Positive Thoughts of Others

“The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
C. S. Lewis

Lewis refers to the amount of time we all have. No one has any more or any less. The key thought to me is that time does not stand still; time can never be recovered once it is past; time is the same for everyone no matter their position, status or location; and we will all reach the end no sooner nor later than someone else.

In addition, time is available to each one of us to use and not to waste. The same time is available to the scientist working on a new vaccine, or a doctor working on a new surgical technique. The scientist may not intend to work over the allotted time he has available but he/she may do so by knowing that time not used to further a new drug is time taken away from a needy patient.

How many times do you hear the same old, same old complaint? I don’t have enough time? It’s not that more time can be purchased, or borrowed; it is that some people complain about not enough time because they waste what time they have available. This wasted time may be watching T.V., or washing the car, or window shopping at the mall, or engaging in useless discussion with friends. This is not to say that any of these activities are wrong in themselves but if you want to make use of your available time maybe you should simply investigate where your time is used. If you need more time, start eliminating time wasters. You have to decide what is a waste of time, not me.

“None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.”
Henry David Thoreau

Enthusiasm. A five syllable word with tremendous vitality. It is a word that makes an elderly man or woman vigorous if not physically but mentally. It is a word filled with compassion for others; a word that means a zest for life; a word that implies helping others to be the best they can be; a word which gives more than it receives; a word that indicates those who are willing to listen to the concerns of others without casting judgment, and a word that demonstrates a life filled with joy rather than heart ache.

Enthusiasm means that you get up in the morning knowing that you have been given another day to show kindness, caring, or the simplest facial movement there is which is a smile. It means that you recognize that what you perceive as positive will grow to fruition; that there is a day to offer another what they may have lost or be lacking.

“If a door slams shut it means that God is pointing to an open door further on down.”
Anna Delaney Peale

You’ve heard it before, I’m sure. When one door closes another will open. But, there is a caveat to note. Another door will not open for you if you have not closed the door behind you. Meaning what, you may ask?

It means that you have to let go of where you are, or what you are trying to do. It means that you can’t be psychologically stuck in what has gone on before. You must have the ability to forget the past; forget past mistakes or failures; and to look to the future.

This same ability to close a door soundly behind you also applies to those who have lost a job that they may have really enjoyed or been especially good at. What is past is past. It doesn’t matter anymore. Like adapting to change, you must leave behind any vestiges of keeping that which once was. The process of adapting to change means that you are expected to welcome change. In some cases, I know, it’s easier said than done. But, for everything you want to keep, you lose what is offered to you moving forward. The more you stay stuck in the past, the more likely you are to experience increased levels of stress, and unhappiness. And, most importantly, trusting God is key to success in life!

“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.”
Seneca

Have you ever thought that getting to the end result or a goal would be super easy? Maybe you have. But, as you probably know, the steeper the goal the harder the climb. Is it worth it? Well, only you can decide. But, know this. Sometimes, we need to realize that no matter the planning that you may have done, some steps along the way are a little bumpy. But, if you understand that for every hole in the road there is a way around, you will be ahead of thousands of others who saw the hole as their reason to give up.

You won’t have to read many stories of successful people to know that they didn’t accomplish a dream without hardship or difficulty. All you need to do is read about Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, or Abe Lincoln to have a bird’s eye view of what it took to succeed. And, make no mistake. If you run across those who say it can’t be done, this should be your clue to stay away from them. You don’t need naysayers in your corner; you need those who can encourage, motivate and provide enthusiasm for your quest.

“The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”
William James

Is James talking about leaving a legacy? Maybe, but I believe he is talking more about your personal impact on the lives of other people. So, what will outlast you? One thing for sure will outlast you and that is to extend help, compassion and caring to those you meet. This could be in a volunteer position where you are able to assist those in need; it could be as a volunteer in a hospital setting visiting patients; it could be your motivating influence on young people through a youth program or a young family relationship. We all have opportunities to use our gifts and talents, our positive outlook on life, our enthusiasm for life to serve others no matter when, where or to whom.

Life is not spent on looking in but looking out. It is our ability to extend our reach to those around us by influencing positive change that can last well after you have left this world.

As we travel down the road to success, at some point we will ultimately meet failure.

What is important, however, is that we keep focused on our end goal. When failure occurs, a lot of people just see a dead end. It is only a dead end if you see it that way. All you have to do is back up and start at a different point.

How you see failure will ultimately determine whether you give up or try another way. Attitude plays a tremendously big role. How do you see your world? Do you have a determined attitude? Do you believe in yourself, or do you accept what others tell you about yourself? Are you quick to give up, or do you persevere? Scrutinize your attitude – how do you see your world?

Don’t be blind and only see the dead end. Stop and determine what change in direction will get you back on track.

Inspirational Quotes for Reflection:
“I contend that how you do something and the attitude with which you do it are usually even more important that what you do.” Norman Vincent Peale

“God gives us always strength enough, and sense enough, for everything he wants us to do.” John Ruskin

“Grant me the courage not to give up even though I think it is hopeless.” Chester W. Nimitz

“Circumstances – what circumstances? I make circumstances.” Napoleon Bonaparte