Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Don't Let Your Emotions Tilt Your Perception Of Contentment
Not everyone believes this but the emotional and mental aspects of a person, when combined, leads to a better sense of contentment
Emotions love to dominate our actions and reactions, even though we do not want it to happen sometimes. Society often sees emotions as a sign of weakness, so people are used to putting them aside and focusing on the rational aspects more and more.
No matter how strict and logical you may be, you will always "Feel". One way or another, someone or something will get through you.
Positive emotions are a lifelong goal for many of us concerned about emotional health and self improvement. What is more important; is the amount of money you made during your life or the times you laughed out of sheer joy?
People tend to put their positive emotions behind their negative feelings. This is one of the biggest problems that people come across during their lives. Accent the positive.
There is no clear way to ignore a negative experience and try to replace it with a positive one. Life just does not work that way.
For example, when you were a child, if your goldfish dies, you would be heartbroken. Your parents will probably buy you another goldfish but the sorrow is still there.
Things get even more complex when you become an adult. A fight with your spouse the night before will affect your entire day. You will go to work angry, tired, and your mind will wander. On the way home from work you will not notice the sun shining and you would not be tempted to stop at a roadside stand to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables.
All this because that one negative thought has contaminated the way you perceive the reality around you.
In this moment you will realize finding a safe place to relax your mind will do wonders for your emotional and mental improvement. Stop - just look around you. Despite the emotional stuff you still have your Family, Love, Hope, Friends, Memories, and Eternal Life if you trust Jesus. So, stop the sobbing and realize that despite the emotional horrors you are blessed.
Why not be content.
Contentmen is relatively easy to find. It can be an actual place or an imaginary location. The best idea is to totally lose yourself in it.
Let us say you have a problem on your mind and it just would not go away. Go bowling. Do not know how? Just give it a shot.
Get caught up in the game. Your mind will drift away from the negative thoughts that dominated your last hours or days and start processing a whole new kind of information.
A safe haven can take many forms. It can be a song, a movie, even a person or animal. The main thing is allow yourself to get completely involved with being content.
I isn't easy trying to be contented in a world where day by day we are prompted to get better, get more, Tv, newpapere, internet all are prodding us to go an get the new stuff.
Contentment comes primarially from a well balances sense of Self Esteem. You and your God are all it takes. So I recommend Click Here! Self Esteem For Women (but it's the same for men) as a starting place for building your awareness of contented aging.
As we journey,
Larry
How To Age Contentedly
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Rich Life Experiences
I couldn't have said it any better than this writer, so I copied it here with his copywright
Copyright 2006 Cari Vollmer
In your mind, what does Living Well mean to you? Does it mean you have plenty of money to do whatever you want? Does it mean you get to spend your time as you wish? Does living well conjure up the image of beautiful cars and homes and luxurious vacations?
As they say, if you can dream it you can achieve it. However, a vivid imagination in and of itself does not lead to getting what you want. You also have to take supportive, concrete actions. In order to live well, it may be necessary for you to do some things differently then you're doing today. Below is a list of three key points to keep in mind if you have the desire to live well but have no idea how to actually start doing so.
1. Learn How to Live Well
If you've never actually lived well, it may seem like a big leap to do so. But what if you could learn how to live well? You can!
There are dozens, if not hundreds of books, CD's and other helpful sources of information which will teach how to get what you want. In fact, the entire personal growth/self-help industry is founded on the intention of helping people live better than they are today.
For example: If you dream of making a lot of money, but today you're barely scraping by, there are several excellent books, CD's and seminars that will help you learn how to make a lot of money.
Another example: If you dream of traveling the world, there are hundreds of books and publications that will show you how to travel the world, either on a budget or luxuriously.
The point here is if you want something, there is a way to get it. You just have to learn how to get it. Invest in yourself and your dreams. You and they are worth the time and money you'll spend doing so.
2. Create Rich Life Experiences
Life is really just a series of experiences. Some experiences we learn and grow from and others set us back. Other experiences make us feel fantastic and some leave us feeling stressed out.
Instead of waiting for great experiences to fall in your lap, create your own rich life experiences.
