Sweet-spots between self-improvement and satisfaction

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This morning I knew it was time to pull out my list of the « 18 things Mentally Strong People Do » which I found on Forbes.com many months ago. My own mental strength was absent – gonezos. Letting my eyes glide down the list several of the points called out to me. Like:

#10) They are willing to fail: They don’t give up after failing. The see every failure as a chance to improve.

Not that this has anything to do with my last response to a call for proposal which was not selected…

I attribute my glumness to the mornings getting off to a dark, cold start and my book order which may not arrive in time to get those gifts under the Christmas tree.

That of course points me straight to:

#16) They think productively: They replace negative thoughts with productive thoughts.

This is also applicable to my current troubled mindset. I just need to think about all the things that are working…

And while I’m willing to step up to my challenges and apply these strong principles, today I choose to rise above all the striving to do and be “better”. Today I just want to be how I am. Just me. Albeit a happy me.

And yes! The list has something just right for right now:

#4) They stay Happy! They don’t complain. They don’t waste energy on the things they can’t change.

Three simple words that move me beyond things I can’t change like dark, cold mornings and unselected proposals.

They challenge me to think of all the things I’m grateful for: like my cozy living room with the burning Christmas candle. The glow of that candle reminds me that in just 9 days I will be reunited with my children and family in Montreal - a Christmas holiday in a snow covered chalet, baking cookies and preparing duck for Christmas dinner. Simply being with the people I love and cherish.

Happiness is like a glowing candle in the dark.

I recognize how blessed I am and that many people will not have the comfort and joy of such a treat. So I will give to the food drive and the Salvation Army. I will pray for World Peace and Good Health for everyone. And like the smallest Who down in Whoville* I will sing a song of hope and happiness. Maybe it will be catchy and one by one every single person on earth might choose to pick up the tune and sing along. Will you join me?

So I wish you Joy and Good Cheer for this holiday season, and let’s all chip in to make 2015 the Year of Things Getting Better for all.

*See ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss for inspiration and a smile.