Tag: #groundedafrican

“Not How Long, But How Well You Lived is the Main Thing” – Seneca

Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
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Yesterday I turned 51. My cousin and I were laughing about how turning 50 is this huge milestone that we make a big deal about and then you turn 51. No fanfare. Just another birthday. But I guess it’s what you make of it. One thing I did say on my birthday last year was that I felt like I was just starting the second half of my life and I still feel that way. Who knows, a physically long life may very well be in the cards for me. What matters more, though, is what I do with my here and now as tomorrow is not promised to me.

I am learning to focus on the things that are in my control for example:

  • How long I live is not really in my control, so I am not too concerned about it. What’s in my control is what I can do to remain healthy so that I have a good quality of life if I live a long life.
  • It is also in my control to keep learning so that I keep earning if I live a long life.
  • It’s also in my control to enjoy new experiences as often as I can
  • Showing kindness every day, teaching someone something new and sharing a smile with everyone I see, whether I know them or not, is definitely in my control. Why not make someone’s day?
  • It is also in my control to let go and let God every day, as ironic as that sounds.

I would love to live a long life, to have all the experiences I would like, and, more importantly, to watch my son grow into the amazing man I can see he is becoming and to meet and help raise my grandchildren at some point. However, none of that is 100% in my control, and I am ok with that. I am grateful for the here and now that I do have.

What are your thoughts on the concept?

Thanks for popping by. Be blessed.

Signs of Life…

Daily writing prompt
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?
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hmmm…I have two options that I would like to use:

Image: Canva

1. Everything You Need is Within You Now

The first time I heard this affirmation, I felt so empowered. I use it daily to boost my confidence, especially when faced with a challenge. This doesn’t mean I have all the answers. Sometimes, it means I have the courage to do what needs to be done. Other times it could mean that someone else has the answers and I have the right questions to ask to get to the answers through them. Ultimately, it means I am equipped with what it takes to get the job done or reach my goal. 

2. You are Powerful Beyond Measure

Image: Canva

This is taken from Marianne Williamson’s poem about our deepest fear. The first two lines read, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. …’ It can be found in her book “A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles” which I am currently re-reading or here. The poem resonated with me when I heard it the movie “Coach Carter”. Imagine what you can accomplish in your life if you understand and accept how powerful you really are. We all have gifts that God has bestowed on us, and if we focus on them, they will make room for us and allow us to make a positive impact in our corner of the world or further afield. As I understand it, the concept is taken from a verse in Proverbs. 

A lot of people don’t believe in the power of affirmations and that’s ok. I do believe that constant repetition of a phrase eventually entrenches itself in your subconscious brain and forms part of your belief systems. It has worked for me on countless occasions. Both these affirmations can help you overcome self-doubt.. Of course we do all have free will and can use this new found self-belief for good or not-so-good outcomes. I pray your intentions will also be for the benefit of yours and the greater good.

What affirmations do you find helpful or have found helpful to overcome challenges or develop new habits?

Thanks for popping by. Be blessed.

“You’re not defined by your past experiences. You’re prepared by them.”― Anthony Does

Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?

Oooh, that’s another good question that got me thinking. If you had asked me this question 16 or so years ago, it would definitely have been the past. I was so focused on what was left behind that I didn’t give much thought to the future. This had such a negative impact on my life.

I was such an angry and probably moody, depressed person because I wanted it all back, and, to be honest, I was terrified of looking forward. I didn’t know where to start rebuilding.

Then, through Oprah’s show, I discovered the power of now and the law of attraction, and I started focusing on the now and building the future. It’s a journey—one where I constantly have to be mindful of my thoughts.

Where I was once very judgemental and resentful, I now try to be positive and see the positive in others first. However, if my instincts tell me to steer clear of someone, I listen because some element of that person will do me more harm than good. Not deliberately, but they are to be treated as a ship passing in the night. I still have to master the art of seeing possibilities within problems, but at least I am conscious of it so I can keep working on it.

Image: Canva

The other benefit of anchoring in the now and looking forward is that I am always filled with faith and hope. The world seems brighter, and I feel lighter. It’s a much happier place to be. I still get disappointed when things take longer to fall into place than I would like, but I do know that it will eventually, so I don’t dwell on the disappointment. It also means I don’t dwell in anger either. Living in the now also means that you have to accept what is. So yes, I still get angry, but I can let go and move on once I have accepted what is.

An interesting lesson I have learned is that the past has a way of popping up when I enter a new phase in my life which requires me to make some changes. I become aware of experiences in the past that caused me to hold myself back in some way. This helps me figure out the changes I need to make within in order to become who I need to be to achieve my next goal. I don’t dwell on the past though. I sit with what comes up for as long as I need to understand the lesson and move on.

So, to answer the question, I spend more time in the now with the future firmly in my sights.

Thanks for popping in. Let me know in the comments where your focus lies and why.