Rich Life Experiences are experiences you create for yourself from a state of purpose. In other words, you decide what kind of experience you wish to have and then you make it happen!
For instance, if you're someone who loves fine wines, create opportunities for yourself to learn more about different kinds of wines. Visit local wine tasting events and when you out grow that experience plan a trip to California's wine country or take a class from a world renowned wine expert!
Rich life experiences occur when you take something you're passionate about and find ways in which you can fully immerse yourself in your passion.
Creating rich life experiences for yourself will allow you to live life fully.
3. Keep Life Simple
LIVING WELL does not equal DOING MORE. On the contrary, living well may require you to cut way back and focus your time and attention on just a few select parts of your life.
Two great questions that will help you keep it simple are:
What do I really want? And,
If I could do anything, be anything or have anything I wanted, what would I do, be or have?
Now, brainstorm a list of at least 25 things. Then see if there are groups of themes in your list. For example, if you write down you want to travel to Paris, Africa and China; you can group all of these together under TRAVEL!
The themes you see on your list will give you a place to start focusing your attention.
Focusing your attention will give you more energy to do the things you really want to do because you won't be pulled in too many directions doing things you don't really want to do.
For maximum efficiency, pick only two or three things from your list to focus your attention on at any given time and then give those few things your all!
You can live well. Decide what living well means to you, learn how to get what you want, create rich life experiences for yourself and keep life simple.
Resources:
Goal Setting..Click Here!
The main thing I found is to get out and do something you enjoy. Kayak, walking, picnicing, must be something you likke to do. Today get out and do it.
As we journey,
Larry
You CAN Live Without Stress
Copyright 2006 Cari Vollmer
In your mind, what does Living Well mean to you? Does it mean you have plenty of money to do whatever you want? Does it mean you get to spend your time as you wish? Does living well conjure up the image of beautiful cars and homes and luxurious vacations?
As they say, if you can dream it you can achieve it. However, a vivid imagination in and of itself does not lead to getting what you want. You also have to take supportive, concrete actions. In order to live well, it may be necessary for you to do some things differently then you're doing today. Below is a list of three key points to keep in mind if you have the desire to live well but have no idea how to actually start doing so.
1. Learn How to Live Well
If you've never actually lived well, it may seem like a big leap to do so. But what if you could learn how to live well? You can!
There are dozens, if not hundreds of books, CD's and other helpful sources of information which will teach how to get what you want. In fact, the entire personal growth/self-help industry is founded on the intention of helping people live better than they are today.
For example: If you dream of making a lot of money, but today you're barely scraping by, there are several excellent books, CD's and seminars that will help you learn how to make a lot of money.
Another example: If you dream of traveling the world, there are hundreds of books and publications that will show you how to travel the world, either on a budget or luxuriously.
The point here is if you want something, there is a way to get it. You just have to learn how to get it. Invest in yourself and your dreams. You and they are worth the time and money you'll spend doing so.
2. Create Rich Life Experiences
Life is really just a series of experiences. Some experiences we learn and grow from and others set us back. Other experiences make us feel fantastic and some leave us feeling stressed out.
Instead of waiting for great experiences to fall in your lap, create your own rich life experiences.
Rich Life Experiences are experiences you create for yourself from a state of purpose. In other words, you decide what kind of experience you wish to have and then you make it happen!
For instance, if you're someone who loves fine wines, create opportunities for yourself to learn more about different kinds of wines. Visit local wine tasting events and when you out grow that experience plan a trip to California's wine country or take a class from a world renowned wine expert!
Rich life experiences occur when you take something you're passionate about and find ways in which you can fully immerse yourself in your passion.
Creating rich life experiences for yourself will allow you to live life fully.
3. Keep Life Simple
LIVING WELL does not equal DOING MORE. On the contrary, living well may require you to cut way back and focus your time and attention on just a few select parts of your life.
Two great questions that will help you keep it simple are:
What do I really want? And,
If I could do anything, be anything or have anything I wanted, what would I do, be or have?
