Four Truths
“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.”
- William Ellery Channing
Time has been the ideal mentor for discerning priorities and procuring perspective in my life.
I’m not unique in the sense that my heart has been affected by as much sadness, as it has happiness. But there will always be another who has endured far more than I have. What I have done, is determined to make a conscious decision and effort to utilize these experiences and the strength and wisdom that inevitably emerged…to my advantage. Maintaining a positive perspective is 98% of the battle. Recognizing what brings me happiness and prioritizing is the rest.
My life has been anything but perfect, picturesque or ideal in any way. In fact, I’ve endured more sorrow in my lifetime, than I would have ever imagined humanly possible. Yet here I am. There is no secret to surviving, no miracle cures or magic potions to attaining happiness. That didn’t occur for me until I began to listen. To feel comfortable with who I was and to learn to be alone and aware of my thoughts, my feelings, my hopes and desires. I needed to learn to be in tune with my surroundings and to be able to decipher what was truly important to me. I don’t pretend to be an expert on anything, nor am I trying to dictate what anyone else should do. I merely understand where my journey has taken me and I feel compelled to share a little of what I have learned, in the hopes of helping someone else along their own path.
At this point in my life, there are still only four things of which I am certain; but they serve as guideposts along my path.
- Do all things with Love.
- Perspective is everything.
- Use the gifts I’ve been given.
- Happiness originates within.
Everything else seems to fall within these categories. So simple and yet, I almost missed it.
These days, it’s the little things that bring the greatest joy. Simple pleasures, cherished memories and laughter. Once I mastered listening, it was far easier to turn the focus outward and honestly see those elements I deemed most important. Recognizing these things also brought an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything I’ve experienced.
Everything.
And my life has been infinitely enhanced, in ways I could never have imagined.
The process isn’t perfect by any means, and although it may vary among us…it is obtainable.
Listen to your heart. Adopt a positive attitude. Surround yourself with people and things that emanate positive affirmations. Embrace others. And do All things with Love.
I believe this is how things were intended to be. But this is my opinion. Follow your own heart, and things will inevitably unfold as they should.
