Tuesday, September 30/14

You will never know when the time will be right, when the stars will be in alignment, when it all becomes clear... and you realize that everything that has taken place in your life thus far, was leading to this moment in time.

It takes you by surprise, you can FEEL that something is different. It was destined, MEANT to happen. "This is the moment for which you have been created," and it all makes sense. There has been a 'shift' and you can literally feel the joy bubbling up from inside your body.

Some things are absolutely that serendipitous. It doesn't have to be a huge event, it is a quiet understanding that this is what it is all about, that you are OK. You know that you are being guided and have been led  to this very  time and place. 

         "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created."

You are here on earth, at this time, for a purpose. As I recently discovered, your life's purpose is written in your fingerprints... isn't that powerful? There is a reason for everything you have gone through. 

 

The problem is, you may not be aware of exactly what it is you are supposed to be doing right now. You may have many questions, or your life just doesn't make sense anymore. Well hang on and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Be open to the possibility that YOUR moment is on the horizon. Begin to anticipate it, this will help to manifest the very moment you were created for.

Monday, Sept. 29/14

"There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen, singer, songwriter, musician and Canadian eh! He is a multi-talented, multi-faceted soul, whose talent has spanned over four decades with inspiring words of wisdom, melodious tunes and musical prowess. He is a poet, with a number of well-known songs to his credit, a truly fascinating man.

This quote, from his song, "Anthem," is very intense, like the man himself. 

My perception of it is that all of us have had challenges in life and ended up a little the worse for wear. Perhaps we are damaged, cracked, or broken. Being in such a state, encourages us to search for some way to tap into our inner wisdom and allow the light in. 

The light, of course, is spiritual, healing, cleansing, divine light. In order to be healed we only have to allow the light in. So fear not, no matter how broken you feel, no matter what has taken place in your life there is always the possibility of healing. There is always hope.

We need to remember to be kind to ourselves during any healing process. Take it easy, rest, meditate, whatever you need, to allow a complete recovery.. Do it for you. 

 "Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light" 

Groucho Marx

Saturday, Sept. 27/14

Rushing through life....

Aren't we all guilty of doing it, running all over the place, multitasking our little hearts out? There is definitely a period in life where most of society, especially women, are rushing their lives out the door. There is a lot to get done in a day, with house, job, children, family your life is full. 

There are so many demands on a person's time today, it's hard to imagine how you can juggle all of them and still find time to get some sleep. 

Are you one of the many trying to do it all? To be it all? 

Most of the women in the preceding generations didn't go out of the home to work. They kept house, cooked, did laundry, hosted parties and looked after their husbands and children.  This generation came on the scene and continued to do the same things as the women before them, and added a job to the mix, along with an enormous amount of stress and guilt. 

If you are part of this group, male or female, that is over-worked, over-committed and over-stressed, and looking for some FREE time; start by being aware of what you are doing, how your time is spent. 

Once you become aware of who/what you are giving all your time to: you can start to eliminate some of it, delegate the rest, and allow people to take care of their own 'stuff.' By doing this you will certainly find more hours available to you every day, to do just exactly what you want to do.

Now what will you do with your FREE time? Go for walks, join a gym, take a course, lunch with friends, or read a book. You might also want to PLAY, that's always fun and good for the soul. Don't rush, you are missing your life, and believe me, it's speeding past like a freight train as I get older. Cherish the moments.

Friday, Sept. 26/14

The choice was hers... it always was, but she didn't know that.... until she did.

This is how it happens with a realization; it is a heightening of awareness, an awakening, and you 'know' that now, you can make a decision, that now you have a choice. 

You have always had choices, but until you 'know' you do not know that you have. You feel caged, constricted, unable to go anywhere or do anything. But, then it appears out of no where, the answer... and now you know what to do. It is like your mind exploded. The answer is so simple and straightforward, and you wonder why you didn't think of it yourself.... years ago. You get what you need when you need it.

'Things' will always come at you out of left field.. when you least expect it, there is a something you have to contend with that you never expected. No forward thinking or planning is going to stop it. You cannot control everything, 'things' will happen. 

