"Taking out the trash"...in our heads of course!

I just saw a wonderful movie called "The Peaceful Warrior". It's been out for several years, but glad I stumbled onto it. Nick Nolte as the teacher who has apparently "slain his dragons" is a little hard to grasp at first. However, he does grow on you in time :-). This is the true story of Dan Millman and how as a young world class gymnast, he learned to get his priorities straight. Most of all though, he learned to "take out the trash" in his own mind.

Earlier in my own life I also learned the value of clearing your mind. It is one of the hardest things to do, and to this day, I work on it daily. I learned the value of surrounding myself with positive people and positive influences. Most of all, I learned the gift of time alone...and with God. Needless to say, my childhood left me tons of baggage to haul around, but I worked on letting it go. Even if it meant creating a big red stop sign in my mind that was my signal to STOP cluttering my head with judgments, anger, unforgiveness, jealousy, etc..

Listen, I know that we are all victim to the human experience. It surrounds us every second and is often hard to let go. Earlier in my blogs I mentioned the value in letting go of the news. I used to listen to the daily news regularly, just waiting for the next shocking detail to raise it's ugly head. In fact, I found myself feeling guilty and just plain awful for looking forward to that. So, I let it go. Not an easy thing, but definitely able to be done.

Anyway, I am sure that there are things in your own life that could be left behind in order for you to take out your own garbage. I would really encourage you to think of the things in life that clutter your thoughts and weigh down your heart. Then, I would also think about the things that do the opposite of that...and start filling your life with those. Life is too short, and in the end, it is joy and love that truly matter most. Peace to you.

Costa Rica here we come!

So, I know this may sound completely crazy, but I just realized that YES...I am Costa Rican!! I took a good look at my birth certificate and noticed my mother was born there, which of course makes me Costa Rican too. Most of you would know these things. I guess I am slow when it comes to things like that. Mostly though, I am sure it is my mother being gone for so long. How would I know for sure? I mean really!! How many people sit and look at their birth certificates anyway?? O.K. enough with that.

My Church is planning a mission trip there in the fall. I have always wanted to visit there and knew that someday I would. It is an absolutely beautiful country with the most breathtaking views I have seen (in pictures). However, it is also a poor country with so many that are suffering. That is where I...and my little man will lend a hand. I think it is a PERFECT opportunity for him to see firsthand the importance of service to others. He has lead a somewhat sheltered life until now. Not anymore :-)! Even at 6 years old, he can appreciate the needs of others and this will allow him to stretch beyond his own comfort zone of giving. I am excited!

Lots to plan in the meantime, especially just the cost of the whole thing. Yet I know, God will provide as He always has. I am not worried. And, you all know that I am a big "saver" and very "resourceful". We will be fine! My prayer warriors out there can certainly keep this in their prayers though. Blessings to all till next time!

Gratitude in the worst of times....

So, this week was a tough week. I am not immune from the "human condition" and the daily trials that challenge us. I know there are so many others that are experiencing all kinds of challenges. There were some big financial setbacks and some work issues for me. Ironic to think that I had just overcome some financial issues, paid off some debt, and was feeling ahead of the game :-)! My friend, who has unfortunately passed on, used to tell me that once we are out of one crisis, another is waiting to come our way. Agh!! Not a good thought, but unfortunately, often true.

I have learned to always try and see something positive out of every negative. It may sound a bit "Pollyanna" (and if you don't know that term, you must be quite a bit younger than me :-))! I know that if I can turn things around, it just makes my life so much more easier. I guess it may even be a bit selfish, as I don't do it so much for the sake of others, I do it for the sake of myself. I do see however, that in the long run it is for others as my interactions with them...especially my son, are so much better. I don't end up taking out my frustrations on friends and family.

This morning as I was asking God to show me a sign that would give me more peace, I did get what I prayed for. I happened to be calling on a Doctor's office as that is my profession. This particular doctor was an Oncologist so they deal with cancer patients. As I was leaving the office, there was a very frail woman walking in front of me. She was so thin and carrying lots of bags that I would have gladly helped her with. I watched as she walked to make sure she made it to her car OK. I could not help thinking to myself, "My God, look at that poor woman. She is so thin and probably battling the fight of her life with cancer. And here I am, healthy, with a healthy and beautiful child, worrying about things that will take care of themselves"! I instantly felt ashamed of myself for even worrying when I know God is truly in control and always has been. That poor woman may never get better and would probably be so grateful to have to deal with the things that I think are so terrible.

It's a daily lesson that we all deal with. It's often hard to see outside of our own circumstances but I challenge you to do so. Volunteer to help those less fortunate and help someone whenever you can. Life is short, and in the end what truly matters is the love we give, not the trivial daily "stuff" that steals our joy. Be blessed!