Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me

 

"Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn ... and most

fools do. But it takes character and self-control

to be understanding and forgiving."

Dale Carnegie

Human development includes the experience of being foolish or fooled. It is not intended for us to remain stuck there, labeling the self as a fool. It is imperative to apply the same compassion to the self as one might extend to others. It is when we learn to trust our inner self more than a fool parading in front of us that we learn to avoid foolishness.

When we have an open heart, we do not anticipate someone to be taking advantage of us. Often times, a person who chooses to fool us, presents as being quite charismatic. We do not realize that his or her actions lack sincerity and tend to be manipulative. Sadly, we can be foolishly sucked in to harmful schemes. 

The focus needs to be on the outcome of the charade by asking what has been learned. We cannot escape being occasionally duped, but we can raise our antennas to determine when boundaries need to be raised. Self-evaluation also determines what part we played. With each incident, we can become smarter and still keep our own heart open! 

"Just for Today"

 

"Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are

or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think."

Dale Carnegie

Happiness need not be a goal, something to chase after.  If we view our surroundings, we will see an abundance of things, and if they are no longer supporting a current mindset, then let them go.  Happiness found in things is usually short lived.

Slowly we come to understand that our thoughts of today spill into the makings of tomorrow.  If we anticipate failure, disappointment or pain, then the Universe provides.  By holding appreciation of what we have, does not eliminate challenge, but it sure lessens pain.

As the saying goes, 'just for today' I will hold hope and confidence.  We can build a platform of happiness which will assist us in facing lessons of life. Adjust our eyes to see through love rather than fear. 

The Choice Really Is Ours

"It  isn't what  you have, or  who you are, or what you are doing 

 that makes you happy or unhappy.   It is what you think about."

Dale Carnegie

Happiness is a state of mind created if a person can focus on the positive, rather than living in fear and sorrow.  We view life through filters and we have the power to change the lens.  There is no way to avoid pain entirely, but shifting our thoughts can keep us from being captive by it.

Every human being experiences emotional, physical and spiritual pain. According to our perspective, we will either rise above it or become overwhelmed.  The choice is ours to make.  Where will we place our focus?  If a person chooses to remain in the role of victim, happiness will not brighten their door.  If an individual can see beyond the pain, he or she will move towards happiness in a gentle flow.

There are times when people have the opportunity to be perfectly happy, but they self-sabotage the situation and remain oblivious to the wonders surrounding them.  This is a choice.  Not a good one, but never the less, a deliberate one.  We can ruin the grandest  of times or celebrate the smallest of events, as the choice is always ours.

If a person is caught in a 'why me' attitude, they will flounder around a lot longer than if they pondered, 'what am I to learn from this situation'.   When the lesson becomes clear, we are able to move through any discomfort and celebrate the advancement, thus cultivating happiness.

Like all things, there are degrees of happiness.  It is the wise person who celebrates even the smallest detail with some element of joy.  As we remain thankful for our small blessings, our happiness accumulates into a life filled with joy rather than pain.