Two or three weeks ago I posted an entry where I started out saying that I’d had a very heavy heart for a few days prior. Since then I have been focusing on creating an environment for myself that is positive. I’ve surrounded myself with positive energy and people (in the words of Randy Pausch - the Tigger’s and not the Eeyore’s). I have taken painstaking effort to try to let any negative influences NOT influence me (at least not for long periods of time). I’ve tried to do things for myself that I enjoy to bring a sense of peace back to my life (such as sitting on the couch in the quiet with a good book). Simply put, I’ve just made the decision that I’m not going to live my life with a black cloud following me overhead. There simply isn’t time to allow for that.
Several months ago, Rob and I watched The Secret, which is about the law of attraction. If you haven’t seen it or read the book, I highly recommend it and encourage you to practice it. What’s interesting is that since I made the decision weeks ago to surround myself in positive energy, several interviews have been on TV at random times when I happen to have the TV on (those who know me well know that the TV isn’t on very often at my home) that go along with this chosen path I have taken. I’ve seen interviews with Wayne Dyer and Kathy Freston. I caught a rerun of an appearance by Randy Pausch on the Oprah show. Today I had a tape in my VCR as I worked and when I turned it off, the Oprah show was on. She had three guests, and they were all talking about the laws of attraction. The Secret was mentioned several times during the show. Coincidence? I think not.
I made some notes during today’s Oprah show that I wanted to share. Stop to think about them in terms of visualizing what you want for your life, and making a decision to bring those things to your life:
* When you feel good, you start pulling things that are good into your life.
* Release the fear. Literarlly accept the fear as you inhale and expell the fear when you exhale.
* You can’t begin to heal your life until you forgive (yourself and others). You have to let the whole thing go. You can’t be tied to it or the past, you have to release it.
* Bitterness stops the process.
* Playing the victim doesn’t work. Be grateful for what you have.
Accept the responsibility for your life’s path. Throwing negative energy out into the world causes you to get the same in return. Guess what? The opposite of that also holds true. You make the decision about which you would rather have in your life, and which will get you closer to attaining the things you want in your life. And remember, if you think it can’t happen or isn’t attainable … you won’t attain that goal or milestone. And always, always be grateful for what you have in your life. Keep a gratitude list and reference it regularly.
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Last week I mentioned that I’d been thinking a lot about random acts of kindness. The Team Nimbus Alabama quote of the week even had to do with acts of kindness.
All individuals involved in a random act of kindness are positively impacted - the giver, the receiver, and those who witness the act. It gives you a happier outlook on life, you feel exhilerated, get a burst of energy. There are more effects, but that’s a short list. But throwing that positive energy out into the world is what we need. And when you receive an act of kindness - pass it on - pay it forward!
Acts of kindness can be random or not. It can cost money or not. It’s the act that counts. What are some things you can do?
* Hugs. Mean them.
* Surprise someone with something they like … it can be a loved one, a co-worker, or a friend. Surprise them!
* If you’re in a drive-thru, pay for the order of the person behind you. If you’re on a toll road, pay the toll of the person behind you.
* Compliment someone. And mean it.
* Is there a car waiting to turn into a lane of traffic you’re in? Let them in!
* Someone you care about feeling sad? Do something nice for them. They will smile and appreciate your gesture.
* Volunteer at an event or an organization you have a passion for.
Get the idea? An act of kindness can be anything … for anyone. But I urge you to pay it forward when you are the recipient of one. You’ll feel good, they’ll feel good, and you’re sending good energy out into the world.
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Hope you enjoy your weekend. Go do something nice for someone you care about. Or even someone you don’t know. You’ll feel good and it will make you smile. And they’ll feel good and they will smile.
And remember to be a Tigger and not an Eeyore. Yes, I got that from Randy Pausch and use it often because I love it. If you run across an Eeyore, don’t let ‘em get you down.