Blessings – Page 4 – Inspiration for the Mind, Body & Soul

Embrace Your Life

“However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are richest. The fault-finder will find faults even in paradise. Love your life, poor as it is. You may perhaps have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in a poorhouse. The setting sun is reflected from the windows of the almshouse as brightly as from the rich man’s abode; the snow melts before its door as early in the spring. I do not see but a quiet mind may live as contentedly there, and have as cheering thoughts, as in a palace.”

― Henry David Thoreau

Life is filled with good times and bad times. It is filled with extreme highs and unimaginable lows. And there is nothing you can do to avoid it. Pain is as much a part of life as joy. Because of this, we must all focus on embracing the unedited version of life. Love your life. . .for you get but one chance to live it!

Make a Promise

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

― Ashley Smith

It is important that each day you make a promise to yourself to pause throughout the day to appreciate the beauty surrounding us. Whether it be the Sun’s luminescent rays, a bird taking flight or the caress of the wind against your cheek. Life is full of miracles if we only choose to open our eyes and see. Learn to appreciate every moment of life for tomorrow is not promised.

Be in the Present

“Forget yesterday – it has already forgotten you. Don’t sweat tomorrow – you haven’t even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift – today.”

― Steve Maraboli

As you close out another week, let go of all the negative that happened on Monday, Tuesday, etc. It’s done. You can’t go back and change any decisions or actions, so why carry it into tomorrow? In the same breath, try to hold back from stressing and worrying about tomorrow because it hasn’t happened yet. So, every time your mind drifts, try to refocus it back to the present because this moment right here, right now is what matters. You are in control of this moment and it is truly a precious gift not to be wasted.

There is no Perfect Ending

“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.”

― Gilda Radner

Life is a crazy, beautiful disaster. It is messy and unpredictable. But for everything life isn’t, it remains an incredible journey that we are privileged to experience. People so often say, life is hard – hard compared to what? Maybe we need to spend less time trying to create this perfect life that society constructs for us – the perfect marriage with the 2.5 kids and white picket fence – and spend more time actually living our lives. Maybe life isn’t about having all the answers. Maybe life is truly about appreciating each moment of every day, for tomorrow isn’t promised. So, today, spend a little less time focused on living for a future that has yet to happen and focus on embracing the present moment, for you will never get this time back.

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

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

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.

A True Friend

Poem by LeKeisha Suggs

A true friend shares in your most joyous moments
And encourages you when things get tough
While guarding your back against your opponents
And refuses to walk away when times get rough

A true friend shares in laughter for hours on end
And lends a shoulder to cry on when things fall apart
Who will tell you that your outfit is nowhere on trend
And who may be far in distance but never far in heart

A true friend warms your soul with just their presence
And stands by your side – no questions asked
Who says, “I can’t wait to share this,” in your absence
And is there to lift you up when you’re feeling downcast

A true friend accepts you for who you are
And loves you in spite of your flaws
Who’s very presence shines brighter than any star
And who supports you without a moment’s pause

A true friend should never be taken for granted
And is one to cherish and to fight for
Who makes your life feel enchanted
For in this life, a true friend is a rare gift to score

To find a true friend is a rare gift, indeed. It isn’t a matter of how long you have known someone or how near or far they are. What matters is the value and enrichment the person brings to your life and your heart. Does that person lift you up? Are you happier when you leave their presence? If yes, then treasure that friendship and put in the work to not let it die or fade away.

I dedicate this poem to my closest friends – you are the family I have chosen. Thank you for inspiring me every day!!

A Beautiful Life

Poem by LeKeisha Suggs

What a beautiful life each of us are given
Yet so many of us fail to love it enough
We blindly rush through life – then ask to be forgiven
We make excuses that life is just too tough

And we don’t allow ourselves to see the beauty all around
It’s such a shame, as time waits for no one
So, each day take a moment to embrace nature’s sweet sounds
For there is no guarantee that tomorrow will bring the Sun

As we begin a new week, remember it is a time of new beginnings. Don’t take any moments for granted and try to take time to smell the roses! Enjoy and have a blessed week!!

Hold on to Your Friends

“I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.”

― Jon Katz

To find a true friend in this world is such a rare and beautiful thing. We so often label acquaintances and people who come in and out of our lives for a season as “friends.” But, those aren’t true friends. Don’t get me wrong, acquaintances are great to have and provide joy in your life in varying capacities. However, a true friend is someone who is there to celebrate your highs, to support you when you’re struggling and to hold you when the dam breaks. A true friend doesn’t ask for anything in return. A true friend is there, without any hesitation, to stand on the front lines ready to go into battle for or with you. A true friend is simply there-no questions asked. If you are fortunate enough to experience such a friendship in your life, you better be willing to fight for it and never take it for granted.