If you aren't often in a state of wonderment looking at the miracle that is your life, then you're not doing it right. You're either listening to the wrong messages... and there's a lot of those spewing out lately... or you've forgotten to simply be grateful. Life is a wonderment. We're supposed to enjoy it … Continue reading Wonderment
Tag: happy life
Understanding
The goal of communication is to achieve understanding. We need to be able to understand where we each are coming from. That comes from getting out of our own heads, and out meeting each other at least halfway. With understanding comes peace. So, lets get an understanding among everyone, like yesterday.
Stick With It
If you want to find success in any prospect, you need to stick with it. It won't always be smooth sailing, and it most likely will take a while to get there. Persistence is imperative. That and sticking with small, forward steps, is a simple recipe for accomplishing your goals.
Public
At times it may seem like it would be wonderful if everyone, the whole public, disappeared, and you were left alone. People out there can be rude, loud, and abrasive. But that's also how they can be your greatest teachers. Pay attention to what annoys you in others' behaviors, and then see if you aren't … Continue reading Public
Orbit
The orbit is the trajectory of a planet around a sun. It's also the trajectory of whatever we revolve our individual lives around. The question is, do you orbit a bright, shiny star, or have you been caught up in suffocating black hole? You get a choice in this. You just have to be aware … Continue reading Orbit
Noise
Noise can be a nuisance to one person, and pure music to another. It all depends on perspective. Actually, that's the main thought: It all depends on perspective.
Minute
Sometimes you can't take it day by day, sometimes you can only focus on making it from one minute to the next. The word minute also means "extremely small," and sometimes all you can focus on is an extremely small step forward. (In this version of minute, the "i" rhymes with the word "sky") But … Continue reading Minute
Let it Go
You limit what you can allow into your life by clutching on to what you already have. A closed fist can't receive anything more. Besides, clutching on so tight will only strangle and crush what you are holding onto. Let it go.
Keep Calm
It makes the experience of living your life much more pleasant when you can keep calm. You're going to continue experiencing the ups and downs until there are no more ups anyway. Might as well keep your calm and take it easy along the way.
Inspiration
Inspiration can come from anywhere, you just have to allow it in. Awareness is important, allowing is crucial. With these tools you're ready to get inspiration anywhere.
Happy
We often hear people tell their loved ones that they just want them to be happy. And often they try to help provide the circumstances or objects that they think will provide this happiness. But if they only realized that happiness comes from a choice to be happy, then maybe they'd try a different way. … Continue reading Happy
Grateful
Every spiritual practice calls for practicing gratitude. And how can anyone not be grateful? We get to choose our lives, even the challenging parts. These bodies of ours run on their own, pumping blood, breathing, beating our hearts, and healing even through all the damage we inflict on them. They heal right up until the … Continue reading Grateful
F-word
The "F" word could refer to any number of words beginning with the letter F, not just the popular slur. Family, friend, failure, favorite, these are all "F" words that can bring shivers down your spine, or make your blood boil. It all depends on your personal perspective. It's just like the famous "F'n" slur. … Continue reading F-word
Enlightenment
Enlightenment isn't hard to achieve, you just have to turn on the light. Of course, you'll most likely stumble in the dark until you find the light switch. Some people let their fear of stumbling stop them from moving. Hence the light doesn't get turned on. Hence, no enlightenment.
Destiny
Destiny can be a romantic notion, thinking your story has been mapped out for you, and, say, your dream partner or dream job is destined to find you. But what would be the point if everything was already decided ahead of time for you? What purpose would destiny serve if only to play out what … Continue reading Destiny
Calm
Calm should be more of our natural state instead of a goal to achieve and shell out big bucks for. Why are our lifestyles filled with so much agitation and stress? How did we get this way? And who gains from us not being calm? Is the promise of "calm" a profitable industry? When there's … Continue reading Calm
Bravery
Bravery is hard. You would think you'd feel brave to have bravery, but instead you feel scared. That's the secret. You feel the same fear as everyone else, but you don't let it stop you like it does most. You forge through despite being scared silly. That's bravery.
