“Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life,
and share with people the same happiness.” … Kahlil Gibran

***

Why is it so easy to visualize negativity?

Not for others mind you. I wish no ill will toward others.

Yet everyday it seems minimal effort is required to picture debt that threatens any possibility of a bright future. Often we view relationships as inadequate, crumbling under the weight of daily stress, and perhaps not addressing our needs. We routinely perceive Universal laws to be working against us, rather than with us.

Why is it that catastrophe is so appealing?

Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer.

Anybody?

I do have a theory. But then, I’m just a dumb carpenter. After more than 35 years I still hit my thumb with a hammer. I suppose practice makes perfect.

But it really doesn’t matter who I am, what I do, what my experience is. The words I’m writing find life in the moments that you read them. Or not. I’m still going to write them, and the choice is yours whether they have any value or not. I give them freely.

Not long ago I became aware of words written by a beautiful woman in a faraway land. The words written by her as a guest writer on another blog stirred my spirit, and brought a smile to my face. I have told her so, and also remarked about how refreshing it was to read what she had to say. She inspired me to keep writing, and here I am again, wishing to return her kindness.

It’s irrelevant that I’m half a world away, interesting how the internet makes distance disappear, inconclusive that I make any sense, and irrefutable that I do have a theory.

I’ll call it the me, me, you theory.

When I can’t see past the end of my nose things often look bleak. My future in jeopardy, my days full of worry, I wonder how the world can pass me by with such indifference. Self pity secures blinders upon my eyes, and I see nothing but struggle.

Woe is me wraps its wily arms around my wallowing mind.

This is not a perpetual affliction, mind you, but it does often accompany thoughts of my own well being. It is only when I abandon these thoughts, and focus on how I can touch the lives of others, that the uncertainty and confusion disappear.

I am no Saint, far from it, but when I focus on what I can do for others the worries about outcomes vanish. I explore what it means to cast aside my own needs and desires, and genuinely wish good fortune for others

I smile with the written word, I embrace with inspired action, and I find joy in selfless service, not because I’m a helluva guy, but because someone reminded me that this is the way things should be.

As I said, I’m no Saint, but that’s the beauty of this theory.

I don’t have to be a Saint to do something good for another person.

I have all the power of the Universe within me, as do you.

Generous hearts create great change with the ripple effects they set in motion. Good intentions made real by inspired actions bring us together.

Spend a day smiling at everyone you meet, and you’ll see what I mean.

Now, you may think me irresponsible to encourage a life of selflessness amidst the demands of everyday realities, and suffering economies, where a wrong decision could mean our future. Well, I’ve made plenty of mistakes, I’ve done many good deeds, and when I recognize that I cannot change the past, nor determine the future, I find that in this present moment I am indeed OK.

As are you.

Awash in my good fortune I choose to live this moment saying thank you to a happy spirit, her good intentions, her encouraging actions, and the positive effect they have had on me, and no doubt many others. Did I say refreshing?

In a world screaming for return to a life of the spirit, there are endless opportunities to recognize, and perhaps even reveal, the goodness in everyone you meet.

How nice it is to thoroughly abandon all thoughts of yourself.

In the words of Neale Donald Walsch, “Life has nothing to do with you. It has everything to do with people you touch.”

I am happy to have the opportunity to thank someone for touching my life, and helping to make it less difficult. Thank You.

When your mind cries “me, me, me”, and your spirit whispers, “why?, why?, why?”, listen very closely, and be grateful for the opportunity to answer, “you, you, you”.

You, and everyone you meet, are good.

You are kind. You are giving. You are the spirit of unconditional love. You are cups of happiness, and when your thoughts and actions find their purpose in touching the lives of others, well, all is right with the Universe.