No, No . . . NOT the Negative! February 6, 2014
Posted by nrhatch in Gratitude, Happiness, Humor, Life Balance, Mindfulness.comments closed
Assume for a moment that something’s happened to “rock your boat.”
Let’s call IT the “what is.”
For purposes of this discussion, it doesn’t much matter if someone cut you off in traffic (or mid-sentence), called you names on the playground, stole your lunch money, or died.
The “what is” is.
IT happened. And, like much of life, IT is out of your control. IT cannot be changed. The question becomes: How are you going to respond to IT?
How you relate to IT is the issue.
“Attachment is the great fabricator of illusions; reality can be attained only by someone who is detached.” ~ Simone Weil
“To fall into a habit is to begin to cease to be.” ~ Miguel de Unamuno
How we feel about life depends on where we place our focus.
If we get in the habit of focusing on the negatives, life is a dark and dingy place.
If we turn our attention to what is “right” with life, we find ample evidence that life is light and bright.
Focusing on the positives does not mean that we ignore warning signs and symptoms. We note them, decide on a course of action, and then turn our attention to other matters without dwelling or obsessing on the negative.
A strong positive attitude helps us overcome challenges and bounce back from adversity.
We become strong by stretching our muscles and daily repetition.
If we don’t use a muscle (including our funny bone chakra), we lose it. It atrophies (and so do we).
“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” ~ Elbert Hubbard”
“Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
If you want more joy in your life, start now.
Do whatever you’re doing with more joy. Even if you are peeling potatoes, dusting the living room, or cleaning the toilet.
“There are some days when I think I’m going to die from an overdose of satisfaction.” ~ Salvador Dali
Go easy/easier on yourself and others. Practice acceptance, patience, simplicity, forgiveness, and gratitude.
“If at first you don’t succeed you’re running about average.” ~ M.H. Alderson
“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” ~ Colette
Find peace with the “what is” . . . whatever IT is.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Yesterday, BFF and I had a 2nd Blog Meet Up with Pix and CH from the Tiny Ten in Missouri (Sweet Days Under The Oaks). Pix met Tigger for the 1st time and found him to be a happy little guy. (Much happier than the scruffy cat in the avatar above.)
After giving Tigger a treat and a pat on the head, we swung by a Clyde Butcher exhibit at the Studio at Gulf and Pine where we spied a photograph offered for sale at . . . $130,000! We didn’t buy it. We popped into the AMI Historical Museum and wandered the Anna Maria Pier before returning to the villa for Heavenly Cupcakes and Wine Time! A Fine Time.
Spirit Lights The Way 