LIVE the Journey

Life is a journey. We travel along our personal journey every day. When a day is over, it is gone forever. We can never go back and relive that day. Each day is an important part of the journey. Live it for all it’s worth. Eleanor Roosevelt suggested, “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” What thought provoking advice. Jump off a diving board, or eat something you have never tried. Sign up as a volunteer and make a difference. Step outside the box that is your routine and experience a new world.

Our busy schedules keep us within the boundaries of our boxes. The best experiences could be outside the box. What is outside your box? It could be a new hobby, a new sport, or a new friend. Adventures are there for you to discover along your life path. Open your eyes and heart to them and make each day memorable.

Attitude is an important part of a life well lived. You may start house-cleaning day with a pity-party and write the day off as wasted. Or you can dive into your chores and be grateful for your health and ability to maintain a clean and organized home. You can take pride in your accomplishments and gain satisfaction from a job well done. Instead of categorizing housework, shopping and cooking as work, think of them as living.

Tomorrow morning as you open your eyes and ponder the day ahead, decide to do something different, something that will make the day unique and valuable. Make your life a journey of exceptional days and there will be no regrets.

Quote of the Week

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

                        ~ Dalai Lama ~

It really is a simple concept. If we can introduce it to our brains, keep it there, act on it everyday, soon it will become natural. Small acts of kindness each day can change your life. Not to mention the people who receive your gift of caring. Helping an elderly neighbor by bringing a meal now and then, or offering to pick something up at the store for them is easy and could make their day. A simple phone call to someone who may be lonely could brighten their day while letting them know they are thought of. Take the time to consider your own family members. Do they need support or encouragement? We all need someone to lift us up when we fall, to offer a shoulder to cry on, and to cheer us when we succeed. Remembering to be that shoulder for the people around us can take the focus away from our own troubles.

The second part of the Dalai Lama’s quote reminds me of another quote that goes something like, “Just because you have a pain doesn’t mean you have to be one.” Some of us get cranky when we are in pain or suffering from chronic physical or emotional problems. It is no ones fault and should not be taken out on someone else, especially a caregiver. Complaining and criticizing usually does no good, while a little tenderness and compassion can work wonders. Think about our prime purpose in life, and we can make a difference.