Recently, I came across some negative commentary about a certain place and how it's lost its charm. It made me sit back and reflect on what things I do not only there, but in general, that helps me stay so upbeat about things. I've noticed a long, long time ago that I have this unusual ability, it may be considered a strength of mine, to find something to enjoy no matter where I'm at. It always confuses me while I'm listening to people complaining so much about things while I'm standing there is my calm contentment. Do I see flaws? Of course I do, but I don't let it ruin my life. So for all who are interested, and all who aren't, these are some things that were (until now) unwritten rules I've adopted over the years when it comes to dealing with people and a variety of situations.
- Don't expect anything: It would be wonderful to have things go our way, but realistically that's not going to happen. People aren't always going to be kind to you. People aren't going to always understand you. These things in their purest and most genuine form cannot be forced or manipulated out, so demanding is a terrible response. I never expect people to like me or be automatic friends. That's a situation that involves both parties, and if one is against it, so much for that. Even while saying that I still believe in following the golden rule. As much as it seems impossible to follow it, especially when someone is undeserving of it, it works, and in my personal opinion it shows more strength. If followed properly, it's extraordinarily powerful for everyone involved.
- Go with the flow: Sudden changes can be either exciting or uncomfortable. Life certainly knows how to throw an excellent curveball. This may be easier said than done, but allowing things to happen to you and learning how to adjust is a good practice. This flexibility helps you move on to hopefully better things. Don't give in to the temptation to fight back or complain since they could potentially cause more trouble or harm. If it hurts, let it hurt for a while. If in some fortunate way something exciting or joyful happens, soak it in.
- Don't rush it: A close cousin to going with the flow. For me in general rushing things are exceedingly stressful. I prefer to follow the cliché advice we all hear to stop and smell the roses. Taking time to do things and enjoy things no matter the simplicity is a beautiful thing. Trying to pack things in to do as much as you can in a certain amount of time might feel like a more resourceful practice, but so many amazing things are missed by doing that! For me personally, the ideal moment is slow, calm, and relaxed. I like having time to soak it all in, whatever I'm studying at the moment, whether it's nature, people, art, you name it. I'm more of a enjoy the process person rather than reaching the goal person, as important as that might be.
- Be respectful: In my world, I don't believe in insulting people. Calling people names, even if it's a so-called joke is out of the question. Social media isn't excluded from this. Wherever interaction exists, it applies. It goes hand in hand with the golden rule. Being considerate of others isn't as old fashioned as some people might think.
- Know my own vibe: I used to joke with others that I don't give in to peer pressure, which even in its humorous presentation has some truth in it. There are some things I don't care about and of things I often hear people complaining about are, in my opinion, rather petty. Some people misinterpret me as a pushover, but the reality is that I mentally evaluate everything, and if I see something that doesn't vibe well with me, I won't do it.
- Enjoy the simple things: I'm often so surprised at how many things people overlook while they're going through their day-to-day lives. There are so many little things out there that make life beautiful! It can be enjoying a good laugh, the light touch of a hand on someone's arm, a butterfly or dragonfly landing nearby, or it could be (as I'm witnessing at this time) witnessing the leaves of flowers from a long winter beginning to break the ground and grow out. No one has to look hard to find something!
- Be grateful: A relative of the previous point, finding things to be grateful for really changes the way you view the world. With all of the negativity surrounding us, sometimes it's an amazing escape to sit down and think of all in my personal world that is going right, and that's certainly an eye opener to what things I still have to be grateful for, and some of those things are the littlest things we don't think about on an average day of life.
- Keep trying: There always seems to be those people in life who get whatever they are trying for with the appearance of ease. I'm not one of them. There are so many things I've tried for and never made it. I know discouragement rather well. There are times; however, that I've fought through the discouragement and eventually got something. Sometimes, the blessing of trying doesn't mean getting the end goal, but it is what I acquired while working up to it. My attempt at trying a hand at it makes me appreciate more the abilities and skills of those who succeed.
- Be understanding: This is one of my favorite parts of people watching. I like to watch them in action and try to figure them out. I want to understand why they do what they do and where they are coming from when they communicate. I certainly have my own opinions, but I aspire to be one of those who is still willing to listen to others, and put them into consideration. I'm completely aware that I'm not perfect in my knowledge, and thus do not have the answers to everything. Sometimes I find it fascinating to hear from other perspectives. A little receptiveness and imagination always helps me to understand and even have compassion. Everyone could use an understanding friend.
- Be hopeful: Yes, yes, it's my favorite word again. There are so many dark things going on out there, some really dark things, and it's so easy to get drawn into that darkness. Dealing with the unknown can be a scary place. But the guiding light of hope exists, whether or not it's visible. In my darkest times, I found the hope in the loved ones surrounding me. I found it in friends who were willing to stick with me. I even found it in myself as I struggle. Hope is eternal and never dies.
If I let myself think about it too much, I could go into more detail, or add on to the list, but that would make it too long for a blog, so I leave you here. These are things I try to follow, and of course, being human, I do have my weak moments when these things aren't so wonderfully represented as they could be. We're all in the same boat in that particular point.
May we all find the peace, happiness, and joy that make life wonderful. Thank you.
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| Winter Sunrise |