It takes knowing that you are OK, that you will be OK no matter what happens, to realize there is no need for drama, hysterics, or panic... life just goes on. It is your choice whether or not to simply enjoy your life, or worry yourself to death... and I mean that literally, worry is a killer. AND where does it get you? Nowhere! Wouldn't you rather make the choice to be swinging in a tree? Everything will be alright. Be the Queen of your own life... the choice is yours.

Thursday, Sept. 25/14

Neale Donald Walsch is telling us, once again, how important we are in the scheme of things. We all play our part, with and for others as well as ourselves. We are not just wandering around here on earth, all alone, with no direction. 

He is making us aware of the fact that our light is seen, heart known and soul cherished by many people. We touch others in our daily lives that we didn't realize had even noticed us. We affect other by just being.

You, being you, that is all you have to do.. you are an inspiration to many, a warning to some and a force to be reckoned with. Quit worrying, life isn't meant to be a struggle. If you just relax and live you life: without worry, without plotting, planning and goal setting, without guilt, shame or resentment, without the need to be right over being happy, you will find that elusive joy, contentment, and peace.  

Many read will this message and think: "sure thing, I'm fabulous" but you have to believe it to make it a part of you. How do you make that happen? It is the process of letting go of all that is holding you hostage. All the negativity in your being. Let it all go, it is not doing anything for you. Have faith, believe that you are amazing, unique and beautiful. There is nothing more you need to be, do or have to be happy. You are wonderful!

" We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love and then return home."  Australian Aboriginal Proverb.

                                                       

Wednesday, Sept. 24/14

The world is what you believe it to be, and it changes as you change.

You are in charge of your own destiny. This is your world, and it can be whatever you want it to be.

If you are finding things tough, at this particular moment, you are the only one that can change it. I read a statement recently that said, "everyone is in the exact position they want to be in." and even though it may not feel like it, we are. This is your world. 

If you are living your life in fear, your world will be a scary place. If you see it as a friendly place, it will be. You are the puppeteer, you are pulling the strings.

We put ourselves into situations throughout our lives to learn lessons... the reason for our existence. We choose specific people for specific instruction. Each one that you interact with, is chosen by you. There are no mistakes, everything happens for a reason. 

If you find yourself surrounded by people that you no longer jive with, that don't seem to be filling any need within you, you can let them go; they have done their part. You have grown, you have 'got it.' People are with you for season, a reason, or a lifetime. They have a job to do, and then the time comes for them to move on and for you to continue to grow with others as instructors. This is how you change your world 

During this time, you too, are an teacher for those around you. It is a win/win situation. We are all here for each other.... we are connected. Your experiences will help others, as they help you. It's an intricate, powerful system. Once you know that people are here to show you something, to help you grow, it isn't so scary 'out there.' It is a safe and wonder filled place to be. Each day in this world is an opportunity for growth, for love and for wonder.

         

 

Tuesday, Sept.23/14

It is now officially Autumn, and the leaves are slowly leaving the trees. Nature is a festival of colour, red, yellow, and orange... fall in all it's splendour. 

The nature of this season is to rid the trees of the dead leaves; no longer valid at this time. Though beautiful and colourful, they no longer serve a purpose for the upcoming stage of its life.  The trees are 'letting go' of what no longer serves them.

Take look at nature, at the four seasons we enjoy in this hemisphere. and see that nature doesn't rush through it's time. There is a patient, lingering, but deliberate, gradual change and then suddenly, there it is... the first leaf flutters to the ground and it's autumn.. or the first crocus pops it's head through the earth, and it's spring. 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 or you may remember, "Turn, Turn, Turn" written by Pete Seeger.

And herein lies the message: Life is not a competition. You will do what you need to do, when you are ready. You will rid yourself of what no longer serves you when the time is right. This is about you, you decide the time, no one else gets to chime in on this.  If it is meant to be, it will be. Be patient with yourself, love yourself and enjoy each new season of your life. 

Monday 9/22/14

Doesn't she look like she is having fun? Don't you wish you had time for fun? Taking time to lose yourself in any frivolous act is necessary for your soul. We are here to be happy, not despondent.   

