Think about the last time you had something really heavy happen in your life…

It overwhelms you and tends to take your life over. Your energy is zapped, your focus is all on me, me, me. It totally engulfs you and you just become oblivious to everything around you. Your joy is gone. You just exist on autopilot, and the last thing you worry about is someone else. It’s survival mode, baby….

Sound familiar?

Ever taken that ride?

Most of us have, and can relate…

As you go through life, it’s so easy to get caught up in your own troubles. When you do that, you naturally just let life pass you by as you focus on what’s wrong in your life. You can’t see the forest for the trees.

I know when I had those times (and boy, have I had them…) I dealt with them in a variety of ways.

First, there was the pity party. But no one seemed to want to join me.
Then the blame game set in. I had some company, but I grew tired of the other participants (funny how that happens!)
I became a recluse. That didn’t last… I love people too much!

I’ve written before about my lowest point where I turned the tv on and Dr. Wayne Dyer was on PBS with the Power of Intention seminar. That really changed everything. I had the bookshelf full of books but not the desire to open one up.

When I was ready…the teacher appeared.

And everything changed.

The key for me since my “enlightening” has always been gratitude. I have found that if I am truly grateful for what I have (good and bad) then I tend to get more of the good and the bad seems to lesson with time.

The other key is to be a blessing to others. It doesn’t have to be big things.

Since I’m a writer, I tend to keep different journals. I keep a gratitude journal where I keep what I’m grateful for. Most people are familiar with those, and they can be life changing.

But how about a blessing jouirnal?

Ask yourself these questions:

In the morning, ask:

What can I do to be a blessing today?

Before you go to bed, ask:

What have I done to be a blessing today?

Then record those in your journal.

The more you write them down, the more you’ll be aware of what you do for others. (and when the paper seems to hardly have a single item on it…) You become more aware of doing things for others, and less focused on yourself.

It can be as simple as a smile, opening a door, paying for the person behind you in the drive thru line’s order, etc…

The results are amazing…

How about trying it for a week or so and see if it doesn’t become addictive…

And you want to know the amazing thing about it?

You won’t lose your problems… You’ll just lose the FOCUS on your problems, and you’ll regain your joy.

So, how about trading your problems for some joy?

And then share that joy with others… Your family will thank you for it!

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