“If you can’t live up to your expectations, lower them.” unknown older
This quote may sound odd, but our expectations often stop us from enjoying our lives. Career opportunities are cast aside that could lead to new fascinating experiences. Excursions aren’t taken because they are less than desired and people are over-looked who could be treasures to know.
Expectations can hold us back. Instead, take it as it comes – with eyes wide open.
Expectations
We Have The Opportunity to…
Maybe we look at our lives the wrong way sometimes. Instead of, “I have to go to dance lessons”, it can be said, ” I have the opportunity to attend dance instruction.”
Sounds better to me and everything we do can be reframed into, “I have the opportunity to…”
There are many tasks we’d just rather not do because they are simply hard.
This technique flips the stress switch in the right direction.
Oprah- “Everyday is a day to start over.” This applies to our attitudes, as well.
To Slouch or Not To Slouch
“A slouching posture tends to suggest a certain laziness of character, as well as a lack of interest in others. Whereas an upright posture can confirm a sense of self possession, a quality of engagement-both of which are befitting of confidence.”Amor Towles
Could this be true – or not?
Having Grace
Grace is all around us for the taking, but we often let it drift away-unused.
Grace can alleviate problematic scenarios and literally freshen the air.
Caroline Myss said, “When you get mad and want to say _ and something inside you says, ‘Do you really want to go there?’ that’s grace.”
I Don’t Know What To Do
It’s something we learn – what to do when someone dies. The answer is, do something tangible. Bring tasty food, a special photo, write a heartfelt note of memories or show up to actually help in whatever way is needed. These kindnesses are always remembered and they honor the one who is gone.
“Yes, the world is changed, dear heart, but do not be afraid. You are loved, you are loved. You will not disappear. I will remember.”Kate Bowler
Traditionalist
Some children love the tradition of family, especially family dinners where all the adults and the children sit together. They like when each has his spot and food preferences that are recognized. If the table setting looks new and different, all the better. Children grow and these are some of the important memories they establish and take into the future.
Ideas
- Ideas
“I believe that it is difficult to kill an idea because ideas are invisible and contagious, and they move fast. Ideas spring up where you do not expect them, like weeds, and are as difficult to control. I believe that repressing ideas spreads ideas.” Neil Gaiman
And so, our job is to allow time and space for our own ideas to germinate and grow.
Nail It Down
Secure a fine sheet of paper. Think about and record 25 things you love. Put the list aside for a few days. During the interim, notice what you really like, in art, music, people, adventures, scenery and life stories. Return to the list and revise. Repeat often and enjoy your new-found life.
Words, the Key to Thinking
Mysteriously enchanting. To have at the ready the perfect word to describe a scene, scenario or feeling feels good to the soul. The best days are those that include learning new words.
Special Moments in Childhood
Some moments in life are hard earned and take place with special new friends. Earning a blue ribbon for serious art work is just one example. Most days are not memorable, but some truly are.
The Art of a Day 