In all our busy lives whether that means working transactions as Realtors, presenting a home as a Stager, buying a home, selling a home, commuting into the office, fixing the broken printer, dealing with our children's problems, handling a health issue, there is more stress out there it seems these days than we know what to do with.
I do believe you can find peace amidst all the chaos. Some days it is not easy for sure. Sometimes you think you have consecutive black cloud days hovering over your head.
So I've served up today some reminders for you. That it doesn't have to overwhelm you. We all want calm. We want restfulness. Here then are tips for a:
Pathway to Serenity
1. Solve the problem that is nagging at you. Don't go around or through it. Fix it.
2. Stay away from the grouches. Identify them and drive your boat away from them. They are a drain.
3. Also, identify other sources of negativity in your lives. Words from people, their actions, a bad commute time of day. Steer clear of as much negativity as you can. It is something that wears your body cells down.
4. Know crystal clear what "you cannot control." A big part of the serenity prayer. That which you cannot control you cannot change. Acceptance is the key here for serenity.
5. Take time for prayer or meditation. Nothing soothes the mind like quiet thought.
6. Get away. Find your quiet spot. Find your relaxing zones. If you can swing it, practice mini-vacations. Real vacations, not ones in your mind.
7. Be Blessed not Stressed. Say thank you A LOT!! Thank your friends for being there. Thanks in your mind for all you may have going for you (health, home, children, finances, laughter, your strengths, etc.) You cannot say thank you and be stressed at the same time.
8. Lastly, do something for others ALL THE TIME. The universe works this way. If you are helping others in their lives it will circle back to you and take the pressure off you. Why this works I'm not sure but it does. Give a smile, and guess what, all of a sudden you are smiling back from them.
Remember the sun is shining past the clouds. It always has. You just have to believe that in your heart. That image should let you know that in the big picture everything will be fine and you will have that
Gary - great posts and great tips - one thing though - #2 don't you think 'grouches' need our love and companionship too? They are a grouch for a reason - things not going right in their lives, a bad memory, whatever. Yes, it may bring us down...but we may be the only person who won't stay away from them and will give the the unconditional love they need.
Living each day without fear, and avoiding the negativity is key. Great post as always!
Great post Gary! Thank you for helping me get off on the right foot this morning!
Very nice. I often tell folks.
No need to worry about things over which you have no control.
And
Stop procrastinating.
Thanks for reminding me.
Mary: I think loving grouches is ok. But if they persist in their grouchiness be careful they don't pull you down the drain with them, that's all I mean. Some grouches turn around with the light that is in our lives. Others want to be miserable forever. Don't let them make you miserable.
Jim: Fear Not!! Great philosophy my friend.
Michael: You are welcome.
Lenn: Letting go of that which you cannot control is VERY freeing for your life.
And taking a Jacuzzi! That's how I attain serenity. Lying back, gazing at the stars when bubbles bounce around me.
Elizabeth: I'm all for the Jacuzzi. Sign me up. I think they should have been called Serenity Baths. Very good idea. See, I don't have all the answers. Just a handful of them : )
Sharon: Fixing the problem allows it to not be the elephant in the room and steering clear of negativity is HUGE as far as your serenity.
Gary: Steering clear of negativity is a must! And giving to others, you're right. It always comes back to you.
I have really worked on #3 in the last year and it has made a great improvement in my life. Sometimes we need to realize that just because we are related to someone, doesn't mean we need to waller in the mud with them.
I have a lot of trouble with this. All of your tips are wonderful ones. I know I need to get back to some sort of prayer or meditation or something to quiet my mind. I try to keep away from as much negativity as I can. Thanks for these reminders. Great post as usual my friend.
Gary... Great post and I think you're right, you have to avoid the people and places that drain the life out of you.
Dear Gary, I think you are being spammed!
Gary, these are all great tips. Sometimes we get so caught up in the problems that we forget that there are actions we can take to correct the stresses. Thank you
Chris Ann: Stay away from negativity.
