Oh the good life…

What I watched on my summer vacation instead of TV every night

In life, there are only two choices… Either you make progress, or you make excuses. These words stare at me daily from my office wall, gently haunting me every time I want to delay an action or decision. I am reminded that if today did not bring anything new, it will have been for a lack of focus on my goals and objectives, since you can ALWAYS make progress by at least learning and searching new solutions. Progress does not have to involve major accomplishments but rather simple steps in the right direction: certain days I give myself a break and let my body heal or find a solution on its own time with some “meaningful” rest. As in rest like you mean it, to quote author Martha Beck, referring to a snoring lion pride after an unsuccessful hunt. Not every day can lead to breakthroughs, yet every day can bring enlightment and wisdom. There is beauty and joy to look for, and there is life to appreciate. Buddha himself has said “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” Although this may have been written in year 500 B.C., the sense of purpose (and sense of humour and irony!) was ever present in our lives. Inspiration is all around us, in each other, in nature, and determination to get it right is our own choosing.

So which will it be today?

Let it be progress for the planet, your happiness, your health…  and wishing you blessings as you (and we all) fall and learn even more valuable lessons!For me lately it has been about new goals for work (new writing assignments! better organization and decluttering!) health and fitness (overcoming periodic energy slumps! scheduling more workout time in my day!) and balance (more play and down time this summer for the cottage life, sunsets, concerts, yet improved productivity!)

One more quote I came across this week was from author Lawrence Bixby: “Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase. When you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too.

Salutations and a personal word of thanks to you for taking the time to drop by (& to Ginger Sprinkle for quoting me) and wishing you all the best until next time! Never give up.