Happiness Is a Choice, Part I, Revisited. Also, Being Right-Sized---A Key Principle for Unity

    I note the post that follows is spiking upwards, along the right side bar.  It is interesting that guests of this inn continue to rummage among previous postings kept in the library of this inn.

    I'm leaving a copy of this post, in the off chance you didn't know me when I wrote it. That was three months shy of two years ago.  As a modern day Paul, I pray
it may inspire you.  The gratitudes however, are current----I updated them.

      Placing our mind on our treasures, counting our blessings, is a great way to have an Attitude of Gratitude.            The Innkeeper 

Written 5/25/11

     Today is wonderful; the weather is lovely.  This morning, the skies showered the region, scrubbing the air and refreshing it.  I'm mindful of a quote:

 "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."  

Abraham Lincoln echoed this sentiment when he said, 

"Happiness requires very little, it's all in our way of thinking."  [And, I would add, in the choices we make.]

          I choose to be grateful, full of hope, looking backward with thankfulness and forward with eager anticipation.  I'm thankful because I know I'm not alone.   I know God's love, His acceptance of me with grace, not with judgment or resignation.  Not only am bonded with God, but I'm connected----to others who love me unconditionally.  A  fortunate man, I am.

         I'm not pollyannaish. (read here for more.)  There's warfare in the world, many go hungry, daily; abuse is pervasive throughout this world, yes.  I'm mindful of these facts and that many nowadays are without work.

        Despite these realities, I know God is still on the throne and He continues to answer prayer.  I know a Power greater than ourselves who provides us with the sanity and serenity we seek.  I know my vision for my life. I'm fulfilling it.  Loved by family and friends is my reality.  Life doesn't get richer than that.

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self- gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."                   Helen Keller

       How are you?  I'm amazed on what we choose to focus on. Yes, there are problems engulfing us. Complaining doesn't solve them.

       I find sweeping our ]porch a better option; doing so, the world becomes tidier.  Spewing bile may offer temporary release.  Doing what we can about the issue, is a constructive alternative; "Let it begin with me."

       It surprises me how much we stay in our mind, without subsequent action.  My experience, having a classical and thorough education,  is that I use analysis to make sense of the nonsensical.  It is my vain striving at controlling the uncontrollable.

       That's futility and insanity.  I know it's chic to be critical, sophisticated to be sassy.  I'd rather fill my heart with love and praise for the good things life provides.  Don't you agree?  My guess is yes, or you wouldn't be reading these silent words.

        The problem with focusing on the problem is not only that it is a downer.  The problem is that we are focusing on the problem.  With that viewpoint, of course, we'll get upset.   I'd rather look at the alternatives as to what I can do.  That's remaining in the solution.

 "All the beautiful [or critical] sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action."    James Russel Lowell

         What many don't realize is that a negativity is not always the result of an astute analytical mind.  Anyone can complain.  That's being consumed with negativity.
     
         Many are not aware their negativity has nothing to with their assessment skills. Their viewpoints are often a result of a heart filled with blame, shame, guilt and judgment.  Many critics simply are continuing the negative legacy of having grown up in the toxicity of a negative, depressive, critical home.

          Since childhood, they were trained to be critical.  It is a part of their cognitive DNA to look for what's wrong.  This is the result of modeling by toxic family members, and the bleak circumstances of their childhood.

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

                    The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians. 4:8.

This is my choice, to dwell upon the blessings and treasures I have. In keeping with that theme, here are....

My Gratitudes for Today, 2/12/13
1.  I'm meeting with someone tonight. I look forward to our time. Whenever I talk with this person we really connect. I like her authenticity and the transparency we share. It's wonderful experiencing closeness with a healthy person.
2.  My business is thriving.
        I am honored that I'm able to serve others----roses that have been burned and browned by strife. It's deeply satisfying that I am able to help others "get it." They learn how to overcome what once were overwhelming emotional or mental obstacles.

Being Right-Sized

      I am grateful for joining a group of friends last night.  I was reminded of a key principle: not to think more highly of myself than I ought. Realizing that everyone has something to offer and keeping an open mind contributes towards the unity I enjoy with others.

     My sons are thankful that since they were sixteen, I've considered them as my equals. They could outvote me, when family decisions were made. As a result, they love spending time with their dad.

     I believe God gave us two ears and one mouth because it was meant for us to use them in that proportion. When I talk I am only speaking what I know.  If I shut up, when with others----an not insist only saying what's on my mind----I may hear something new.  I'm often smarter than I was before listening to that person.

     When with my sons, we often are together  for ten, twelve hours. I have to tell them to leave, they don't want to. I'm fortunate.

3. I have sons who love me as tremendously as I care for them.
4. I had an open conversation with a son.  The openness, thoughtfulness and honesty we had met my need for connecting on an intimate level.  It's great relating with an adult son.  Hearing his mature but different perspective was gladdening. .Mine perspective  is limited, so I appreciate times we celebrate together.
5. I appreciate patience.  It allows me to slow down, when life engulfs me, with the urgent trying to distract me from doing the important.  Turning things over to God, letting Him carry the burdens of my life makes it more bearable, less frightening and increases my patience.

Related Posts:
Getting Beyond Disappointment 
"Happiness is a Choice"  Part II