Being happy in any location

We all get nice and comfy in our familiar surroundings and thoroughly enjoy visiting other places since we are on vacation and enjoying life. Then there are times when we are required to leave our comfy surroundings and venture into unfamiliar territory. Sometimes we are down right excited and other times we are apprehensive. But there is beauty in every town with warm people, interestings tidbits, and fun things to do. Surroundings do not make a person happy or unhappy, it's the person that makes themselves happy or uphappy regardless of location. It is true that some places have more energy and excitement but many others have a calm and serene feel. It depends on one's mindset how they choose to look at their surroundings and see the positive. Focusing on the positive naturally enables us to look at the wonderful surroundings we live in and being grateful for such a wonderful environment. And the added bonus is always loving where you visit or if you have to move, loving your new town!

A saying that made me smile

I saw a saying yesterday that definitely brought a smile to my face that is definitely on target for some of us!

The saying was, " For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe." For me, I interpret that as many of trying to control all aspects of our lives which creates a bit of anxiety at times. Instead, it is much easier to relax and let things take their natural course. Now, we have some control over this course with our thoughts, words and actions, but instead of trying to rush the natural progression of things, just watch it unfold. It's our natural tendency to want to control, rush, lose patience, etc, but I think there is a different time clock out there for all of us and instead of resisting this time clock, just go with the flow and see what happens. Is this difficult to exercise patience? Yep!!! But just like any habit, you can break old ones and create new ones.

One little added tidbit, I appreciate it when I've heard that people have read my blog and it brought a smile to their face! So, thank you for reading it and hopefully you enjoyed it!!

The warmth of a fire

Talk about one of life's simple pleasures that brings about feelings of obviously warmth, but also of security, safety and an all is well feeling. A little fire whether it's built the old fashioned way with logs or simply the flick of switch and instant fire, it brings about those same feelings. It's like all of one's worries are vanished and life is really, really good! Sitting next to a fire, which I do often and receive great pleasure, is one of the best things accompanied by some good reading, a nice hot drink, listening to music, good conversation or just having in the background with a group of good friends or family. A what is great about the treasure of a fire is that for the most part it's inexpensive and still brings about the amazing feeling of calm, peace and happiness. Just another thing to appreciate in life!

Is there a limitation on many wonderful things can happen?

When things are going really well for us, sometimes we have a tendency to get nervous because we think something bad is going to happen shortly since these wonderful things happening won't last forever. So, some people get nervous and start thinking about what could go wrong....and guess what, it usually does go wrong. It seems logical that we should think things will continue to go well and expect the best to happen. That may create some sort of vulnerability for some, but why not expect the best? It's always curious to me when I hear, I'm going to expect the worst and hope for the best??? When we send out that message, it is like a self fulfilling prophecy. We have all the control over what environment and circumstances we want to create and it's just a matter of changing the way we think to keep receiving wonderful things in our lives. This is an easy concept, but difficult to execute because we are conditioned to be fearful or stressed or wanting more or whatever it may be. To really not be hesitant and letting your guard down all the time, every minute of the day and everyday makes some of us nervous and until we reprogram our thinking, we are not fully taking advantage of the wonderful gifts that ALL OF US are entitled to. ALL OF US can be on top of the world at the same time with abundant and happy thoughts. Thinking wonderful thoughts bring about wonderful things!!

The backyard delights

It's the middle of winter and many plants are dormant and life slows down a bit so it makes me appreciate that much more when I see vibrant signs of life! In the summer, I am accustomed to seeing my hummingbird friends feeding on the natural delights in my yard, but unfortunately, their food supply is a bit short in the winter, thus seeing less of my favorite birds. With that said, I still hear them chirping at me and coming about 2 feet from face to say hello which always bring a smile to my face. But there are more new friends that I've been noticing, most notably a little ladybug that suns itself on my BBQ. I love that little bug since you don't see too many in the winter. The buzz of a bumble bee is a nice treat which I did hear and see last week. All these little sounds and sights are reminders that though things are dormant, they are very much alive! Another one of life's simple little pleasures that are everywhere, everyday!

The mind is like a parachute

I used to use the term, "The mind is like a parachute, it works better when it's open." and of course, my managers used to smile at me when I would recite this! It always made the meetings more upbeat. But this saying is very true. When we are open to everything and really see everything, it opens up a new world for people. Now, perhaps we don't agree with all that we see, but if we don't judge it immediately and just contemplate what we are seeing with non judgemental eyes, our creative minds take over with the endless possibilities and this is how we find our true purpose and niche! When we are open to everything, we meet interesting people, different ways of thinking, different professions, and a chance to continually grow and learn. We have an endless capacity to grow which is amazing and something to take advantage of. The world has so much to offer, it's up to us to capitalize on this! Yes, the world is your oyster!!! Walk with a little smile and happiness in your eyes and you'll naturally meet some wonderful, interesting people! Like I've said in my earlier entries, you never know what is around the corner and what life has to offer each and everyday! Be excited about the day and look forward to it and it's amazing at what happens!

What do you want?

We all have our wish lists out there and many of us wish and wish and wish that we could be slimmer, richer, happier, etc. We put that control with someone or something else and don't realize that WE have the power not somebody or something else. Once that power is shifted to you, it's amazing what happens. When we start thinking that we have all those wonderful things NOW and not wishing in the future and think in the NOW, NOW, NOW and feel those things in the NOW, things start to happen. Not every night, but it triggers little steps towards the desired outcome. It's easy to get off course, but no need to get frustrated, just jump back on track in thinking in the NOW and how it feels. Lo and behold, each day it gets a bit easier. And what happens on the journey? Feelings of doubt, fear, worry, anxiety, etc.....but these are just friendly little reminders that you need to get back on track. You will know when you need to get back on track because your body tells you!! That is a wonderful thing!!! Can you imagine if you didn't have any indicators when you were off track? If you are feeling tense, racing heart, headache, etc, yep, that's probably your indicator that you're off track! No need to fret, just take that deep breath, relax and start thinking and feeling in the NOW.