Author: purposejoyandpositives

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES is a blog created to promote thoughts and ideas about gaining clearer PURPOSE in our lives, JOY in who we are and what we do, and sustaining POSITIVES. We are all on the journey called 'life' which has many paths for each of us. Sometimes, the path is clearer with PURPOSE and more JOY filled than others. Often, there will be crossroads........again we must chose. May our choices be about a fulfilling PURPOSE, JOY in the simple and profound, and abundant POSITIVES to sustain us on the journey. PJP

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

The Tree of Thanksgiving!

This tree was made by one of the teachers at the school I volunteer at and students contributed the various ‘Thanksgiving Leaves’: teachers, principal, friends, food, parents, pastor,  faith, school, freedom, earth, education, and loved ones in Heaven. As I looked at this, I was in awe of the depth and broad array of gifts the young students listed.

I am grateful for all the parents, extended family, friends, teachers, religious leaders and significant others in these student’s lives who have taught and inspired these young people to understand what it means to be ‘thankful’ for the important things in life. No one said ‘my toys’!

It is really encouraging to see the students thinking in this manner as youth, building the foundation for continuing an attitude of gratefulness as young adults. Unfortunately, sometimes, it takes us adults a long time journeying through various experiences to reach down and find that attitude of gratefulness we were in touch with as young children. I know my own level of gratitude has changed over the years to include daily active statements of gratitude, each morning before my feet hit the floor.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”  (Melody Beattie)

What leaves would you put on your ‘Thanksgiving Tree’?

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

FAITH……

The last post was about  HOPE, which prompted me to think about today’s post of FAITH. Thus, the picture of the Swiss Alps Mountains (2016) because it has been said that ‘FAITH can move mountains’ (Matthew 17:20).

The first thought that comes to mind about faith is belief in doctrines of a specific religion.  Yes, for sure that is one definition of faith. Today, I wish to write about another facet of faith…….faith in ourselves.

Faith is defined as: “a firm belief in something for which there is not proof” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).  Achieving  our goals  or even our personal wants in life requires having faith, great faith in ourselves, that we CAN reach that goal and have that which we aspire to.  It doesn’t mean that this will happen overnight or that it won’t take some hard work and soul searching. At times during the journey, it may seem just as overwhelming as climbing the mountain pictured. If doubt plays a role for too long, we may give up, or  worse yet, not try again.  Faith  in our own strengths, abilities and fortitude is in jeopardy of being replaced by negative thoughts of weakness, lack of skills and determination to complete the process. Not a good place to find ourselves, which requires quick action in order not to get mired in this spot.

There are ways to help ourselves if we find that we are counter productive to having faith in ourselves. Here are a few thoughts:

  1. Develop a personal POSITIVE short mantra that you say each morning and night out loud. Write it down and keep it with you.
  2. Visualize through picture/pictures what your goal/want is. Put it up in your work area so you look at it everyday. Memorize what it feels like to accomplish this.
  3. When the negative thoughts come in, immediately tell yourself to STOP and replace it with your POSITIVE mantra.
  4. If you find yourself out of your comfort zone, push through it, and let your comfort zone expand.
  5. Above all, give your self credit for the little steps or tasks accomplished on the journey in creating greater faith in yourself. This motivates you positively in the right direction.

 

“Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier”  (Thomas S. Monson).

What do you need to do to increase your FAITH within yourself today?

 

 

 

 

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

HOPE IS ALWAYS THERE AS A CHOICE!

Life happens. There is good, less than good, and lots of things in between. It certainly could be easy to become despondent or feel like giving up, especially when several events happen in succession in our lives. It can feel oppressive, burdensome, and may even bring about resentment. ….…like why me. Indeed, it is exactly at these times that we must peek through the forest to see that the sun has begun to shine, therein, the POSITIVE of hope is within grasp. We only have to chose hope, optimism, and bring the JOY back in to life.

Finding that hope can bring us strength to move through dark times and focus on the possibilities of what is yet to come.  The probability is that we cannot  know at that moment in time  where the journey will take us; we only have to believe that there is light on this path, holding on to the hope of better things to come, and knowing there has to be some element of trust on our part….trusting in the hope that is always there for us to touch and hold on to.  Trusting that tomorrow the sun will rise again.

Robert H. Schuller said: “Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future”.

What is your greatest hope at this moment in life?