Once in a while, blow your own damn mind.

Do something outrageous...PLAY....have fun... how would that look? It can be hard to imagine, we have responsibilities, we have things to do, deadlines and errands. And, really, aren't we a little old to be contemplating having fun? We do things to enjoy ourselves, but fun is for kids, isn't it? 

"Our society tends to dismiss play for adults. Play is perceived as unproductive, petty or even a guilty pleasure. The notion is that once we reach adulthood, it’s time to get serious. And between personal and professional responsibilities, there’s no time to play... Whereas: Play brings joy. And it’s vital for problem solving, creativity and relationships." World of Psychology-Internet

So play, according to World of Psychology, IS important after all. Isn't that a kick in the pants? So here is a whole new field of wonderment. What could we do to have fun? Well the girl in the picture knows what to do, she is not simply riding a bike, she is not doing it for exercise, she is having fun doing it. Try walking barefoot on the grass in the park or on the beach. Skipping would be fun, or hopscotch. Bubbles are always great, you can't be unhappy when you have bubbles, either blowing bubbles or bubbles in the bath. If all else fails, ask a child, any child, they know how to have fun. Laughing is a fabulous release, and fun induces laughter. Bring some joy into your life, accept the possibility of a fun day in the park, take a picnic, and a friend. Enjoy yourself. Have fun!

Sunday, Sept. 21/14

When the time comes, when there is an awakening, each sign is a symbol of something spiritual. 

You are on the path, and nothing can stop you now. In fact, day to day life begins to get in the way, you're finding yourself unwilling to deal with mundane details; you are only wanting to immerse yourself in this new found adventure. You would rather spend your time talking the talk with people of like mind, than do anything else. Everything is extremely meaningful. You are tuned in, with a new respect for all the little nuances involved in this journey. 

You want to know everything! This is the time you seek out the teachers, the healers, the modalities, the books, anything you can find that will give you more information about what is creeping into your awareness. You feel a lightness of step, with a feeling of joy bubbling up from deep within. There is absolutely no way to stop you from your quest. You have found out your 'raison d'etre' (reason for existence). Once you have a taste of what it is all about, there is no turning back.

And on the other side of the coin: 

If you are not open, aware or had any awakening of any sort, none of the above mentioned joy will have the slightest bit of an effect on you. If a person is determined that black is white, and is willing to defend it to the death, there is nothing you or anyone else can say or do to make them hear. They are not ready, yet, to move beyond the fear.

This is what this quote says to me. 

OR.... the quote could simply mean... if you are determined, driven,  or feel called upon to study guitar; then, by any means possible, you will. If you don't want to you won't.

It is your perception, once again. You will see whatever you are meant to see in everything.

Saturday, Sept. 20/14

The Serenity Prayer

This little prayer has deep meaning in the journey of our lives. It's about minding our own business, and learning to accept what is. 

This may seems straightforward to some, but in fact there are not that many people that actually heed this advice. If you actually tracked what took place between you and your family and friends for a week, you would know what I meant by that. 

Accept the things that you cannot change: How easy is that? There are so many things that crop up in day to day life that we are unable to do anything about. So many things that we just have to accept, we cannot fix them. Things, such as traffic jams, taxes, line-ups, floods, hurricanes or anything that takes place in the past or the future. We can prepare for some things, but we cannot change them. We can't let these things upset us, and we can't worry about things that have previously happened, haven't happened yet,  or are out of our control.

Courage to change the things I can: The things you can change are anything to do with you. Your weight, your health, your mind. If you owe someone an apology, or you need to correct an error that you made; you can do that. If you want to help at the soup kitchen, or climb a mountain, or do something that makes you feel good. Do it.

Wisdom to know the difference: Knowing what you can do something about and what is none of your concern is not always easy... it's a fight your own battles thing. If it doesn't concern you, leave it alone. And once you master the art of leaving it alone, you also have to master the art of letting it go. Don't obsess about what the government is doing, or whether or not it will snow in December. Once you discern what you can change and let the rest go, you will be on your way to a calmer, happier life. 

