Brittany Spears

As I sat at the bar, I enjoyed Frosted Mini Wheat cereal and some fresh pineapple. I had never eaten this cereal before and rather enjoyed it if I must say. Fresh pineapple has always been one of my favorites ever since my visit to Brazil. While eating, the TV was on but unfortunately the remote was across the room. Playing on the TV was a documentary about Brittany Spears - The Fall from Grace.

This would not be what I consider positive television but it was intriguing to watch. I observed something about Brittany which I feel is pertinent to our discussion on daily smiling. During her time of trouble, she shed her life of those people who could influence her. She wanted control and seems to still want control of her life. She turned to destructive people and events. 

Can you imagine what it must feel like to be in her shoes? Her career is falling apart. The media only want "dirt" because that is what sells news. She has lost her children. Her family does not believe in her. She has millions of dollars but has even more people wanting to take it from her. She is addicted to fame but can only seem to obtain negative press. She embarrassed herself over and over in the public eye and at every turn gets reminded of her mistakes.

I can see the relation of love of the world with the result of destruction. I can see the connection of negative people on our lives. I can see how "pleasure" only leads to pain while "gratification" should be the ultimate desire.

I am blessed by God to be "poor". I am blessed to be normal. I am blessed to have a small circle of good, positive friends. I am blessed by so much. It really changes when we can notice all the wonderful blessings we really have!

A NEW Day AGAIN!

There will come times when life is going great. You will have depression in check. You will have positive things occurring in your life. You will have a vision of hope for things to come.

Then all of the sudden life smacks you in the face. Life could take the form of a loved one who says some very hurtful things to you.

Why would someone who supposedly loves you be so vicious? Don't they know you are barely standing? Why would they seemingly desire to destroy your improvements?...Stop for a minute...stand back...let's observe.

Perhaps the loved one does not know how to respond when they think you won't need them as much. Perhaps others are in pain as well and they are fighting to deal with it. Perhaps they are afraid you will leave them on the "life scale of happiness" and they desire to remain in the pits. Perhaps they just had a bad day. Perhaps you are reading something into an event or phrase which is not there.

Don't take it as a personal attack. Listen to them but then put it in the most positive light possible. Respond in a way not to ignite the situation. Don't use guilt or shame or anger to force them to back off. Acknowledge their hurt and needs. Think...respond...let everyone move forward.

You have not lost your battle today in self-improvement. This is just a challenge. Face it and deal with it effectively while you continue to watch yourself grow.