Life's little lessons

[miladycarol]

wyliekat posted this morning some of the lessons and truths she's discovered and ended by asking what we, the readers, could contribute. Before I even began to think about it, I was already writing. Here are about 8 minute's worth of my little truths.



Anything, ANYTHING, can be accomplished by concentrating on the next breath and concentrating on the next step. When everything else in my body has shut down, I can still make it through near paralyzing fear by taking a breath and willing one leg to move forward.

Laughter is the key to sanity. Loud, raucous laughter that stems from deep in the gut. I intentionally surround myself with people who bring the stuff that makes me laugh.

Unconditional love is necessary in life. My world can be crashing around me yet I experience pure bliss while cuddling my puppies. It could be an animal, a toy, whatever I equate with that sense of solidity and a focused well of love. There is no back-talk, no weird questions, no agendas, just a pure outpouring of love.

I can't make anyone else happy unless I'm happy. Truly.

Kind words, whether to strangers or those we know, make a huge difference. I have no idea if the lady with the blue scarf is having a good or bad day, yet when I tell her it looks lovely with her eyes and continue past her, magic may happen. It certainly won't hurt.

Touch is necessary. Touch brings us closer to ourselves and those around us. Hug often, hug well, hug for distance, hug to just the point of rib-cracking then hold it for 15 seconds.

Stop and smell the roses... and the lilacs, and the daffodils, and the sap on the tree, and the food before it's eaten... appreciate everything from every sense as often as possible. Do you know that the leaves of most trees smell different in the sun than they do just before it rains? I do.

Small, simple pleasures go miles to recharge my day. It may be the act of making tea and bringing it to my desk while I plod through my work. The simple pleasure of smelling the fragrance, holding the warm cup in my hands, the little shiver of goosebumps as the heat of the beverage warms my colder body... all this makes me smile and the paperwork seems so much less tedious.

When I'm sad, I think of something that makes me smile. Maybe my mate, maybe my pet, maybe the last hug I had. Whatever it is, the mere act of smiling lifts my mood.

EVERYTHING is precious. Cherish, don't waste.

I pick my battles. Some just aren't important enough to expend that much energy. I'd rather save my attention for the fun things.

I'd rather be happy than correct. I don't need to be right all the time... though being happy and right is thrilling. *wink*

My joy springs from within. It brings me more joy to make others happy. When others are happy, they shower joy upon me and the cycle continues.

My actions and attitudes are the pebbles dropped in a still lake. The ripples I create flow outward and effect others. I take care that all my actions and attitudes will be helpful, not hurtful.

I intend the very best things for the very highest of good and I'm getting better at it all the time.

I tell and show everyone I love how I feel about them on a regular basis. I'd prefer there never be a doubt, ever.

Comments

[rowangolightly.livejournal.com]

Wise, wise words indeed. Thank you so much for sharing them.

As I've suspect, you and I are quite alike in many of our attitudes.

I really needed to read this today. Yesterday I wasn't in the proper frame of mind to read and appreciate but today I am.

See, you've made me happier just by reading this.

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

Yay! It was all prompted by Wyliekat. Really, it's all about synchronically. Everything happens in perfect order. Honestly, it's these very principles that have aided me in surviving the past month full of grieving. I couldn't have made save for reminding myself of these things and the support and love of my friends.

I'm really glad I could be of service to you today. *hugs*

[wyliekat.livejournal.com]

The random compliments to random people thing is relatively new for me, but I've been practicing it wherever possible, especially amongst other women. Too often, we're hard on each other. This is my way of trying to invest back in other women.

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

Indeed. I figure I'll never know the result, yet I'm okay with that. I just imagine that maybe I've shifted something for someone. Maybe they are angry or upset and one little comment made them smile enough so they are more relaxed before they drive into traffic. Maybe it prevents an accident, or maybe they are less edgy when dealing with their family when they get home. I just think it's all contributing to a big well of love and compassion and we can all pull from it when we have need. It's all about The Village. Even if it makes no difference to that person, I'd like to think the positive energy and intent floats around until it lands where it's needed. All this is the best sleeping potion I could ever have.

[ar-wahan.livejournal.com]

The synchronicity of this post, as well as of the comments that preceded mine, is fascinating. My UU minister just quoted Anne Herbert's "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" in her minister's message column in the newsletter I edit -- I incorporated it in the newsletter text file just yesterday! She talked about how she and her daughter make a point (just as an example here) to "purposefully smile and say pleasant things to grumpy people who are waiting in long lines."

Thank you.

Perhaps magic is afoot. :)

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

I've learned to expect magic, miracles and synchronicity at every turn -- that way I don't look too surprised when it happens. *winks and grins*