If you have been following this blog for a while you’ll know that I can go from a creative and crafty post, to something more from the heart in a matter of… a day? I believe that in being creative with our hands or our minds, we have to have our hearts in the right place.
So much is going on in our world. There are job losses hitting way too close to home, illness spreading rapidly, marriages falling to pieces, even hurtful words being exchanged between our children. It’s so easy to wrinkle our brow, let a tear down, and wonder why on earth these things are allowed to happen. I know i have been guilty of sinking into the pit of fear.
However, recently as I fed my youngest his bottle and stared into those innocent eyes, I felt such peace. I know that his little life has yet to feel these things. He has no idea what it’s like to really hurt, or to worry (with the exception of when he’ll get to eat again, hehe). He lives his life carefree and with such joy. I realized that I need to change my own focus. Choose to see the joy, despite the circumstances. To focus on the blessings in my life, as apposed to the fear.
Can you imagine the simple impact we could make by choosing joy? The difference it would make in our family environment, with our friends, even with the strangers you encounter on a daily basis? I hope you will take this challenge with me – focus on the good, and make the best of the day you were given. Will you?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful post and so true. Thanks for posting and giving me an opportunity to reflect on all the joy in my life.
Thanks Angie for this one… My family is dealing with part of the tradgedy you mention. My dad was 5 years away from retirement, and just got laid off last Friday. It was a great shock to us all, and is going to be a life changing event for my parents. We all cried. They will have to forfeit their house, my childhood home where all my memories began. That is the sad part. We managed to look beyond this and now look at the silver lining to this dark cloud. This now forces them to move all the way across country and live here, near me. They are very lucky to have bought a house to retire to when the time came. They will now get to see my girls (3 1/2yrs old & 2 yrs old) grow up. They are not looking back, and just dealing with what they have. I am very grateful for what I have and what they have due to this tradgedy. Sometimes it takes these bad things in order for us to appreciate the “good” in life. So I thank you for bringing up this subject. Anyone else going through a tough time, just know that everything happens for a reason. You may not see that reason now, or even later, but some day you will look back and realize if it weren’t for this tradgedy or mistake that you wouldn’t be who you are and where you are today!
Great post! It is just what I have had on my mind these past few weeks. I wrote about getting past the negative in a post last week http://overcomingbusy.com/2009/04/22/tired-of-the-negative/
You are so right. We need to focus on the joy. Just like Abby’s family did in a previous comment, we need to see the positive and just live instead of focusing on the negative and wallowing.
Abby I’m so sorry to hear this, my heart is in pieces for your family. What a beautiful gift, having them near your girls! Thank you for sharing your encouraging words with the rest of us.
Thank you for the words of your post today. I am so glad I came across your blog on my surfing voyage.
Choose to see the joy, despite the circumstances. To focus on the blessings in my life, as apposed to the fear.
I sent your quote to an email to myself at work so I can print them out and have them in my cubicle. My department at work is going through a long drawn out, it is coming soon(4 months ago now) realignment where we will all need to reapply for our jobs. Though I am pretty confident I will be ok, the FEAR of the unknown is always present in the back of my mind and is affecting everyone at work to where it is not NORMAL anymore . .. I just want to get it over with at this time so that we can carry on. ..
Have a great weekend and thanks again!
Beth, thanks for coming by! I’m glad to have been of encouragement, and I love your idea of printing out uplifting mantras to keep near us through out the day. Fabulous idea!
ANG! I totally wish we lived next door. I would run over and give you a big hug, and the kids could play whilst we sipped some chai. Thanks for being a constant inspiration to me, and a leader (whether you like it or not).
I have lots to catch you up on, chat soon!
Fellow World-Changer!
Freedom
I was just posting about this! I struggle with anxiety, and in the face of some pretty heavy things that have happened this past year, that choice is a struggle. I truly believe it is so important to wake up each day and choose joy.
Thanks!
Heather
http://www.alisgravenil.com
love the new look. you changed it a little bit, right? i put my toe in the water and started a blog. not ready to put out there yet. i’m so overwhelmed. i need my IT hubby to help me, along with my graphic design (just finished her 1st year of college) daughter.
Thank you Heather for sharing! Glad to have you!
Freedom, you are amazing – how awesome would it be if we were miles apart instead of 3000?? :)
Jamie please share your blog when you get some time! (I did change things up a bit, thanks for noticing!)