A Quick Thought That Deserves Lots of Thought
“Most of us lead far more meaningful lives than we know. Often finding meaning is not about doing things differently; it is about seeing familiar things in new ways”. — Rachel Naomi Remen
“You’ve Got a Friend”
We know we can find the strength to continue our climb by continually reminding ourselves that we have a purpose. We matter because others depend on us to fulfill that purpose. We should remind ourselves of this at least every morning as we wake up being grateful. Yet there are times when our struggle may at least momentarily feel overwhelming and saying it to ourselves isn’t enough. That’s when we also need to hear it from someone else. If this is or has been true for you, then you know it must be true for others. We don’t know the pain that another, the person next to you in a Spinning class or even a friend may be feeling. Sing “Don’t let my glad expression give you the wrong impression ‘cause really I’m sad, oh I’m sadder than sad” from “Tears of a Clown”, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. With a listening heart we can be a friend even to someone we don’t know. An expression as simple as a smile may remind someone that they matter. Sing “When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand and nothing, whoa, nothing is going right close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights” from “You’ve Got a Friend’ by Carole King (or James Taylor).
“A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails’. — Unknown
Accept Your Fate
A continuation of yesterdays “Things Could Be Better and They Will” thought.
Bear in mind that Dr. Frankl wrote this as a result of his experience as an inmate in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. This was also from his observation of others in the camp. In the most extreme and unimaginable existence he witnessed the strength to persevere. He witnessed those with nothing but a morsel of food sharing it with others.
“The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity—even under the most difficult circumstances—to add a deeper meaning to his life”. -Dr. Viktor Frankl from “Man’s Search For Meaning
Part of our Perspective Builder series
Things Could Be Better and They Will Be
If you saw a homeless person with a sign that read “things could be worse, you could be me” (real person and real sign), what would go through your mind?
When we are presented with one of life’s tests or struggles do we tell ourselves that “things could be worse”? Or does a friend try to comfort us by telling us about someone whose situation is worse. While that might momentarily lift our feelings, it doesn’t get us up. The challenge is to remind yourself that you matter because your life has a purpose. Allowing those feelings to fester does not allow you to fulfill your purpose. Sing along with me “The sun’ll come out tomorrow” from “Annie”
P.S. If you see that homeless person giving him some charity will definitely lift you up. Maybe that’s why he was presented to you?
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” — Unknown
“The darkest hour has only 60 minutes.” Morris Mandel
Memorial Day
“Liberty is one of the most precious gifts heaven has bestowed upon man. No treasures the earth contains or the sea conceals can be compared to it. For liberty one can rightfully risk one’s life”.—Don Quixote
A Quick Thought That Deserves Lots of Thought
“When a rooster has wallowed in the dust, a thousand people with a thousand combs cannot clean it; but with a single vigorous shake, the rooster can free himself of every last speck of dust” The Chassidic masters
Being Authentic is Being You
“To be a person of truth, be swayed neither by approval nor disapproval. Work at not needing approval from anyone and you will be free to be who you really are”. — Rebbe Nachman
Part of How Do I Know My Purpose series
The Spinning Rabbi - Heart & Soul 