 

 

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

Multicolored Vision:

Recently, I was sharing with a friend that I don’t really see things as either black or white. My perspective is usually ‘multicolored’;  it is often this perspective that helps me to understand and deal with people or issues that I may not agree with, or for that matter, may not  totally understand.

At first blush, it might seem that something can only be understood if viewed in a particular light. However, when I ponder and look at various options,  I can bring myself to a point of multiple perspective….. using what I call multicolored vision. Just like perspective in art forms, the farther away an object (situation) is, the smaller the form and the opposite is true for things closer to the forefront. This suggests that my vision of a particular situation can change as it moves farther away from my immediate being.

Individual perspective is shaped by our experiences, our belief system, and in some ways what works for each of us. Even with those givens, I find that if I apply POSITIVE spins, flexible interpretations, invite other evidence which might be below the surface facts, and avoid judgement, multicolored vision is before me. Then I can move to a more peaceful point in my thinking.

Once someone told me that it is much healthier to take the words ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ out of the vocabulary. Good advice! In addition, this is another factor in using multicolored vision.

“The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” (Robertson Davies, from Tempest-Tost, Salterton Trilogy, #1)

What can you do today to encourage a multicolored vision about someone or a situation?

 

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

“You are unique, you are precious, you are blessed, and you are loved.”  (Danielle Bean from You’re Worth It).

Being loved means that you are special; you are accepted for who you are, even with flaws; and that you are worth whatever sacrifices the other has to make for you.  Nothing is too big or too small or too difficult to make the effort for those we love.  This applies to family, friends and partners. Love then involves action.

Actions can include but are not limited to: expressing affection, concern for, compassion, shared activities, exchange of honesty, and aspiring for the other’ s best interests.  It is a conscious choice we make every day to do these things for and with those we love.  We often must rise above our own self interests at times in any given moment. That of course does not mean that we lose ourselves in the transaction, but when needed, being able to put the other first. And sometimes, it means in moments of hurt, we have to reach out to show that love. Love does bring JOY and fulfillment and for  best results, it has to be reciprocated.

What actions did you take this week to show love?

 

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

YES……..THAT IS A TURTLE COOKIE!

Sometimes we go slow and sometimes we have to remind ourselves to go ‘slower’, to reach out to others, to step out of ourselves and to be more kind and generous! It is the little things that we make daily choices about that make the biggest difference in our lives. When we were younger, I think we were sold a bill of goods when we thought it was only BIG decisions that made the difference. Of course the big decisions do shape our lives for sure; however, it is only as we mature and reach some ripe age of _______ that we may begin to realize that it is the consistent choices we make every day that are the ‘counters’. (Word stolen from PJP). The best choices match up with our PURPOSE and will bring the most JOY in our lives.

Choices….choices…..and more choices….. to do it our way, right or questionable, or to listen to another’s wisdom and consider a different choice. There are always options, usually several, we just have to be open to what those options are. Let those options filtrate our heart and mind until we make a good choice. One of my grandson’s has this mantra on his ‘rule book’:  ‘STOP. THINK. MAKE A GOOD CHOICE.’ I think we as adults would be wise to remember these three little word statements.

When do you slow down to stop, think and make a different choice?

Dr. Allen Hunt from “21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage” states: “Our souls become greater or lesser based on the little things we choose each day.”

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

TABLE OF LIFE:

“Time decides who you meet in life, your heart decides who you want in your life, and your behavior decides who stays in your life”  (Ziad K. Abdelnour).

As I move quickly to the close of another year of life and embrace the new year, I have been  reflecting on this quote I read a few years ago.  It is so true isn’t it? Timing of meeting people, friends, partners or acquaintances is just that….timing.  Although, I personally believe that you don’t meet anyone by accident. I believe people are placed in our lives for a PURPOSE….maybe we will or maybe we won’t ever really know that PURPOSE while here on earth. That part is mostly  irrelevant.

After we meet people, yes, the heart does help you decide who will sit at the table of your life. We ask ourselves: How do I feel about who this person is and how they present themselves? What is our connection? Is this person a POSITIVE in my life? Are we complimentary to each other as friends, partners or acquaintances?

Life goes on with our chosen people in life, but our behavior shapes the relationships. Behavior eventually determines who remains at our table of life. Over and over again, I find this to be true.  If someone’s behavior is less than kind, selfish in nature, with undermining PURPOSE, we would do well to rethink if this person should remain in our lives. Certainly, if someone’s behavior is hurting us emotionally or physically, then we must detach and say good-bye, no matter what the immediate cost may be. The long-term benefit will be greater JOY in our lives and a much more enjoyable meal.

