Month: March 2024 (Page 1 of 2)

We can search high and low for the definition of success. We hear it said in our schools from the teachers that stand in the front of our children’s class and from the staff that works behind the scenes, in our workplace and in our tightknit groups of friends and Loved ones where we share our intimate secrets and desires.

“To be successful . . .” “What you have to do to become successful is . . . ” “Wow! That person is so successful . . . ” The easy way to become successful . . . “. What does that mean? You have money? You have a lavish lifestyle? Or I should say, You appear to have a lavish lifestyle? You have a big house? You have your health? You have a wonderful family? You’re surrounded by quality people who Love and respect you? You travel? You’re able to extract significantly more money from business commerce than the average person? You’re cancer free?

I’m not sure to be honest with you. Everyone’s definition is a little different, but let’s not be disillusioned by what we see from the outside. In today’s world where it seems everyone is eager to showcase the highlights of their lives to millions of strangers – to what seems to me – an overzealous desire to overshare – including the fabrication of their day-to-day events, Is there anything tangible or of substance there? That road doesn’t appeal to me.

But, what the hell do I know.

In the long run, I haven’t found it productive to place the blame and point fingers at others as a result of my day-to-day activities. We always have responsibility for what is going on in our world.

Albeit, it’s much easier to shirk that responsibility and direct our – and others’-attention somewhere else while pointing out the numerous flaws with ‘them.’

It’s much more challenging to sift through the ruble and identify our place in the situation and claim it as our own.

When we’re willing to take 100% responsibility for everything that goes on in our lives, we can become the catalyst for the change we intend to see.

Lord knows my routine, habits – good and bad, daily activities and even my perception of the world can use a re-boot every so often.

We can get caught up in our own world to the point where we’ve lost touch with the grand view of things and our part in it.

For me, I have a tendency to shut the rest of the world out in order to accomplish my goals. That’s fine and all, but I can isolate myself a bit too much. I’ve always felt I make the most impact in the world when connecting with others. I know this can take many different shapes and forms, but keeping your nose to the grindstone and not coming up for a break every so often to see what is going on around us and checking in with others we care about, isn’t so healthy either.

And all it takes is hitting the refresh button to make our adjustments so we can find balance in our lives once again while prioritizing what’s most important to us and then implementing a strategy.

There’s always time to refresh ourselves.

Who doesn’t like a do-over?

In the most popular story ever told, a man was tortured, humiliated and eventually murdered in front of his family, friends and strangers – the whole town. Yet, in the last moments of his life, was able to look his killers in the eyes and forgive them. He wasn’t even dead yet and he was already able to pardon them for what they were doing and for what would eventually be done.

If that doesn’t put things into perspective, I’m not sure what will.

I know I certainly have a ways to go.

I’ll probably reconsider getting upset the next time someone cuts me off in traffic next time.

I said ‘probably.’

When my birthday rolls around I do my best to look at it – rather than celebrating a birthday, which is another year on this earth – but an opportunity to be grateful for everything I have around me.

I’m able to break it down into digestible, individual acts and/or people that make my life so wonderful. In doing so, I feel like I’m being showered with gifts and Love. beyond my imagination.

There’s no doubt we must acknowledge how many years we’ve been fortunate enough to walk this journey called life, but let’s keep it in perspective and focus on what makes this time special; the Loved ones we are surrounded by and get to share this unique experience.