Afterwards
When we aren't enjoying something, we just can't wait until afterwards when it's over. When we're bored we think of afterwards when the situation will change. When we're having a blast, we think of afterwards and if we can keep the fun going or not. But afterwards is only a fantasy. Once we're in it, … Continue reading Afterwards
Yarn
Yarn tends to bring up images of the elderly. Of course, dear older ladies tend to knit. They also tend to share long, winding stories, sometimes called "telling a yarn." They may seem rambling, but that's just because life has many twists and turns itself, and these stories are sharing the treasure of life experience. … Continue reading Yarn
Wing It
Stop stressing so much. At the end of the day, you're basically gonna just wing it, anyway. We're all just "winging it" in life. There are no official handbooks, set in stone rules, on how to do every little thing. But those things get done only when you get out there and do them. And, … Continue reading Wing It
Visualization
Visualization is not that complicated. It's fairly easy to do, and everyone can do it. It's just the images will be different for each person. What you see in your mind's eye is different that what I see, even if only slightly. We all see something uniquely different. It's a good lesson to remember for … Continue reading Visualization
Treasure
Remember the saying that, One man's trash is another man's treasure. Also, remember that a treasure's value is subjective, and fleeting. It can drop as easily as it can be raised. So, don't go chasing another person's treasure just because they say they want it. Look out for your own treasure instead. The treasure is … Continue reading Treasure
Summertime
Summertime is a time to slow down for a bit and enjoy yourself. The days are long, lazy, and just a little to hot to take anything too seriously. If you can, take a vacation and do something incredibly fun to create memories that last a lifetime. And if you can't take a vacation, still … Continue reading Summertime
Rest
Rest is vital to our health. It's so vital that a day for it was built into the week. Or at least it was supposed to be there until we decided to fill it with chores and activities. We're so busy now, that we think we're resting when all we're doing is distracting ourselves from … Continue reading Rest
Persistence
Persistence is most likely the number one, top secret to ensured success. Nothing grand or complicated, just determined, unwavering persistence in achieving your goal. Think of water. Water seems harmless enough, but when it continually runs in the same direction, it can wear away the strongest elements, just from simply not giving up. Be like … Continue reading Persistence
On Your Way
You're always going to be on your way to something else. Life keeps moving forward. So, don't stress about where you are because you will soon be on your way to something else. Also, be sure to fully appreciate where you are right now, because the scenery will change sooner than you might like.
Needy
Being needy is such a turn-off to others because it reeks of manipulation. Even if you've convinced yourself that you aren't being manipulative, you're still being manipulative if you're acting needy. "Needy" insists that you can't help yourself to something and so you have to rely on another to get it for you. So, to … Continue reading Needy
Misunderstandings
Misunderstandings come from a lack of communication and an abundance of assumptions. When you're so busy jumping to conclusions that you forget to get all of the facts, then misunderstandings arise. And where they arise is where hate, fear and fighting flourish. In other words, nothing good. So, get your facts straight. Try to not … Continue reading Misunderstandings
Light Bulb Moment
It took Edison thousands of tries before he successfully invented a working light bulb. But the idea that he could do it came to him in a flash. That's how our world works. We can get flashes of brilliant inspiration, a "light bulb moment," that hit us in the blink of an eye. But then … Continue reading Light Bulb Moment
Kindness
Kindness is the primary lesson we were meant to learn. And kindness is what we should practice above all else. It isn't as prevalent as it should be, because it takes effort and perseverance, especially in the midst of hate and bigotry. But if we let those dark practices win, then life will get so … Continue reading Kindness
Joy
Joy doesn't have a blanket, common definition, but everyone knows it when they feel it. Joy is personal and subjective, yet universal. Joy is the most worthy goal you can seek out. So, seek.
Instincts
Instincts are great to follow, they shouldn't steer you wrong. As long as they are your instincts, and not your inner critic created by trauma and bad programming. There just isn't a magic answer to everything all the time, and you will make mistakes despite your and your instincts' best intentions. But it's all life … Continue reading Instincts
Honorable
We would all love to be given the esteem of being an honorable person. It comes from acting honorably. By being honorable. It's like respect, you earn it. We could definitely benefit from much more people earning the esteem of being honorable by acting honorably. Being jaded, angry and petty has worn out its welcome.
