It matters how you talk to yourself. The more negatives you can come up with, the deeper down the rabbit hole you go. Positive self-talk is a must if you want a better mindset according to the experts and they do know what they’re talking about. How you see yourself and how you talk to yourself reflects the way you perceive the world around you.
I woke up this morning and immediately started berating myself for all the things I could have done better yesterday. I told myself I could have handled the situation better but didn’t so it was time to beat myself down. Talking down to yourself is a norm for most people and it only helps to create more negativity as it reflects back on who you are not. Let’s change that mindset. Here are some quotes to help you get there.
“Watch what you tell yourself, you’re likely to believe it.” Russ Kyle
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” Brene Brown
“The way you choose to think and speak about yourself (to yourself and others),
IS A CHOICE!
You may have spent your whole life talking about yourself in a negative way, but that doesn’t mean you have to continue that path.” Miya Yamanouchi
“Self-talk is the most powerful form of communication because it either empowers you or it defeats you.” Unknown
“Everything you tell yourself matters. It will either lift you up or tear you down. It’s your voice and your choice.” Unknown
“When it’s hardest, remind yourself of these things: I am okay, even if it hurts so bad. I am strong, even if I don’t feel like it. I am doing my best, and that is more than enough.” Nicole Marie B
“Turn off any self-talk that tells you that you are destined to live a small life. YOU’RE NOT.”
In order to get to positive self-talk, there are a few things you need to give up. Stop the negative self-talk in your head. Stop doubting yourself because you are fully capable of achieving whatever you want to. Get rid of the fear of failure and if you fail so what, get up and do it again until you succeed. Lastly, but perhaps just as important, stop people pleasing. You don’t have to kowtow to anyone. Be your own person and that is enough. What they think of you is none of your business.
“It’s not what we say out loud that really determines our lives. It’s what we whisper to ourselves that has the most power.”
If all else fails, do this instead:
“Tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to sit down and SHUT UP!” Ann Bradford
According to the Collins Dictionary, it is defined as “not showing or done with due care for the consequences of one’s actions or attitudes.”
Basically it points to reckless behavior with no thought for the well-being of someone else and not thinking or worrying about the possible results of said actions. It often stems from a lack of self-discipline amongst other things.
“An irresponsible person has no consideration for others.” Unknown
I have put up with irresponsible behavior for most of my life. I think many of us do. We are known as enablers. We do not hold people accountable for their actions but instead make excuses for them so that they can continue on their merry way wrecking havoc as they go along their path of no consequences and move on with no accountability. One can say, the path to hell is often littered with irresponsible behavior.
“Enabling is a significant part of a codependent relationship. It involves supporting the unhealthy behaviors of someone through action or inaction.” Nedra Glover Tawab
It is a sort of give and take so to speak but only in this case you wind up giving more than you’ll ever receive.
Case in Point:
I have a so-called friend who takes irresponsible behavior to a new high. Let’s just say she walks to her own drumbeat one of no consequences AND recklessness should have been her middle name. Anyway, I’ve enabled some of that behavior by putting up with her actions. It has been mostly showing up late for appointments. In the beginning, it was five or ten minutes late. No big deal right? Now, it has escalated to 30 minutes with a stop to do some shopping in between before she arrives with a smile on her face and no apology whatsoever. Still I let it go. Yes, “enabler” should have been my middle name!
However, what she pulled this past week has brought me to a screeching halt and it is time to step back and re-evaluate the situation.
I was invited to her place for coffee and breakfast. I told her I would bring the bread rolls and she said, “Looking forward to it.” I was looking forward to some girl talk and a nice breakfast in a quiet atmosphere and I got both but with an unexpected guest! I showed up at the stipulated time bread rolls in hand. By the way, you can add, “Ms. Punctuality” to my last name! Anyway, she walks to the gate, we exchange pleasantries and walk to the front door. Still nothing was said. She opens the door, I step inside and she turns around and says, “I’ve been sick, very sick.” I stop in my tracks all alarm bells going off. I ask, “What with?”
She says, “Everything!”
Me: “What do you mean everything?”
She answers, “COVID!”
Me, croaking, “When did it start?”
She says nonchalantly, “It started last Thursday.”
Now, I am not good at Math but even I could figure out that it was less than a week ago! I was in the house with all windows and doors closed. Not only was there no means of escape but the bacteria or rather the virus was getting ready to pounce on me!