Pam: Steering clear of negativity will INCREASE your energy!!
Susan: Prayer and meditation is GREAT for your mind. I've got real good about picking up on negativity and drive myself away from it. You get good at it after awhile, as it is a sense. Thanks for the notification on the spam. I got rid of it.
Debbie: There are those that suck our time away but the energy drainers are the worst.
I'm a natural grouch, I guess, because even though I see the beauty and serentiy of that almost-a-Norman Rockwell painting I also see the dog hairs on the sheets and the need to keep a clean house! LOL
Love the post Gary, and the "Peaceful Easy Feeling". Meditation will rejuvenate, that's for sure. And true, love your friends. Always thank them for the things they do for you. They can make the sun shine in your day.
Gary - Everytime I want a little entertainment or an inner smile, all I need do is visit your blog! Thank you for creating Nirvana for all that visit your space on ActiveRain!
This is such a special Eagles song. My son and I saw them at the new Nokia theatre a few months ago and they sound as good as ever! Your blog is so good and inspiring. Those who give, gather.
Barbara: I cannot believe you are a natural grouch. You are too sweet.
Linda: Loving and thanking are friends keeps that bond with them strong.
Myrl: Well thank you. I got nirvana just from reading what you said.
Cathy: Another Eagles fan terrific. I like that phrase you came up with, very good. Those who give, gather.
Gary, It is SO important to stay away as much as possible from those who bring you down all the time....the grouches of the world is SO right! They're out there and I stay away. Great post (the jacuzzi sounds terrific too :)
Hi Carole: Down with grouches, up with Jacuzzi's. You have my vote.
That reminds me of a Normal Rockwell painting! Oh to sleep the sleep of a baby/child..........with puppy in his arms.........ahhh........I miss those days!
GARY - I think that the hardest one is dealing with things that are out of our control, at least it is for me. That is something that I need to work on more.
Gary, looking at the cute kid asleep with his dog had me add one: don't sleep with your dog if he's a two year old Labradoodle! The last time I did, I woke up in the middle of the night choking on feathers from a pillow he chewed up! And sweet post!
Wonderful Post Gary - brings to mind the serenity praye change the things you can and be wise to know the difference of what you can & cannot change!
BTW r Just noticed you represent Flower Mound area - Jeff has an ol friend who moved there years ago!
Sincerely,
Grace
Serenity - just the word gives me a peaceful, easy feelin'! Thanks for the post, Gary.
Liz: This one does look like a Norman Rockwell painting I agree.
Adam: With things out of control it is letting go and acceptance.
Patricia: That's a funny story of yours with the Labradoodle, feathers everywhere and of course choking LOL. I wish I had a camera.
Grace: The Serenity Prayer has much wisdom in it. Yes, I'm the Flower Mound kid.
Lynn: We all need Serenity, and to carry it with us in turbulent times.
Michelle: Drive your life away from negativity the best you can. It's tough when it's your own family members. Then you just have to walk outside. Less negativity, more serenity. At least you can choose who you want to be friends in your life. Fire the pity party friends.
Judi: I like your image of the track and derailing and getting back on track. In the boxing world they say "keep getting up" after getting knocked down. Persistence pays off in the end. It really does. No quit in this dog.
1. gotta work on that
2. check
3. check
4. check
5. check
6. have to get better at this!
7. check
8. we can always do a little more
Thanks Gary!
check
Hi Gary,
Thanks for another wonderful and enlightening post. Our family is addicted to peace. When we don't walk in it we start looking at what we need to get it back. Learning to stay away from negativity and negative people is something that I continually work on. It is okay to share our burdens with one another sometimes, but to complain and whine is another thing. We have learned to take small breaks or pauses throughout our days. We just need to pause and unplug and be still, thankful or just enjoy the moments. Even with those very challenging days. Of course, prayer and knowing that God is watching out for us, is such a comfort and a relief!
~Have a Colorful Day!