These ideas I share today certainly are not necessarily easy to do, but worth a good long thought. May we carefully invite those to our table of life to serve the common good of all.

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

THE CHANGING OF COLORS!

Here we are already a few days into the official start of the fall season……it is my favorite! It’s filled with bursts of color, crisp leaves on your walks, and light jackets packed on travels.

For me, it is all connected with the start of a new school year and new beginnings. It signals seasonal changes in decorating, cooking, fashion, gardening,  and planning for family birthdays and holiday celebrations. I feel a sense of excitement as a school year starts with wonderment at how each of the kids will change with their new learning this year. A favorite fall school thing is always the Book Fair. In this chapter of my life, each of my grandkids gets a special book from their list from me.

It is with a sense of nostalgia remembering the family wiener roasts we had as kids and young adults. Pumpkin carving was my dad’s thing at these get togethers. Hay rides  were romantic as a young married girl, tailgating at football games when I became ‘legal’, and always the raking and more raking of colored leaves wherever I lived it seems.

Even though all the flowers have just about finished blooming, there is anticipation for the spring flowers that will pop up from new bulbs I plant every fall. Each year I find myself thinking “oh yea, I did plant that.” I tend to forget from fall to spring EXACTLY what species and colors I planted.

Here are some more fun ideas for your fall:

Bake a fresh apple pie with apples you picked

Visit an amazing pumpkin farm and pick your own pumpkins and gourds

Make a homemade squash or pumpkin soup

Do a Murder Mystery dinner with your partner or a friend

Watch an old tried and true scary Halloween movie

Tour a winery

Dig out your old thread bare jeans and favorite sweater for a chilly morning as you lounge and read a book.

John Greenleaf Whittier says: “The tints of autumn…….a mighty flower garden blossoming under the spell of the enchanter, frost.”

Pick one or two things to do this fall that are new and bring you JOY. Repeat and add to your fall list next season!

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

Today is today! It is what it is: good, bad, or indifferent. Sun, rain or clouds!

You are supposed to be where you are, doing what you do, and growing in the way that is right for you today. Whether you have chosen to be happy, sad, angry, kind, generous, JOYous or forgiving, that is what is on the menu for today. The day didn’t just happen and turn out this way by accident! No, it was set in motion by previous happenings, all of which you were a part of. We make our choices and they all have consequences. Usually, we have some idea of what the consequence options will be when we make that choice. It is still a choice.

Tomorrow can be anything you want it to be. You choose. Have a PURPOSE and go for it!! It is all up to you! May it be a POSITIVE day filled with JOY and a fulfilling PURPOSE.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” (-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.)

How do you want tomorrow to be?

 

PURPOSE, JOY AND POSITIVES

purposejoyandpositivesLeave a comment

Friendships……….

Sunday at our Mass, the priest gave a great homily on friendship. He talked about the three main friendship types, which triggered reflection for me on the friendships I have made over the years. I will talk about his three categories for friends. (Thank you Father Patrick).

The lowest level of friendship is one of utility. In other words, you are more than aquiantances you say hi to in the grocery store, but you aren’t close friends. You are friends because you individually  have a commodity that serves the other. For example, one of you may have good tickets to a favorite sport game and the other may have a couple of unused concert tickets. So, from time to time, you go to these events together, but there is no real sharing of lives.

The second level is pleasure friendship. This friendship is filled with pleasurable activities that you do together on a regular basis, such as golfing, fishing, hunting, shopping etc. You both derive great pleasure from doing these activities together, but this is what drives the bond. However, when this friendship is not nurtured on a continual basis, it can easily slip back to the level of utility friendship.

The highest level of friendship is full of fun and pleasure you experience together, but also much more. The bond is one built on trust, confidentiality, respect, generosity,   and a real investment in each other’s lives. This friendship is one that will bolster your PURPOSE on this journey, comfort you in your sorrows, and celebrate your JOYS!

It is never about the number of friends in your life, but rather it is about the type of friends. Most likely, we all have a few utility friends and a few more pleasure friends. The goal I believe is to have a few true friends that fall in the highest category, ones who will be there from the beginning to the end and to say “yes, my life was definitely enhanced with this person in my life”.

One of my favorite quotes is from William Shakespeare: “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”

How do you define your friendships?