For me the secret to staying sane and happy --in the moment-- is to approach life from the standpoint that 'ME' is a very fluid, ever-evolving concept. I've found that LINES --whether of my own 'artistry' or by the acceptance of those drawn by others in the world around me-- only serve to weigh me down at best and drag me down, to slowly drown, in a worst case scenario.
If 'ME' is fluid, it kind of forces me to live and experience LIFE in the moment, to slow down and savor the here and now ... I don't have to worry about being contained by that nagging voice reel running through my head that endlessly wonders "why? or how? or when?" (e.g., '...am I going to get here or there and when?').
If 'ME' is ever-evolving, I remain open to being led by the unseen forces --fate, destiny, seredipity, angels? ... or whatever you happen to believe in-- that bring the unexpected, often good and wonderful things, our way ... my eyes and heart are open to seeing others outside of me as intergral parts to the whole and I can accept that I'm not THE CENTER of everything, but I do have a part to play. I can learn and grow from my mistakes instead of letting them define me.
I'm not so sure that "success in the eyes of the world" truly is the key to happiness. There seem to be a heck of a lot of lines and hoops to jump through if you sign up for that route. I don't know, you know me: always coloring outside the lines ... I'm searching for an alternate route ; ) with some 'flying' along the way and I've never equated 'success' with materialism. Seems you're setting yourself up for a fall if you buy into that load of ???? .... The less I own: the freer I am in a spiritual sense, I think. Of course, every once in awhile, the world with its materialistic bias gets angry with me for not playing by its rules and gifts me a black eye ... but I'm tough and it eventually heals.
You know sitting here right now --with what I've just written above-- I think that I finally truly understand that saying based on the Bible verse "The first shall be last and the last shall be first." [Matthew 20:16] I guess, if you're so busy pursuing what it takes to be 'first in the eyes of the world', you're probably likely neglecting the spiritual aspects of your life which will advance you in the next. And as such, when it comes time to punch your spiritual ticket with points in the after-life for the journey to the next, those who were always first on Earth probably won't be moving up much, if any, in the line of seating preferences. Sadly, I don't think they'll be any upgrades available to purchase in this instance.
Hard work and determination are a given in this world. I don't think that we should just sit back and wait for life to be handed to us. We are entitled to pursue our own "Life, liberty and happiness", the operative word here being 'pursuit' ... meaning we have an active role in participation. You have to put a roof over your head, food on the table and provide for your families, but you do have choices about the way that you will choose to do this. Therein lies your power to have some control over opportunities for spiritual growth. Happiness is what you make it: It's ALL a matter of perspective. So maybe if life doesn't seem to be working for you right now: it's time to change your perspective ... even if it's only for a little while. Think that's why God invented vacations ; ) ... even if 'vacation' is just taking an afternoon off to go for a drive, a walk or picnic in the park ... just do something that you love.
Well whatever you do, remember that: Life is an adventure ... Make sure you stop --at least once in awhile-- and ENJOY THE RIDE!!! Happiness is what you make it, right?
And if you feel LOST and empty, maybe it's time to stop focusing on yourself for awhile and focus on those around you. When I am hurting the most, I find that by reaching out to and listening to others, to share what little I have with them, truly changes my perspective and gives me back my wings ... but maybe that's just me? ... To my way of thinking, if you want to make a difference in the world: try making it one person at a time and just watch the ripples of ♥Peace and Love♥ that you will create.
With the latter in mind, here is a poem I wrote awhile back that pretty much sums up my philosophy on LIFE. Well, it's what works for me : )
"Descending Heaven's Steps"
@Copyrighted Photograph: All Rights Reserved.
"Take My Hand and Walk With Me Awhile"
I stand here before you, empty of hand.
Alas, I have nothing tangible to offer.
No past that I can rightly cling to as being my own.
No future to hold onto, nor reason for my being,
Save this here ... this now ... this thought
And a simple wish:
That peace of body, mind and spirit be intertwined
In the momentary making of this knowing that is me.
Ever changing, never fixed, I wonder as I wander
Through this journey, we call "life",
Waiting to be woven into the transitory purpose at hand.
Clear of mind, free of spirit, pure of heart,
I strive only to see the beauty that abounds.
I am an empty vessel waiting to be filled.
Take my hand and walk with me awhile ...
@Copyrighted Poem, 2010. All Rights Reserved: Isabelle Black Smith.
P.S. It took me nearly a year to figure out why this statue only has one hand. That's when this poem fell into place. The statue only has one hand, because I give the other to you ... whoever you may be as I cross your path, in the moment unfolding at hand.
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