I could see that the table was set for breakfast. What should I do? Should I flee? Should I tell her that this is irresponsible behavior of the highest form? She says, “Let’s make some eggs.”
I mumbled, “No, I don’t want eggs thanks,” feeling like the sheep being led to the slaughter. Then she says, “I did the test this morning, it showed one stroke which means I am ok.” I wanted to scream, “I don’t bloody well care!” Did I tell you I am a hypochondriac as well?
It went downhill from there. I had a cup of coffee probably tinged with bacteria. I refused the ham and cheese and had 1/2 a break roll with some butter and marmalade all the time thinking, “It doesn’t matter, I’m going to die anyway!!” I stayed for an hour, yes an hour because of the “enabler” issue and also because leaving any sooner would have been rude on my part. The conversation was stunted to say the least and I tolerated the coughing which was part and parcel of this breakfast date. When I finally got out into the fresh air, I took big gulps as if that was going to stop the virus that was making headway into my system shouting gleefully, “Another one bites the dust!”
It has been four days since and I’ve been downing tea laced with Moringa and spiked with lemon and doing an extra dose of meditation everyday. So far, so good. I googled the incubation period and it says 2-14 days after exposure to the virus! Lord, have mercy!
“Two things I can’t stand – Irresponsible behavior and Disloyalty.” Unknown
Emotionally irresponsible behavior is another form of irresponsible behavior. This one points to an “individual who lacks empathy for a loved one, and one who is frequently insensitive to those whom he or she is closest to.”
I’ve enabled such behavior not once, not twice but more times than I can count on my fingers. To make a long story short, such partners lack the ability to accept responsibility, they lack empathy, they have a fear of commitment, everything is about them, conversations are usually one-sided, they avoid relationship discussions and last but not least, YOU feel alone in the relationship. One such example is a narcissist. A narcissist is an emotionally immature person who often displays all of the symptoms of emotionally irresponsible behavior. They are self-preoccupied and they are “perfect” in their own eyes.
How do you deal with such people. Dr. Henry Cloud has some suggestions as far as “Name Your Boundaries” and standing by them.
I will not allow myself to be constantly criticized or infected with toxic emotional treatment that damages me. If the situation cannot be resolved, I will not expose myself to it.
I will not allow myself to be yelled at or be verbally abused. If that happens, I will distance myself from the relationship until it stops.
I will not allow myself to trust a liar or a cheat. The lying must stop before I trust the person again.
I will not take responsibility for the irresponsible behavior of others.
I will not tolerate any abuse of any kind.
AND MY OWN:
I will not let anyone treat me as if I don’t matter!
I feel a cough and a headache coming on. Time to Google again!
Mandy Hale is a blogger turned New York Times bestselling author and speaker. She is also the creator of the Social Media movement, “The Single Woman.” Mandy has made a name for herself by empowering women with her quotes that speak to the heart of the matter. However, the self-help relationship guru remarried her toxic/narcissist ex who broke her heart many times over. She has written many books and articles about the emotional abuse and betrayals she suffered in that relationship. So WHY go back to him? Nobody knows for sure but ‘love’ does work in mysterious ways and sometimes to the detriment of ‘SELF’ and all that matters! It doesn’t change the power her quotes have to change your mindset. Here are some of them to get your day started.
“Sometimes it takes a heartbreak to shake us awake to help us see we are worth so much more than we’re settling for.”
“Don’t waste words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.”
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.”
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”
“Sometimes you have to move on without certain people. If they’re meant to be in your life, they’ll catch up.”
“You’re beautiful, just the way you are. Shine on, and dare anyone to turn off your lights.”
“Never forget that walking away from something unhealthy is BRAVE, even if you stumble a little on your way out the door.”
“Just be yourself. Let people see the real imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that you are.”
“Learn to be alone and to like it. There is nothing more freeing and empowering than learning to like your own company.”
My favorite:
You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face of adversity, and leap before you look. (This is a hard one for me.) Dance as though everybody is watching. March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.
It’s that time of year again when Scorpios get to flaunt their Zodiac sign. Did you know that Scorpio is a powerful sign? I didn’t but according to ZODIACSCOPE it is.
It is reputed to be the “most powerful” sign of the zodiac. Scorpios lead fate filled lives and have intense and dramatic personal relationships. Even as children Scorpios are often found to be wise beyond their years. Many astrologers call this the sign of the “oldest souls.” Old and wise beyond the average. Scorpios often know all the answers, except sometimes; they too often have difficulty finding what they need to develop their own happiness.”