Friday, Sept. 19/14

"You will never feel free until you are free of trying to control the way others feel about you… which is uncontrollable… because there are too many moving parts in their life experience. You cannot control their perception of you because you cannot control their perception" Abraham Hicks

It can be emotionally draining for people that are concerned about how others feel about them. What other people think of you is none of your business. Your main concern is you. 

If someone is avoiding you, they seem uncomfortable around you, or something in this vein, and you want the connection to continue... then speak to them. Tell them you notice the signs, and how can we correct this rift? They will either tell you the problem and how they feel about it or they won't. That is all there is to it. You can't do anything else, you have already waved the white flag. As you grow and gain trust in yourself, you will loose the need for other people's approval. The way to begin to trust yourself is to let the negative people go, the ones with anger, resentment or jealousy toward you. They aren't giving you anything but heartache anyhow.

You cannot control how anyone thinks. They are who they are and you are who you are. You are not responsible for their thoughts. People react to and/or perceive situations in their own way. If they take offense to something, or take it in some way other than you meant them to, all you can do is apologize for the misunderstanding. Then the ball is in their court. You cannot please everyone, and you cannot make someone like you. 

As you eliminate the negativity from your circle, you will see how amazingly freeing it is. You don't have to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. There is no more drama. You do not need someone to constantly remind you of your shortcomings or to give you dog's lips if things aren't going their way. Keep the people that support you, love and cherish you, and let the rest walk right on out. You deserve the best, so keep them, and let the rest go. They have their own battles to fight and you really don't want to be invited to that war. You can do better. Love yourself and expect only the very best.

Thursday, Sept. 18/14

'The Indian Theory of Existence' Morning Dove

Isn't it wonderful, how simple and yet profound this is? I find that the natives in most cultures have a similar idea of how to live their lives. 

As I have mentioned, my daughter lives in Bali. and this is the theory they live by. There is an herb for every ailment. Once chosen it is either ground into a paste to cover the infected area or made into a tea to drink. The cure  is affirmed in the results. It appears to be in the Balinese' psyche to know precisely what plant is needed and where it will be located to treat anything you may have contracted. 

In North America, for the most part, we have gotten so far away from this method of healing, forgotten our mission, and are struggling because of it. The world was set up to care for us, and perhaps we haven't cared enough for it; and are therefore unable to find the source. Our soil, rivers and lakes are contaminated, we are closed up in rooms with recycled air all day, and struggling to survive in our 'polluted' environment. Nature is a forgotten necessity.  I taught sessions on plants and the environment during my floral classes. I was astounded to find that a large number of students hadn't recognized the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful gasses, from the air and release oxygen. The trees are at work on a daily basis.  One large tree can supply a day's supply of oxygen for four people. A few green plants in your home would provide the oxygen required for your family  

Everything has a purpose... we can call on nature for our healing, mentally, emotionally and physically. It's amazing, as we evolve we get further and further away from our roots, literally. I know many of you are trying to eat healthier and exercise daily, but if something is not right with your body, what do you do about it? Is a pill your first choice? I find we do not focus on ourselves, what our bodies are saying, enough. A headache does not necessarily call for a Tylenol, try drinking some fresh, cool spring water. Get back to nature, and remember who you are.

Wednesday, Sept. 17/14

Letting Go...This pretty much says everything there is to say about Letting Go. It's very good advice...You cannot move forward until you let go.

So what is it you need to let go of? Is it anger, resentment, jealousy? Is it friends, lovers, family members? Or is it a job, a commitment, a responsibility, an addiction, extra weight or simply a bad situation? 

Whatever it may be, it is up to you to decide if it is serving you now, at this point in time. It may have served you well in the past, and no longer is doing the job. Hanging on to old habits is fear. Fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of loneliness... you get the idea. It is not trusting yourself to handle life without whatever you are clinging to. You feel you deserve more and you are right. 

