More than enough

Imagine living in areas of war, then appreciate our peace.
Imagine living under a dictatorship, then appreciate our democracy.
Imagine living in poverty, then appreciate our beautiful homes.
Imagine having only a few articles of clothing, then look in our full closets.
Imagine having no medical care, then appreciate our healthy lives.
Imagine a dinner table with only the barest essentials, then view your Thanksgiving feast.

Instead of just being thankful for what we have, we need to be grateful for what we can give. Instead of getting happiness from what we can accumulate, we need to get true pleasure from what we can share.  For whatever reasons, many people are in need.  Most of us have more than enough.

Double Whammy

   
     When you don't get what you want and then get what you don't want, you feel a double whammy of disappointment.
     The first whammy comes with the realization that you didn't get what you wanted.  After months of  decisions, discussions, and anticipation, your hopes were dashed.  The second whammy comes with the realization that you got what you didn't want.  Anxiety and fear may have replaced hope.
     Many voters experienced this after the elections.  Easy to say what is done is done and what will be will be.  Harder to stop thinking of what could have been, deal with the disappointment and fear, and go forward.  After a certain period of time, you may see that your worst fears will not materialize.  Somehow, we will work together and solve our problems.  You can survive the double whammy.

Looking back to see forward

     Looking back at our past in order to clarify the present and hopefully improve our future is an ongoing process.  When our past contains more years than our future, we hope age and experience can produce wisdom.
     As we spend time reflecting on our past, we may need to pull away from our preconceived beliefs and opinions in order to form an improved perspective.  This process can be both enlightening and scary.  As you free yourself from the non-essentials, you will feel lighter as though a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.  You will feel more confident and less dependent on what others think.  Almost like watching a movie, you can view your past and present life with an objective eye.
     Many people feel comfortable with their lives just as they are.  They may feel that no changes are necessary or advisable.  They have found contentment.  Other people feel an uneasiness and wish to analyze their thinking of the past and redefine their beliefs and opinions.
     You can question anything.  Lightening will not strike.  Old ideas may be cast aside, traditions may be altered, but then you can enjoy a new freedom.  As you go forward, your new perspective of the world may enable you to better understand yourself and others.  Be brave and design your own future.

Natural Lines

     Has anyone ever died or felt pain from wrinkles?  I'm not referring to skin cancer or any other diseases of the skin.  I'm talking about lines that occur on the face as we age.  Our society views any sign of aging as something to prevent, treat, cover up, or get rid of.  Women, especially, are made to feel less beautiful, less worthy of attention, and even ugly.  They often believe their worth is tied to their appearance and become vulnerable to promises made by chemicals, cosmetics, and surgeries.
     Everyone will eventually live to an age (if they're lucky) that will bring extra lines on the skin.  We shouldn't dishonor an aged face as being less than a younger one.  We have learned that younger is better, and from the time that we are no longer young until the day we die, our society devalues the natural process of added lines.
     As we watch TV ads, we females need to remind ourselves that the main objective behind these commercials is to sell, sell, sell.  They are manipulating the female to feel less confident in her natural appearance and causing her to yearn for a fountain of youth.  They make her feel that beauty may slip away without their products or treatments.  We need to change our perspective and remember that wrinkles won't kill you or even cause you pain.  Women need to develop an inner confidence, to accept our natural beauty that will remain no matter how many lines appear.