Seeds of happiness

Photo by N Richford

Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There always is the potential to create an environment of blame -- or one that is conducive to loving-kindness. Pema Chodron

Whatever your circumstances, embrace the knowledge that you have the power to build your own future today. Begin sowing the seeds of success and happiness that your life may be full and your future may be bright.

Placing blame on others--or yourself--is a waste of energy and only serves to hold you in the grasp of the past. Take action today and leave all that is disheartening, all that is disempowering, all that is negative behind you. Choose today to make a new future filled with love and happiness.

So often we miss out on joy and peace in our lives because we refuse to let go of old hurts, old fears and old believing. Today is your day to change that. Look at your life with inquisitiveness and curiosity today seeking out opportunities to further your dreams and goals.

Today, I am grateful for multiple outlets for my work, for the ability to rise to the expectations of each and the willingness to let go of the negatives of the past. I am grateful for the unlimited potential that lies before me, for a vision of a bright future and the courage to pursue it.

I am grateful for those who offer me support, for the opportunity to better the lives of others and the insight to know what is needed.

I am grateful for the ability to live in a small rural community while accessing the world via the Internet that I may find success with my career.

I am grateful to be blessed with family that loves me, friends who are always near and to meet new people every day.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you let go of old hurts and old failures today and look to your future with hope as you work to reach your goals.

Hope is not a dream ...

“Hope is not a dream but a way of making dreams become reality.”

photo by jillallyn 

When life gets tough we all have the tendency to look around us and begin to wonder if our hopes and dreams are simply the workings of a foolish mind, but when we face struggles is exactly the time when we need to focus on our dreams and have hope for our future. Giving up or giving in the the circumstances  paves the road to more difficult times.

If you are facing difficulties in this struggling economy, this is exactly the time when you need to focus on your dreams and maintain hope. Remember that nothing is as it seems. Opportunities are everywhere. Keep your mind sharp and your heart full of hope so you will recognize them when you see them.

Above all, remember to be grateful. Find the things in your life that you are grateful for and sing it to the universe. The very act of releasing those positive thoughts and those grateful statements frees you to receive all that is good in the world. 

If you are struggling, today, get out the pen and paper. Make a list of all you have to be thankful for. I promise you, your thoughts will shift. Your energy will shift from positive to negative and you will see the opportunities as they arise.

Today, I am thankful for quiet time to write, for cool mornings before the heat of the day and for growing things. I am thankful for a clear, sound mind to approach my day, for a sense of humor and for the vision to see beyond the immediate surroundings.

I am grateful for those who share my vision and for those who are yet to join me. I am grateful for family and friends that make my life complete. May their days be filled with joy. I am grateful for new opportunities, the insight to see them and for the courage to pursue them.

I am grateful for life and beauty and this wonderful world that surrounds me.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your dreams be big and your hope unwavering as you go forth into the world today.

The Greatest Discovery

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.  ~William James
Photo by  Paul Everett

I've always had a passion for hot air balloons and imagine myself soaring above the earth in the clear blue sky looking down and seeing cool green pastures, lush green foliage and meandering brooks. 

I can feel the cool crisp breeze on my face that fills my lungs with fresh clean air and rejuvenates my life.

Visualizing my future should be no different. 

Today, I challenge you to find that magical feeling of your youth when visualizing what you wanted most in life was easy -- the time when you could feel the very fabric of your future. Grasp onto that and transform it to fit your current goals. 

Remove the boundaries today and let yourself imagine your future without fear or concern. Dare to dream the big dreams and let go of whatever it is that holds you back. Share your dreams, if you can -- or dream in secret if you must -- but find the courage today to dream and then follow that dream wherever it may lead.

You'll find me soaring over the tree tops and taking in the view. 

Today, I am grateful for new opportunities, for recognizing new paths and for renewed courage. I am grateful for the emergence of spring and the promise of new growth around me. I am grateful for  perfect health and strength to complete the tasks I wish to complete. I am grateful for the sun as it peaks above the horizon promising a new day.


I am grateful for family, old friends who brighten my path and for new friends I have yet to meet. I am grateful for quiet moments, laughter and sunshine. I am grateful for living in the country, birds on wing and stars that light the night.


And, I am grateful for you dear reader as you stop to join my day. May your day be filled with joy as you continue your journey to change your life one thought at a time.