, and step forward sure of success.

Today if your situation has changed and you must start again, if you feel overwhelmed and defeated, be confident. You have overcome many difficult and challenging times, and already possess everything you need to find your way forward. Nothing has changed. Your dreams are still there waiting. Stand tall and step forward. There is great success just ahead, and you will reach it.

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Legacy

12 Mar

As we go through our lives, we impact the world around us. Everything we do and every action changes something. We may think nobody is noticing, but our influence may be more far reaching than we imagine. One rude comment may affect someone for a long time, and one smile may change an entire day for someone else. Who we are and what we do are our legacy to the world. What kind of legacy we build is completely up to us. If we are negative and pushy, storming through our days with no consideration for others, what we leave behind will be unpleasant and disagreeable. If we are kind and open, cheerful, and willing to help, everything we touch and everyone we interact with will be embellished. There are others around us most of the time and our influence will affect their lives in some way. No man is an island – we’re all in this together. We’re all sharing the same space. We are always in control of our lives and our actions tell those around us who we are. Whether our impact is positive or negative is our choice. They say misery loves company and when we’re angry or upset, if we want to, we can spread it all around and make everyone else miserable. Or we can exercise self-control, and value those around us enough to spare them the gory details of our disappointment. Our lives are ours to design and we can do anything we like, but everything we do makes a mark somewhere. There is greatness in all of us, but we’re all at different places on the spectrum. We may be exactly where we want to be, or feel we’re lagging behind in some way. If there are things we want to change, we can do what is necessary to change them. Everything is possible and we can become the people we most want to be. We all have gifts to offer the world. How we offer them and how we express ourselves will determine what we leave behind.

Everyone has bad days where nothing seems to go well, and we struggle just to keep going. Life is filled with challenges and trials. If we focus on all the negative and get bogged down with depression and despair, it’s harder to keep going than if we see things more objectively. Crap happens, and it happens to everyone. We will always have whatever we need to prevail, and by looking forward and trusting ourselves, can manage anything we must with clarity and optimism.

There is great nobility in all of us. We have the potential to change the world for the better. Nobody can offer the gifts we have to give, and every interaction gives us the opportunity to improve something and strengthen those around us. Whatever we give, we will receive in return. Sharing a light in the darkness will enhance and extend the light we have to give. We have so much to offer, and with patience and clarity, we can bring goodness and excellence to everyone.

Today, remember the influence you have over the world around you. We’re all affected by the choices you make. Decide to bring joy whenever you can and share goodness and light. We’re all blessed because you are here. Show us your best and you will find great satisfaction and happiness.

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Golden Goose

13 Aug

Throughout the world, there are all kinds of expressions of wealth. For some, wealth is represented by the time they spend in the natural world, communing with nature. For others it may be the time they spend with family and friends, exploring life and getting close to one another. Many of us appreciate those things but also understand that having some financial wealth is necessary for us to live effectively and comfortably. We all need shelter, clothing and food, and it takes money to get them. Despite what you may hear, nothing, absolutely nothing, outside of fresh air, is free. Someone will always have to pay for whatever is wanted or needed. How much money we have depends on a lot of factors, and doesn’t usually just come to us just because we need it or want it. We’ll have to do what is necessary – whatever that may be – to get it. No matter how much we acquire, we may feel we want more. Money can’t buy happiness, but it’s an excellent lubricant to make the things we want to do easier to achieve. If we become consumed with acquiring financial success, we may do anything to get it. Excessive wealth may look very appealing, and if we’re determined to have it, and don’t actually have a goose laying golden eggs, we might forsake anything and everything that stands in our way. We may neglect our personal relationships, impact our health by working excessive hours, and focus only on the next dollar we can earn. There is nothing wrong with amassing wealth, but if it’s our only focus in life, we may miss out on the connections and time with others that will bring us deep satisfaction and happiness. Our lives are ours to design, and by keeping our perspective, deciding what we want, and what’s most important to us, we can make good decisions that bring us both comfort and contentment. Money is great, but nothing is more valuable than our personal happiness.

The world values money and places great importance on it. We are often bombarded with messages that we should have more, and get more of it. Being rich might be nice, but it doesn’t equate to being intelligent, kind, insightful or anything else. It just means there is money available, which is just a tool that can open more doors and allow a little more freedom to accomplish certain things. It allows us to pay bills, buy products, and if we want to, donate to others. It cannot solve problems, heal a broken heart, mend a relationship, or bring us lasting happiness.

It’s easy to envy others who have more monetary benefit than we have. They can do things and go places we may not be able to afford. It all looks great from the outside, but true, lasting happiness can only come from within. By doing the things we want most to accomplish, building strong, healthy relationships, and striving to be the best we can be, we will achieve a level of happiness that money can never bring.

Today, think about what brings you the greatest satisfaction. Value your relationships and build great connections. Choose the road ahead that brings you the greatest joy. Focus on your personal happiness, instead of wealth, and you’ll be richer than you can imagine.

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