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...