Shades of Change

When we face difficulties in our life, it is easy to get sucked into the muck of the problem. Catastrophic health issues, unexpected emergencies, long-term elderly care responsibilities and family changes, all create stress and zap energy from our seemingly, limited ready-reserve.
Next, we are bombarded daily by Internet ads that say “Have a good day.” Family members tell us to do things like “Cheer up.” And then there are people like me, who remind you “How great life is.”

However, when we encounter challenging moments, it is not always easy to see the lighter side of life. In fact, the longer the ordeal lasts, the less apt we are to recover fully from it, and/or regain our previous energy and enthusiasm about life.

Don’t Despair. Frequently, the biggest barrier to any type of recovery is our ATTITUDE. Do you want to get better? Can you make time for yourself? Are you going to allow this set-back to ruin your entire future? No, no, no, no and no!

Here a few simple guidelines to follow to help you get back on your feet after an extended absence from mainstream, everyday activities.

Steps to growth/change:

1. Pick yourself up and decide to make a change.

2. Figure out what you want and come up with a plan to ahieve it.

3. Take action, nothing happens by just thinking about it. You must act.

4. Continuously monitor your progress and make any changes that are necessary to keep you moving forward.

5. Be patient with yourself and reward the small achievements. Nothing happens overnight in any recovery or healing circumstance.

Everything takes time. Change is gradual. There are steps that can aid your desired outcome. Generally, you must begin with baby steps and as you make progress the strides become longer and higher. The key is to keep working at it. If you try to move ahead by leaps and bounds, oftentimes, you will miss something along the way.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Similarly to the autumn leaves requiring specific climatic and chemical changes in order to transform their colors, each individual’s growth involves certain stages of development that needs time to be integrated into the routine flow of their life.” tc

Valley of Doubt

Do you ever feel like no one really cares? Like you wouldn’t be missed? Like nothing you do matters? Like no one is listening to you? In a world of technological connection and social isolation, it is hard distinguish where you are and where you are going.

Trust me…this pain will pass. You are a beautiful light of God and your life is meaningful. The pain that you endure is meant to help you grow. The troubles teach you lessons that only you can learn. The weight of today or yesterday is just an illusion created out of the fear of doubt.

Tomorrow is a new day. I believe that you can find the strength to rise above your troubles, to overcome your fear and find peace. You have a special purpose. You just have to believe in yourself and discover who you are meant to be. The path may challenge you but find your courage and never give up.

A Hindu saying fits perfect here. Titled: Limitless and Free

"You are always the same
Unfathomable awareness,
Limitless and free,
Serene and unperturbed.
Desire only your own awareness."

- Ashtavakra Gita 1:17


So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“The seed of doubt plants weeds that separate and isolate but there is always a river of life flowing within you." tc

Winds of Change

It is important to take one day at a time. This theme is a useful tool to help people in recovery from addictions but it ought to be applied in more areas of life. I understand the desire to plan for the future. I set goals like many people. However, when we focus too much on that future, we forget to take care of today.
The windmill of change is constantly moving us through time. There are many variables in life that impact our future in ways we cannot always foresee. Things change and learning to be flexible with the bands of weather rolling over your life will prove to be easier than the initial reaction of defense to it. One moment may appear unclear and frightening. However, eventually, the sun burns the fog away and the crystal, clear sky will again grant clarity.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"When the dense and eerie fog rolls in and the path you have been following suddenly changes, take comfort in the protective cloak enveloping you, instead of focusing on the claustrophobic reaction of uncertainty." tc