With Thanksgiving coming into focus in the not to distant future, I do my best to take a look at my life and see if there are things I want to make happen or should make happen or hope they don’t happen again. All of those are on one side of the ledger, the things I absolutely need to do are on the other. This is the process as well as some examples…
In your life, there’s a time when things change from simply hoping or wanting to do something, to realizing that that you have no choice. You need to do it.
Several years ago I started writing down these “There Comes A Time statements” (Both as almost as a check for myself as well as a way that I could almost set a plan for the future.) after something powerful would happen in my life or the lives of those I knew. By powerful I mean a death in the family or to a friend, a war breaks out, another senseless mass shooting or even some kind of a severe weather event, etc… anything that would strongly affect me.
The other day I was looking over some of those statements that I had written down. (I check them every now and again just to keep myself honest.) So I thought I’d share some with you. I’d love to hear any you think should be added to the list.
There Comes a Time
...When we realize that Peace, Kindness and doing the right thing are tools we should use with every decision we make.
...When we realize that the grudges, anger and sometimes hate that we carry with us, is only hurting us and we need to let it go and reach out again.
...When love can carry us though so many things that we never thought we could make it through at all.
...When so many times, "how" things have happened isn't nearly as important as that they did happen.
...When we don't need to understand everything.
…When it’s OK to utter the phrase "I don't know."
...When we believe that bullying of any kind is UNACCEPTABLE.
...That the things our soul whispers to us, are much more important than the things others are shouting at us.
...That giving or receiving just one small gift, smile, hug, compliment, etc... can make the kind of difference in someone's life that might be life changing or life saving.
...That hopefully, pessimism, hate and jealousy don’t hold a candle to optimism, love and admiration in our lives.
...When we learn that we don't need to be perfect. Instead, all we can do is to do our best.
...When it dawns on us just how good it feels to feel good.
...That we can never understand another person 100%. Our job is to better understand ourselves and our perception of them.
...That it is just as important to allow ourselves to cry as it is to laugh.
...That words matter.
...That the most important time in our lives will always be right now, because that's the point that everything happens.
...When we understand the difference between understanding the definition of empathy and actually allowing it to become part of our character.
...When what we have, just doesn't matter anymore.
...When we decide we must reach out and help someone, even if it might inconvenience us.
...When you're happier that you catch yourself smiling for "no reason at all," than figuring out why.
...When those that espouse hate and bigotry not only bother you, but drive you to stand up for what's right.
...When opening your mouth isn't nearly as important as listening a while longer to determine if you should.
...When you realize it's OK to stop and appreciate.
...When, as you live your life, you capitalize the word GRATITUDE.
...When you not only appreciate those around you, but you take the very important step to tell them you appreciate them.
...When you realize that a closed mind is not acceptable. Full Stop! End of Story!
...When you never just toss out the words I Love You. When you say them, you say them with purpose and meaning.
There Comes a Time when we must change for the better, not because we want to, or others tell us to, but because our soul whispers to us that now is time...
All we must do is to listen to it.
Peace
…..Gregg
Lovely. Great perspectives.
Amen, amen, and amen!!! :-)