the mind

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of Hell, and a hell of Heaven. - John Milton

This idea is very appealing to me. No matter what our circumstance, it is all in the way our mind perceives the situation. I wish that I felt more in control of my mind. I can have the same experience on Monday and Tuesday and I may struggle on one day or simply take it as it comes on the other. I wish I could figure out how to “simply take it as it comes” every day.

I keep this at the top of my "to do list" as a reminder: I am grateful that I am strong, healthy & comfortable. I take good care of myself & others. I am grateful for my happy family & friends, and the beautiful home & community in which I live. It isn't puffy white clouds, angels and harps, but it is a very wonderful life.

I wish that you may find a way to view your life as heaven.

energy

I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum. - Frances Willard

I love this quote. I think I need some practice with it. When I find myself feeling conflicted with another person, I usually find a way to resolve the situation in a peaceful manner. Now, I'm thinking that maybe I can take conflicted feelings and change them into energy to accomplish what I want as opposed to what I see. I don't know if I'm explaining myself well.

I looked at Wikipedia at the name Frances Willard and I was impressed. This woman really used her voice to accomplish a lot. I would like to do the same. So far, I'm using my voice to bring positivity to those around me and online and to bring art to a community that needs to rebuild.

I like the word momentum. Let's all move forward from where we are to where we hope to be.

favorite things

There is a song in The Sound of Music called My Favorite Things. The main part I'm focusing on goes like this “when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad.”

So here is my list, in no particular order:

little kid giggles

phone calls from friends

cool days and fresh air, even a little rain

singing happy songs

looking at art: my own, online, in a museum

balancing my checkbook (sense of accomplishment)

hugs and kisses, etc.

comedy

a good book

What would you put on your list?