In the far away places of our minds, we have two worlds…one that actually is and the one that our mind has created.
The concocted one…oh we give it so much power over us. It controls how we go about our lives. We blame it for our happiness, joy, sorrow, anxiety, sadness, bitterness, anger, shame, surprise, pride, embarrassment, boredom, satisfaction and loneliness.
As time passes in our lives, we become more and more aware of these feelings that we have created. The days go by and some of us wake up and realize that we do indeed have control over the world that our mind has generated.
We learn that the only thing that we can control in our lives is our reactions. If we want to be happy and joyful and compassionate, we have to consciously look for those little things in every moment. Seek them out. Look for the good in every situation.
The opposite is also true. If you constantly find yourself in a state of aggravation, boredom, bitterness and aggression, it is your fault.
You have the power to change your future and you have the fuel to do it now. Take a breath in and think…
What kind of life do I want to live?
I believe that the key to living a joyful life is to have a heart filled with gratitude. When you look for things to be grateful for you will see that you have SO MUCH to be grateful for. Write them down. Seek them out. Smile. Thank God. Know that this universe that we live in is so much bigger than we are! God has plans for us that are good and not to harm us. You always need to keep that in your mind and in your heart.
The world is not out there to piss you off. That is not why it was created. My dear friends, your life is such a miracle. Look for the good. Be grateful for the good. Smile at the million little things that come before you each day and be grateful for them. Receive everything that happens to you with grace and acceptance. Being grateful increases your joy and lifts you above your circumstances.
The gentle heaving of my dog’s chest as she sleeps cuddled next to me.
The smell of morning coffee being made.
The way my heart aches when my love is not around.
The smile of a passing stranger.
The wind that blows through the trees and the sound that it creates.
The warmth of sunshine upon my shoulders.
The sweat and later soreness of a good workout.
The rain that hits the ground before me as I sit comfortably on the porch.
The sizzle and smell of my dinner as it is being lovingly prepared.
The comfort that I feel when I hug my love.
The simple fact that I am forgiven and free.
My mother’s laugh.
My father’s stories.
My brother’s smile.
Life is so wonderful when you realize that life is so wonderful.