Accepting Happiness

I have seen many people have everything going for themselves only to self sabotage. Many of us are afraid of success. We may not realize it but we are.

Maybe we don't feel deserving or are afraid of change. Whatever the case, we cause ourselves much suffering.

In our most natural state we are divine. We are in harmony with everything that is. It is our thinking and perceptions that interfere with the connection to this natural state.

Thought for the day- Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted.
Deepak Chopra

Positive Perspectives

I haven't blogged in a while. I went through a rough patch there for awhile as we all do at one time or another. We get busy with work, school, kids, life and we can easily forget to take care of ourselves. I am in a really good place right now and am overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude.

What I've come to realize is that beauty is always around us. It constantly surrounds us. It's never the situation but rather our perceptions that determine the outcomes. A positive perception will always carry us further than having negative expectations. I find we generally receive what we expect to.

Thought for the day- When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at will begin to change.
Unknown

Wounded

I wish I could tell you that I have it all together, that I know the answers and that there is not a war raging inside my head. I wish I could comfort you in all your times of need and tell you exactly what you need to here.

At one point or another, we will all be wounded; broken. In those dark moments of fear and sorrow, things can appear hopeless.

I have been there several times and am currently struggling through another cycle now. Though, a friend gave me a kind word today. He told me what I needed to hear. He told me that he to had been suffering and that things would be ok.

Being wounded is not a permanent state. It's not the amount of trauma or grief we have to deal with, it's the ability to realize the beauty in all things and to accept things for what they are.

Thought for the Day- Where there is great doubt, there will be great awakening; small doubt, small awakening, no doubt, no awakening.
Zen Saying

A Brush with Death

I don't know about you, but it's not often that I think about death. I don't dwell on it, it doesn't come up in conversation much; it's just not something that is thought about all to often for me.

Several weeks ago, I was sent to the hospital for heart palpitations. I kept feeling as if I were going to pass out or if all the blood was flowing out of my face. It was a scary feeling.

I am of course home now but still experiencing the heart palpitations on occasion. I go to see a cardiologist soon and hope to get the issue resolved.

At any rate, while I was in the hospital I began to think about death and life and my kids. I began to wonder if my life was worthy; if I truly appreciated the gift and lived to my truest potential. I know of course I am flawed as I am human but I think we are all capable of being better--of being more. We are all capable of living each day with gratitude in our hearts.

I am not ready to die yet. I accept that I am human and that death can come at any time; though my wish is to live on for a long time. I don't know how much longer I will live, but I know that however long it is will be appreciated.

Thought for the Day- As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
John F. Kennedy

---

Lost in Thought

I've been feeling kind of off today. It's like not being able to shake a cold. I keep contemplating life and existence and the present and I know there's no destination but my feeble mind and ego I can't seem to convince.

I realize that everyday is of it's own. I also know that life is a gift to be appreciated and respected. Though, I can't help feeling a little somber today and can't quite put my finger on it.

Thought for the Day- Be true to yourself and don't be afraid to question anything. Live today as it is, let go of yesterday, and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Love Your Family

They say we can choose our friends, but we can't choose our family. Though, a family in my mind is not always made up of blood.

Growing up in the foster care system, I always longed for my family; or wondered what that even was.

I've come to realize, that family are the people in your life who will be there to hear your cries, to lend a shoulder and to share in laughter and the little joys in life.

To all my family, even those I have yet to meet: I love you. May your lives be filled with joy and may you bathe in the pleasures of knowing that you belong; that you are a part of something special, that you are family.

Thought for the Day- What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.
George Eliot

It Can't Always Snow

I awoke this past weekend with the intentions of hiking around mountains that are close to my house. The first day of spring has passed and I am anxious for adventure. Though, when I looked out my window I noticed it was snowing pretty good. I stepped outside and it was freezing!

I was immediately upset and disappointed that my plans were ruined. Then I realized...it can't snow all the time! Patience is a difficult lesson to master and even a tougher one to accept.

Thought for the Day- All human wisdom is summed up in two words-wait and hope.
Alexandre Dumas

Zen Enlightenment

If you are searching for the truth you will never find it. If you silence yourself, the truth will be revealed.

It is too easy to get caught up in thought and emotion. We will believe what we will and accept things based on our perceptions. But it is once we begin to doubt; that is when we truly begin to awaken.

Thought for the Day- Where there is great doubt, there will be great awakening; small doubt, small awakening, no doubt, no awakening.
- Zen Saying