Gentle
Some people may scoff at the idea of being gentle with another's feelings. But think about how we instinctively know to be gentle with some of the most precious souls. We're gentle with small, helpless animals, and gentle with small, helpless humans. We do that because we know being anything else is inappropriate. And it … Continue reading Gentle
Faith
Faith is a wonderful promise you make. But not all faith is created equally. Before you invest too much of your heart and energy into your faith, it would be wise to examine where your faith came from. Did you arrive at it from your own choice? Or has it been indoctrinated into you? While … Continue reading Faith
Exits and Entrances
Remember, every exit is an entrance into somewhere else. It's all in how you look at it. Either way, it's more fun when you make both your exits and entrances fabulous.
Different
As much as we like to fit in, we need to realize that we are all different. If we weren't different what would be the point of there being so many of us? Our differences allow us to each gain a different perspective of life. This should be celebrated and honored. Our differences make the … Continue reading Different
Choices
Life is made up of choices. Every moment we make a choice, one way or the other. Refusing to make a choice is a choice. Believing you don't have a choice is a choice. And allowing someone else to make the choice for you is a choice. It's your life, it's your creation. What are … Continue reading Choices
Begin Again
Something you learn when you get older is that if a chapter ends all of a sudden, and you're still breathing, then you get to begin again. That can be looked at as a daunting endeavor, or as the most hopeful thought you can think. It's my experience that the hopeful route is the much … Continue reading Begin Again
Attention
Your energy flows where your attention goes. Companies know this, that's why your attention is so coveted. It would be wise to remember this, and to take care with where you place your attention.
Your Purpose
Your purpose is entirely up to you, it's yours. You can choose to believe it's out of your hands, but that's still your choice. You can choose to pursue a noble cause and call that your purpose. You can also choose to simply enjoy each day as best you can. It's your life, it's your … Continue reading Your Purpose
Write
Sometimes it's helpful to write down all of your thoughts. That way you can see on paper, with your own eyes, what others can see broadcast on your face. Your thoughts manifest into your emotions. When they run wild, it might not look pretty. Writing them down helps you to see if you want them … Continue reading Write
Vitality
Vitality is the key to having an enjoyable life. And vitality requires healthy habits. So it's important to be aware of your choices. Make sure you choose for the big picture, in other words, for vitality and an enjoyable life, over short term thrills that end up hurting you in the long run.
Unity
Unity is what makes us strong. Unity is what helps us thrive. But sometimes it's hard to think of unity when you see how different we all are from one another. That is, until we realize that we are all humans just the same. Once we all figure that out, and stop looking at illusive … Continue reading Unity
Teachers
We are all together in this thing called "life." Part of the deal is that we all learn from each other. We are all teachers. It's a very important role. Of course some teach cautionary tales, and how to absolutely create a miserable experience for yourself. While some teach inspiration, and how to have the … Continue reading Teachers
Simple
It's best to keep things simple. It isn't always easy, but easy and simple aren't really the same thing. It may take effort to get things simple in your life, but that effort is well worth it. Keep It Simple, Silly. If you know, you know.
Ridiculous
A fairly effective way that people can shut down others' creativity is by calling them "ridiculous." As in, what they are doing will bring ridicule to them. But it's really the accusers' insecurities that are bringing the ridicule. The creativity is just expression. Be ridiculous with it. Those that have a problem with it, would … Continue reading Ridiculous
People
People will get along much better if they fully realized that other people are just like them. They have feelings that get hurt just like them. And they have emotions they want to broadcast, just like them. When people understand that those "others" are people too, then that's when we'll all start to heal.
Ordinary
Sometimes we long for the comfort of an ordinary day. But ordinary is only a perspective. What's ordinary to you, could be outrageous to someone else. It might be useful to remember this, the next time you want to judge someone for their "outrageous" circumstances.
Next Time
The idea of "next time" is dangerous. We're not guaranteed to get a next time. This time is what we have. So, enjoy it for what it is. Don't put too much pressure on the present moment to be perfect. But don't discount it either, thinking you'll do better next time. Next time might not … Continue reading Next Time
Moments
A life well lived is a life full of well-lived moments. It starts small. Just by building it moment-by-moment, it becomes a full life. Focus on making the moments memorable.