I tend to agree with that “old soul” part but my mom had a better explanation. She put this way. “You’re a true blue Scorpio. You can take a lot more than most people but when your back is up against the wall, you come out swinging with that sting front and center!” I am sure there is a compliment in there somewhere.
“Treat a Scorpio well and they’ll move mountains to make you happy. Hurt them and they’ll drop those mountains on your head.” Unknown
We are known for being passionate, for having a magnetic presence and a never give up mindset. Scorpios are also dependable, loyal and intuitive and it’s that last part you need to worry about because we can read you like a book! According to Montufar, an astrologer and a Scorpio herself, we have a certain “charisma, sexiness , or je nais se quois that attracts other people. We make incredible therapists” because we can connect on a deeper level. She further adds, “Whenever a Scorpio wants something, they’ll get it. However, Scorpios don’t fall in love easily” and I can attest to that but when we do we look for long-term rather than the wham bam thank you ma’am variety. Scorpio women are not afraid to speak their mind either so here are a few terms you need to know to survive a relationship with a Scorpio:
5 Deadly Terms Used By Scorpio Women
#1 Fine
This is the word women use to end an argument when she knows she is right and you need to shut up.
#2 Nothing
Means something and you need to be worried.
#3 Go Ahead
This is a dare, not permission, DO NOT DO IT!
#4 Whatever
A women’s way of saying “Screw You.”
#5 That’s OK
She is thinking long and hard on how and when you will pay for your mistake.
BONUS WORD: WOW!
This is not a compliment, she’s amazed that one person could be so stupid.
Moving on…Scorpios have a way about them which is hard to understand. They are fiercely independent but deeply emotional and sensitive as well. They make the most loyal friends and partners but if you cross them or show them disrespect better beware. They lay in wait like their symbol the scorpion and strike when the time is right. They tend to be secretive that’s because they are summing things up and observation seems to be their strong point. Yes, they can be stubborn like a mule at times too! In romantic relationships they prefer serious commitments but they are all-or-nothing where romance is concerned. You don’t get to play around with a Scorpio.
“If you ever meet one you’ll know it. If you ever love one you’ll never forget it, if you ever hurt one they’ll never let you forget it.” Unknown
According to yourtango.com “Scorpios are not “crazy,” but they are super-sensitive, extremely emotional and very expressive,” but if you hurt them a “Scorpio might cry and sob and need a shoulder to cry on – or they might drag you out back, slit your throat and wear your skin to make themselves feel better.” She says she is just joking or maybe not.
OR
“Throw me to the wolves, and I’ll be back leading the pack.” Unknown
Did I tell you that we are ambitious as well? Now, you know.
Passwords are a nightmare! There is one for everything you want to do on the internet and they are designed to keep your mind spinning. Remembering them is a whole different story altogether, one of nightmarish proportions which makes you want to scream to the high heavens if you are like me. I hate them but it is needed in today’s high-tech world of technology.
The stronger they are, the safer your data is according to the experts. However, coming up with one that is hacker-safe is not easy to do. The ones that are suggested are impossible to keep in mind and if you have two of those to your name, write it down or keep it under lock and key or you’ll be in no man’s land as far as logging in is concerned.
I googled passwords and this is what I came up with. “Strong passwords are of the utmost importance. They protect your electronic accounts and devices from unauthorized access, keeping your sensitive personal information safe.”
Fine and good but couldn’t the experts or the technology wizards come up with an easier system for passwords, one that required only a few letters and one or two symbols? No chance there, everything has to be ‘hard’ these days and the harder it is, they, the technology Gods who come up with most of this bulls**t as far as I am concerned are sitting in their hallowed offices and smiling from ear to ear, rubbing their hands together and patting themselves on their backs at just how tech savvy they are and people like you and me are pulling our hair out and are on the verge of going insane!!
I woke up this morning and instead of going for a walk and trudging around in mud as I usually do, I had the bright idea of setting up some new accounts. This required registering and setting up passwords as well. How difficult could it be? Well, I found out the hard way.
The instructions seemed easy enough at first glance but it went downhill from there. After a few minutes and several failed attempts, I couldn’t go any further. My passwords were either taken or they weren’t strong enough! I am no computer genius and I had the distinct feeling that the ‘passwords’ had it in for me! To make a long story short, my mind was saying, “STOP!” and my whole being rebelled and it was time to shut it down. I should have taken that walk, I would be calmer and more in control of ‘me’ but that was a far cry now. Fifteen excruciating and mind-boggling minutes and 4 cups of coffee later, I hadn’t achieved anything.