"Some people are part of your history, not your destiny" Steve Maraboli

You are important, a very important part of the universal plan. You need to know that you being you is enough. You are enough. You don't need any props, you don't need to be smarter, prettier, or slimmer. Just as you are, is perfect. You are meant to be here, right now, living your life and being happy. Let go of all the baggage, it's heavy and will wear you down. Be free, live your life and let go of all that doesn't serve you.

"Some people believe that holding on and handing in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more than strength to know when to let go and then do it." Ann Landers 

Monday, Sept. 14/14

'A Return To Love' (1992) by Marianne Williamson

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, 

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? 

You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. 
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

"Your playing small does not serve the world".... absolutely!! You are important, don't ever try to hide the real you. Don't play yourself down so someone else can shine. They must let their own light shine, it is not up to you. But it is up to you to shine in your own right. 

This encompasses standing up for yourself, not letting others put you down, and not allowing yourself to sit on the sidelines either. It means realizing that you are worth the whole cake, not just the crumbs that are left on the table. 

"Who are you not to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?"

        

Saturday, Sept. 13/14

My first reaction to this quote was humour, but after some reflection, I decided that it was pertinent. 

I certainly have felt this way during some situations. Has this ever happened to you? You are face to face, and the person is just going on and on, your eyes have long since glazed over and they appear  to be going to continue well into the night. 

They are determined to prove that they are right and you are wrong. Most of the time it isn't even that important, to you, but to a person that would rather be right than be happy, it is paramount. The person's voice is getting louder, his demeanor, increasingly threatening... all this for what? Usually, this is some inconsequential little difference of opinion that they are unable to let go.  This is where the mute button comes in, or you wish it could. However, your reaction to this encounter is pressing all the person's buttons, and they are getting more and more angry. What are you to do?

Stand still and face the person, smile at him, show him that you are nonthreatening. I have found, though, that the smile makes them angrier, if they are already in that state.

The best solution is to walk away, although, this could leave the person chasing after you to continue the tirade. But walking away is still the answer. This is a temper tantrum, truly childish behaviour, and usually has to run it's course. You, of course, do not have to subject yourself to it.

"Being strong doesn't always mean you have to fight the battle. True strength is being adult enough to walk away from the nonsense with your head held high." unknown

So in the absence of a mute button, exit stage left.

There are many ways to keep yourself safe. Your beliefs, your finances, your addictions, your busyness, your job, your obesity, your fitness regime, even your disability. You cling to things such as these, to keep from looking at the things that actually matter. You can wrap yourself up in these security blankets and you don't have to THINK at all, you don't have to FEEL. It is a very safe place to be... you can justify the means to the ends of the earth, but if you never take a risk, you will never grow. 

"You will never get to second base, with one foot firmly planted on first."

Try talking to a person in safe mode about taking a trip overseas with you, for example. You would think you had asked them to dance on stage in the nude. This does not fit into their safe zone, and they will not even entertain such thoughts. They will have more excuses than you can ever imagine as to why they cannot go on the trip. The fact is, they may yearn for an experience such as this, but it is too scary for them to consider. Change... it is simply too much to risk. But without the risk of leaving the comfort zone,  there cannot be any growth. 

So the choices are: remain in the safe, comfort zone, or take a leap of faith. Try something new, something different and see what happens. You could start small, one tiny step at a time, you don't have to jump in with both feet. With each venture into the unfamiliar, you'll find it easier to manage.  By taking control of yourself and your fears, you will broaden your horizons, and grow. 

"Courage is not the absence of fear but the judgement that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. For now your are travelling the road between who you think you are ad who you can be."

Meg Cabot

Wednesday, Sept. 10/14

Seems pretty simple, doesn't it? Great advice! 

Stand tall and be proud: You are a child of the universe, you are important, precious and loved.

Go out on a limb: You need to take some risks in life or you are not really living, but merely existing. Step forward and do something different, something that will bring you pleasure, something to help someone else or simply feeds your soul.

Remember your roots: Remember who you are, where you came from, you are a piece of the puzzle of creation, you have a place, you fit.

Drink plenty of water:  Of course, keep yourself hydrated. The human adult body is approx. 65% water and is as much as 75% in a newborn. You need to keep replenishing your system in order to function at optimum performance.

