I was doing some reading yesterday, and I came across a motivational idea in the book Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. WHAT IF I could give up the path of struggle and instead choose the path of joy?
Hmm. My mind immediately went to A) sounds kinda hokey B) How is that even possible? C) Well, that might be cool. I HAVE struggled a lot already in my life. D) Hell yeah! I’m doin’ it!
Why am I always waiting for the other shoe to drop? Thinking about the past, worrying about the future, not enjoying the present. Why does everything have to involve so much pain?
Maybe it doesn’t. Maybe I can choose. I was looking into this idea and I found this quote. I pretty much love it.
“There are two ways of approaching life. The first is coping and the second is challenging to change a situation. The situation is the same but the results are different. Coping is linked to the past and our past knowledge and experiences. It is a conservative attitude, limited, restricted, passive, defensive, dependent. There is no vision and no hope. This is not Buddhism. Buddhism is about change. Changing ourselves, society and humanity for good. The way to change is determination based on wisdom. Change is a projection towards the future. It is positive, creative, independent, attacking and seeking. It is an attitude of great hope and vision. Coping is the past projecting to the present. Changing is the present projecting to the future. We can choose. The difference between ordinary and great lives is up to us.” -Kazuo Fujii, Buddhist Leader
Instead of looking for the downside I can look for the opportunity in each situation. I can let go of drama. I don’t have to live my life simply reacting to things based upon my past. I can fully embrace the present. Life does not have to be a constant struggle.
I think it will require some work, but the seeds are planted. I choose joy… and I can totally dig it.
The Soberist Blog 
Wow, love that. Thanks for sharing. Gives me something to think about 🙂
Love the post. Trish (changing course now) and I both started rereading Simple Abundance after a couple months of sobriety. I still open it every couple days. Makes me want to say ahh.
Simple practices such as asking myself “How can I be of benefit?” in any situation are helpful, and sometimes, not always, my response to that question may help things to take a turn for the better.