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.

Explanations

     

    

     

     We all want explanations, to know the reasons, the how and why of life.  Comfort comes when we feel we have the answers to our questions.
     Some believe their religion holds the explanations, that everything is going according to a master plan.  Even if they don't understand now, they believe the reasons will be revealed later or in the afterlife.
     Without this type of faith, others accept the fact that some things have no explanation and some things will remain in the realm of the unknown.  Scientists realize they don't have the information to answer all the questions, but with research, they hope to add to their body of knowledge.  Maybe someday, they can discover the how and why to their questions.
     Often we have to decide if another person has the right explanations.  For example, which politician do we trust to have the right explanation of the past and the correct answers of what to do in the future.   
     We may have to become comfortable with the unexplained.  We can't always have a ready answer no matter how much we study scriptures or delve into scientific research.  We can still form opinions which may or may not be correct.  Others may have different opinions which may be right or wrong.  Sometimes we just have to admit that we don't know.
    

That Place

     When we feel stressed, confused, or down, we can take a walk, visit a favorite place, smell the sweetness of nature, listen to music, take a bath, taste comfort food or drink, or enjoy a companion, pet, or hobby.  Many avenues can take us to that place to escape temporarily and take a break.
     We can also relax alone and travel to a place in our mind to help us go from stress to calm, from confusion to inspiration, from pessimism to optimism.  Some use prayer; others use meditation.
     All of us need to take the time to go to those physical and mental places to get away from it all.  After our temporary escape, we may be able to return to the challenges of life with a refreshed outlook.  Whenever life seems to be wearing you down, go to that special place.

How To Treat A Woman

     Treat a woman like a complete human being with all the rights and privileges of a man.  Any person, candidate, political party, religion, or country who reduces the rights of the female does not understand the necessity of equal rights.
     Any country who refuses to educate the female, gives her second-class citizenship, and relegates her to a subservient role in the family is abusing its power and limiting its potential.
     Any religion that only allows men to be priests or pastors, that continually views God in a masculine image, and believes the husband should be the head of the family and the wife a helpmate, is perpetuating outdated mores.
     Any political party or candidate that wants to take away the female's right to control her own body does not respect her judgment capabilities.
     Males and females should have the same equal rights, equal educational opportunities, and equal status in the family and society.