Happiness Is Something I Choose In Advance... (915 hits)
"Wise Old Man"
from "migg1012
Thank you my friends for responding. I want to pass along an email that was forwarded to me. It is very profound. I understand why it is said that life is wasted on the youth. The wise and aged have a lot to teach us- they have wisdom and we have seemingly unlimited energy, time and creativity. We must learn how to properly exchange our gifts and talents so that when the baton of life is passed the wisdom of the ages is not lost. Take a tour through this short video and you will see what I mean. Learn from this “Wise Old Man” how you can be a Winner at Life! Stay Blessed! Joyce
You know, Joyce, this is really a simple truth that we once we figure it out, we find much peace in our lives.One of the first things I had to lose was my "woe is me" attitude to overcome some major obstacles.
That was easier said than done. 'Woe is me' is warm and cozy. You can eat what you want and get out of shape. You can keep gossip milling through the pipes. You can find drama in a fly. Your spirit stays in conflict with God's will for you because of that negative "woe is me" attitude.
Then God's mercy and grace allows you to pay attention one day to the simple fact that there is too much beauty in His Kingdom for us to stay focused on the woe's. For me, that wisdom came several years ago when I stumbled across Dr. Phil on Oprah. It was the day after 9/11. He simply said, "Turn every negative thought into a positive one."
That is what I began to focus on when I got up in the morning and my mind began to win me over with depression. It reminded me about my situation at the time which was bad. It reminded me abut the fact that there was no grocery money, utility money, sweets to eat, and so on.
Then I said, "I have a choice. I can go to the church's food pantry. I can call the utility company and see what I can work out. I can drink water and exercise (take a walk instead of feasting on Oreo cookies)." Every time I thought about laying in bed and soaking up "woes," I made myself wash one glass in the sink until it shined at me.
These little simple things grew into great simple things until I woke up one morning and declared, "I want a life!" That simple declaration was the happiness I chose for myself in advance and then the process to mental wellness started.
I gave up my carnal dreams of a big fancy house, car, etc. and settled for my spiritual dreams of happiness. With that decision came the simple things that are priceless in my life today.
Thanks for sharing the video. I had a beautiful black lab dog just like the old man. Dogs remind you to keep it simple, too. When you think about it, they just require food, water, love. No fancy doghouse or even a fancy leash. Smile.
Sunday, September 7th 2008 at 6:32AM
agnes levine
Awesome testimony Agnes! I will continue to smile- you made my day!
Sunday, September 7th 2008 at 4:30PM
C. Joyce Farrar-Rosemon
