Month: June 2016

To Be Courageous

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”

– Mary Anne Radmacher

       When we hear the word courage, many of us automatically envision some hugely dramatic or over the top action like David taking on Goliath.  But, true courage is something far greater and more complex than this one-dimensional definition.  Courage takes on many forms and means something very different for each and every person.  And often in this cruel and unforgiving world, the most courageous act is to fail, repeatedly, and still say “I’ll try again tomorrow.”

True Strength is Never Surrendering

“Strength does not come from winning.  Your struggles develop your strengths.  When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

-Arnold Schwarzenegger

         Often in life, you get knocked down on your ass, repeatedly.  Sometimes it feels like the harder you try, the more things go wrong.  And the old adage of when it rains, it pours has new meaning.  When you find yourself stuck in these ruts, it’s so easy to throw in the towel and say I’m done – I’m tired.  I’m tired of fighting an uphill battle. I’m tired of always finishing last or second best.  I’m tired of feeling like I’m not good enough.  I’m simply tired of being tired.  But, it is during these moments of utter desolation that you have to find that fire within you to not give up, to not surrender and to stand back up and say, “This is not how my story is going to end.”  And, it is in these moments that true strength is forged.

Align Yourself With Love

“There is no excuse good enough to ever be out of alignment with love. You’re going to get hurt, and you will feel pain. Yet your purpose is to keep loving, anyway. Keep moving forward with an open heart. Love is a Divine gift given to humanity. Wasting it is no longer an option. Love is what brings light to a dark place. Love is what transforms a dying world into a thriving planet.”

― Alaric Hutchinson, Living Peace

      Life is about learning to love yourself and sharing that love with others. Undoubtedly, when you open your heart, you will get hurt. Love is painful, but it is also the greatest gift you can give and receive. So, you should strive to ground every action and decision in love. And imagine what this world would look like if each person were to do this.

A Beautiful Life

It’s a Beautiful Life

by Sandra Futter

Oh, it’s a beautiful morning.
Today’s gonna be a great day.

I’ve got that wonderful feeling,
That everything’s going my way.

No matter if the skies be stormy
And the wind’s blowing things in my way.

That doesn’t worry me any,
I know everything’s gonna be ok.

The obstacles don’t even slow me,
I pass by each one in my way.

The messes prove just to grow me.
I get stronger each and every day.

         Life is truly all about how you approach it.  If you start your day off in the mindset that no matter what it’s going to be a good day, you will be amazed by how the small things don’t faze you.  And even when things don’t quite go your way or when things go sideways, you are able to handle it much better and your mood isn’t ruined.  Attitude means everything.  Never underestimate the power of your mind.  So, when you wake up tomorrow, before you get out of bed, say out loud “Today will be a good day and if obstacles come my way, I’ll deal with it and move on, for nothing will dampen my spirit today.”

We Must Hold On To Hope

I know you think the world is too dark to even dream in color,  but I’ve seen flowers bloom at midnight.  I’ve seen kites fly in gray skies and they were real close to looking like the sunrise, and sometimes it takes the most wounded wings, the most broken things to notice how strong the breeze is, how precious the flight.

~ Andrea Gibson

         Today, I am truly at a loss for words.  My heart and prayers go out to the victims of the mass shooting in Florida and their families, friends and communities.  May we all hug our loved ones a little tighter tonight.  In a world full of such hate, intolerance and senseless violence, we must hold on to hope for a better tomorrow.

Happiness

Happiness

by Raymond Carver

So early it’s still almost dark out.
I’m near the window with coffee,
and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.

When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver the newspaper.

They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren’t saying anything, these boys.

I think if they could, they would take
each other’s arm.
It’s early in the morning,
and they are doing this thing together.

They come on, slowly.
The sky is taking on light,
though the moon still hangs pale over the water.

Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn’t enter into this.

Happiness. It comes on
unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really,
any early morning talk about it.

      Happiness.  A true understanding of this term eludes many people.  Happiness is not found in the physical world, it’s something that is borne from within.  It is something that once you find it, it transcends you whole soul, your very being.  And, the amazing thing about happiness is that it sneaks up on you when you are least expecting it.

Life’s Harmonies

Life’s Harmonies

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Let no man pray that he know not sorrow,
Let no soul ask to be free from pain,
For the gall of to-day is the sweet of to-morrow,
And the moment’s loss is the lifetime’s gain.

Through want of a thing does its worth redouble,
Through hunger’s pangs does the feast content,
And only the heart that has harbored trouble,
Can fully rejoice when joy is sent.

Let no man shrink from the bitter tonics
Of grief, and yearning, and need, and strife,
For the rarest chords in the soul’s harmonies,
Are found in the minor strains of life.

         The person who you are today exists because of everything you have gone through in life – this includes the good, bad, painful and truly heartbreaking moments.  You are a product of all of your experiences throughout life – this is why you never stop growing and learning as the years creep by.  So, be careful in saying you wish you could go back in time and change events or make different choices.  For every twist, turn and bump in the road has shaped who you are today.

As You Go Through Life

As You Go Through Life

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Don’t look for the flaws as you go through life;
And even when you find them,
It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind
And look for the virtue behind them.
For the cloudiest night has a hint of light
Somewhere in its shadows hiding;
It is better by far to hunt for a star,
Than the spots on the sun abiding.

The current of life runs ever away
To the bosom of God’s great ocean.
Don’t set your force ‘gainst the river’s course
And think to alter its motion.
Don’t waste a curse on the universe –
Remember it lived before you.
Don’t butt at the storm with your puny form,
But bend and let it go o’er you.

The world will never adjust itself
To suit your whims to the letter.
Some things must go wrong your whole life long,
And the sooner you know it the better.
It is folly to fight with the Infinite,
And go under at last in the wrestle;
The wiser man shapes into God’s plan
As water shapes into a vessel.

      Life is an experience meant to be had – don’t fight it.  Don’t waste time dissecting every aspect of it and end up overanalyzing life’s journey.  Don’t be overly critical, for you will undoubtedly make mistakes – so, learn from them and move forward along the path you have chosen.  And at the end of the day, try to relax and enjoy the ride.

I Can

Equipment

by Edgar Albert Guest

Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You’ve all that the greatest of men have had,
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise.
With this equipment they all began,
So start for the top and say ‘I can.’

Look them over, the wise and great,
They take their food from a common plate
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes,
The world considers them brave and smart.
But you’ve all they had when they made their start.

You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if only you will,
You’re well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen, great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you.

You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go.
How much you will study the truth to know,
God has equipped you for life, But He
Lets you decide what you want to be.

Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win,
So figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had,
With your equipment they all began.
Get hold of yourself, and say: ‘I can.’

           In this life, anything is possible. The only person who can limit you is you.  If you dream it, you can achieve it.  So, you should always approach life with an “I can” attitude.  And never hold back – go after your goals with hard work and determination . . .for you will only regret the chances you were too scared to take.

Wonder

Wonder

by Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi

Wonder,
A garden among the flames!
My heart can take on any form:
A meadow for gazelles,
A cloister for monks,
For the idols, sacred ground,
Ka’ba for the circling pilgrim,
The tables of the Torah,
The scrolls of the Quran.
My creed is Love;
Wherever its caravan turns along the way,
That is my belief,
My faith.

          As we begin another week, remember it is a time of new beginnings – a time to start anew and lay down the burdens of yesterday.  When you first open your eyes, allow wonder and love to fill your soul.  In your moment of solitude, allow yourself to really see and feel the beauty that surrounds you.