Now, brainstorm a list of at least 25 things. Then see if there are groups of themes in your list. For example, if you write down you want to travel to Paris, Africa and China; you can group all of these together under TRAVEL!
The themes you see on your list will give you a place to start focusing your attention.
Focusing your attention will give you more energy to do the things you really want to do because you won't be pulled in too many directions doing things you don't really want to do.
For maximum efficiency, pick only two or three things from your list to focus your attention on at any given time and then give those few things your all!
You can live well. Decide what living well means to you, learn how to get what you want, create rich life experiences for yourself and keep life simple.
Resources:
Goal Setting..Click Here!
The main thing I found is to get out and do something you enjoy. Kayak, walking, picnicing, must be something you likke to do. Today get out and do it.
As we journey,
Larry
You CAN Live Without Stress
Monday, March 8, 2010
Life Can Be Great!
"What Really Makes You Tick?" 10 questions you should ask to yourself: a preparation to self-improvement
Be all you can be, but it's not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it's hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed.
Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful.
So we're all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn't even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks… or can they?
1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.
Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.
2. Should I really change?
Today's generation has taken another level of redefining 'self', or at least that's what the kids are saying. Having an army of teenage nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?
If history has taught us one thing, it's the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn't appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing.
3. What's the bright side in all of this?
With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it's a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!
4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing?
There's always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn't take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.
5. Have I done enough for myself?
Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you'll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.
6. Am I happy at where I am today?
It's an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!
7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?
So maybe I don't have an answer to that, but that doesn't mean I can't try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.
8. How much could I have?
I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it's more on how badly you really need it. I'd like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?
9. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It's not like you can't have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that's it. Just try it piece by piece.
10. What Really Makes You Tick?
So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it's something that you really want.
And, remember you also need to put something back into life. It seems to me the older I get, that the more I put back the happier I am. Care for yourself, care for others and find Jesus.
Life Is Great - Don't Mess It Up!
Click Here!
Larry
http://www.squidoo.com/tailgateministries.
Be all you can be, but it's not always in the Army. I often see myself as somewhat contented with my life the way things are, but of course it's hard to think of anything else when where are real issues to be discussed.
Still I aspire for something deeper and more meaningful.
So we're all pelted with problems. Honestly it shouldn't even bother or even hinder us to becoming all we ought to be. Aspirations as kids should continue to live within us, even though it would be short-lived or as long as we could hold on to the dream. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks… or can they?
1. What do I really want?
The question of the ages. So many things you want to do with your life and so little time to even go about during the day.
Find something that you are good at can help realize that small step towards improvement. Diligence is the key to know that it is worth it.
2. Should I really change?
Today's generation has taken another level of redefining 'self', or at least that's what the kids are saying. Having an army of teenage nieces and nephews has taught me that there are far worse things that they could have had than acne or maybe even promiscuity. So how does that fit into your lifestyle?
If history has taught us one thing, it's the life that we have gone through. Try to see if partying Seventies style wouldn't appeal to the younger generation, but dancing is part of partying. Watch them applaud after showing them how to really dance than break their bones in break-dancing.
3. What's the bright side in all of this?
With so much is happening around us there seem to be no room for even considering that light at the end of the tunnel. We can still see it as something positive without undergoing so much scrutiny. And if it's a train at the end of the tunnel, take it for a ride and see what makes the world go round!
4. Am I comfortable with what I'm doing?
There's always the easy way and the right way when it comes to deciding what goes with which shoes, or purse, shirt and whatnot. It doesn't take a genius to see yourself as someone unique, or else we'll all be equally the same in everything we do. Variety brings in very interesting and exciting questions to be experimented.
5. Have I done enough for myself?
Have you, or is there something more you want to do? Discontentment in every aspect can be dangerous in large doses, but in small amounts you'll be able to see and do stuff you could never imagine doing.
6. Am I happy at where I am today?
It's an unfair question so let it be an answer! You love being a good and loving mom or dad to your kids, then take it up a notch! Your kids will love you forever. The same goes with everyday life!
7. Am I appealing to the opposite sex?
So maybe I don't have an answer to that, but that doesn't mean I can't try it, though. Whether you shape-up, change the way you wear your clothes or hair, or even your attitude towards people, you should always remember it will always be for your own benefit.
