"Find Pleasure in the Small Things in Life..." 'Judith Whitehead'

Dakinetalk welcomes back  guest blogger Judith Whitehead. Judy is a friend who is happily married with two adult sons, she resides in Amherst, N.Y, and has worked in the ophthalmology field for more than 25 years...Read the blog, we all need to be more positive, Mahalo Judy

We are accepting guest bloggers, send submissions to; jrsensei@hotmail.com

It is during hard times that our country is encountering, that we need to reflect on what is important in our lives. Lord only knows there are enough things going on around us that can bring us to an all time low. The country is in financial disarray, we are still sending troops to Iraq and American families are loosing loved ones every day; unemployment is at an all time high in our country, and many families are struggling to make ends meet.

We need to focus on the positives that our country has to offer because it is still among one of the best places to live in the entire world. The freedoms we get to exercise do not even compare to those of other countries. We are able to live where we want to, worship in the way we choose and our children are still entitled to get an education where ever they may live. We have welfare for those in need and unemployment for those who have been unfortunate to have lost their jobs. We have shelters for homeless and soup kitchens for the needy. These may seem insignificant points to some, but think of the many countries that don’t even offer these things to their suffering.

During these difficult times we must reflect on the positive things in our lives; what is really important to us. First and foremost, our good health is the most important issue. Without it, nothing is possible. Those who have had a difficult life because of health threats can empathize. Our friends, and loved ones and our families and coworkers are who bring us the most joy throughout the day. Without them, we would be empty. We still have the ability to seek work, educate ourselves and live where we so choose. If we rise in the morning to great another day we are ahead of the game. Life brings hope, and opportunities may be just around the corner. We need to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life; beauty all around us costs nothing to enjoy. We need to not dwell on the past and instead look to the future for hope and opportunities. Positive things can happen to positive thinkers. I am a confirmed believer that attitude directly affects our futures; a “sour” one only beings misery to ourselves and all around us. No one wants to be around a person with a “bad” or a defeatist attitude; especially when seeking employment, that attitude will come through on an interview believe it or not. It may not be from something you say; it can be body language alone. People want to be around positive people, it’s contagious.

Next time you are feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, take time to enjoy a sunrise, the leaves that are bold and bright with color, a new snowfall glistening in the sunlight, the smell of the morning cold air, the gentle sound of rain on the window, or a walk through the park. Take time to contact someone you have been thinking about and haven’t spoken to in a long time. These simple pleasures can make us feel renewed,
again and can help you think more clearly. When you come down to it, it’s the simple pleasures in life that can bring the most joy. Where there is life, there is always hope for another day; each one better than the last. So we must make an effort to live for today, and not waste time on worrying about what has passed and not what may happen in the future.