Tag Archives: Gift

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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The Next Place

9 Apr

We go through many experiences in our lives. Nobody gets a perfect life, and we’ll all go through ups and downs, highs and lows, disasters, and joyful reunions. Although we may wish for a life filled with only good times, we don’t live in paradise, and we’re going to face trouble at some point. When we’re going through a difficult passage, we may wish we were someplace else – anything to get us away from where we are. It’s natural to want to avoid suffering, but we are living in this moment and wishing for the next will never help us through. Although we may have some perfect days when everything goes well, the sun shines, and we’re blissfully happy, they cannot last forever. Problems will arise, conflict will come, and we may feel overwhelmed and discontented. While we’re suffering, we may believe that our happiness is in the next place, the next job, or the next connection, and if we hang on until we get there, we’ll be fine. If we continually believe our happiness is somewhere else, it can’t be where we are. It’s possible there are great blessings just ahead, but constantly believing what’s next is where we need to be is a fool’s game. We are living now, in this moment. If we’re going through a difficult time, we can believe we’ll prevail, trust in our ability to overcome, and step forward with confidence. There is no need to wish for tomorrow. Every situation, even very bad ones, give us something of value. We can live in each moment, treasuring the benefits there for us, and be sure we’ll find our way forward. We don’t need to wish for tomorrow to get through today. Everything necessary to prevail and reach happiness is here for us at every moment, and we are wise enough to find all the answers we need. Today is the most important day of our lives. Yesterday is gone and can never be changed, and tomorrow is ahead. We are here now, and every happiness we desire is possible.

We all have things about ourselves we want to change. It’s good to have goals that move us closer to where we want to be, but there is no need to put our happiness off until we achieve them. We can be happy where we are, even if it’s not exactly where we want to be. There is goodness in every step, and by embracing what is positive and uplifting, we will find great satisfaction as we move ahead.

Happiness isn’t something we earn. We don’t get it after we’ve marked off enough boxes or filled enough requirements. It’s a gift we give to ourselves and can be found in every situation. There is always something for which to be grateful and by recognizing every blessing, we can uncover great personal joy. Hard times will come and we’re going to struggle, but if we keep our minds focused on where we are, and all the good around us, we will find peace.

Today look at your life exactly where you are and notice every blessing. You are perfect just as you are and exactly where you need to be. Decide how you want to move forward and begin toward the goals you most desire. There is great joy in living today well. Be confident, and every blessing will be yours.

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Dump Site

4 Mar

Most of us want to be kind and helpful to those around us. We might offer to lend a hand when someone is in a bind or take on another’s chores when they are overwhelmed. The old saying, “Many hands make light work,” is true. When we all pitch in, even huge, difficult tasks become easier. Being open to giving our time and efforts is generally appreciated by those around us. We can be there when needed and share a part of the load. But there is a difference between being helpful and becoming someone else’s dump site. Some people may try to take advantage of our kindness and take all the stuff they don’t want to do and just dump it on us. They can do whatever they like but we don’t have to take on more than we want. We aren’t responsible for completing anyone’s tasks and responsibilities but our own. Just because someone hands us something they don’t want doesn’t mean we must accept it. Everyone is responsible for their own stuff, and if they try to push all the unwelcome and difficult tasks over onto us, we can politely and firmly decline, and step back. Being a team player means just that – being part of a team. It doesn’t mean we have to carry the entire load or do all the heavy lifting by ourselves. If we get into a situation where we’re expected to do more than is comfortable, we can decide how we want to participate. We’re always in control of our own lives and know what works best for us. We can be charitable and help in ways that benefit those around us and don’t wear us completely down. There is always more to do than one person can accomplish. By carefully planning our time, and doing our part, we can feel confident in our assistance, and ensure the success of any project. By doing what we can to help those around us, we can share our light with others, and make the world a better place.

Some people are very forceful and demanding, valuing their own importance, and diminishing the time of others. If we must interact with them, they may push projects onto us that require serious work and effort to accomplish. If they have authority over us, we may need to comply, but if not, we are not compelled to complete anything they arbitrarily assign to us. We can decide what we will and will not do, and express our decisions with grace and clarity, choosing the best road forward.

Offering our time and effort is noble, but we don’t have to give ALL our time and effort to serve those around us. Every moment we give is valuable, and we can determine how much we may offer. We can serve others and still have time for ourselves and what is important for our personal well-being. Sharing what we can, will benefit those around us and enrich our lives and experiences moving forward. We have so much to offer, and our gifts bring great light and goodness to the world.

