Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Take time to notice

No matter how hectic your life, taking time to "smell the roses" is vitally important! Taking time to notice the little things in life makes your own life better. I have an acquaintance who rarely takes notice of the beauty around her, nor is she able to take note of the people around her in any significant manner. Her life is consumed with thinking about how hard HER life is every moment of her day. Unfortunately, her life is hard because she cannot see anything but this. Don't get me wrong, I am not making light of her problems, but consider this, when you believe your life is so difficult that you only think about you, then you are missing the opportunity to make life better, to choose the happiness that will definitely make life easier. We all have problems, we all have difficulties, but our perspective is what weights the load. Take time to note in your journal the little things that bring a smile to your face and if you aren't noticing anything to make you smile, then it's time to get outside yourself and start looking around! Choose happiness and choose to "smell the roses."

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Interesting read

I just finished reading Lit, by Mary Karr. This is her third memoir. Having been a fan of her first, The Liar's Club, I decided to give this one a go too and she doesn't disappoint. I thought I would mention this book today in connection to my last blog on prayer and meditation. In this memoir, she describes her journey from alcoholic to recovered alcoholic, from married to divorced single mom, and when she finally gave in to a higher power, how her life dramatically began to change. If you are looking for a good, inspiring read, I would suggest this book. She describes how she hit rock bottom, but then dragged herself back up, kicking and screaming the whole way, until she finally let go and put her faith in someone besides herself: God. Karr describes how prayer became a part of her life and the difference this has made for her. As you deal with your daily struggles, are you reaching for a higher power? Give faith and prayer a chance and see if you don't find a difference in your life. I know I did during my darkest hours and I have grown exponentially since that time. Spend some time writing about your doubts, but then write about what you have to lose by letting go and putting your faith in God. I think you will find you have nothing to lose. Choosing happiness is about putting problems in a new perspective and giving them to God allows you this opportunity. Choose to be happy!