Archive for October, 2010

“Mental Health and Well-being: As we leave summer behind and head into fall, many of us are shifting gears into another mindset. For some it is return to school time for children, for some it is looking into preparation for the coming Holidays, and for others it is life changes involving health, jobs, or relationships. This can be stressful, daunting or fun and exciting, depending on you and your outlook. What I am suggesting is that you look at whatever decisions you are making and evaluate just how you plan to do so.

When we are faced with making an “either/or” kind of decision, we all want it to be the right one. We want to do it right the first time and have the best possible outcome. No pain, no suffering. Well, do you ever wonder why some people have good things happen for the most part, and others have bad things happen for the most part? There are times when people want to think that they are victims; ‘if only we had more money, more talent, more good looks,’ etc. Yet if we look into how most of the fortunate folks see other peoples’ suffering, we see that they respond in sorrow or empathy, desiring only good to come everyone’s way. What is this big, colossal difference all about?

Perhaps successful people approach situations from a “Can Do” approach. Moving forward, looking for opportunities of growth and abundance, rather than sit still and complain or support misery. Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with the concept of suggesting that we are the only ones holding ourselves back. I support this idea; we are not, and never have been and never will be victims unless we want to. We are the captains of our fate. If I don’t like where I am going in my…job, career, relationships, personal growth…then it is up to me to determine if and how to make a change. All the “Yeah buts” do is give excuses to stay miserable.

So when we are evaluating our lives, deciding which course of action to take, or pondering upcoming events, perhaps if we use the affirming and supporting idea of good intent we may see outcomes that match what it is we are trying to do. By that I mean if we have the intent of growth, abundance, and good for ourselves and others around us, we are more likely to achieve what we set out to do. Instead of saying, for example, I want this (job, event, relationship, etc) so that I can make lots of (money and not worry about how to pay my bills, or be always happy, or never suffer pain and loneliness) consider thinking this: I want this (job, event, relationship) because it will help me grow stronger and wiser, provide abundance for me (and my family), and I will be helping others on a more global approach. Or more simply: this (job, event, relationship) is for my good and the higher good of all life everywhere. Try approaching change or events in your life from this perspective, and watch what happens. I believe in this because I have personally seen it work time after time. Set aside ego and this silly demands we make and see what wonderful things come your way.

Last but not least, please remember to give thanks for the abundance and joy you experience. Even little things like the choice parking spot, or the extra ten minutes of no phone calls so you could enjoy that cat nap. Giving thanks is completing the circle of abundance and love. Try it and let me know what you get!”