Getting Started

Do you sometimes feel that life has passed you by? That's the question on our website. Well, join the crowd! Most of us feel that to some extent. We're happy to still be kicking and getting along but as Peggy Lee asked,"Is that all there is?"

I assume you signed up for this newsletter out of courtesy, curiosity or wanting to change your life. You may also be facing change through no fault of your own. What ever your reason for changing you want it to be as painless as possible and hepefully in a positive direction. That is the purpose of this newsletter. If you're wanting to change, ask yourself why. What are you experiencing that makes you want to change direction? Are you maybe just a little depressed or feel that life is passing you by? However it may be clothed, our natural instinct is to avoid unhappiness and seek happiness; to be content; and to be satisfied with ourselves. Sounds good but how do we accomplish all that? Fortunately, it lies within our own personal power and you can get started right now! The following quotation gives us a good hint:

"Happiness is not a matter of good fortune or worldly possessions. It's a mental attitude. It comes from appreciating what we have, instead of being miserable about what we don't have. It's so simple, yet so hard for the human mind to comprehend."
                                                                                              Bits and Pieces

The first magic word is "attitude" and the fact that it can so readily be changed. Positive attitude is the power that drives you to success and if you don't have one, you need to get one. The second is "gratitude" and it is instrumental in changing the first one.

"Attitude is the outward expression of how you feel internally and is important because it is the source of enthusiasm and creativity."

So let's take some actual steps that you can start right now to make you feel better about yourself and your life:

• Take time to express gratitude for what you do have rather than frustration at what you don't.
• Make a list of all those positive things in your life and actually say thank you aloud. (Doing so in public or around crowds, however, may draw some curious attention.)
• Think about the people in your life, family, friends and associates, even people you've met recently whose company you enjoy. Your positive interactions with them are what really makes the world go around. Don't ever fail to thank them for whatever joy they may provide for you.
• People appreciate being appreciated and it's an inexpensive way to make other people happy which comes right back to you.
• Develop a habit of gratitude by practicing in small ways daily. Always be thankful for every little thing and more will come your way

OK? Now do it before you read on!

Here's another quotation which along with the one above should start you on your way to a new, happier and more fulfilling life:

              If you want happiness for an hour? take a nap.
              If you want happiness for a day? go fishing.
              If you want happiness for a year? inherit a fortune.
              If you want happiness for a lifetime? help someone else.
                                                                     Chinese Proverb

The easiest way to start this is by showing kindness to those around you and opportunities to do so abound. Performing Random Acts of Kindness will bring a smile to you and to others and will almost instantly improve your attitude while also improving the world around you.

There are lists of suggested kind acts available and I will furnish one at a later time because we need to keep reminding ourselves to do this, but you know what to do. Start by just smiling more; hold the door for people; provide a kind word or compliment; or allow someone into line at a store or in traffic. They'll be both surprised and pleased and you'll find yourself smiling at the good feeling for having done so.

Attitude, gratitude and kindness are the first steps toward a better life. Out of seemingly impossible situations, new opportunities can arise. This forward-thinking outlook can guide our thoughts and deeds at every juncture. Remember, we have this one life to survive and we are entrusted by our creator to do the best we can. I would imagine that the purpose of our existence is to create, not destroy, to uplift, not to put down, and to leave it a better place than where we found it.

How would you like to be recalled when you have passed away? As the old bitter, person that never had a nice thing to say about anyone or anything? Or as the positive, upbeat person, that embraced life and lived it to the fullest, thereby positively impacting everyone with whom you interacted? It's your choice while you're living. (Sorry, but I do not know the source of these last two paragraphs)

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. ~ Aesop

                                                                             Until next time,

                                                              Gene Rutt