We are granted the precious gift of a brand new day of existence with each sunrise. Understandably, it's hard to appreciate this when facing a challenging time, as I have experienced in my own life, being through rough patches. But I've also learned that focusing on what works instead of what doesn't opens the door to new possibilities.
Over time, I have observed a gradual transformation within myself through ongoing dedication and constant reminders of gratitude. Initially, it may seem like a cliché concept often consulted in expensive motivational speeches. Still, the shift in one's perspective holds immense value through this simple yet profound daily practice.
The key is to feel good and boost the mood. Gratitude is an umbrella for acknowledging all that is good in life that brings us joy. By doing that, preferably at the start of the day, our focus redirects to doing things we enjoy. It opens a road to self-confidence and creative thinking, to look at problems differently, open-mindedly, and hopefully. There is no magic. When we are in a better and calmer state of mind, we make better decisions optimistically.
I just watched one of my favorite movies, Interstellar, for the third time, noticing new details each time. Watching movies is a great way to cheer me up without spending money on therapy. New ideas click, and I get detached from my own concerns. It allows me to immerse myself in captivating narratives that ignite my imagination, a time well spent away from feeling helpless or down otherwise.
"Murphy's Law doesn't mean that something bad will happen. It means that whatever can happen will happen... Love is the one thing that transcends time and space... We're still pioneers. We've barely begun. Our greatest accomplishments cannot be behind us, because our destiny lies above us." - From the Movie Interstellar.
We often think we are the most important thing in the universe. When meditating, sometimes I imagine slowly drifting off from the ground, watching as things on Earth become smaller and blurrier. As the planets shrink, the universe expands, and the creatures on Earth seem like tiny ants scurrying around, doing what they can to survive, weaving through the chaos.
Thinking beyond our tiny space makes me reflect on our lives and how easily we lose sight of the blessing of life, how tiny and insignificant we are relative to the never-ending universe. Life's wonders make past difficulties seem small and insignificant.
We can strive to keep our inner happy and playful child alive, and choose to appreciate the mysterious nature of our existence by embracing happiness and being present in the miraculous journey of life. What if we are here solely to be happy. Practicing this thought for a few days is a game-changer.
"All grown-ups were once children... but only a few of them remember it. Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them." -The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
While the ultimate "why" of our existence may remain philosophical and unanswered, acknowledging the inexplicable nature of life reminds us of the vastness of the universe and the interconnectedness of all things. It invites us to be more compassionate toward each other and approach life with curiosity, wonder, and awe.
Personally, practicing gratitude helps me prioritize focusing on things that matter most to me. Not that problems will go away on their own, but it gives me the courage to solve the passing difficulties better. I approach them calmer and with a more reasonable perspective without feeling it is the end of the world because, quite frankly, we have more significant problems to face if the world is ending.
When I was living in Paris in my late teens, I faced many challenges and obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome back then. I dreamed of coming to the USA, the ultimate destination for "success". Even my daily walks from the last bus station to the apartment where I used to live up the hills through a beautiful park, sounded like unfortunate chores. Looking back, I cherish those days and wish I'd never left France, for I had a dream lifestyle that I desire now.
Recognizing things we can still appreciate in life shifts our perspective from what we may be lacking to what we already have. It helps counteract feelings of entitlement.
For instance, if only I had appreciated the simple joys of freshly made crepes in the lively streets of Paris, the melodic tunes of street musicians, and the inviting warmth of the local cafes, along with my growing proficiency in French and the possibilities of doing my studies there, I wouldn't have considered that lifestyle a burden. France offered excellent universities and abundant opportunities to help me achieve my goals.
Having ridden the crest of success in the corporate world for over three decades in the US, I have realized that my true happiness lies in those days, writing and creating artwork. However, challenging the days seemed. If I had known how to appreciate the treasures I possessed, there would have been no need to relentlessly pursue something else. For I was right there in the heart of culture and art.
I recently watched a conversation with Dr. Roland Griffits, who founded the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, helping patients with terminal illnesses. Unexpectedly, he himself received a stage four cancer diagnosis following a routine checkup. He shared:
"I had contemplated my own death, but I had no real sense of how I might respond to a diagnosis of this sort. I can't quite explain it. What occurred was this incredible opening, awakening, if you will, to the preciousness of life. And it immediately became something to celebrate."
The most important thing to discover is to get to know ourselves and get in touch with our inner child, which once upon a time made us ride the wave of happiness with no worries. Otherwise, our capable minds can handle any problem, no matter how big it may seem.
Take life with a touch of lightness and humor, for not everything needs to be taken too seriously.
I want to leave you with considering a hypothetical but inevitable scenario of Armageddon. In such a moment, what if we could reflect and simply proclaim, "I can find consolation in a life filled with beauty, happiness, and blessings I have experienced, rather than allowing regret to consume me by dwelling on things that did not unfold as planned or expected."
Very delicate and understandable