Sunday, January 29, 2012

THE MIRROR

I thanked my dear friend Mush the other day for giving me such hope in life.  His response was beautiful and really made me think. He said "I am only a mirror reflecting what is in you." Wow. It made me think of something that my Mom used to tell us (and for which Kimi and I made many jokes at her expense.) Mom would say "If you don't have something pleasant to say, don't say anything at all.  The two really go together beautifully. The energy our comments and actions create are a reflection of us.  We can make our comments and actions positive, encouraging and beautiful rather than ugly, hurtful and negative.  When they are positive, they not only benefit the person to whom they are directed but us as well. They help maintain the positive energy necessary for a peaceful and happy life.  It all goes along with everything we have said about the importance of creating and surrounding ourselves in a positive environment that allows us to accomplish our goals.  While looking in the mirror is often a frightening experience for me, the image is so much better when I see my reflection combined with positivity, hope, love and joy! Make sense?

KEEP DREAMING OUT LOUD!

-Trace

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

PAIN

I am reminded daily of pain. Pain I have. Pain my friends have. Pain can manifest itself in so many ways. We can have physical pain or we can have pain emotionally that we inflict on ourselves or that others inflict on us either intentionally or perhaps inadvertently. It takes a great deal of strength and courage to handle our pain in a positive manner and not to let it bring us down or, worse yet, destroy us.  It is not easy not to dwell on it and the positives that it can lead to are often so very difficult to see or comprehend. Let me say it again - IT TAKES STRENGTH AND COURAGE.

But we must strive to do it. We must surround ourselves with the kind of positive people and experiences that allow us to learn from our painful experiences and come out on the other side stronger, better and more positive people.  If we can find a way to endure the pain, we appreciate the good that we ultimately create so much more. We become stewards of our own happiness and, in the end, of the happiness we help others create. Talk about your pain. Share your pain. But do not dwell on it. Learn from it and appreciate how it will make you better. Because it will.

Keep Dreaming Out Loud!

-Trace