Lately, I’ve been crabbing about things and that’s just not my style so today, I thought I would write about some techniques that I use to get myself out of the pity party and back into being the happy go lucky idiot that I enjoy being…well…idiot is taking a little too far, but you get me.
The first thing I do is make a ‘gratitude list’. This can be just about anything. Currently, I am thankful that I have access to my computer, food in my cupboard and a reasonably functioning brain. Sure, it’s small potatoes when you consider that MOST folks have those things and take very little notice of them. Let’s add that I’m thankful that I’m aware. So far, so good. I’m on a roll.
Next, I assess whether or not I have any part in my current predicament. If it’s circumstances beyond my control, if my choices have NOT brought me to that state of depression, I’ve still got choices to bring myself around.
You know, life is so incredibly short that it I feel compelled to remind myself that life could be a lot worse and if I dwell on the negative, I’m going to waste a whole lot of time that would be better spent laughing and appreciating the world. I can’t abide negativity. Am I perpetually optimisitic? No, not really. I’d like to think that I’m a realist who possesses the ability to put a positive spin on most of what happens in my life. There’s folks who can’t seem to get past what they don’t have. They’re looking in someone else’s backyard for their answers. What purpose does that serve? I’ve never understood with the ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ mentality. Who wants to live someone else’s life?
You might not have all of the material things that you want, but if you’re reading this…you have the material things that you need. I can almost guarantee it. See, you don’t ‘need’ a computer and internet access. Well, you might be reading this in the library while searching for employment online, but chances are, if you’re reading this on a borrowed computer, you probably don’t need to read my blabbing. On second thought, maybe you do.
Maybe there are no mistakes in the universe. Maybe there is a great big plan especially for you out there and it requires your unique qualitites. Maybe you don’t have a movie star’s body, looks or income, but you’ve got something within you that makes you special and vital to this planet. We’re all here to love and be loved. Some of us were dealt a tough hand for a reason. How will you play your cards? Will you fold right away, or will you keep raising the stakes, bluffing your way to the top?
You can ask the dealer for a couple of new cards, but what if you keep drawing the same hand? Is there a lesson for you that just keeps repeating itself? Could be that you’re missing the message. Listen to your soul and maybe you’ll move forward with a bit more confidence.
I do like the cards I’ve got and I’m going to sit at the table as long as I can. The players change, but I’m sure that I can make a good go of it without sacrificing my truth.
Today is a brand new chance for me to do something positive–to be effective in my communication, to interact with others in a meaningful way. Could be that I could change someone’s outlook. Could be that there is someone who is reading this right now who may very well need to hear that they’re valuable and that they’re loved.
Well, if you’re reading this know that I DO value your place on this planet. If you can remain positive, if you can help lift others up without losing your identity, if you understand how wonderfully simple it is to just let go and be honest and walk in your truth, you already know that you make a difference.
I’m proud of ya. And it’s possible we’ve never met.
Cool, huh?