Get Outside!

Yesterday I spent 90 minutes running the trails at the Batawa Ski Hill.  The weather was gorgeous and the sights, smells, and sounds of running in the woods really put my senses in full-alert mode.  It is necessary to be very much "in the moment" when you are running trails.  If your mind wanders, or you get caught up in a conversation with your running buddy, it is very likely that you'll wind up on your butt in the mud or sustain a gash to the face by an unexpected tree branch.

In our everyday lives, we spend very little time in the present moment.  Our minds are usually whirling with thoughts of events of the past or plans for the future.  Most people don't stop very long to "smell the roses", take in their surroundings, and tune into their senses.  If you're one of these people, then happiness will be elusive. One of the easiest ways to get back NOW is to go outside. Enjoy nature.  Walk around your block, climb a hill, go on a hike, or sit on a dock by the bay.  Whatever outdoor activity you choose, I'll bet that you'll feel a lot better at the end of your excursion.  I know I do!

14 Day "Cup Half-Full" Challenge

Yesterday I created a 14 day challenge for my Facebook friends.  I urged them to only post positive comments when posting a new "status" or when commenting on a friend's wall.  I want to encourage people to start focusing on all of the good in their lives and to be aware that there are many more wonderful things to see than negative.  One of my favourite sayings is "When you're holding a hammer, everything looks like a nail."  In other words, when you focus on negative things, you will see MORE negative things.  The opposite is also true..when you are looking for positive events and circumstances, you will attract MORE positive things.  Some will find it difficult to stick to this 14-day challenge.  It's like crossing your arms in the opposite direction than you're used to.  At first it seems awkward and uncomfortable but after a while, it feels like a good fit. Enjoy your day!
Positive video of the day..

My strange little plant...So, I've had a little plant (the sad, dying little plant on the right of the pot) for several years. It is actually a part of a plant that was at a family member's funeral. I have spent these years trying to keep this little plant alive, which has been no small feat since I don't have even a smidge of green in my thumb. Finally, I gave up on the struggle to make the plant grow and bloom. I put it outside beside my door and abandoned it. Something strange happened. The plant continued to die, but in it's place, a brand-new plant began to grow with absolutely no help from me. I did nothing to create this new plant. Now I have a beautiful flowering plant that I never expected. It's sort of like life's struggles. Sometimes you have to give up on something you've hoped for in order for a dream you never imagined, to happen.

I Decide

Each morning when I wake up, I have an important decision to make.  I must decide if today is going to be a good day or a bad day.  It's really that simple.  My happiness can never depend on what happens to me.  It can't be about who I meet, how long I wait in line at the grocery store, or whether or not I get stuck in a traffic jam.  It doesn't matter if I get that salary raise I was looking for or if that pesky 10 lbs evaporates. Every single experience is an opportunity to learn something new, to get to know myself and others, and to grow.  I put both feet on the floor each morning and prepare to be open to all of the fabulous possibilities that will unroll before me. It will all make for a good day, even if the events are unexpected and packaged in a way that I don't quite understand.  I will have a good day.  What kind of day will you have?