There are many ways of expressing joy. My favorites are laughing and singing. I have noticed that the older I get that there are fewer things to be joful about unless I am grateful for my life, even though my ideal life eludes me. In my youth I wondered why seniors were so grumpy. Now that I am a senior, I understand why. It does not have to be that way. I have discovered, by accident I must say, being joyful takes practice. Learn to grin and bear life, the good and the bad. Instead of getting angry or frustrated, laugh at the situation. It helps me to get a new perspective on a situation to make better choices and decisions. I love to sing even though I am not a pro. I sing because it makes me feel better. I like to tell clean jokes to make others laugh. Smiling makes my spirits soar and it is affective on others who may have really needed something to smile about, too.
SPREADING HOPE
In these days of rising crime, dealing with deteriorating health issues, the high cost of living, and lots of other issues life has to throw at me, questions arise about hope: How do I have hope in the midst of life’s issues? Where do I look for hope? Hope can be very elusive, especially if I do not know where to look for it. We all need hope. Hope helps me to brave all the storms of life. For me, the only hope that is sure is found in God’s word. At Psalm 146:5 The Psalmist says, ‘How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.’ I don’t know about you, but I can trust that God is able to provide hope to me because He is faithful and provides everything that I need and at the right time. Look to the God of hope.
Community is a Plus
The help of others puts my perspectives in order. I rely on the different perspectives of others because when problems arise and I cannot seem to find the right path to follow, I need help outside myself. With more perspectives I am able to get a clearer picture of the path I need to take. I certainly do not know all of life’s answers. That is why getting the help and support of others is crucial for me. The ones that I deem qualified to help are those who have proven track records of solving their own personal problems. I am confident that they will have some kind of solution or encouragement to impart. I do not try to go it alone because for me that is no fun!
We Are Not Alone
Life is hard to deal with at times. In the thick of trials I forget that I am not alone. There are a lot of people experiencing similar hardships. I am not the only person needing comfort. In order for me to be comforting, I need to be in the comforting mode. How do I accomplish that? By recognizing there are others needing my comfort. By comforting others, I receive comfort.
The Ripple Effect
Have you noticed when you say something that is of a negative connotation that people respond in a negative way? It only makes sense that we respond in kind to those kinds of remarks with the same types of replies. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could respond to negative responses with positive ones? That is a most difficult thing to do every time. I am making it my goal this year to respond to negativity in a more positive manner. Negativity only begets more negativity. I want to generate more positivity in my life and in my world. I plan on spreading positivity as far as possible.
A Word to the Wise
It seems that where ever I go, especially during the holidays, people I meet are intent on getting things done and not giving others the privilege of their smiles or any kind of acknowledgement. Everyone deserves to be acknowledged! The holidays are a special time for all of us to reach out to others with a word of acknowledgement, even if it is just a “Merry Christmas!” There are a lot of people out there who have no one else close to them who could use a little acknowledgement this time of year. Please be generous with your words of kindness this season. You may have the privilege of saving a life!
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