Trying times

If at first you don’t succeed, just keep trying. Failure is to be expected in any worthwhile pursuit. Too many are vying for the prize to even take notice of those who give up.

You must struggle to achieve a dream. And everything will stand in your way. Ignore the naysayers, and do what they would not.

Better yet, use their negativity as fuel. Let it stoke the fires within, filling you with the desire to achieve. Leave them in the dust, with their bitterness as company.

Many of those who have succeeded will attempt to discourage you. They do not want competition. Their desire is not to be the best, but rather to hold on to some ephemeral perch.

Success is not dependent on someone else’s failure. Shoving others down means there will be no one to pick you up. Light shines and we can always use more of it.

If you try and fail, you have not tried hard enough. You have not fought long enough. Determine where you are, and decide what you need to do to use your stumbling blocks to build a bridge. 

Life happens

Life is what happens while we are busy making plans. It is a pitcher with a penchant for throwing curves. Those who cannot adapt will not survive.

So, how does one keep up? You must expect the unexpected. Keep your eyes open, always aware of the dangers inherent in every day.

Your decisions will have a significant impact on how things turn out. Regardless of the chaos all around, one needs only a sense of direction to forge ahead. And it is better to light a candle, than to curse the darkness.

It is easy to stumble: there is so much stuff in the way. Start with cleaning your own house. We all have spiritual clutter, which needs to be discarded from time to time.

If you are tripping all over it, then a little spring cleaning is in order. If you are slipping on it, melt the ice and mop up the mess. The chaos without should never find its way in.

Nothing goes according to plan, but that is not an excuse for laziness. If you fail to plan, plan to fail. Rather, once all things are considered, realize the reality will be less of a straight line and more of a struggle to get to the other side. 

The audacity of hope

Hope springs eternal. It is really annoying. Even when things are at their worst, there is always that little voice saying it could get better.

I live my life dealing with life. It is easier when you have accepted it will not improve. Hope is a nuisance that gets in the way, compounding the problem with its dreams of tomorrow.

During my short time here, I have seen the world deteriorate rapidly. What once was merry has turned into misery. Yet, hope keeps popping in like an unwanted guest.

I would love to see the world improve, but that is a fantasy. I write such things, but try not to live them. Yet that pesky little hope persists, like a ringing in the ear.

Most people do not care, but there are those that do. And now, I realize where hope comes from: this small group of troublemakers who will not just let it die. If they would just let things be, the curtain would mercifully fall.

Yet, to deny their contribution would not be reality. They make a difference in their own little way. And so, I am convinced the audacity of hope will continue, like a recording that continually skips, promising better days to come.

Rainy days

Into every life, a little rain must fall. Some experience a downpour, but rest assured: the sun will come out eventually. Until that time, one must be careful not to crash due to the slippery conditions.

Anger comes easy, and you should be wary of giving in to something that shows up so readily and makes itself at home. The one that suffers only knows they are suffering. But be careful of erupting, for the innocent may be caught in the flow.

If you must vent, it is best to do so in private. That way, no one else gets hurt. The anger dissipates into the air, and you feel better.

A good listener is a blessing beyond measure. Take heed not to abuse them. Speak of your problem, but do not make it theirs.

And be prepared to return the favor. After all, you know what it is like to hurt. Other people are hurting too.

Joy is fleeting, so make it count. Savor each moment, and be sure to pass it on.  The sun will come out and dry up all the rain. And with a smile on your face, you can face the world again.

Sight unseen

Just because you do not see something, does not mean it is not there. Often things go unnoticed, overlooked and underestimated. The same is true for people:  many rise to prominence from the most humble of beginnings.

Working hard is just the beginning. It is necessary to do so just to keep up. However, the winner will be the one who pushes themselves a little harder. Second place is still a loss.

The only limits are self-imposed. It may require all that you have to gain what you desire. If these aims are petty, then achievement will lead to destruction.

If your desires are pure, then pursue them with your all. There are no obstructions, only obstacles. Leap over these annoyances, and leave them staring after.

Those who saw you every day will suddenly notice you. That which was tossed aside will be sought for in earnest.  The words that fell unheard will be gathered up and cherished.

It is easy to miss the forest for all those trees. Individual drops fill an ocean. Grains of sand make up a beach. And from among the many, will emerge the precious few.

Decisions, decisions...

A person can accomplish only so much in the course of a lifetime. And so, it is inherent that decisions will need to be made. It is important to pick a path and then follow it to the end.

Choosing a direction is never easy. And some choices will be made for you. We must all play the hand we are dealt. To fold is to give up without even trying.

A lot can be accomplished through sheer determination. But the desire must come from within. Dreams are not from the mind; they are born in the heart.

Always take responsibility for your actions. That is the truest mark of adulthood.  If the house of cards falls, then the one who built it is to blame.

The dreams that last are built to last. If they are thrown together, expect them to fall apart.  Without a firm foundation, the greatest tower cannot stand.

Determine what steps will be needed to reach the goal. Envision everything required for the journey. And then go forth, for your path is chosen and the destination is waiting…

An attitude of gratitude

It is easier to bemoan what we do not have, than to appreciate what we do. I believe the saying goes ‘gratitude not attitude.’ How can anyone expect to receive more, when they do not appreciate what they have?

People tend to obsess over what they want. And will scrimp and save for these things, totally forgetting all the other such prizes collecting dust in the corner. Perhaps it is the having we enjoy more than the using…

And what is given will often be cast aside when the giver is not looking. Not every gift is the most practical thing to receive. But do we truly appreciate the intention, or do we only see it as a road to a very hot place?

If someone gives you a compliment, are you thankful? Or do you merely wish for more? The consumption of praise can often be taken to excess.

When something is done for you, consider how to return the favor. This should not be seen as payment; rather the one good turn always deserves another. Appreciation responds to acts of kindness in kind.

Life is about the pursuit of happiness, but this should not come at another’s expense. If someone bestows a blessing, they should never be at a loss. At the least, they should receive thanks. At the best, their kindness should beget even more.