If you knew you had one day left before going to prison for the rest of your life, what would you do on that last day of freedom?
Perhaps those are the things we all should be doing right now. Things that really nurture us. Things that put us in touch with our Spirit. Whether we're making enough money and things are really fortunate for us or not, we can still choose to be happy regardless.
When we're in touch with our Spirit, we don't get caught up in the negativity of the world. Instead, we have the choice to transform it. And that's really what's in front of all of us each day.
We have infinite choices to transform our worries, doubts, and judgments into something better. Whatever takes place, especially with the things we don't control, we can choose to change our attitude and enjoy them somehow, someway. In spite of the adversity around us, we can still do things that put a smile on our face. In other words, it's up to us to find a way to have a good day and look to how we can contribute and make things better even in seemingly small ways.
Someone once told me that his difficulties were so great he felt it was impossible to have a good day. I disagreed.
"Find your gratitude. It's a great key for me," I said. "When I'm having difficulties, I look to the things in my life for which I feel grateful."
"Don't base your actions and choices on fear," I said. "If you find yourself doing things out of your worry and fear, just let that go. Instead, get practical. Do what you need to do. And look to your faith and trust." When I find the going has become particularly tough and I feel stuck, then my trust in the inherent good in people and things can really assist. It is also helpful to have patience for how long it may take to find that a happy day is here again.
Gratitude works tremendously as a tonic or prescription for my sense of well-being and comfort. It frees me up from worry and fear. So I choose that no matter what happens in my life, I'm not going to let the current situation determine whether I'm happy or not. I'm not going to let what goes on in the world dictate whether I'm fulfilled or not. I choose an attitude of gratitude and often begin with patience in letting go of a disturbance.
When I'm worrying or feeling afraid, often that's the best time for me to smell the flowers, look at the trees, and take in the beauty surrounding me. Even if I don't have any money, I can still enjoy a walk on the beach or a run in the park. Even if I'm locked up somewhere, I can still enjoy my breath and the peace present within me. Regardless of the circumstances, I can choose to fully take in the freedom and joy present within me in any moment.
I have a trust inside, an inner strength and conviction, that I can withstand the worst things about this world. It's partly from my own personal experience. But it also comes from what I know is the power of God, the power that can withstand and overcome the negativity of this world. My trust goes to God. And in that trust, I have great peace and calm and a sense of blessings in my life.
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Learn more about John Morton at www.theblessings.org. Contact John at johnmorton@theblessings.org.