Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it. MLK Jr.
We should honor his legacy by promoting kindness, understanding and civility.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Can't you just be happy?
Interesting question...Can you JUST be HAPPY? Can you simply turn up your personal happiness dial? Is it simply a state of mind? Pop psychology leads us to think that we're just in need of a paradigm shift or that we need to adopt a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). Is you glass half empty or half full? And who's in charge of pouring that glass anyway? Is it really that simple? Can you just wake up one morning decide to be happy?
One thing that I've noticed in my 45 years is that there seems to be little correlation to the cards life deals you and your happiness. I know people who have lost spouses, had financial ruin, endured serious illnesses or have children who have complicated issues, yet these people continue to greet each day with their best face forward and serve as an inspiration to others. What gives? Does heartbreak and misfortune cause you to appreciate the good things in your life more? And why is it that there are people who appear to "have it all" who are miserable and complain about the slightest things? On the surface, it doesn't compute.
What separates those who let life's obstacles roll of their backs from those who grow bitter? Why are some people able to see themselves as a survivor of misfortune rather than a victim? Maybe it's simply a refusal to be taken down without a fight. Maybe, instead of focusing on what's not working in their lives, they see what IS working. Maybe something restores their faith, gives them hope or brings them inspiration. Maybe something inside of them tells them that tomorrow's a new day, with new possibilities.
If we can, in fact, engineer our own happiness, how do we do it? Maybe the answer is different for everyone, but it's something to think about. Maybe it comes down to deciding what's important and what's not worth worrying about. Maybe it's learning to make the best of a given situation, taking the high road or just forgetting about the petty stuff that doesn't mater. Maybe it's putting the needs of others before your own. Maybe it's a commitment to make the world better. What's going to bog you down tomorrow? What is going to raise you up? How are you going to taking a step forward towards your life's goals and creating your happiness? Only you can decide. Have a good week.
One thing that I've noticed in my 45 years is that there seems to be little correlation to the cards life deals you and your happiness. I know people who have lost spouses, had financial ruin, endured serious illnesses or have children who have complicated issues, yet these people continue to greet each day with their best face forward and serve as an inspiration to others. What gives? Does heartbreak and misfortune cause you to appreciate the good things in your life more? And why is it that there are people who appear to "have it all" who are miserable and complain about the slightest things? On the surface, it doesn't compute.
What separates those who let life's obstacles roll of their backs from those who grow bitter? Why are some people able to see themselves as a survivor of misfortune rather than a victim? Maybe it's simply a refusal to be taken down without a fight. Maybe, instead of focusing on what's not working in their lives, they see what IS working. Maybe something restores their faith, gives them hope or brings them inspiration. Maybe something inside of them tells them that tomorrow's a new day, with new possibilities.
If we can, in fact, engineer our own happiness, how do we do it? Maybe the answer is different for everyone, but it's something to think about. Maybe it comes down to deciding what's important and what's not worth worrying about. Maybe it's learning to make the best of a given situation, taking the high road or just forgetting about the petty stuff that doesn't mater. Maybe it's putting the needs of others before your own. Maybe it's a commitment to make the world better. What's going to bog you down tomorrow? What is going to raise you up? How are you going to taking a step forward towards your life's goals and creating your happiness? Only you can decide. Have a good week.
The beginning of the blog....
People have suggested that I start a blog, but I never really thought too much about it. But here we are on MLK weekend (January 16, 2011), in the recent aftermath of the Arizona tragedy, and I can't help but be dismayed at what is going on on our nation right now. This blog name, Live Life Liberally, is not only a nod to my political stance, but also a reminder to live life fully and be a positive influence on the world around you. I think a little more focus on the positive and less on the negative would go a long way right to heal our nation's wounds and make us all feel a little happier.
Please allow me some time to get used to this. This is all very new to me. I hope to keep things positive and leave my readers with something to think about during their day, perhaps a quote, an observation or an inspirational story. I've told you a little about me on the side bar and will share more in future posts. I'll also pass along anything that I come across that will help you to live life fully and take in all of life's joys--more liberally.
I hope you enjoy it. Here goes....
Please allow me some time to get used to this. This is all very new to me. I hope to keep things positive and leave my readers with something to think about during their day, perhaps a quote, an observation or an inspirational story. I've told you a little about me on the side bar and will share more in future posts. I'll also pass along anything that I come across that will help you to live life fully and take in all of life's joys--more liberally.
I hope you enjoy it. Here goes....
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