Fear or Trust?

"The most self-destructive thought that any person can have is thinking that he or she is not in total control of his or her life. That's when, 'Why me?' becomes a theme song."  — Roger Dawson

You always have a choice to live your life from the perspective of trust and gratitude — or from fear and doubt. The pendulum of life forever swings alternate ways, so your perspective is simply an illusion of truth which you can control. Your happiness hinges on whether you are negative and drained, complaining about constant problems — or empowered and positive, thankful for the perfection of your life.

"If you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgment of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgment now."  —  Marcus Aurelius

Living in doubt, fear, and concern stems from your own judgment that something is not perfect. You feel fear, insecurity, worry, indecision, stress, and even confusion. This judgment says that something is a problem or a burden — is either good or bad — and then conditions you to continue to always expect the worst. Ironically, your judgment is never based on your actual expertise to make that judgment though.

"Out of clutter, find Simplicity. From discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." — Albert Einstein

Even though some experience or person initially "planted" an idea with you, look for the advantages of, opportunities from, and lessons to be learned from all negative experiences. Consider how many disasters turned out alright, and some even became blessings. You must become aware of your perspectives in order to adjust it.

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."  — Charles Beard

Without problems to solve, life would be unfulfilling, boring, dull, and empty. They're interesting, challenging, focusing, and energizing. You become motivated to grow and change. Do not let your natural need for excitement develop anger about someone or something simply for the drama. 

"When you arrive at your future, will you blame your past?"  — Robert Half

Living in trust and gratitude feels good, secure, hopeful, and liberating. You are relaxed, confident, and empowered. It encourages possibilities, understanding, tolerance, solutions, growth, and opportunities without limitations. Concentrate on what you have — not what you're missing. Develop a vision of your life that you can get excited about instead of staying stuck in the past or continuing non-productive habits.  Look at and appreciate every moment of life's journey so that your peace and happiness is never dependent on any external event (good or bad).

"...focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it."   — Greg Anderson

 

Enjoy life now — it has an expiration date!

Blessings and Balance

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be"  — Abraham Lincoln

Your perspective of the world and your relationships to all the people and things within your view creates whatever happiness and peace you feel.  When you see each moment of your life as being blessed, centered, and balanced, with love and understanding, acceptance and tolerance, you have no need for power and control. Controlling your own mind, emotions, and behavior is the ONLY POWER YOU HAVE! 

"Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, 'This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it." — William James: Was a psychologist and philosopher

Without expectations, you no longer experience disappointments or resentment. Your contentment no longer hinges on any specific event, and you can enjoy the ups and downs of the adventure of life which appear as unexpected gifts from outside your own expectations.

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it." — Chief Seattle

You can stop taking everyone else's behavior personally — as if someone or the entire world is concentrating on making your life miserable.  Sorry, you're really not that important to most people, especially strangers, so stop taking yourself so seriously!

There is a saying that "happiness is nothing more than good health and bad memory",so promote good health and choose what you remember and think about.

Your fears of abandonment, failure, inadequacy, or weakness are all conditioned responses — created by a shortage of love — from even well-meaning family and friends. When a loved one looks at and treats you in a certain way, you unconsciously behave as if that person's perspective is an unchanging, undeniable truth. As unpleasant as it is, identifying and healing these wounds which diminish your confidence and self worth is critical to being able to tap into your real inner strength and energy. When a painful memory surfaces, feel it completely and compassionately to dissipate it's energy.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." — Buddha: was a spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism

Anger is a secondary emotion, useful only to get your attention and prompt immediate action.  Afterwards it is simply concealing hurt feelings. Hanging onto to past anger and hurt requires an enormous amount of your energy. So even if you can't quite manage to forgive someone's past painful actions against you, at least let go of wanting revenge.  Accept and trust that everyone pays for their mistakes sooner or later!

"I don't forgive people because I am weak — I forgive them because I am strong enough to know that people make mistakes." — Unknown

Enjoy life now — it has an expiration date!