Be content with your natural beauty: This is a good one.... we are a society that is obsessed with physical attributes. The amazing thing is, barring surgery of some sort, this is the body you received, this is how you look, fat thighs and all.  You don't have to be a flabby version of yourself though. unlike the tree, you can move. But as for your physical features...you will look as you look for your entire life. There will be changes with age, of course, celebrate them they show that you have been here... that you have lived. 

Enjoy the view: Pay attention to the world around you. There is so much beauty to be see in all areas of this planet. Nature will sustain and refresh you, and take away all the angst that may be present in your life. Go outside, see what there is to see. Hug a tree. 

Love yourself and your life....Tune in, breathe and enjoy the view.

Tuesday, Sept. 9/14

"Follow your Bliss and the Universe will open doors where there were only walls" ... Joseph Campbell

Do what you are meant to do. Go with the flow, follow your heart. This is the message. Enjoy your life, be YOU. 

How many actually have bliss in reality? There are so many that are in a life that they feel forced to be in. 

They felt pressure from outside forces to follow a certain path. In early adulthood, first starting out, they followed the directions they thought they were given. They ended up in a situation that was not necessarily their choice, or they found out it wasn't their calling, and now feel they don't have the option to leave. The responsibilities and obligations have accumulated. These are the people leading lives of quiet desperation. 

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Henry David Thoreau

So they remain in a lifestyle that leaves them drained and depressed, unable to accept the fact that they are the only ones that can change the course of their lives. They are stuck. Being stuck is just a step on the path, not the entire journey.

The only difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone is the way you use them. 

You need to care enough about yourself, your needs, your health to make a change. It may be a scary proposition, but you are worth it. There is no need to continue to live in desperation any longer. Don't stress any longer about the could haves, would haves and should haves, consider reclaiming your life.

Find your bliss, whatever makes you happy, and plan to work toward it. The universe is on your side. If you are actually going toward what you really want, the universe will conspire to make it happen for you. Wouldn't that be nice for a change?

 

Monday, Sept. 8/14

When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.

Gratitude: 

We want to recognize the things that we are grateful for every day. Usually, when something outstanding happens in our life we are grateful in the moment, which is perfect. But on regular days, we forget, we get busy doing life and neglect to notice all the wonderful things in our world. 

By focusing on gratitude, we become more aware of all the things that we are thankful for, what we appreciate. This creates a positive shift  in our thinking. There is power in saying thank you, it is a prayer,  a message to the universe. 

Conscientiously, make an effort to simply say thank you, that is enough. You will always attract more when you show appreciation for what you already have. Celebrate your life, you are abundantly blessed.

When things aren't working out too well, it is even more necessary to say thank you. There is always something to be grateful for.  Whatever the problem is.... it is a lesson for you; a chance to correct a behaviour, to right a wrong, or to learn and grow. Be thankful for that, and then make a list to include: your family, friends, pets, livelihood, talents, memories, health, the weather, your beautiful surroundings, your favourite sweater, the birds in the trees and so on. You will be amazed at the length of your blessings, despite whatever problem you may have.

"Be thankful for what you have and you'll end up with more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you'll never ever have enough." Oprah Winfrey

Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb... but how well you bounce...

I read this quote from Snoopy as: It's not about all the details, all the triumphs and defeats, it's about how you handle them. 

Life is about learning, this IS the school of hard knocks. The journey through life is rarely smooth. There are invariably some bumps along the way that trip us up. It is our reaction, when we fall, how we bounce back, that shows our growth. 

Nelson Mandela states: 

"Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

We could also read this quote as: Snoopy and Woodstock may  simply be displaying the happiness within, by how well they bounce. They could be saying it doesn't matter how proficient you are at running or climbing, but are you happy? Are you bouncing well?

"My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I am happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right?"

Charles Schultz

Snoopy and Woodstock invariably make me smile, and so does this quote from their creator. They are smiling, and bouncing.....they seem to be happy.

