For a moment, set aside whatever you are feeling and lets ponder together. Think about moments in your life when you were the most happy. For those caught up in the flurry of negativity, I will settle for moments when you were the least upset. Chances are, these are moments where our focus was not on ourselves, where we shared common experiences or conversation with a person or people we love and appreciate. We werent bitter and full of venom, or bemoaning how terrible life always is...but basking in that moment as it came. Perhaps we hadnt yet learned to fear as perhaps we do now, or shut out hope as perhaps do now. Maybe life seemed much simpler then. Contrast that with what you feel today. Are you still close with others? Can you still bask in the moment and feel the beauty around you? If not, and you feel it is gone, why then is it gone? If your first response is to blame something or someone, then you already know why you arent happy anymore. Life is right here for the taking. That goes for those of us at every level of ability, whether emotional, physical, or mental in nature. Every single human being has been born with the capacity to experience happiness. If you arent feeling like this is the case, rather than to dispute the facts, instead ask yourself what youve traded it for. My uncle spent his life with polio, crippled physically and reduced to weakness for most of his life. He had to bitterly battle the tendency toward pessimism and letting depression rule his life. He spent his days in service of others, exuding kindness and hope, and realized that he is not the only person on earth who had it tough. He was my personal hero growing up, this little man in a wheelchair, who showed me an example of more strength than Ive seen from most people. Most of us have our struggles, yet they pale in comparison with deprivations that others may face. Most of us have enough to eat, a safe place to sleep and generally functional health. Some have ailments, whether mental or physical. Regardless, I doubt anyone can truly say they have it harder than anyone else. All things aside, we have this shared opportunity to enjoy life. Not just to exist, but to truly live, in spite of whatever may seek to subdue us. Ive received some hurtful commentary from individuals too scared to live their own lives. To these people, I still testify that even you have the ability to be happy. It takes WORK, for the rest of your life. Not one of us has it truly easy on every level. If we saw past the faces, whether black or white, young or old, smooth or wrinkled, we would all see the tears and shreds of our hearts. We are ALL HUMAN. It means not one person is powerless to control their destiny...but not one person can get by without scars and marks upon their souls either. If you find yourself in need, please dont choose anger. Choose hope, humility and effort. We can overcome all things. I promise you that, on my very life. This is a season of miracles. Regardless of your beliefs or chosen faith, we all can see miracles in our lives. I have seen more miracles than I can count, but I suppose that its because Ive learned to look for them. I believe in you, and in the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. I hope that from here, youll quietly seek hope, restoration from decay, and a renewal of effort. Its never too late to believe in yourself, and what could be.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 06:23:56 +0000
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