Today if you’ve been helping others but the requests are more demanding than you can manage, determine how you want to continue. Whatever you can offer will be a blessing to those around you. Be wise and confident. You know what you need and where you want to go. You are a great gift to the world, and we’re all better because you are here. Make the best decisions moving forward, and you will find great joy.

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Square Peg

5 Aug

Everyone is different and we all see things from our own perspectives. Our lives are shaped by the experiences we have and as we move forward, each experience colors the way we see things and how we want to proceed. There is no one perfect way to live life. We have endless opportunities to do anything we like, and can design our lives any way we choose. When we’re true to our own personal needs and desires, we can find great satisfaction and happiness. But there are lots of other people around us all the time, and if they have influence over us, we may be tempted to choose what they think is best instead of listening to our own inner voice. It’s certainly easier to let others plot our course and simply follow along, but sitting in the back seat will never put us in control of where we’re headed. Going along with someone else’s ideas about what we should be doing will only take us where they want us to go, which may be far from the destinations we desire most. Someone else’s destination is just that – someone else’s. It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. It’s never going to fit. We know who we are and what we want, and nothing is powerful enough to keep us from the goals we want most. We don’t have to assimilate into what others are doing or conform to anyone’s ideas about our lives. We are in complete control of our own destinies. Every road is there for us and nothing is out of reach. By stepping forward and choosing our own journey, we will reach every destination with confidence and clarity. We can have the lives we desire most, and every dream is possible.

Some people are very confident and think they know how to live in the best ways. They may give us suggestions and direction for moving forward, telling us they know what we need. We can listen to any advice we get, but one thing is certain – nobody knows us better than we know ourselves. We already know what we want, and have all the wisdom and courage needed to achieve any goal we desire. Every destination is waiting for us, and we will reach them.

We may be pressured by family or friends to do things a certain way that works for them and makes their lives easier. It’s good to be helpful, but we don’t have to give up everything to get along. There isn’t anyone else like us in all of creation, and the paths we choose are specific and unique to our own personal desires. We can value our relationships and still hold onto our own identities. Being true to who we really are and moving toward the goals we want the most will bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment. We deserve every blessing, and with determination and focus, we can make them ours.

Today if you’ve been putting your own ideas on hold and going along with those around you, remember how incredible and unique you are. You bring great light and joy to the world, and every gift is there for you. Decide what you want the most, and step forward and claim it. Nothing can keep you from your dreams. They’re all there for you, and you will make them yours.

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Momentum

30 Aug

“Strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events.” Miriam-Webster

There are a lot of people around us all the time. We may not interact with all of them but there will be some with whom we build strong connections and come into contact with every day. Influence can be very powerful and if we’re involved with people who have strong ideas and opinions, our on-going contact with them may change our lives. Behaviors have a way of rubbing off on others and without even noticing, we may find we begin to look like them and act like them simply because of their constant interactions with us. Like an on-coming tide, there may be momentum in their influence over us. We may get swept up in what they’re doing, what they believe, and how they think we should live our lives. We can change anything about what we’re doing at any time but it’s important to be in control of the changes we’re making. Going along with someone because they are powerful and we admire them will not allow us to genuinely be who we are. Each of us is unique and have special gifts to offer the world that no one else can give. If we surrender that uniqueness to fit into someone else’s ideas, our gifts may remain unopened and our influence in the world may be quieted. We can be close to others and still hold onto our personal beliefs and desires. We can share our lives and still remain true to who we are. Momentum can be powerful but nothing is strong enough to carry us away if we are happy where we are. Our individuality is precious and by staying true to our core beliefs and values we enhance the lives of everyone around us.

When we’re children we mimic what our family does. We do things the way our parents tell us to and do not yet have our own personal style or belief system. As we grow and get to know the world we decide what is best for us and who we want to be. Every step we take defines us and creates the unique personality we share with others. By being ourselves, we bring diversity and variety to the world around us and enhance the experiences of others.

We are in control of our personal lives but if we don’t know what we stand for or who we are we may bend and follow every idea that comes along. There are a lot of different perspectives and we must decide which ones are best for us. We can’t be everything to everyone. We can clearly determine what we will and won’t do, and how we will live our lives. The design is ours to create and each day we can adjust and refine our way forward until we are happy with the lives we’re living.

Today if you’ve been following someone you admire who has definite ideas about what you should do, remember you know yourself better than anyone else. Decide how you want to live your life and then move forward in ways that bring you every blessing you desire. You are a gift to the world just as you are. Show us your uniqueness and share your life with us. We all want to know you. Your presence is a great gift to us all.

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