8. How much could I have?
I suppose in this case there is no such things on having things too much or too little, but it's more on how badly you really need it. I'd like to have lots of money, no denying that, but the question is that how much are you willing to work for it?
9. What motivates me?
What motivates you? It's an answer you have to find out for yourself. There are so many things that can make everyone happy, but to choose one of the may be the hardest part. It's not like you can't have one serving of your favorite food in a buffet and that's it. Just try it piece by piece.
10. What Really Makes You Tick?
So? What really makes you tick? You can be just about anything you always wanted to be, but to realize that attaining something that may seem very difficult is already giving up before you even start that journey. Always remember, that self-improvement is not just about the physical or philosophical change you have to undergo, but it's something that you really want.
And, remember you also need to put something back into life. It seems to me the older I get, that the more I put back the happier I am. Care for yourself, care for others and find Jesus.
Life Is Great - Don't Mess It Up!
Click Here!
Larry
http://www.squidoo.com/tailgateministries.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What About Boredom.
Yeah, what about boredom.
As we talked earlier we can do absolutely nothing about the aging process. At 1000mph tomorrow is coming. And just a reminder yesterday is disappearing at 1000mph. So, we want to work with the things we can do something about. In the formula Contented Aging, Aging is a constant. If you live until tomorrow you will be 1 day older!
We need to focus on the things we can do something about. What is this thing lables boredom. We hear it all of the time. "I'm Bored", "Life is Boring", "This job is Boring", even "This relationship is Boring". Sometimes we tend to use boring as an excuse for what others are not doing for us. (Non Boring) is one of our responsibilities. Yep, you cannont lean on one other person to make your life what you want it to be!
If you do you will become Blah, and you will emotionally smother the other person. No, (non-boring) is one of our problems.
And, I really don't see it as a problem. You see, we live in a culture that professes the myth that we should be entertained (distracted) at all times.
# Take your cell phone to the toilet with you.
# Have a TV in every room.
# Text while driving
# Music while you eat, sleep, wait, ride, worship, fly, etc.,
# DVD player in the car on the plane
# Movies at home and out
# Pocket games, in between all of the above
# Giant Telescreens at the ball park so we can really see what happened
# 5 commentators on the football game to tell us what we just saw.
God forbid that there should be a pause. It is constant intake. No time for friends or conversation. So, when we finally do take a break and look around at our lives what do we have. Nothing.
We have become a spectator electronically stimulated culture. What we need is to get back in touch with OUR LIVES. Not some super hero or TV show that fakes reality. You will never find substance in your life if you don't get electronically unhooked. When was the last time you did anything besides your job and gadgets?
Want to get UnBored? Get out and do what your are physically able to do. Do not let the calendar (your age) dictate what you should be doing. Sail in the rain. Walk in the rain. Back pack in the winter time. Sky Dive, Row a Boat, Climb a Hill, Sit Down, Do Nothing, Watch, Bike, Kayak, Get out Alone, Find a special friend and just talk, Pray, Read,
What you have done if your are bored with your life is let someone else take it over. You will never be fulfilled and staisfied being battery driven. And, I like to say, "Doing anything is better than doing nothing".
You need to take a look at these resources.
Click Here!
God Bless, Larry
As we talked earlier we can do absolutely nothing about the aging process. At 1000mph tomorrow is coming. And just a reminder yesterday is disappearing at 1000mph. So, we want to work with the things we can do something about. In the formula Contented Aging, Aging is a constant. If you live until tomorrow you will be 1 day older!
We need to focus on the things we can do something about. What is this thing lables boredom. We hear it all of the time. "I'm Bored", "Life is Boring", "This job is Boring", even "This relationship is Boring". Sometimes we tend to use boring as an excuse for what others are not doing for us. (Non Boring) is one of our responsibilities. Yep, you cannont lean on one other person to make your life what you want it to be!
If you do you will become Blah, and you will emotionally smother the other person. No, (non-boring) is one of our problems.
