This is just a “feel good” video about people on the beach in Brazil coming together to rescue several beached dolphins. It made me feel better so I wanted to make sure I spread the feeling.
Exchange Gratitude for Frustration
The key to happiness is understanding a “good” life is not a “perfect” life.
It is simply a good life “more times than not.”
When we get frustrated about how “lousy” our lives appear to be, it’s time to take a look at the big picture.
Odds are, we’re comparing reality to a perfect, idyllic image of life; which is never going to happen.
Slow down, focus on what’s going well (especially when it seems like that’s a very short list). Take a deep breath. Smile (even you feel like it’s a forced smile).
Then, look back again on where you are. It will be better.
The funny thing is nothing changed except your perception.
Getting What You Desire: Three Simple Steps to Live the Life You Want
We all have goals and convictions in our lives that we feel passionate about and wish to bring to fruition.
Whether it’s expanding your creativity, becoming more active in your community, or finding inner-peace through spirituality, we all want to find ways to experience life to its fullest, and no one wants to live in vain; we all want a purpose.
The following are a few steps that I have found helpful in playing out my pure intentions:
Visualize.
Everyone has the power to visualize what they want, and by harnessing this technique you will be able to bring forth that which you truly desire. Thought is energy and affects our actions in daily life and the ways in which we confront obstacles. Visualizing what you want, imaging yourself in your ideal situation, will eventually cause those visions to be accepted by your subconscious, thus changing your habits and your entire mindset while attracting new people and circumstances that will help further your goals. Make a list of things that you will achieve on the short or long term. Item by item, imagine yourself in a circumstance in which you are accomplishing that idea (e.g., seeing yourself playing a concert and the crowd applauding; imagine you’re walking through your dream house, noticing the furniture and wall colors.)
Overcome Fear.
Fear can be a great obstacle in attaining your goals. Whether it’s a fear of public speaking, a fear of flying or a fear of loneliness, being afraid will always hinder that which we truly want. Often people spend there lives avoiding fear as opposed to seeking out pleasure. Most of the time it’s the risk that we are scared of, thinking things such as what if often cause us to stay away from situations in which we are uncomfortable. Personally, the words of the Greek poet Homer bring this into perspective. He wrote, “Even his griefs are a joy long after to one that remembers all that he wrought and endured.” In other words, the insight and experience you gain by being uncomfortable will always justify the means at the end of the day. [Read more…]
Dear Santa: An Inspirational & Practical List for the New Year
Dear Santa…
There are some things I’d like for the New Year. I know that’s not within your usual bailiwick, and you’re probably pooped from a long sleigh ride, but if you don’t mind…
First, please give me good health.
My body carries me faithfully from before my birth until my last days. I abuse it and overuse it. I overfeed it and undersleep it. Yet rarely do I appreciate it. Nonetheless, it usually works amazingly well. It doesn’t seem to smile as much as I’d like (and it’s not quite the size I wanted) but in all modesty, it’s pretty cool.
My eyes can enjoy the magnificent pink of a rich sunset. My nose can inhale the deep, full scent of a spicy stew simmering slowly on a blustery winter afternoon. My ears perk up to the reassuring tap-tap-tap of light rain on my roof in the middle of the night. And the touch of a lover’s hand on my skin, can in a moment, calm and excite me at the same time.
Remind me that whatever else I have is worth nothing without my health. When I bend without pain or breathe deeply without effort, make me smile. Let me remember that this is the truest, purest blessing of all. Through this miracle of life, I experience all the universe has to offer.
Secondly, please strengthen my connection to family.
There are those who came before me; and there are those for whom I am responsible whom I will never meet. Even so, we are connected. In that chain, I am a vital link, the entirety of all that has gone before me and the bedrock of generations still unborn. Each in that string is a part of me as I am of them. We are all of the same stuff.
Through the ages and across the miles; today, yesterday, and tomorrow; we will guide each other when we are lost, and we will pick each other up when we fall. Everything I do reflects upon my ancestors and shapes my children of future offspring. I am inextricably connected across time. Remind me each day to take time for my family.
Teach me to be a better friend.
Dare to Believe You CAN
When was the last time you dared yourself to believe you actually COULD?
Why are we so quick to find the reasons why something will NOT work out, or why we are incapable or unworthy of the success of our endeavors? What could possibly go wrong by believing things could actually go the way you want them to go?
Some people will tell you, “Set your sights low so you won’t be disappointed.”
But, can we be honest?
Even if you do that – and it doesn’t happen – aren’t you STILL disappointed? Of course you are. Setting you sights low just lowers expectations, it does nothing to alleviate the pain of failure.
Yet – if you enter into your goal believing you can – and it doesn’t happen – at least you got to enjoy the ride for awhile. And during that time, you were invigorated, happy, and energized. Those emotions make you more aware, which make you open to new ideas, which allow you to try what you might not have tried if you thought all would come apart.
So, in reality, believing you could might actually be a necessary first step in getting what you want.