It was time to give up! I don’t like giving up so I googled some more. They don’t call me the “Google Queen” for nothing you know. After a few tries and not much luck, I found this!
Sorry, but your password must contain:
at least 8 characters
upper and lower case letter
a symbol or number
a hieroglyph
a haiku
a musical note
the feather of a hawk
and a drop of unicorn blood.
Hmm….can someone tell me where I can find the unicorn blood?!!
And that folks is my cue to get my shoes on, bundle up, leave the tech world behind, we just don’t jive together and to get out there and get some fresh air and to jump in mud to get some of the numbers, letters, squiggles and whatever else is running around wild in my mind right now!
HAVE AN AMAZING DAY
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I was restless. My mind was doing a dance while the rest of me was having a hard time keeping up. It was still early in the morning but I needed to get out and into the open. I needed to breathe and leaving the enclosed space I was in would help me to do just that. I needed that blast of cold air to shut out my thoughts and I needed to feel free.
Bundling up was my first priority. It was cold as I approached the open expanse I call the fields. The wind was doing its happy dance and reached out brushing my face with its long cold fingers. Icy it was not, but that was to come in the not too distant future. It was just a matter of time now.
The purple-hued mountains in the distance were shrouded in a thick fog and they were now invisible to the naked eye just as parts of the fields were as they too were covered in a veil of white. I paid it no mind as I knew the way well and could get around the area with my eyes closed. As usual, there was no one around and I had the place to myself. My mind started to settle down taking a back seat for a change and I let out a sigh of relief. It was nice to feel calm again.
It wasn’t a pretty day as pretty days go. Everything seemed grey and gloomy, there was beauty there somewhere if only I looked hard enough but today I wasn’t looking. The fields were bare having lost their summer bounty of fruits and vegetables. Some parts were brown, tilled and ready for winter but other parts had something green growing and flourishing in spite of the weather. I couldn’t tell what they were except that they were a bright green adding much needed color to an otherwise drab day. Probably some feed for the animals. The farmers had it down to a science so nothing was ever left to chance. The trees had lost their golden glow, the leaves had all but gone and the branches looked bare their gnarled fingers reaching to the sky as it sent a chill down my spine. I prefer them clothed in green or in shades of gold, orange and red.
Suddenly a shrill sound caught my attention. Looking up I saw a large hawk cut through the fog gracefully. It was on its way somewhere. I stood and watched as it flew out of sight and disappeared into the distance and all was quiet again.
Winter was on its way, that was clear. The fields were preparing to go into their winter sleep having done their work for the summer. It was time to rest and recuperate and to work beneath the surface but they were not in a rush either. They had the time to work their magic in silence so that when spring rolls around they will emerge to WOW with a new bounty of the fantastic kind meant to mesmerize the mind, body and soul. I wasn’t quite ready for it yet. I needed a break.
Summer had bid adieu and we too will bundle up against the bitter cold, gather indoors for warmth and in a way like nature, it will be a time for introspection and regrowth. It is a chance to stop, reflect, regather our strength and to come back stronger, I hope, to face a new season. That is the plan.
“Look for something positive everyday even if some days you have to look a little harder.” Unknown
Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally was a carnival of sorts but not of the harmless or fun variety. Orange Jesus and his allies took it upon themselves to show the world who they really are and what they stand for and if Trump is re-elected again what we all stand to lose.
Everything will be put on the line including democracy, the right to a life free of racial divisions, hatred and a better life for everyone and not just a select few.
With just a week to go before Election Day, the man who is not fit for the highest job in the land had his henchmen put on a show that was not only an eye-opener but it made everyone sit up and take notice except for his supporters and crowd pleasers of course. “Heil, Hitler!” comes to mind and not in a good way.
Free speech is one thing but hate speech a whole different ball game. This one should have made you shudder! His high-profile allies who were there to impress with their hatred of everyone who don’t conform to their idea of what a Trump presidency should look like had much to say but instead of impressing, they showed who they really are.
Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who goes by Kill Tony had this to say in a nutshell.
