Your mood can totally define your zest to do things. I drove all day long and didn’t get a single red traffic light. I thought, ha! Things are playing out really well for me today. To coincide with this, Spring has sprung and cherry blossoms are everywhere as a clear sign of new hope and beginnings. Not wanting to be too philosophical, but I took it as a firm indication to transcribe my thoughts.
The last year has been one of the most fantastic and testing emotional roller coasters I have ever experienced, I'm sure most would nod in approval. I've been disappointed & let down, but I’ve also enjoyed new experiences and learned to appreciate the simple things life has to offer. That pretty much sums up my year in equal parts. Lucky for me, it worked out really well as it turns out.
None of us ever thought we'd still be here, one year on with Covid.
In a parallel world, I envisage getting that promotion, bought a new house, ticked off a new holiday destination from my list of must-see places to visit, traded in my car for an upgrade, attended my sister's wedding in Cape Town, did that long picturesque bike ride with my cousin and spent many hours catching up with family I've not seen for a very long time. What an amazing year we've all had! Life couldn't be sweeter.
It’s in our nature to want to be liked but it shouldn't come at the expense of our happiness
While things haven't gone according to plan, the reality in complete contrast has taught me a few important life lessons.
I am a glass half full kinda guy, I have to be. To use a nice turn of phrase, winners never quit, and quitters never win. I think we should embrace life in whatever form, even the bad experiences as it's all part of the ingredients that defines our character. So here’s what I can say -
Think And Do Positive Things
Willie Nelson said, “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” I firmly believe that the power of positive thinking can result in good things happening for you, even if it takes a while.
Pace Yourself
Take it slow, don’t push yourself. Everything will happen in its time. There are beautiful words in Arabic, “sabr” and “shukr”, literally meaning patience and the latter, gratitude. We may not always get what we want but sometimes we just have to accept what we have, be grateful and have hope that good things will come.
You Can’t Please Everyone
It’s in our nature to want to be liked but it shouldn't come at the expense of our happiness. We can’t get the validation we seek from other people, it has to come from inside. Assert yourself when you need to and stick to your gut.
Trust Your Inner Feelings
A nice segway from my previous point - by being true to yourself, you need to trust your emotions. Take inspiration from everything around you, people, loved ones, spirituality, affirmations, anything that puts your mind in a positive place. Rather than go against the grain, instead, swim with the tide, and always have faith, it will help to define your path.
Help Others
As much as I love receiving, who doesn’t! For me, it often feels way better to give and support others when you can. You never know when the little you offer, could mean the world of difference to others, try it, it may just bring you a little bit of joy.