Chapter 8: Feeling the Difference

So in my journy of becoming a more well rounded and positive person I am starting to see some pretty awesome changes in my life.

It seems so simple.

Step 1: Wake up with a smile and tell your self today is a good day and be gracious God has given you another day to live and be with the ones you love

Step 2: Keep that smile on and make the most of what the day is bringing you be it good or bad

Step 3: When shit hits the fan react differently than you normally would and give everyone the benefit of the doubt you dont know what others are going through we all have our own issues

Step 4: Love unconditionally, let people know you are grateful for their existance in your life

Step 5: Keep going when things get rough and know that tomorrow is going to be a better day and bring new adventures, joys and trials

Step 6: Remebering what doesnt kill you makes you stronger (big thank you to my great friend Dave for telling me this) And also remember to take a step back a breath before reacting (big thank you to my girl Bri she is the best!)

Step 7: Do something for some one else just so they feel special and important, you yourself will feel warm inside (its a real feeling and its my favorite)

Step 8: Keep remembering that things could be worse, pray for comfort but also know that sometimes God lets it rain so that your heart can get stronger and grow

Step 9: Give god time, your self time, people time, give situations time, and time time

Step 10: When you have a fantastic day or experience remember to thank God, dont just talk to him when you need him the most, he deserves a thank you when he has blessed your life (:

This all seems so simple but I can say that it has been super hard for me to remember and get through those 10 steps everyday. As I have come to recognise these things I have seen a change in my life. I speak a little kinder, I walk a little taller, I feel a little bit more, I can help others and I can be enjoyable to be around. All I can say is that I am grateful that I have started doing this and I wish I could have started seeing that I needed these improvements in my life sooner I think I would have been able to keep more friends and family happy. But like I love to always say ...

THERE IS NO DAY LIKE TODAY

I am so grateful for my life and the things that are in store for me. I cant wait for the next adventure.

Chapter 7: Some Lessons I am learning

1. 

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.


2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.


4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.


5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.


7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.


9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.


10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.


12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.


13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.


15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.


16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.


18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.


20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.


22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.


23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.


24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"


27. Always choose life.


28. Forgive everyone everything.


29. What other people think of you is none of your business.


30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.


31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.


36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.


40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.


41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.


42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.


43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.


44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.


45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.


47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.


48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.


50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift...

By Regina Brett - 50 Things life has taught me.

Chapter 6: Something To Keep Going

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbour, co-worker, longest friend, lover, or even a complete stranger) but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way. Some people come into our lives and quickly go.

  Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.

They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our hearts, and We are never, ever the same.

And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realised your potential, strength, willpower, or heart. Everything happens for a reason, nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience help to create who you become.

Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

Make every day count!! Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to.

Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself; it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

 

Chapter 5: Putting It In Perspective..

<><><><><><>

I am thankful for...

...the mess to clean up after a party

because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

...the taxes I pay

because it means that I'm employed.

...the clothes that fit a little too snug

because it means I have enough to eat.

...my shadow who watches me work

because it means I am out in the sunshine.

...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot

because it means I am capable of walking.

...all the complaining I hear about our government

because it means we have freedom of speech.

...that lady behind me in church who sings off key

because it means that I can hear.

...lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing

because it means I have a home.

...my huge heating bill

because it means that I am warm.

...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day

because it means that I have been productive.

...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours

because it means that I am alive.

There are three kinds of days:

1. Good days,
2. Great days, and
3. Outstanding days.

I hope yours is Outstanding!