“There’s a lot going on. Like I don’t know if you know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”
Not funny Hinchcliffe and you just proved that you are not a comedian at all! Tucker Carlson, former Fox News host, and lover of all things Trump mocked Harris’s racial identity and Sid Rosenberg called the Democrats, “A bunch of degenerates!” I guess he should know as he is currently swimming with the best of them! Another speaker called Harris, “the devil” and “the antichrist.” Hate seemed to be the theme of this rally as Nazi rhetoric took front and center.
Trump for all his “I don’t know how to put a muzzle on my mouth” persona went on to warn that his political rivals are the “enemy from within,” and added the press were the “enemy of the people.” A line he has repeatedly used in recent weeks to invoke fear, division and hatred. Orange Jesus or should I say, Hitler’s darling is not averse to using the military to quell protests from his critics as he had warned and not too succinctly either. The man is a fascist no less.
Trump has no plan, nothing concrete to speak of whatsoever but he sure knows how to blow a smokescreen when he needs to. The question is, how can someone who has no clue about what is going on, who is pro-violence, pro-hate, pro-Nazis and full of himself not to mention someone who can’t even finish a sentence let alone make sense of what he is talking about be nose-to-nose in the polls” It boggles the mind but these days nothing seems to be out of the ordinary as far as this election is concerned.
I’m sure Hitler, “the devil” incarnate was smiling up and winking, “Well done boys!”
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia
Kindness or being kind is no longer as important as it used to be. We live in a self-obsessed world and when once we used to have close interactions with people, it is now being replaced with chats, text messages or quick hellos and goodbyes. The emoji is front and center when it comes to showing you care and there is one for every emotion you can think of including sadness. We’ve become so impersonal that closeness is a thing of the past and showing emotions much less so. We live in a fast paced world where technology is king and people a commodity like anything else.
Yet, we haven’t changed much or have we? I think we have. People have become much more self-centered and ‘me’ first is often the case. If you hurt someone these days you send an emoji to say you’re sorry. It could be in the form of a one tear- drop emoji or just a kiss emoji and you’ve done your ‘compassion’ and ‘kindness’ part. However, this makes it hard to have a human connection when you come across as a robot. The more we rely on technology to do the human stuff, the less your heart interacts and hardens to a point. Kindness is a very human trait and it can’t be replaced by emojis no matter how cute they are. It is just a stop-gap measure. The warmth of kindness comes from within, deep within your soul and emojis and other futuristic entities masquerading as the real thing can never take the place of human emotions no matter how advanced technology gets and that’s the truth.
Case in point: I was sad the other day and I shared that with a friend. Immediately he sent a kiss emoji and the word ‘sorry.’ That was it, he had done his job on being human or so he thought but I was left feeling like it could have been a little more, how about the human touch, it was sorely missing. A conversation would have been nice or even checking to see if I was ok from time to time but looking at it from his standpoint he had shown his compassion with an emoji and besides anything else would have taken too much time from his day and he had more important things to do.
Helping each other is fast becoming a thing of the past and so are other forms of kindness. We are a ‘me’ society first and foremost and everything else takes a back seat AND we have an app for everything so why even bother with being nice? Do we have an app for kindness as well? I’ll have to check on that because I’ve been showing kindness the old-fashioned way. Smiles, warm hugs, eye contact and a helping hand are still my go-to for kindness and it works just fine from the human angle.
“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Unknown
How about sharing a smile? It is known as the universal language of kindness after all. When was the last time you smiled at someone? When did you even look up from your phone, tablet or computer to really look at the world around you? It’s becoming a lost art, this human interaction thing and it’s scary.
“It only takes a split second to smile and forget, yet to someone that needed it, it can last a lifetime.” Steve Maraboli
Here’s a call to bringing kindness back. I’m not talking about the “I care but only for a split second,” or “I see your tears but I can’t give you a hug because I’m too busy,” variety. I’m talking about reaching out and showing you really do care. It is going to take a little bit of your time, effort and patience but the rewards are plentiful. That human touch needs to be put front and center again and let’s just use those cute little emojis ONLY when we have no other choice. Start with a warm smile and the rest takes care of itself.
“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” Jackie Chan
“Life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy and some are exciting, but if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter has in store for you.” Unknown
However, turning that page and moving on to the next chapter is the hard part. Sometimes we want to stay where we are because the unknown is the unknown. We don’t know what is waiting there and that is the scary part and the known where we are right now even though painful, sad, or is just downright unbearable is better than where we are headed or so we think.
