I'm Counting My Blessings...

Every day I say a mantra, prayer, affirmation or whatever you want to call it. I take a minute and look to the east and take a few deep breaths. I ask for strength to be a better person than I was yesterday, for guidance and protection for me and mine, I state I am in good health, at peace, and grateful for the blessings I receive (present not past) and the lessons I continue to learn from, I ask for forgiveness for my weaknesses as I forgive others theirs, I ask that the abundance of the universe flow easily and effortlessly into my life,I promise to use that abundance to help others- all for the common good, and I finish with, I believe my prayers will be answered. After I am done, I do not worry, obsess, or doubt that I am alright. I do not try to manipulate or control what happens to me during the day. I just trust in a higher power that dwells in me. Regardless of your religion or core beliefs, these simple words can change your life. Faith is believing in something or someone when no evidence is available. A knowing that if you live in a conscious way that you will live an authentic life. This does not mean that I expect there to be no glitches or bumps in the road. However, I hope or really believe that I will have the tools and the support to deal with what comes my way and I am forever grateful for the good things in my life. I always thought I would win the lottery some day or come into a lot of money. Do not get me wrong- I still would like that to happen. I could think of many, many ways to spend it, share it, and donate it to make life even better, but the difference from my wanting or wishing as I did before is that now I do not have to have it to be happy. It is not a magic fix or answer to getting out of debt or paying for a new driveway we desperately need. Money will not cure all my ills or make me content, but it could pay off some student loans. Maybe, I will win, but true happiness is not based on it anymore. Have I matured or as I have learned in my psychology classes, become self-actualized? Well, I hope so! Instead of feeling lucky that I have not had more bad than good, I am thankful. Even more so, I look to see how I can help others to weather their storms, as well. Anyone who knows me is aware that I am no angel, but I figure we need to acknowledge what we have, share our blessings, protect our resources, and learn live authentically. That is the real answer. Until next time...