I am the captain of my vessel, so it makes sense that I choose my state of being as I steer my vessel.
Some may argue that God is the captain, but free will means that we must choose. God is our guide, shaping the path and the way. He has chartered the course, but only we can choose to follow and walk it.
It is the same in all things. We choose if we are to be happy or sad. Again, some argue that life is tough, and they haven’t chosen to be poor, in a lousy job, or unhealthy relationship.
I can choose to live in the land of poor me, or I can choose to be grateful for the blessings I have, taking actions to fix the rest. Jobs can be changed, relationships improved, and our misery turned to joy.
I have seen the poorest of people in the happiest of states. They understand that happiness isn’t tied to money or material things. It isn’t even connected to one’s health. Why? It is a state of being.
We choose to be happy, looking at the positives and not dwelling on the negatives. When a loved one dies, we can focus on the sorrow and loss, or we can be thankful for all the smiles, laughter, joy and love we had. It is a necessary process of grieving. Our grief allows us to release our sorrow and our memories allow us to return to a state of thanksgiving and joy… if we allow it.
Life isn’t always easy. No one promised it would be, nor did they promise it would be all sunshine and roses. It unfolds as it must, one day at a time. It is up to us to make the best of every day.
People who know me know my life has been challenging at times. I was/am a single mother, my dad died when I was in my 20s, I didn’t always have a job I enjoyed, money was extremely tight at times, and I have a son who struggles. My childhood came with its own traumas (a story for another day). What I did and do have, though, is a determined spirit, a grateful heart and my faith.
We can let bad times turn us from faith or towards it. It is always our choice as to how we handle the bad times. I chose and still choose to handle mine with prayer, a grateful heart and a joyful Spirit.
Yes, there are days when I am sad. I cry when my heart is breaking, and then I pick myself up and carry on. My poetry allows me to release my pain in a healthy way, and prayer helps heal and soothe my hurts.
When I didn’t like my job, I went back to school and took courses at night so that I could get a better one. At one point, I was studying at the table while my son did his homework beside me. Something I learned from my mother, who did the same when I was a teenager, and she was struggling to put food on the table. She went out and got a better job, not for the love of work, but out of necessity.
When I worked in jobs, I didn’t enjoy, I did the best I could at my job because it was what I was being paid for. It put food on the table and a roof over our heads.
I am a feeler, so sometimes, my emotions rule me. I’ve learned across the years to take a step back when this starts to happen. I cry when I need it, and then I pray for strength to carry on and let my pain go, releasing it to God.
There will be many ups and downs as you journey through life. Just remember that you are the one who chooses how you will handle it. Embrace and enjoy life. It will be a much happier and healthier journey.
Know that I am the way I am, and who I am because every day, I choose my state.
Free inspirational or motivational posts can be found on the inspirational page of Leslie’s website.