“A chapter in someone’s life or in history is a period of time during which a major event or series of related events takes place.” http://www.collinsdictionary.com
Our lives are made up of many chapters, some good, some bad, some happy, some sad and some you may just want to BURN because you never want to revisit or reread that chapter ever again but whatever the case maybe it is all part and parcel of your life story. Learn from it and move on.
Think of life as a book and you have a story to tell. Sometimes you write the narrative but at other times it is written for you. It could be a moment in time when life comes to a screeching halt because of some unforeseen circumstance or it could be the most beautiful moment in your life that makes you want to float on air, dance and shout to the heavens at just how happy you are. They are moments and events in your life and it doesn’t matter what they are, those chapters makeup your life story, good or bad. Embrace them for what they are as lessons that needed to be learned and lived through.
Life can be difficult and there is no doubt about that. Nothing ever stands still for long. Changes come and go and just when you think you have a hold on life, it changes the playbook and turns your world as you know it upside down. The truth is, life is there to teach us lessons whether we want to learn or not. It is not like school where we show up and when we shut the book, it is over. In the school of life, you can’t just shut the book and walk away. It would be easier if we could but no chance there. It wants to TEACH and you better pay ATTENTION is the message. The truth of the matter is, you can start anew or you are given a chance to do so and that too is the idiosyncrasy of life. No matter where you are and even if you feel like it’s the end and YOU can’t write another chapter, it shows you otherwise. Whether you come out with the best grades is all up to you and in the school of life, strength matters and the courage to keep going is what is needed to move forward. It’s not going to be easy and it is going to require superhuman strength but if you keep chipping away at that rock or mountain standing in your way, you will make it to the other side at some point in time.
Wipe those tears aways, brush your hair, get dressed and stand back up. Your story is not over. You need to get to the other side of this whatever ‘this’ is for you. It could be a painful breakup, it could be the loss of a loved one or it could be that you just can’t seem to get a handle on life and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t get it going. Guess what? You can and you will. It takes guts, it takes courage and the will to do so.
“Don’t give up because of one bad chapter in your life. Keep going. Your story doesn’t end here.”
That’s absolutely right. You have a story to tell so get out there, put your best intentions forward and make it a bestseller. Make it the best one yet! Turn that page, who knows the ‘best’ maybe just around the corner.
“Today I close the door to the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in my life.”
The dictionary defines a WHAT-IF as a “question that asks someone to imagine what might happen or what might have happened.” Life is full of what-ifs and some of us live our lives carrying that load around knowing full well that it will never become a reality.
We carry the “what ifs” of the past, present and the future that makes life a caricature of what it should be. We whip out the “what ifs” of yesterday to justify where we are today and they affect your present and future like a ripple effect.
We ask:
What if we had stayed together? Life would be so much better today wouldn’t it? Well would it?
What if he/she hadn’t died on me? We would have a wonderful life today. Is that guaranteed or just make-believe?
What if I hadn’t done X, Y, or Z, I would have a completely different life now. Really?
What ifs are suppositions that tend to paint our world in make-believe colors, whatever they may be. The fact is ‘what ifs’ can’t change what has happened and there are no guarantees that if they hadn’t happened, we would be in a different place today. Whatever happened, it happened and for whatever the reason. It was bad but there is no going back. It is a part of the past, accept it and move on.
“That’s the thing about ‘what ifs’; they don’t matter. They don’t change anything. All they do is make it unable for you to heal.” Lindy Zart
So you loved someone with all your heart and that person left you, it happened and they live on in memories nothing more. Accept it and move on. YOU have a life to live.
Someone hurt you in the past. They knew what they were doing but you don’t have to keep paying a price for their meanness. They will reap what they sowed at some point in time. Remember what goes around comes around. Yours is not to ask when or how. All in good time. Let it go and heal.
Life happened and threw you a curveball and you are still asking what if? It doesn’t matter but what matters is that you are in the here and now and those ‘what ifs’ don’t matter anymore only if you let them.
“What” and “if” are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life.”
What if? What if? What if?
Let’s change it to “Why not.”
Why not have a great life? You deserve it don’t you.
Why not leave the past behind you where it belongs? The dead do the haunting not the living. Let it be.
Why not laugh, smile, jump for joy, live and move on? It is your right to do so, isn’t it?
Leave the ‘what ifs’ where they belong. Not in the past, not in the present and not in the future. However, if it keeps bugging you, ask “now what?” Stay in the present and look towards the future and you’ll be just fine. Let’s give the pesky ‘what ifs’ a heave ho and right out the door!
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