Make-Believe
"Real life" isn't so real after all. It's really just make-believe. Like how we used to play as kids. You make it up, you believe it's real, and it becomes "real" to you. That's what creation is all about. The pressing question is, then why do we believe in such small little lives?
Life
Life happens whether you participate in it or not. Only there isn't it a do-over for your specific life, and there isn't a pause button or rewind either. Life keeps marching forward, until it ends. And it's a short trip. Again, participation is optional. But the painful regret of sitting it out is unavoidable.
Kindness
When kindness goes, life gets dark fast. The thing is, it takes effort to be kind. And the darker the world is, the harder the effort is to be kind. But if everyone gives up, and stops being kind, it's lights out. For everything. Put in the effort.
Just Leave
If you are somewhere that makes you miserable, just leave. Don't whine about it, and don't pout, be proactive, and remove yourself. And, it's never a matter of "can't," but rather "won't." So, if you think you can't, then figure out why you actually won't leave.
Invisible
All of this social media usage, all of the filters and edits, deception and doing-it-for-the-views, is really just making us invisible to each other in real life. People aren't looking at each other in real life. They're either too busy looking online and down at their device, or they're actively trying to, in order to … Continue reading Invisible
Health
Your health is the most important gift you have. Without it, everything else is more difficult or impossible. And you can't trade any of it for better health anyway. Your health's value is supreme.
Good
"Good" is relative. "Preferred" might be more accurate. However, "bad" is a lot less nuanced. Anyone with any sense can sense "bad." Perhaps that's why it takes more effort to be good. It's so much harder to define.
Feelings
Having complex feelings is probably the most human quality we possess. And as much as we try, we cannot control them. Perhaps that's the secret to really living as a human. Stop trying to control everything.
Enjoy It
Enjoy it now. Do not wait, as there is no guarantee you'll get to it later. Besides, it might not even be as good later on. Also, you can't expect to get anything more, or progress if you hoard what you have. So, enjoy it now, while you can. All you have is the present … Continue reading Enjoy It
Distance
The thing about having such powerful mental capabilities is that people don't have to be physically apart in order to have great distance between them. You could be sitting next to someone, but mentally miles away. Distance is a mental game. How close you are to someone is determined by how you think of it. … Continue reading Distance
Consumers
The interesting thing about consumers is that if all they do is consume, and don't contribute, eventually we'll run out of things. It can't be all consumption all the time. It doesn't even do the trick to fill that void, does it? Perhaps it's time for more creation, more innovation, more progression.
Be Kind
Be kind in this world. Not because these people deserve it, I've met plenty of them, and I agree they don't. But it's important to be kind in order to change the tide. Add kindness to this jaded, self-righteous, selfish world, because it desperately needs it if it's going to have any chance at survival.
All Over Again
The days, weeks, months and seasons come and go and then come back all over again. That's what makes up your life. But never take it for granted. Because there will come the time when it won't come back all over again. At that time, you're experiencing your last season, your last month, your last … Continue reading All Over Again
What to do
You are in charge of deciding for your life. You're not always in charge of the options. But you are definitely in charge of your choice among them. So, what are you going to do? Because ultimately you are the one who will have to do it. It's not a completely fair deal, but it … Continue reading What to do
Visibility
Everything in this life is achieved with some sort of help from others. No man is an island as they say. So, in order to achieve anything you need contacts. And the best way to achieve contacts is with visibility, you need to put yourself out there and be seen. However, these days it seems … Continue reading Visibility
Upgrades
Since you can't return your life, why not think of just adding a few upgrades when you want it to improve? Drink more water, add in more exercise, eat less sugar and more veggies. No need to do a complete overhaul and certainly not all at once. But if you can work to add these … Continue reading Upgrades
Terminal
The fact is, that what we are all dealing with is terminal. Life is terminal. It has an end, and there's no stopping that. That's why we should all live while we can. Make the most of it, as it isn't unlimited.
