It is what you think about.
It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about. —Dale Carnegie
- If only I had that thing…
- If only I could be more like that person…
- If only I were in that place…
- If only I were doing that…
Do you ever catch yourself having these thoughts? Do you ever feel the pull of that green-eyed monster, jealousy? Do you ever find yourself wishing, hoping for something different, something more? Of course you do. We all do.
These thoughts are natural. It is in our nature. It’s alright that these thoughts visit, what matters is how we deal with them.
Stop worrying about all of the things that you are not. Stop worrying about all of the things that you don’t have. Focus on what you are, on what you have, and on what you are yet to be. Be present. Be grateful for the ten thousand beautiful things that exist around you right now.
No matter how bad you think it is, no matter how far down you’ve been; now is the time to get back up. Get back up and shine. So many people have so little and choose joy anyway. Be one of those people. Choose joy.
I always find that the quickest path to joy is gratitude. Give thanks. My list is never-ending but here’s a little glimpse.
Thank you, heaven, for my ears that hear; my feet that walk; my eyes that see; my hands that write; my voice that shares; my mouth that tastes; my heart that loves; my nephew that makes me smile permanently; my friends who lift me up when I can not do it on my own; my family who loves me unconditionally; my fiance who challenges me to constantly grow and loves me the best way he knows how to; my blog that allows me to create positive change in people’s lives. Thank you for the beautiful sunsets, delicious late summer days, the cicadas that sing me to sleep at night. And thank you for the hard times, too, they show me how sweet the sweet ones really are.
In love & light,
Dena
Comments (7)
Lou Mello
August 24, 2011 at 7:10 am
Being thankful for all that life gives us is a sure fire route to joy. Friends, health, family are all important and bring us joy. Key approach to daily life is to sluff off the bad stuff and don’t spend time thinking about it. Concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other and doing good where you can. It’s not spectacular, but, it is the right thing to do and will bring you daily joy.
Dena
August 28, 2011 at 2:13 pm
beautiful words of wisdom–as always. thank you for being here. 🙂
James Moffitt
August 24, 2011 at 10:33 am
Very good stuff. Thanks for sharing…
Dena
August 28, 2011 at 2:13 pm
thank YOU for being here. 🙂
andra watkins
August 24, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Such good advice, Dena. I have a long list of things for which I’m thankful. It does get me through the hard times.
I hope you didn’t shake too much up in New Jersey. xo
Dena
August 28, 2011 at 2:14 pm
hey andra! the earthquake was intense but i was in the car and didn’t feel a thing. this hurricane on the other hand… lots of water and the wind is still blowing. i’m ready for sunshine & calm weather now. 🙂 hope you are safe & well. <3
Kristin
September 14, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Agree 100-fold.