dance

I am always amazed by dancers. They have such a unique, physical talent. Last night I watched So You Think You Can Dance. Those dancers, just at the beginning of their careers, are incredible. They can do things I could never dream of even as a small child with the world laid out in front of me. The best part of watching is imagining myself in their place. What a wonderful feeling it would be to move and turn and leap!

The other thing that impresses me about dance is that the music and the movement can make me feel various emotions. My favorite dance last night was the group dance at the beginning of the show. They were all dressed in white and doing a jazz/African peace (I meant piece, but I like that my dictation software chose the alternate spelling). Peace and hope were exactly what I felt as I watched.

Thank you dancers for sharing your talent and making me feel good!

bring on the joy!

I like these words by Neale Donald Walsch:

How much joy are you experiencing in this moment?

How much joy are you bringing to this moment?

The joy you experience will be the joy you bring.

I'm usually pretty good at this.  Wishing it was always so easy.

contrast

The book I'm reading, which I will say more about later, talks about contrast being the concept that helps us learn and grow. If everything was the same all the time, there would be nothing to learn.

I'm keeping that in mind when I'm frustrated. My happy days  will be more happy compared to the frustrating ones. I will remember when I'm having a hard day, how much sweeter the easy ones will be. This will take practice.

Here's hoping we all can appreciate life's contrasts.

best days

Some of the best days of your life haven't happened yet. – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spiritual-Awakenings-%E0%A5%90/105433989565465

A great thought about looking forward to the future. It is wonderful to have a happy past to relive in memories. It is important and energizing to stop and enjoy the simple moments as they come: a cat curling up in your lap; a dog jumping with excitement to see you when you come home; a niece calling to tell you about something special to her; an outdoor barbecue in the summer; a warm fire in the winter; seeing a rainbow after the rain; hugs and kisses, etc.

Even better, imagining the fun things that could be right around the corner, some you haven't planned yet and others you may not see coming. Finding something to look forward to is a good way to keep a positive outlook.

May you remember yesterday with a smile. May you enjoy whatever is happening in this moment. May your tomorrow be even better than today!

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?