Bending

17 Jul

Patience is a beneficial virtue to acquire. If we learn to be patient, we can often understand things more easily, and prevent conflict by listening, and waiting for answers instead of pushing. Being patient is a gift to those we interact with. When we’re patient, others learn they can trust us to listen, and not jump to conclusions ahead of time. Although this is a valuable skill, is it possible to be too patient? Can we give too much? Can we wait too long?

When we’re in a relationship we value, and things aren’t going the way we want them to, we may discuss the issue with the other person, tell them why we aren’t happy, and ask for a change. If they are not ready, they may need time. If we’re patient, we may offer that time in order to preserve the relationship. Sometimes with communication and effort, things improve, and the problems work themselves out. But other times, despite our willingness to wait, things stay the same. Patience will not create change. It only allows time for change to happen. If the situation doesn’t improve after a time, we have to decide if we can wait a little longer, or if we need to move on.

It is possible to bend too far in trying to make something work. If we find the wait is beginning to affect our happiness, we need to rethink the situation. We offer patience to help situations improve, but if nothing changes all the patience in the world will not help. If we bend too far, and give too much, we may find ourselves in a very uncomfortable place.

Today if you’ve been patiently waiting for a situation to change and it’s not happening, re-evaluate your options. Determine how long you feel comfortable waiting, and when you get there if nothing has improved, move on. Patience is a noble attribute, and it’s good to exercise it. But don’t bend so far that you’re miserable. Sometimes even the best changes don’t come. Sometimes we have to let it go, and move on. Today think about that. The situation may be important, but you’re important too. Be patient, and be kind, but remember your happiness is valuable. Do what you need to ensure it.

Tags: , ,

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.

Tags: , ,

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.

Tags: , ,

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.

Tags: , ,

Being Worthy

13 Jul

Trust is one of the most important facets of any relationship. When we have the trust of those who care about us, they know they can count on us, and we’ll be there for them. If we honor that trust, and follow through for them, our relationships will be fulfilling, and gratifying. If we break our word, fail to follow through, and leave them hanging, the relationship will suffer, and possibly fail.

Maybe you know someone who is very nice. They’re kind to animals, polite to strangers, pleasant, and generally fun to be with. People like them, and spend time with them socially. But despite their positive attributes, they can’t keep their word. They break it over, and over again. They say they’ll do things to help out, say they’ll be there, but when the time comes for them to follow through, they drop the ball. They do this routinely, and continually. People who know them have learned they aren’t trustworthy. Everyone agrees they are nice, but they can’t be trusted. They just won’t be there. They won’t follow through with their commitments.

It takes time to build trust in relationships, and it takes just a moment to ruin it. Once we’ve lost the trust of others, it’s hard to get it back. If we’ve let them down, and break the trust they had in us, it can take a long time for them to believe in us again. Even if we’re trying to change, and have successfully followed through a few times, it will take a while to restore the trust because we’ve broken it in the past. It’s important to value the trust we have from those who care about us. It’s priceless when we have it, and heartbreaking when we lose it. It’s a fragile thing, and one small bad decision can damage it. Repeated bad decisions can destroy it, sometimes forever.

Today if you’ve lost the trust of a friend because of something you’ve done, you may be able to restore it if you really want to. Talk to them, apologize for the offense, and determine that from here forward you will be worthy of their trust. Then do everything you can to be there when you say you will, and do what you said you would do. Over time you may be able to rebuild their trust again. We need to be able to trust others, and we want them to trust us. Be worthy of that trust. It’s precious. Value it, care for it, and be careful with it. The relationships you build are worth the effort. Be worthy of them today.

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →