I woke up one morning singing lyrics to the Diana Ross and The Supremes' classic hit, "Reflections of the Way My Life Used to Be." The emotionally charged song is about a woman who is going through the memories of her mind and reflecting on a love that was lost and how this losing of a love caused her unhappiness; caused her to lose her joy; and caused her to have a distorted view of reality.
Reflecting over your life can have it's ups and downs. It can invoke feelings that you thought you'd gotten rid of only to realize they were still there but buried. Like the lady in the song, it can cause you to cry or drown in sorrow; remembering the pain and thinking about all the time you wasted.
The other side of that coin is that reflecting back on our lives can be a beautiful benefit. It can be just the thing we need to catapult us in a direction of healing, happiness and heartwarming joy, When we come face to face with our past and accept that it happened, we leave it where it is and move on. This is choosing to be better rather than bitter.
Here are seven ways that I have chosen the power to find joy in the reflections of the way my life USED to be.
I LOOK FOR WHAT'S RIGHT, RATHER THAN WHAT'S WRONG.
When I wake up in the morning, I think of seven things (I just really like the number seven so I use it often!) that are right in my life. My relationships, my business, my spiritual awakening and awareness, etc. Whatever is wrong, I don't give much ATTENTION to. Instead, I commit to action steps that will correct the issues and set my INTENTION to do so. I have come to understand that whatever I place my attention (focus) on will thrive. I don't have time for allowing the wrongs in my life to multiply and become stronger!
I EMBRACE EACH MOMENT AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
I don't fight against the moments that manifest themselves. If I did I would be fighting against what the universe is attempting to bring me. I have embraced that the moment happening right now is a culmination of all the moments that have happened before it. The moment is the harvest of a seed planted into the field of possibilities. I use moments to learn, not to lose.
I LIVE MY OWN LIFE AND FORGET WHAT OTHERS EXPECT OF ME.
Living someone else's life is a surefire way to make my soul ache. We have been born with unique purposes and passions, many times that go untapped , however our soul knows when we haven't done so. I do not place much weight (or any at all for that matter) on what others want and expect of me. I have found the beauty in discovering who I am and I own that. I'm staying true to myself!
I LAUGH A LOT!
Oftentimes when I share a story of an experience I've had, I share it with some humor. It could be a simple story of buying apples from the grocery store. That's nothing unusual, but what makes the story different is that I'm already seeing through lenses of inspiration and humor. I don't mind laughing and laughing a lot. Laughter is like medicine and is good for the soul!
I GIVE UNGRUDGINGLY AND GENEROUSLY
I have learned that if I'm giving and don't really want to do it wholeheartedly, I don't benefit. I don't get to experience the pure joy of giving and the magic that happens. I may as well keep it. However, when I give generously and with good intentions, I experience the magic of the law of the giving and receiving. It's a beautiful cycle that I have settled in my heart to continue.
I FORGIVE QUICKLY
There is no need for me to hold on to any ill wills or anger against anyone. Life is too short and those negative emotions become energy that is trapped inside of my own body. Not forgiving quickly only hurts me, NOT the other person.
I LOVE FREELY
Why not? I have discovered that love multiplies. It's a magnet. The more I give love, the more it comes act to me. Love not only works, it wins!
Reflecting over the memories of your life can make you better or bitter. I encourage you to use those memories to help you navigate life, discovering your own joy. You are worth every moment of it. If you would like inspiration an empowerment delivered right to your email inbox, sign up HERE. Your next decision will change your destiny!
Beauty and Greatness already resides within you. Remember the at YOU have the POWER to CREATE each day INTENTIONALLY GOOD and to Be Beautifully Inspired!
Sincerely,
