I’m learning that it’s all about the view: the power of the mind and thought to control our experience of life.
Shi z happens. It does. Things don’t always go our way. We fall on hard times. We get sick. How did that old saying go?
Oh yes, it had to do with never being promised a rose garden.
Yes, stuff happens.
We can do it the hard way –bemoaning our situation–or we can make it easier on ourselves by changing our view and looking for the gift. Or at the very least, enjoying the life we have. Here’s a woman who knows all about that:
Yes, it’s true. Sometimes we’re left with a lot less than we had to begin with. Could be money, health, whatever. In Rose Kennedy’s world, it was children. It’s unimaginable, really, to have lost children the way she did. Yet, her deep faith and her attitude carried her through a very long life. She died at almost 105 years of age.
Sometimes it seems as if the road ahead is too difficult and that we aren’t up to traveling it. Sometimes we feel defeated before we even begin. That’s when Henry Ford’s immortal words (and yes, they are immortal) come in handy.
Our thoughts are just that powerful. So when we look at things differently, well, they can be transformed into a gift. We can be transformed.
Transformation can be a really good thing.
If you’ve been inspired by the words or actions of others, I’d love to read about it in the Comments section, below.
Your words inspired me just last week. I was struggling a little when I read your post about loving life. When I responded, that was the best writing I’d done for a few days. (It’s always frightening to think that we’ve dried up!)
The post I just published this morning started from that and just grew. 🙂
I think having a positive outlook is one of the most important things that a person can do for themselves. Life is messy but so much better than the alternative!
Love this concept, Carol. I try to live this way – each and every day. When I feel myself slipping, during tough times, I always say to myself that there will be better days ahead. Henry Ford’s quote is great. Thank you!
The first quote you posted is the one that mostly applies to me. And interestingly it is my Dad who taught me that…that perception is everything. If I change my perception on something it will change in front of me. So this gives me the absolute truth that only I can control my thoughts, feelings, and perception to things.
I like Oprah Winfrey’s line: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
I’ve often wrapped my unhappiness like one might wrap a turd in bacon. Sure, who doesn’t like bacon? But it’s still a turd. Making a decision to choose the path that will being me peace, love, and joy has never led me wrong. It’s when I begin making choices for foolish pursuits that seem good or that I want to be good that trips me up.
I love your upside down rose image – and it’s all about the view: the power of the mind and thought to control our experience of life.
As an Intuitive – I’ve had to page attention to my thoughts and how I’m thinking – so yep – Our thinking is very powerful – spiritually bringing it into the upside down and upright world
Very inspirational, Carol. Thank you for sharing these quotes. I turn to quotes often to get my head and heart in the right place. One of my very favorites comes from Teddy Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I remind myself of that several times a week (and some weeks it’s daily).
I’ve had a really rough couple of years. The bad things just seemed relentless. It has been hard and I have mourned a lot of losses, but I’ve also learned how strong I am. I’ve come out of each situation okay. Doesn’t mean I don’t have work to do to rebuild things, but I’m here and trying to find joy every day anyway 🙂
I know several people whose recent surprise handed out by life was cancer. There is nothing like a serious illness to focus a person. Henry Ford was so right. Each of these people has, as best they can, still enjoyed (when they can) what life has to offer. I am in awe of each and every one of them.
You had me nodding in agreement from the first line. The standing ovation started here: “Our thoughts are just that powerful. So when we look at things differently, well, they can be transformed into a gift. We can be transformed.” Thank you for this much needed inspiration Carol!
Great post! No matter how bad things may seem in a person’s life there is always someone going through much worse. What’s important is to be grateful for what we have!
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
Hi Carol,
Your words inspired me just last week. I was struggling a little when I read your post about loving life. When I responded, that was the best writing I’d done for a few days. (It’s always frightening to think that we’ve dried up!)
The post I just published this morning started from that and just grew. 🙂
Thank you.
Thanks so much for making my day. I know that fear, myself, and it’s always nice to find something that strikes a chord and moves us forward..
I think having a positive outlook is one of the most important things that a person can do for themselves. Life is messy but so much better than the alternative!
Maybe it is…but maybe it isn’t! Because there’s no way to know from here…. LOL
Love this concept, Carol. I try to live this way – each and every day. When I feel myself slipping, during tough times, I always say to myself that there will be better days ahead. Henry Ford’s quote is great. Thank you!
Ford had a lot of wisdom.
The first quote you posted is the one that mostly applies to me. And interestingly it is my Dad who taught me that…that perception is everything. If I change my perception on something it will change in front of me. So this gives me the absolute truth that only I can control my thoughts, feelings, and perception to things.
Your father is super-smart!
I like Oprah Winfrey’s line: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
Yes, that hole that can never be filled…
Hi Carol,
Awesome post! Inspiring 🙂 Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙂
😉 Joan!
I’ve often wrapped my unhappiness like one might wrap a turd in bacon. Sure, who doesn’t like bacon? But it’s still a turd. Making a decision to choose the path that will being me peace, love, and joy has never led me wrong. It’s when I begin making choices for foolish pursuits that seem good or that I want to be good that trips me up.
Yes, it’s always the better path.
Very nice post Carol the way we see things and trying to find the positive view makes the difference
It sure does, Adriana!
I love your upside down rose image – and it’s all about the view: the power of the mind and thought to control our experience of life.
As an Intuitive – I’ve had to page attention to my thoughts and how I’m thinking – so yep – Our thinking is very powerful – spiritually bringing it into the upside down and upright world
I’ve been all over Ram Dass’ stuff lately and he really has inspired me on this stuff.
I love your quote about birds singing after a storm. So true ad so uplifting.
RK was an amazing woman.
That’s a great quote by Henry Ford. Your thoughts and attitude can definitely determine your success.
I had that quote up in my house for decades.
We should always try and find the silver lining; there is one in every situation… sometimes it just isn’t easy to spot
Yes, I’m always careful about “shoulds” but this is one life lesson that bears repeating.
Very inspirational, Carol. Thank you for sharing these quotes. I turn to quotes often to get my head and heart in the right place. One of my very favorites comes from Teddy Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I remind myself of that several times a week (and some weeks it’s daily).
I’ve had a really rough couple of years. The bad things just seemed relentless. It has been hard and I have mourned a lot of losses, but I’ve also learned how strong I am. I’ve come out of each situation okay. Doesn’t mean I don’t have work to do to rebuild things, but I’m here and trying to find joy every day anyway 🙂
Blessings to you, Trish.Blessings.
I know several people whose recent surprise handed out by life was cancer. There is nothing like a serious illness to focus a person. Henry Ford was so right. Each of these people has, as best they can, still enjoyed (when they can) what life has to offer. I am in awe of each and every one of them.
Like I always tell my kids, when you can’t change anything else, just try to change your attitude.
What a great post. Very inspiring. I agree with someone above this IS a life lesson that needs repeating!
You had me nodding in agreement from the first line. The standing ovation started here: “Our thoughts are just that powerful. So when we look at things differently, well, they can be transformed into a gift. We can be transformed.” Thank you for this much needed inspiration Carol!
Great post. I really believe in mind over matter. Very inspirational post. Thanks for sharing.
I love that quote about if you think you can/can’t because it’s so true!
Very inspiring. How we think about things affects so much.
Transformation can be a good thing. And changing your view can always be a good thing.
Many times in my life things have been changed by the power of positive thinking. Thanks for reminding me again.
Great post! No matter how bad things may seem in a person’s life there is always someone going through much worse. What’s important is to be grateful for what we have!
Absolutely! What inspiring quotes too. Love this post 🙂