Cornelis de Heem – Still-Life with Flowers and Fruit – WGA11254 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This should maybe start with some sort of disclaimer about how I’m not the biggest egomaniac in the universe, but what the hell. I am what I am. This is a list called “The Best Things About Me.” Frankly, I’m surprised it’s not longer. (HAHA!!) (My wild stab at being ironic.)
1. Most of the time I have a flexible, even temperament. Some might see this as being shallow and unfeeling, but nothing really bothers me. I like to think I’m sailing through life crisis free. It’s not that my life hasn’t had its ups and downs or that I’ve never been hurt or angry or incredibly sad, it’s just that I prefer to handle everything without a lot of unnecessary drama. I try to approach each day as fresh and new, not worrying too much about what happened yesterday, or what might happen tomorrow. Because whatever comes my way, I’m confident I can handle it. Experience so far has shown me I’m absolutely right about this.
2. My interests are simple. I pursue an easy, manageable, uncomplicated life and don’t allow myself to fall victim to all the should and should nots with which society bombards us all. I’m thoughtful about my life choices and think in terms of myself first, others next, and the state of the world last. (If I don’t put myself first, who in the world will?) Yes I know I’m not that important in the grand scheme of things, and that I’m only one infinitesimal part of the big picture, but I’m the only person over whom I have ultimate control. If I am good to myself and good to the people around me, then I don’t doubt for a minute that the world will be good to me.
3. I know my limits. If I don’t carefully consider what they are, I can become stressed out and overwhelmed, and ultimately no good to anyone. I tend to be self-reflective at the best of times, and if my life is full of too many obligations and too much responsibility, I shut down and withdraw into myself even further. I need time to kick back and find my serenity. I’ve learned to slow down. Breathe the air. Smell the flowers. Luxuriate in the simple things that bring me joy.
Bokeh – Flowers – Forget-me-nots (Photo credit: blmiers2)
4. My notions about spirituality and love and life’s purpose may be viewed as daft and unrealistic by many, but I don’t let that stop me from finding comfort in what I truly believe. If I am happy in this moment, if I feel loved and treasured by the people who are important to me, and committed to doing no one harm, what else is there to want? Just the very same things for everyone else in my life I guess.
So why not make it your top priority today to find your own serenity? Treasure what you have. Count your blessings, and go ahead and bask in the sunshine of all the good stuff life has handed you. Euphoria is contagious. Pass it on.
Breathing Space 