Keeping the Faith

When I began this blog I wanted to try to keep it as upbeat and positive as possible. You hear enough gloom and doom without me adding to in, right? ...and the truth is, it is my nature to look for the good in each person and in each and every situation... -Around the office, in my circle of friends, and in my family, I am known as "the happy one"...after all, I have survived a few potentially fatal diseases, so if given the choice between two phones to answer: on one line a doctor with a bad diagnosis, and on the other a banker with bad news about my finances...well, which phone would you rather answer? This simple exercise always helps me to "see" more clearly. It is times like these that help us to put things into perspective. We become smarter AND stronger! We learn to prioritize...to think outside of the box...we get VERY creative. Mostly, we remember the importance of appreciating what we have. Yes, it has become increasingly difficult for me to post "happy-grams" with all the headlines in the past week...Then in church yesterday the minister spoke about "Having An Abundant Life"...and it really struck a cord. It would seem that in times such as these, the words "abundance" and prosperity are out of reach. But, what if it is our own thoughts contributing to and creating these experiences? The thoughts we have become our reality. That is not some "far-out" opinion, but rather it is a fundamental truth based on the principle of the formative power of thought. Thoughts held in our mind produce results. Haven't you known two people going through similar experiences with two completely different perspectives? With two completely different outcomes? -So, what have you been thinking lately? I am fairly certain you've been thinking about bank failures, plunging stock prices, mortgage foreclosures, rising unemployment--it's no wonder the economic meltdown has gotten so many people so depressed...However, I am going to suggest that you, at least please just try to, spend the next 24 hours changing your thoughts. Thoughts create; you've heard this so many times in your life in so many ways...This is nothing new! "As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is." Indeed, we all have the potential to be happy, to be creative, in any given moment, in spite of the circumstances...It IS a choice. Chip wakes up every day and says, "Hey, I'm on the right side of the grass." It's a great way to start the day, with a grateful heart. There are so many opportunities available right now if only you look for them...Remember, your beliefs may be hard to change...they are formed by the papers you read, the news you watch, the friends whose opinions you respect and the lessons that your grandma taught you...Ah, but Faith...Faith can be unshakable. Our minister put it this way: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Good thoughts, a positive attitude and a grateful heart. That is my wish for you today. Keep the faith!