2 good books = an excellent morning

I woke up to the sounds of my children in the kitchen and knew it was time to get up, but before I did I told myself I was going to get back in bed once they were off to school and finish reading my book. Today just happened to be a morning I could take slowly and so I took advantage. Love that.

I had about 80 pages left in The Giver by Lois Lowry and finished rather quickly. I really liked the book and the message it taught about life. It was a great reminder to me that in this life we will face sadness, heartache, loneliness, etc., but with those deep torturing emotions we will have joy and happiness that will equal it if not go beyond. So of the lowest lows we face we will also find the highest highs...a beautiful lesson in life that I chose and am once again reminded of and am grateful for.

The second book I finished was Stop Whining, Start Living by Dr. Laura. It was a wonderfully empowering book that reminded me I have the power to change my life. If I don't like it and it's not going the way I want then I need to do something about it. She reminded me that I'm responsible for me and in the end if I'm unsatisfied with my life I have only me to blame. I fear that, I do. I fear facing the Lord and seeing the life I could of had if I just enjoyed it more. So I choose joy, and I don't mean to say that I haven't been happy or that I'm not happy now, but in the past I certainly let things get in my way. So now when faced with problems and frustrations my goal is to do my venting (yes I know whining is helpful in letting go), get it out, and then move on. Too often I've held onto it, sometimes it's just easier to be sad, and I believe sadness has it's place (I mean it helps us to see how truly happy we can be), but I know I need to move on from it and not let it take over what could be a beautiful experience. No matter what I face in this life I ultimately choose how I'm going to react and I want, more than ever, to see the good and I believe I can.

Sorry I just went off on all that, but let's just be honest, I'm going to need it in about 2 weeks when I've forgotten. I believe that is my challenge. I mean, I already know this stuff that she's talking about which is why I said it's a reminder, but I'm not so good at being consistent. I'm going to need extra help from those who love me to help push me back on the path I so desperately want to walk.

I know this flower looks a little crazy, but I was drawn to it this morning because each blossom is not standing on there own, but clumped together waiting to show the world there beauty...reminded me that we really do need each other to bloom.

So it's been a fabulous morning, a morning full of encouraging thoughts about life and living. It certainly wasn't a coincidence I chose live to be my focus this year.

I hope you have a fabulous weekend.