Everything is about your perception. When you are feeling 'something', one particular quote may strike a note with you, expressing exactly what you are feeling at the moment. After some time, if you revisit the quote, you may see something entirely different. There may be several different variations from readers on the above quote as well. We see things as we are.

Does it seem like a fantasy to have the life you dream of, the life you want? Are you caught up in the daily doldrums? Does there seem to be any way that you could possibly have THAT life?

Everyone gets caught up in the daily grind... bills, mortgages, kids, schools, living your life, keeping up. There is nothing you can do about it, it's just the way it is....right? 

You have to keep up with all the responsibilities and obligations of the aforementioned life, don't you? Of course you have responsibilities, but how much of what you are doing is something you only feel you HAVE to do? 

How much is another's responsibility? What are you doing that another could or should be doing for themselves? 

Many times we get caught up; right in the middle of someone else's business. We are 'taking care' of someone, doing things that they need to take care of for themselves. We need to back off and let them handle it. They have their journey and we have ours. 

If the life you dream of is forsaken for someone else's life... there is a problem. You are not putting yourself first. You are not taking care of YOU. 

Taking over some other life is not getting you any brownie points, in fact, it's only stealing your time and bank account... merely an obligation that you have taken on.  You are responsible only for your life and your happiness. We all want to do nice things for others, and that's great, but the life you dream of and your happiness are waiting for YOU. Don't put it off, live for today. You can create any life you want. 

Take a look at the life you are now living and make an honest evaluation about the time allotted for you. I am sure you can find time to put your dream into motion and capture the happiness that you so deserve.

Have you ever had to do this? Have you had to tell someone that you no longer wish to make room for them on your dance card? 

Sometimes these people have been with you for a very long time. It is not an easy step, but eventually YOU decide that this relationship no longer serves YOU. This, of course, is IT, this is the answer, this is how you make the decision.... does it serve YOU? Is it a one-sided affair? Are you working yourself into a frenzy trying to keep the status quo, and the other person is merely taking advantage? 

"No one can take advantage of you without your permission"

 Eleanor Roosevelt

This is a large part of taking care of yourself, not letting anyone disturb your peace. If someone is not 'there' for you, you are wasting your time sticking around. They have shown you who they are... believe them. They will only keep it up, if you allow it. If they are causing you pain in any way, you don't need to lie down and let them step on your face. 

Once you realize that the relationship has very little to do with you, that the other person is there strictly for their own agenda; then, the decision is quite easy. The actual confrontation may not be so. It is never easy to eliminate long standing connections. 

You will probably have doubts after the fact, but it is your life, you only have control over what/who you allow in.  One thing for certain, you will be happier without toxic people around you. Your happiness is of utmost importance to you and everyone around you.

Once you learn how to be happy, you won't tolerate being around people who make you feel anything less.

Look ahead, keep going forward, move on. Don't dwell in the past. Let it go. 

All good advice, but how easy is it to follow? 

There are many times in our lives where we react in a negative way. We don't always know what it was that set off the reaction. A button was pushed, something was triggered in us, and the result was anger, hurt, embarrassment, or some other emotion that creates a negative reaction. 

These are the issues buried inside us. Until we check in with our past, to discover these issues, we will continue to over react to situations or people that trigger negative responses in us.

We may not go into a rage, but we still feel 'the feeling' and become quiet and/or unable to respond at all...  which manifests in obsession. Either way, we are the ones carrying the burden.

We need to acknowledge the problem in order to let it go. 

We will have to admit that we can and will act in a way that we would rather not, say something we wish we hadn't, or give no reaction, but neither forgive nor forget either. These circumstances are a message to us that something still needs to be dealt with. We need to 'check in' to find out why we respond in that particular way, which requires that we look back into our past. 

What this quote is saying is: you cannot change the past, you can't make your past life better or happier than it was. So don't hang out there and dwell on it. 

But you can take care of your part in it, do what you can, atone. Apologize for past hurts and resentments to anyone that was involved. You need to make sure that YOU are on the list as well. Forgive yourself, you only do what you do until you know better, then you do better. It's all part of your journey, your growth. So look back, fix what you can, and then move forward.