Life Won't Let You Down
Welcome to the day of fools. It’s April 1st! Can you believe it? I can’t help repeat myself in many of my posts when I say, “Where has the time gone, for it passes by more quickly than I would like.” This gives reason and responsibility for us to make the most of it because it’s precious and never to be taken for granted, as so many do, and proven often with body language because whether you realize it or not, actions speak louder than words.The latter is food for thought for those lost troubled souls. You must remember it’s never too late to reclaim your true self, because I believe each has the ability to achieve success and happiness. However, we must be of genuine heart, pure in reason, diligent in action, but more importantly, open to receiving and giving love.
One of the greatest gifts we can give each other – from one human being to another, which will fortify this endeavor, is compassion. We must not wait for the extremes to enter our life to show it, but offer it everyday to all we meet. From the homeless man who begs for change, to the elderly woman who’s lost her memory, to a tired man on a bus who looks a bit weary from a hard day’s work and would give anything to have your seat to rest his weary bones, to the coworker who just can’t figure out the means to a solution – we must show compassion. If we are to ever receive it in our hour of need, we must give to get, unconditionally and with a whole heart. Never forget what goes around comes round – good and bad.
It’s been a contentious few days, and I’ve been a gloomy Gus because of the weather. Mother Nature has been wicked with her ways, telling us it’s spring, but sabotaging it with endless amounts of rain and cold dreary days. I’m hopeful frost won’t penetrate those flowers stems that are beginning to break ground, and trees with blossoms will finally be able to burst with vibrant colors to paint the city. I’m crossing my fingers rainwater won’t excessively saturate the soil, rotting roots and damaging bulbs, especially the tulips. I rely on spring’s promise of beauty to move us along to what we all look forward to the most – summer. It will be here before you know it too.
Yesterday, I finally had enough of nature’s twisted ways, heading outdoors to win back my resolve, and in no time did. I ventured over to Wyman Park to walk along the Stony Run stream, splashing in the wetness of the flow. I discovered a new hiking trail with steep hills and boulders, allowing me to sit and rest, while pondering my good fortune.
As I sat, I meditated on nature’s many themes. It was peaceful enough for me to hear intermittent rain falling from the sky onto the hard ground under such composed splendor. There was something so incredibly soothing about water hitting water, watching it rebound as if it were a game between heaven and earth.What brought me the greatest pleasure was wandering through an open field where I saw no less than 50 robins pacing about in search of worms. They were swift in their capture. It was the coolest thing to see and as I walked along I could see little holes in the ground. I’m not so jaded I can’t appreciate the simple things that nature offers, and like a child I become a sponge, eager to observe and learn more. I’m incredibly thankful for these periods in time when stillness and serenity meet to capture my heart.
Today, as I write this post I’m looking out the window at another somber day, but my attitude is different because I did what we must all do, challenge that which comprises our ability to be our best and thrive. In other words, in showing compassion for the world, we must show self-compassion too, which must incorporate self-awareness, self-kindness, a balance of common humanity, as well as humility and mindfulness. These will garner you a better attitude toward living.
We can’t give in so easily, and when you think you can’t go another day, when situations appear too tough or overwhelming, remember things could always be worse.
So do your best and make the most of a bad situation, just like I did with the rain. If you can’t get in that mindset beforehand, just head outdoors to avenge your nemesis. Nature never fails to bolster every aspect of my being, making me whole whenever I’m in doubt, and it can do the same for you, for this I can guarantee.
Today, there is nothing I can’t do and I will even contemplate a few practical jokes, embracing April Fool’s Day as I did when I was a child.
The rain doesn’t seem so bad anymore because I’ve taken a bit of time to reflect, happy I’m still learning and growing. Let us all do this, in earnest, attempting to appreciate our life more – stopping to smell the roses as often as we can, nurturing lost spirits, because we’ve all been displaced at one time or another, and giving back to achieve positive karmic returns, because what goes around comes around, and if you do the right thing, life won’t let you down. Cheers! - paerki
