Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Living A Life Of Gratefulness

Everyday I get up I am grateful to be alive, grateful to be sober, and grateful to my God for all the blessings that he has so abundantly given me. I share these thoughts because today I feel that my higher calling in life is to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I also share these thoughts because I know that there are many people who are having a tough time and totally feel helpless with what is happening around them... and I feel that if I can encourage others not to quit in their toughest hour then my being alive has served a purpose. I have many things that I want to share but it seems that the people who search me out for help in dealing with their issues weigh on my mind the most... so before I share my cooking secrets and other fun things I wanted to get these thoughts out there "in the digital universe!" on how to get through the tough times. First, I have learned the hard way that there is no school for easy answers. And, secondly, I have learned that you must not quit or give up on yourself. Many times people will look at my life and comment that it seems I have had a streak of good luck but I have to quickly point out that this streak of seemingly good luck is also built on many failures, adversity, problems, and tough times. What I have found out though in these tough times that in the past, I was generally my own worst enemy. Once I got Dave Anderson out of the way and learned to let God lead then it seemed that things started to flow in a positive direction. I know this sounds too cliche especially when it seems your world is collapsing around you.. but this is the time when you need to tell yourself over and over again... that with God all things are possible! No matter how tough things may be... you must stay true to your goals, your heart, and your higher purpose in life. Above all else... never give up on yourself. Never use your problems as your excuses why things are not turning out as you expected. Things always get better if you keep smiling and believing that God will give you the wisdom and strength necessary to get through your times of growing!

Something to think about...

When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet if we have problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and argument. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding. If you understand, and you show that you understand, you can love, and the situation will change.
- Thich Nhat Hanh