Happy!

Love

I try to think about the ways I can reach out to other people, even strangers. Compliment the clerk at WalMart or the grocery store. Wave to little children. Smile at old people. Say something humorous to cheer people up while you're standing in line. We never know what kind of battle another person might be fighting in their life. So be that person who shines the light of love to others!

Hope Springs Eternal

Maya Angelou said "You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated."

I saw this posted on Facebook and it really spoke to me. Maya Angelou lived life on her own terms, even in the face of abuse and neglect. She has served as an excellent role model for so many of us. She always maintained her dignity and poise and power. It reflected from her face and the way she carried herself.

How do you handle defeat or disappointment? It's easy to feel sorry for ourselves when things don't work out the way we'd hoped. It's easy to think "why me?!" We get tired of people telling us "that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger" or "trials build strength and character." I've got quite enough character thank you very much!

Gratitude and faith are the two things that inspire me to rise above failures or disappointments. As Marie says, "God never blinks, he is always constant and faithful."  It makes it a lot more palatable to go through unpleasant challenges when you know it's for a purpose or part of the plan...that you're supposed to learn some kind of important lesson. Being thankful for what you have is another thing that helps to offset hard times. 

It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full. Be grateful that you have a glass and that there's something in it! At a friends memorial service recently I found a tiny little dandelion puff which I gave to his widow. Even in the darkest of days there is always hope for the future. As my Mom likes to say "The only thing that never changes is change." That means that even when you're suffering, it will not stay the same. It will pass or lessen with time.

So my friends, if you're going through a difficult time right now, focus on your faith and your friends. Ask for support if you need it. Take care of yourself and your needs. Carve out a moment to say a prayer or put on some yummy lotion or get a cold drink or sit in the sun for 5 minutes. Life is short, as we all know, so find moments of happiness and contentment, even if there are storms all around you. Remember, God never blinks. xo Anne