Todays advice from the old farmer:* This is the week we remember to be thankful. Have you ever stopped to think of the things we take for granted that we dont say thank you Jesus? It’s not a bad idea to occasionally spend a little time thinking about things you take for granted. Plain everyday things. Some mornings I open my eyes and immediately start thinking about everything I have to do. I don’t notice the sun shining through my blinds. I don’t imagine all the things that could go right in my day. Instead, I immediately hone in on my to-do list and all the mini fires I plan to avoid. On those days when my mind goes into to defensive pessimism mode, conjuring up everything that could go wrong and creating plans to eliminate those things, it feels imperative to go on that way. Like the stressing and plotting somehow gives me more control over the day ahead. The irony is that while this type of thinking does nothing to avoid chaos and struggle, which are both inevitable, at least on some level, it actually creates the type of situations I’d prefer to dodge. Since Ive been doing my quiet time regularly in the morning again, Ive been starting the day on a much more positive note. But I am by no means perfect, and some days I still expect the worst instead of creating the best. So Ive started focusing on all the little things that usually go right instead of the big things that could go wrong. The reality is things could go wrong later, even if I start the day whistling over coffee while birds hover around my patio. Being positive isnt a safeguard against the unknown. It is, however, one of the best ways to fully enjoy the moment and create the next one from a place of peace and empowerment. With that in mind, Ive come up with this list of things that we often take for granted (some or all of which may be true for you). When you start thinking about everything you can’t control, it’s helpful to remember and appreciate all the little things that work in your favor most days. ***The little things that usually go right*** * You woke up breathing. No matter what happens in the hours ahead, you can come back to your breath for a sense of peace and presence. * You have the freedom to choose what you’ll do today, even if you have some limitations. Sometimes we take it for granted, but what we do on a daily basis truly is our choice. * You had a bed to sleep in. Even if you didnt get as much sleep as you’d like to, you had the opportunity to rest somewhere relatively peaceful. * There isnt a hurricane, tornado, typhoon or other natural disaster going on outside your door. * You have the means to eat three meals today, even if one of them is Ramen noodles, spam and rice, left over mac and cheese, or even a piece of leftover pizza. * Your roof isnt leaking copious amounts of water directly on your head. * Your significant other is alive and healthy, albeit a loud snorer, an off-key shower singer, or a consistent maker of ridiculously strong coffee. * Your shower works—with hot water—meaning you don’t have to go to work with bed-head or skin that smells like night sweat. * If you don’t have work to go to, you have endless possibilities for your future. Right now might be a little uncomfortable, but your future is completely open, ready to be seized and enjoyed. * The sun is shining, giving you all those feel-good brain chemicals. (The sun actually increases serotonin production—it’s a natural mood lifter!) * You don’t have Wicked Witch of the West syndrome, meaning that if it’s raining, you likely won’t melt. * Your closet didnt catch fire overnight, meaning you don’t have to go to work naked or fashion an outfit out of hefty bags. * Your iPod works, so you can listen to your favorite tunes during your commute. * If you don’t have an iPod, you probably have access to music somehow—radio, streaming music online, your mom’s old 8-tracks. Music is such a powerful mood lifter that we can access any time. * If you drive, the Charlie Perry morning radio show is on and it’s so interesting you almost don’t care about the gridlock traffic. * As for that gridlock traffic, the fact that you’re in it means you have a working car. * Your computer works, meaning you won’t need IT guys to come help you, disrupting your usual flow. * You have a cell phone, even if it isnt an iPhone, Droid, or Blackberry. Even a bulky, old-school cell phone that can’t connect to the Internet can make life world’s easier. * You have an office or workplace, even if it’s shared, meaning you can get things done relatively efficiently allowing for free time later this evening. * If you’re like me and don’t have an office or workplace, you have the freedom to work wherever you want. Go work under a tree for a while—you can! * You received some type of email that lets you know someone cares about you, even if it’s one of those chain emails your grandmother sends to the special people in her life. * If you didnt get one of those emails, you have the capacity to send one (mass-emailed or personalized) to make a meaningful difference in someone else’s day. * You got a call or voice mail from someone you miss, giving you the opportunity for connection and even a little shared nostalgia. * If you didnt get that call, you have access to a phone, meaning you can make one. Any day you connect meaningfully with someone else has the potential to be a great day. ***Someone somewhere loves you, so no matter what happens in the day ahead, you’ll get through it with the support of people who care. There’s a lot that goes right on a daily basis. I’m choosing to start the day embracing the good in the present instead of trying to predict and control the bad in the future and Im going to be thankful for the many things I just take for granted... * A chocolate thought for the day; If at first you dont succeed, have a little chocolate... Check out the comments for that big ole smile to paste to your Monday morning face and share it with everyone who comes in contact with you today. You should even find a laugh or two to make your day start a little better...
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 02:55:09 +0000
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