Stick the Landing
It's true that a first impression is vital. However, even if you get off to a rocky start, you still have a chance to recover, if you stick the landing. That is, if you leave the meeting with a lasting, positive and memorable close.
Resistance
Resistance will always be a struggle, that's kind of it's whole vibe. Go for progress, that's the way the energy naturally flows anyway. Rather than wasting your time resisting what you're against, why not focus on creating what you are for? Go for creation. Look ahead and make that great. Stop resisting what's happening right … Continue reading Resistance
Pride
Pride is a sneaky emotion. If you entertain too much belief in it, you start losing your grip on reality, and confusing your ability to make effective progress. Pride can also build a wall between you and others. People often mix up their idea of self-confidence with pride. It's important to be confident in who … Continue reading Pride
Overworking
Overworking shouldn't be glamorized and it's nothing to commend. It is, ironically, a symptom of something not working right. It comes from either a lack of confidence in one's accomplishments, or as an extreme distraction to avoid another aspect of one's life. What's worse is it will lead to total burnout, which means whatever the … Continue reading Overworking
Not Nice
Being not nice isn't the same thing as being not good. Just like being nice doesn't equate to being good. Nice is mask; put on, at best, out of desperation to please, and at worst, to deceive. If you're going for good, then choose to be kind, not nice.
May
May is the month where summer starts giving a sneak peak of its coming attractions. The weather starts to get warm, or it tries to, and the dark days of winter are finally a faded memory. TV shows wrap up their seasons in May, and students wrap up their school year. Graduation ceremonies commence for … Continue reading May
Lessons
Anything can be looked at as a lesson. We're still learning, and when we go through something, it helps to remember that there is a lesson in there that can help for the next time. It also helps to remember that the lessons never stop. In other words, you're not done, you don't know it … Continue reading Lessons
Keepsakes
Keepsakes are lovely until they get too precious. Remember that nothing holds any kind of memory in and of itself. You attach the memory to it. The memory lives inside of you. A keepsake is nice, but it's still just a material object. Your memories transcend the physical and can go and be anywhere you … Continue reading Keepsakes
Jumping to Conclusions
We've all been guilty of jumping to conclusions. That usually means making a hasty judgement that isn't correct. It's called "jumping" because when that happens you get right into it, you don't cautiously stroll up to it. Jumping is risky, and jumping to conclusions rarely pays off. So, try to be less hasty, more aware … Continue reading Jumping to Conclusions
Intuition
Intuition is really there to help you. Or maybe intuition is really you that is there to help. After all, think about when you hear your inner monologue, who is listening? For that matter, who's speaking the thoughts? There's a personality, and there's the witness to it. Somewhere in there, is intuition.
Help
For some people, asking for help is the hardest thing to ask. And sometimes it's what's needed the most for these same people. This should be broadcast to everyone for the very reason that if someone's asking for help, it could be a matter of life or death. Have compassion, and help when you can.
Generosity
Generosity isn't so much about what you give, but more about the spirit that you give it in. You could shower tons of money at someone, but if you're only buying yourself a favorable image, then that isn't generous it's a business transaction. On the other hand, you could give away a tattered rag, but … Continue reading Generosity
Feelings
Feelings influence your experience. And your thoughts influence your feelings. If you want to know why your experience is the way it is, then take a closer look at your thoughts. The great thing about this is that thoughts can be changed.
Equality
The idea of equality can be tricky as it doesn't guarantee fairness. Equality could provide the same exact resources to everyone, however everyone doesn't experience the same circumstances and therefore wouldn't benefit from the resources equally. On the other hand, equity is when the different circumstances are considered, and so the resources are allocated accordingly … Continue reading Equality
Directions
Directions can point the way to your destination. Directions can also lay out how to get there. But you still have to get moving. Directions help, but your actions create results.
Consequences
Every action, every choice has a reaction, or consequences. This should be considered. It shouldn't paralyze you from making a choice, but it should most certainly be considered before doing so. Every choice has it's consequences. It's not avoidable, but it can be effective in narrowing down the best possible choice for your own consideration. … Continue reading Consequences
Better
No pressure, and you're not truly in competition with anyone else on how to "do" your life, but if you can aim to do just a little bit better each day, well then you're winning. Really, why wouldn't you want to be be better than yesterday? What else would be the point of sticking around?
