I feel as though if we are filled with gratitude just being alive no matter how great or bad the day – with the circumstances, obstacles, curve balls difficulties we face along with the triumphs, the bad can become less difficult and burdensome. Gratitude provides the energy and attitude we need to move forward on a daily basis with less mental and emotional baggage with more joy. – Jody Watley
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom that springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher.
This thought came about today when a fan who’d made a mega-mix video and posted on my Facebook page. He was upset and commented as such that I hadn’t responded in a fast enough manner, when I hadn’t even seen it; he took it as an insult to him. His reaction was particularly surprising and disappointing for me because I take time to reply and comment to people as much as possible. You can’t please everyone all the time, and I’m certain some artists never reply or acknowledge their fans whatsoever. Take a moment of pause before lashing out at others. I always recommend Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Four Agreements” among them ‘Never Make Assumptions and Never Take Anything Personally.’ I also share favorite perspectives such as this one about giving be it a mega-mix fan made video, a loan, a smile, a holding of the door for a stranger, a gift of any kind:
“When you give and share and expect something in return, like a compliment, a simple thanks, a favor or whatever it is, then you are not really loving. You are actually doing business. Why? Because business is about expecting returns. Love simply delights in giving and sharing unconditionally.” – Joel Randymar
If you’ve ever had people trying to tell you what and how to do something you’re working toward personally or professionally - yet have never achieved anything in your field, relationships, etc. and they seem to feel they have all the answers for your life without your ever asking for advice – this might resonate! I knew someone who knew the secret to winning the lottery, though they’d never even won even a small prize. Walk the path of your own life – ignore the know it all’s, naysayers and crabs in the barrel of life.
There’s so much going on in the world..never become immune to the plight of others. I feel like if we all collectively put good vibes into the globe by our thoughts and actions even if for a second -though it may sound cliche, I feel it makes the world a better place. One never knows how a prayer, or well wish can have a positive impact on another’s life or struggle.
“Wishing everyone a day that brings more joy than despair, more love than anguish and more laughs than tears.” – Jody Watley
Of course there are many other things that can be added to this daily to do list (pray, meditate, eat good healthy food, don’t sweat the small stuff, add the 4 agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz into this as well, etc.) – these however are all great starts and reminders.
A blessed and Happy Easter/Resurrection Day/ Sunday, Holiday/Day! Refocus. Redefine. Rejuvenate with clarity passion, purpose love, joy and peace!!
We all know that every day isn’t a bed of roses (I even wrote a song with UK band 4Hero about it), however I do believe that if an effort is made to make our lives better in large and small ways that type of attitude can create a better and more fulfilling life. I’m not talking about money, because I’m certain there are rich people not happy and miserable with their lives or simply empty in their soul. There’s too much emphasis on materialism and who’s making what, who has what and so on – but that’s another blog. Focus on the things that contribute to a positive loving atmosphere and feeling of joy in the grind of life. How you feel about yourself (teach your children and grandchildren and little nieces and nephews), your job or career, good friends, laughter, healthy relationships and so on. Those are places to begin. Do the things that make your corner of the universe better to live a life you love.
