These are especially difficult times for many people. No one ever said life was fair. There are times in life when it seems the light has gone out, and others when it shines so bright that we need to squint our eyes. Whether we realize it or not, each of us make decisions throughout our lives that change its course, sometimes for the better, and sometimes not. When life deals less than ideal circumstances, we still have a choice. Even when those circumstances are the most dire and disappointing, we always have a choice. The ability to choose is a very powerful action- always remember that. Even if the only choice you can make is one that is inside of your head, it is still a choice you can make. Being an avid reader of autobiographies, I have an unquenchable thirst for the wisdom of others. I've always felt it was wise to learn from one's own mistakes, but is even wiser to learn from others. Interestingly enough, some of the greatest autobiographies I have read all have a recurring theme: choosing your attitude. Decide whether you choose to be a person who sees the proverbial glass as half empty or half full. (I choose the latter). I consider myself to be quite fortunate because at a very young age I learned how short life can be. It isn't worth wasting each precious day worrying, angry, and upset. Don't choose negative thoughts, they whittle away your life. I submit to you, gentle reader that life is just a bowl of cherries. It depends on whether or not you choose to accept the pits, or spit them out.
-Rick Rockhill
If you can get a copy of Martha Graham's Blood Memory, you must do so. You will love her philosophy.
ReplyDeletewhat a nice post to read today. thank you, Rick.
ReplyDelete--snow
Although I still have a couple of cherry pits lolling about within me that I haven't managed as yet to "spit out" I do however, agree overall with your theory here.
ReplyDeleteOne aspect of my life that I have had no problem with at all though is with respect to my two younger grandchildren, who as you know, are both autistic. So many people, upon learning they both have this disorder, have made comments to me or to Mandy that it is so sad, such a shame, and other comments like that about the kids and from day one, I have never felt that way about them. They're just beautiful little children who simply require a bit more effort to help them to adjust to life, to learning, etc. I enjoy and love having them and their little quirks around me. Okay, sometimes I think I could do with a little lessening on some of their quirkiness -like the meltdowns or the food issues so I wouldn't always have to think of a second entre for a meal because they won't eat things we adults like but for the most part, accepting them the way they are has been the key for me, for Mandy too.
Now, to get rid of those other little pits is my goal.
Thank you for posting this Mr Rockhill! What a lovely and uplifting sentiment:
ReplyDelete"When life deals less than ideal circumstances, we still have a choice."
I concur whole heartedly :)
I agree with you! I posted this some time ago...it is a letter I wrote to a senior class that was about to graduate. One of the students attended my retirement party, brought the letter, and read it.
ReplyDeleteDear Ones,
As You leave me, forgive my faults, recognize my strengths (and maybe take some of them with you), and know that at least one other person on earth (besides your parents) recognizes how unique and special you are.
Forgive my proselytizing just one more time.
1. Learn to listen to and trust your own instincts. You are wiser than you know.
2. NO ONE tells you you cannot accomplish your goals. You are the greatest determiner of your destiny.
3. Don’t fret about stuff after the sun has gone down. In the dark, our perspective is substantially limited. After a good night’s sleep, and in the light of day, you can handle your problems better.
4. Feeling sad occasionally is normal; all the time is not. Get help.
5. Surround yourself with positive people who respect themselves, respect you,and who like to laugh and get silly. Avoid toxic, complaining, negative people; they’ll zap your strength.
6. Unfortunately, in this world there is guilt by association. Probably of more importance is the unintentional handing over of our power to others. Choose your friends carefully and remember, “If you lay down with dogs, you’ll get up with fleas!”
7. Commit daily kindnesses for the Heaven of it.
8. If you can talk, you can sing; if you can walk, you can dance. I hope you sing and dance much through this life.
I am honored to have been your teacher.
And besides that, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE cherries.
ReplyDeleteMy mommmy said that a cherry tree will grow in my tummy if I don't spit the pits out.
ReplyDeleteYou called me a "gentle reader," I'm still kind of tingling all over.
ReplyDeleteNice exhortation today. I agree 100 percent.
So very true. :) For me I'll ask for some ice cream and a pie shell and I'll serve some delicious dessert out of the drama that someone else can cook up. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree!
ReplyDeletelovely post rick! i spit my pits! ha ha ha
ReplyDeletesmiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Nice post, Rick. I am working on spitting the pits out. You are so right, I have no time for negativity :)
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts, Rick. I think I'm a "glass half full" person, most of the time.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you.
J.
Planted pits can grow a cherry tree. Now, excuse me while I have some lemonaide with my cherry pie.
ReplyDeleteWell stated Rick! :)
ReplyDeleteditto!
ReplyDeletebeautiful post
xo
Sometimes we don't have control in a situation, but we ALWAYS have control over how we react in the situation.
ReplyDeleteChoosing an attitude is probably the best way to find a win-win. At least I have found that to be true for me.
Hey, this is why marijuana exists.
ReplyDeleteLOLOL!
Amen, Mr. Rick!
ReplyDelete:-D)