Arguable
Any opinion is arguable, as it's just one perspective. It might be wise to remember this, before insisting on sharing it. Unless you're also up for debate.
Yes Man
A Yes Man is not something to aspire to. They're someone who agrees and blindly supports the opinions ideas and actions of some type of "leader." That kind of blind allegiance is not only foolish, it's dangerous. It's why they exaggerate how evil imperialism is in fiction. You were either a yes man to Darth … Continue reading Yes Man
Worry
They say that worrying just makes you suffer twice. They also say that most of the things you worry about don't even end up happening. So, in that case you're simply making yourself suffer needlessly. At any rate, worrying is being cruel to yourself. It also means that you're stuck up in your head playing … Continue reading Worry
Viewpoint
You may have a particular viewpoint on a subject, but that doesn't mean it's set in stone. It certainly doesn't mean you have all of the facts, no matter how clear your point of view seems to you. There's always more to the story. And there's always the option to change your viewpoint. So ease … Continue reading Viewpoint
Until It Is
It isn't the right time, until it is. In other words, don't worry so much. It will all happen as it's supposed to happen. Worrying about the timing, and how to control the events that play out, only puts stress on you so you don't enjoy any of it anyway. Focus on this moment, and … Continue reading Until It Is
Safety
True safety cannot be given by weapons and walls. In fact, those provide the opposite of safety, they create prisons of fear... and actual prisons. A wall doesn't just keep others out, it traps you in. No, safety doesn't come from those things. Distrust, paranoia, and lethal weapons will never bring peace to your heart. … Continue reading Safety
Rest
We're all so tired, because we are vastly overstimulated. And, somehow we've confused rest with distraction. We need a rest from stress, but instead of actually giving ourselves that, we distract ourselves with any number of modern-day dopamine-dripping distractions. That is not rest, that is more stimulation! It's no wonder we are exhausted. It may … Continue reading Rest
Personal
It's advised not to take anything personally. That would certainly save your feelings from being hurt by other's careless words and actions. And really, when you take it personally, then it's you who is hurting your feelings, by your own interpretation of the events. Can't get any more personal than that.
Ordinary Days
Sure, there are great milestones we all celebrate. But for the most part, it's the ordinary days that make up a life. It's the ordinary days that bring cherished memories. And it's these very ordinary days that will be missed the most when they are no more. They may be ordinary, but they're filled with … Continue reading Ordinary Days
Nice
It's a wonderful thing to be genuinely nice. But if you force yourself to act nice, for the sake of appearances, the pressure will ultimately do you in. All it takes is one final run-in with a thoughtless jerk, and that pressure-cooker of a "nice" facade will burst. Then, heaven help that jerk. It might … Continue reading Nice
Moods
Moods change constantly, so don't get hung up on them. If you find yourself in a funky mood, know that it will pass quicker than you realize. If you find yourself in a wonderful mood, appreciate the heck out of it, because it will pass quicker than you realize. Having a full spectrum of moods … Continue reading Moods
Laughter
It's pretty easy to agree that laughter is a wonderful sound. Unless it's mean-spirited. Have you ever noticed how you can instantly know if a gathered group is joyfully laughing, or unkindly snickering? You can feel it. That right there is proof that you have powerful senses. That you can read a room by your … Continue reading Laughter
Keep Progressing
Keep progressing. That's what humans have been doing since their creation. It's the reason why we're still here today. The ones that held on to the old ways, are the ones that died out the quickest. Keep progressing, because if you're not then you're just rotting, conservatively.
Just go forward
Just go forward in life. That's the way life moves anyway. It's when people try to hold back, try to stay back in the past that dysfunction sets in. What worked for the past will not fully work now, because it's a different world now. Life moves forward. If you don't want to be miserable, … Continue reading Just go forward
Influence
To be able to influence someone, you need their buy-in. They have to allow it. So, really they're doing the work. It would be wise to remember this for yourself. No one can influence you without your consent to it. You make the choice to agree with them or not. Ultimately, you make the choice … Continue reading Influence