LIFE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN AND BURNT TOAST?

Some things in life may be taken for granted until they no longer function. Basically we can call them ‘toast’. What happens at that point? Do we just toss them, or do they go else where, perhaps hidden for possible use in the future?

It is nice to have a toaster to make special warm treats any time of the day. We can enjoy breakfast with toast or an English muffin covered in butter and jelly. For dinner we can add garlic bread with our beautiful  spaghetti. But when a toaster begins to burn it’s contents, it is instantly viewed in a different light. It is no longer seen as a faithful friend to be depended on. It no longer pops up that perfectly toasted slice of deliciousness. Now it has to be watched like a hawk so it doesn’t secretly go on a burning rampage. A decision eventually has to be made when it is time to literally let it go?

In the same way, we need to recognize when other areas have become ‘toast’. When we find our lives turned upside down, dealing with the crumbs scattered everywhere. If our toast is constantly popping up burnt, it is time to make some drastic choices. Do we continually try to it clean up, perhaps soak it, then  wash the exterior until it is shiny once again? When do we accept the facts? Some things are  toast, burned out, over done, and no longer desirable. Once we acknowledge this reality we can let go, act accordingly, and make room for the new and improved version of our life.

Living with no regrets we shall live while we are alive. Enjoy being real.

“Life Guard Off Duty- Save Yourself”

Although we may notice the signs, hear the sirens, see the red flags waving, we still have the freedom to ignore all of them! Knowing that, it is good to ask, why would we purposefully charge into a place we were cautioned to stay away from? Why do we at times, continue going down a path even when we see a sign posted, “Bridge out, road closed”?

We may have been d-sensitized to the reality we live in a cold harsh environment. If that is the case, it is time to increase our awareness. It is important to remember there are only a few things that actually separate us from the cold nights or hot summer days.

Although a lifeguard generally relates to issues in water, in this context it is referring to life in general. Are we depending on another to guard our lives? As we recognize we are responsible for our choices we can begin creating safe zones and boundaries. In them we can enjoy resting, taking time to recuperate from hard work, or other issues as needed, then move forward  to accomplish our goals.

Within those objectives we can celebrate life and embrace the freedoms we hold; ever responsible for ourselves, then others as appropriate.

‘TO BE OR NOT TO BE OPTIMIST IS THE QUESTION!”

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is so. James Branch Cabell 1879-1958

What would we call ourselves in this day and age? Cabell could never imagine how technology would have such a huge influence in our world. The fact that we still have optimist and pessimistic thinking, although many things have changed since the late 1800’s, reveals this mind set can be a heart matter.

Do we suffer with anxiety no matter what the circumstances are that we are dealing with? Or can we see things that are challenging and trust that somehow they will be resolved in a positive way? A surviving cancer patient who suffers pain everyday stated, “Life is hard yet I only have two choices, I can be happy or I can be sad, I choose to be happy.”

We have much to be thankful for in this world we live. It is true we live in the best of all possible worlds at this very moment in time. It is also true, as things are drastically changing, that this may have been the best of all possible worlds.

Shall we be proactive and use our gifts and talents to make contributions once again that are positive to help change this world? The good news is we can be part of that optimistic thinking that can make the best of all possible worlds! Now is the time to decide how we can help keep it that way.

New beginnings every morning is not a novel idea, yet we may forget how realistic it is. If we remember that yesterday ended at midnight, we could serve ourselves well not to look back at all the things we didn’t accomplish, or the things we did that perhaps we wished would not have.

Starting fresh with a clean slate we can begin each day with the resolve that we will embrace our passion, work, mission, or goal with mindfulness and purpose.

Many positive groups and activities are available to help strengthen and assist us in our endeavors. We have many opportunities to grow and develop our gifts and talents. It is a question if we desire to continue to pursue new adventures in this season or if we prefer to rest and enjoy just watching the time pass by.

In the Midst of Challenging Times Keeping a Good Attitude

Recently it was said the key word for the day was ‘attitude’. Taking time to reflect on the meaning of the word can be the first step to understanding it. What does it mean when someone says, “Wow, they sure have a bad attitude”, or “He needs to have an attitude adjustment!”

In a positive light, we are told to have a winning attitude as we move forward into unknown territory.

So what does having an attitude mean? A complex mental state involving beliefs, feelings and values, and dispositions to act certain ways; a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display, are several definitions.

When we combine the power of our belief system with a positive attitude we can create a winning disposition. This may compel us to continue to press toward the goal line. In contrast there is a negative attitude that believes no matter what is done it will not matter, there is no winning. It is up to each of us to determine the type of attitude and belief we will embrace.

You cannot tailor make the situations in life, but you can tailor make the attitudes to fit those situations before they arise.      Zig Ziglar

Let us remember to take the power of a good attitude, focus our mental state, beliefs, feelings, and dispositions and create a more meaningful and positive quality world.

Staying on track, or taking one step at a time, keep moving forward.

Everybody says they want to be free. Take the train off the tracks and it’s free but it can’t go anywhere.   Zig Zilgar

Freedom is not free. We need to count the cost before we move forward, even when something may appear to be free. Example: Free room and board, all you have to do is take out the trash and be home by 9:00 to keep the home owner company. Is it really free? Every thing has a price tag on it, seen or unseen, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

I have learned it is best to slow down, ponder and take time to evaluate before making a commitment of any source. Why? Any commitment, large or small, always cost something; time, finances, and energy, as well as other things.

Like the train, I would rather be on a track, and keep moving, than to be derailed. Bad choices can even cause a train wreck, and definitely get us off track. As time moves forward, let us all remember our mission in life and not allow others to distract us from our goals.

Focusing on the goal, making decisions, capture the moment.

Most spend their lives reading the menu instead of enjoying the banquet. True or false? How many actually take time to read anything of substance, even if it is a menu. Perhaps we just look at pictures and hope the food served will look similar to the photo.

When referring to the banquet of life and all the colorful items on display, are we free to take time to observe and acknowledge the vast amount of experiences that are available? There may be times when we are too tired to make a decision due to over stimulation, after all, there are so many things to choose from.

What movie to watch, what book to read, what activity would be fun to participate in with family or friends? There are so many decisions we must make every day for a variety of reasons. Many report it is difficult to make a commitment for one thing, knowing if they do, they also made a commitment not to do something else during that time.

To be free to choose gives us the opportunity to be unique in a world filled with anxiety, fear of missing out, and people who are addicted to distractions! Are we willing to enjoy the banquet of life, or continue to hide in isolation, being too afraid to even look at what is on the real menu. Choose life!