The Path to Peace

 After pulling a solitary stick of gum from its package, I heard a young person sigh and say, “Last piece of happiness.”  If happiness came in a stick of gum, we’d grab onto it and never let go. How different life would be if we only needed a simple stick of gum to make us happy. Some people think happiness is just that easy to obtain. Take a look:

                                         https://youtu.be/sJ8xZtxXLc8

Searching for what makes us happy sometimes leads to everything except happiness. So many people want the easiest path. As the rate of heroine usage climbs, we see the problems with quick-fix tactics. Closing the door on short-term fixes forces us to focus time and money in healthier experiences that bring long-term contentment. They say happiness is fleeting, but joy is eternal. What are you willing to invest in to gain long-term peace and joy?

Perfect Perspective

Ever notice how gloomy days affect our moods? Since the weather forecast calls for a few more days of rain, we’ll may see a lot more frowns this weekend, and the early setting sun might mean gloomy faces for the next six months. Even if the weather outside is frightful, we know it’s not likely to get this bad:

                                     https://youtu.be/zbgkeca1nPc

As cooler weather moves in, let’s look forward to steamy bowls of chili, mugs of sweet hot chocolate, and evenings huddled around a fireplace. We’ll make the most our gloomy skies. Everything depends on perspective, for instance, despite reports of terrorism and the divisive political climate, what’s the good news?       

Can’t Stop the Feeling

This is exciting. What a night to be alive. That comment came from a young relative celebrating the Survivor season premiere and the Big Brother finale airing on the same evening. Although I enjoy the shows, I can think of at least several more exciting scenarios. I’m sure you can, too. Maybe they include one of these suggestions: 

                                     https://youtu.be/QIfvyXczhWo

 A castle, a digger, a dragon… The wish lists go on and on. Christmas is still a couple of months away, so I hesitate to mention it so early, but there’s no time like the present to begin thinking about how to make the season extra special. Your giving doesn’t have to be limited to friends and family, offering charitable assistance to any one of the many organizations that do good work will cause you to celebrate simply because you’re healthy and alive. What type of charitable organization would you consider supporting?   

Person of Interest

There’s something about a neat space that creates a sense of serenity in me. I wonder if that’s true for people who can sit among scattered papers and cluttered-filled areas. Maybe they’re comfortable surrounded by a mass of stuff. I’m okay with some clutter as long as it’s arranged or stacked, but every so often it’s time to fill up the trash bags and toss things out. I can stand so much ‘til I can’t stands no more (a la Popeye). They say creative types work well in messy spaces, and at least several times a year someone publishes a study to try and prove that theory. Whether you’re neat or messy, this video has something to say about you. Have a listen:

                                     https://youtu.be/KjuTD_g2nRg     

Neat or messy, both sides earned points, and except for the comment about being boring, it’s okay to be either one. The degree to which you’re neat or messy depends on the measuring stick you use. So, are you neat or messy and who are you measuring yourself against?   

On a Renovation Ride

It feels like it’s Gas Station Renovation month since at least two main stations in our area decided to improve their facilities. They’re still selling gas, so we’re not in crisis mode yet as long as we can figure out how to navigate around the orange construction cones to reach the pumps.  

Maybe you’d like to renovate a room to prepare for guests arriving during the holiday season. We appreciate home renovations, but some turn ugly when we dive in alone or too fast. Take a look:

                                     https://youtu.be/c5tCdj1cStU  

Since no one cheered, I suspect the big drop probably wasn’t part of the plan. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help or bringing in a more experienced person who might have used a different technique. If you’ve got a lifestyle change in mind, whose help will you request to help you make that renovation?

Avoid the Burn

Sadly, this is the time of year when things die. It sounds morbid, but it’s true. In June, everything is beautiful, green and healthy. By August, the lack of water coupled with a series of ninety degree temperatures leaves our lawn riddled with burnt spots. In a few weeks, the leaves will turn vivid reds and oranges, and what happens next? Brown crunchy leaves will litter the ground, forcing us to dig out the rakes and leaf bags. Maybe there’s a way to bring the greenery back. Take a look:

                                     https://youtu.be/-W92Ux9GKAI

The grass looks green from afar, but of course it comes with a cost. There are other ways to revive a lawn, and each one takes time, patience, money, or all three. Maybe we’re not willing to put that much care into our lawns, but what about relationships? Which one of your relationships needs watering?

Missing the Catastrophe

We’re in a bubble. I can’t recall the number of times weather forecasters predicted storms and while we watched dark clouds roll in, increased winds, and thunder, no rain came. I’m not complaining, though. It feels good to have a covering, a protective bubble shielding us from the storms. My heart goes out to people in areas damaged by natural disasters. Scientists agree that the overall level of protection we enjoy is amazing. Take a look:  

                                         https://youtu.be/WaXKL5eWYTc 

Regardless of the tornadoes, floods, and fires that surround us, we’re still alive, and often uninformed about the bigger catastrophes that bypassed us. In short, things can always be worse than what we’re going through. How were you spared from an awful situation?