The Benefit of Movement

I recall an old friends pond from long ago. In fact, I was a young kid and we used to fish in this pond. It was actually pretty disgusting looking back. The top of the water was covered with moss, leaves and the like. I have no doubt it was filled with snakes and other creatures of which I do not desire to share my space on this earth.

The simple reason for the shape of this pond was stagnation. Water did not flow in or out of this pond, it just sat there. Yes, it did evaporate but the mosquitos, moss and yucky stuff was able to grow excessively due to the stagnation of the water.

Today was a good day for me. I moved a lot. I worked diligently to visit clients and potential clients for my business. The response was excellent and I feel encouraged. As usual, I don't have any magical answers to your life's problems. But, I can promise you this. Nothing will ever be solved because you are sitting still. This day- get up and just get started on something. You can think of at least one positive thing to do for yourself- so get up and do it.

Add a little Sunshine

When was the last time you did a little something positive for yourself? Have you done any of the following today?

• Exercised
  
• Read a Good Book
  
• Watched a Wholesome Movie
  
• Listened to a Self Improvement CD
  
• Took a Walk Around the Block
  
• Read the Bible
  
• Said a Prayer (how hard this is- I understand if you can't)
  
• Called an Old Friend
  
• Sent a Card to Someone
  
• Watched some Funny Vids on Youtube (or the like)
  

There are times in our lives when we are so down and out, it is impossible to see anything good. The items above are not intended to be the answers to your problems but they are intended to help your state of mind. If you sit alone ruminating about your horrible life or past, no wonder your vision of the future grows more bleak.

Currently, I am listening to a book on CD called "Authentic Happiness". It is the first "psycho" book in which I have much agreement. The author (Dr. Seligman) discusses "Positive Psychology" as it is a new phenomenon. Not to belittle his research because I really like what he is teaching, but it is not anything new under the sun. For years, psychologist have looked for reasons for behavior from a scientific standpoint. They searched for problems with parents or environment or even problems in the brain. There had to be a reason so many acted so badly in their lives - there is no way they could be at fault.

There are some key things in which I believe this "revolutionary psychologist" has hit the nail on the head. One of which is we all must have a sense of purpose. Not a limited or earthly sense of purpose but one which is far greater than ourselves. He also suggested that pleasures in this life are not what's significant to our health but instead our gratification in the service to others or the greater good. I think its great "science" is finally starting to read God's plan He had laid out thousands of years ago.

But today is a special day, it is the first day of the rest of your life. I can't change yesterday. I can't make any of the horrible memories or losses or failures or sadness or fears from the past to be erased from my memory. But, today I am taking my dog for a walk. Today, I am reading the Bible with a deeper interest. Today, I got up early, got dressed, and ate fruit for breakfast along with wheat toast.

These simple things may not seem like much - but adding a little positive can go a long way. So, if you are reading this don't expect to change all the bad stuff in your life over night. Just try today to add a couple positive things. Go for a walk or read a good magazine or call an old positive friend. You can make it. You can overcome! You can become content! You can succeed!

Please notice this picture I took last summer. Get yourself lost in its beauty then take a minute to ask God for help. He knows you may not have the right words or even feel worthy. Just say.."God, please help me. I'm lost but I know you have the ability to help me find life. Thank you God for the blessings which I cannot see due to my pain. Thank you for not giving me what I feel I deserve. Please God help my eyes and heart open and find hope in this life and I pray it leads me to a wonderful one to come. In Jesus name, Amen"

I hope you can share with this blog any things you might do to add joy to your day.  See you tomorrow...

The Reason to Go On!

Hello everyone- this is the first day of hopefully many more. An old friend just left my home after he raked me over the coals fairly well. My life has been to hell and back over the last year and its time I get up and "fight" again. He reminded me that life is more than a series of positive and negative events but its about a higher purpose. I know that but have not acted like it. Over the last two decades, I worked hard to help others and toward a higher purpose. But, life hit me in the face and my world crumbled down. This blog is not about the details of who was at fault but its about what I know to be right. My friend just gave me the nudge I needed to go ahead an fill this dream I have had for years.

I hope that in coming months, I can share some awesome information to help others and myself. By all rights, I should be dead right now. I admit there have been nights I considered suicide as most people would when then go through horribly traumatic events. I have made a choice to leave most of my past life and most of my friends for their benefit as well as my own. Though I know there are hundreds of people who still love me and want me around from my past life- this is the path my God has chosen for me.

The training I have received and given over the last twenty years is what has helped me survive. This training helped me manage my thoughts and focus on what's possible in this life. I know there are many more out there who need a voice for them. I know there are people who struggle to get up in the morning. I know there are people who are hurting  beyond reason and no one seems to care. I know there are those who are lost and can see no way to recover. I know there are people who look at "self help" books and websites hoping to find an answer. These answers are then neatly available with a purchase of $19.99 that can buy the answers to save their life and give them riches beyond measure.

I don't claim to know everything. I do claim to know that there are some skills and attitudes one can carry that will help them survive. I know that our problems don't get resolved over night. I know that sometimes we have to let go to get up. I know that it truly is the darkest right before the dawn. I know that I am thankful for all the torment I have been through in my life because it will make me stronger than any of those people whose life is easier. I know that no matter how bad it is, I can find hope.

I hope you will come with me over the coming months as I journal each day. I hope you will find some comfort in these words and even join in the discussion. I hope you will help me by providing responses and encouragement. Let us journey to a better life together as I share with you the skills to do so. I will rise not by my strength but by that of my Lord and also from your encouragement.