And, I really don't see it as a problem. You see, we live in a culture that professes the myth that we should be entertained (distracted) at all times.
# Take your cell phone to the toilet with you.
# Have a TV in every room.
# Text while driving
# Music while you eat, sleep, wait, ride, worship, fly, etc.,
# DVD player in the car on the plane
# Movies at home and out
# Pocket games, in between all of the above
# Giant Telescreens at the ball park so we can really see what happened
# 5 commentators on the football game to tell us what we just saw.
God forbid that there should be a pause. It is constant intake. No time for friends or conversation. So, when we finally do take a break and look around at our lives what do we have. Nothing.
We have become a spectator electronically stimulated culture. What we need is to get back in touch with OUR LIVES. Not some super hero or TV show that fakes reality. You will never find substance in your life if you don't get electronically unhooked. When was the last time you did anything besides your job and gadgets?
Want to get UnBored? Get out and do what your are physically able to do. Do not let the calendar (your age) dictate what you should be doing. Sail in the rain. Walk in the rain. Back pack in the winter time. Sky Dive, Row a Boat, Climb a Hill, Sit Down, Do Nothing, Watch, Bike, Kayak, Get out Alone, Find a special friend and just talk, Pray, Read,
What you have done if your are bored with your life is let someone else take it over. You will never be fulfilled and staisfied being battery driven. And, I like to say, "Doing anything is better than doing nothing".
You need to take a look at these resources.
Click Here!
God Bless, Larry
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Cows Are Contented
Hi Friends,
Yes, the cows are a contented lot. And when they are well taken care of and all of there needs are fillled - the become contented.
Now, I know you and I are not cows. Food and shelter to us are necessities because no one will build us a barn and plant crops for us to eat. We have to do that ourselves. So, once our needs are provided for we seek to find things that will other things such as:
1. Fill up spare time
2. Blur reality
3. Have Fun
4. Show Off
5. Remove boredom
6. Escape
7. Keep up
8. etc., etc.,.
And, unlike the cows we don't just get up and march out to the field and fill our cuds! Just take a moment and try to remember all of the stuff you had and now is garbage or in the landfill. Once the chemical reaction of yearning, buying and using wore off the new thing had to be replaced by yet another new thing.
It's a never ending cycle. Now, I am not against spending and buying. And I am not telling anyone else to stop buying. We need to update worn out applicances and cars. And, we should wear current clothers. The thing I am talking about here are the stupid gadgets that we want to have.What I would like for some of to do is to consider why. Why do we need (want) this new gadget. What's it going to do? Some of us are being forced into a new economic model. There just isn't the income there was a few years ago. And the future doesn't look pretty.
As we get older one of the primary health considerations I see is Stress. And, what can cause more stress than finances. We are not going to be able to afford all of the stuff we did when we were younger. We problaby haven't got the space to put anything new. So, think about that next thing.
Start digging out the things you had to have last year and are now sitting in the garage. Probably almost new. Take some time and enjoy that before you head out to buy the next thing that will end up in the same place.
Contented aging is just what it says. We are getting older and should become more content with the material things we have.
Click Here!
God Bless
Yes, the cows are a contented lot. And when they are well taken care of and all of there needs are fillled - the become contented.
Now, I know you and I are not cows. Food and shelter to us are necessities because no one will build us a barn and plant crops for us to eat. We have to do that ourselves. So, once our needs are provided for we seek to find things that will other things such as:
1. Fill up spare time
2. Blur reality
3. Have Fun
4. Show Off
5. Remove boredom
6. Escape
7. Keep up
8. etc., etc.,.
And, unlike the cows we don't just get up and march out to the field and fill our cuds! Just take a moment and try to remember all of the stuff you had and now is garbage or in the landfill. Once the chemical reaction of yearning, buying and using wore off the new thing had to be replaced by yet another new thing.
It's a never ending cycle. Now, I am not against spending and buying. And I am not telling anyone else to stop buying. We need to update worn out applicances and cars. And, we should wear current clothers. The thing I am talking about here are the stupid gadgets that we want to have.What I would like for some of to do is to consider why. Why do we need (want) this new gadget. What's it going to do? Some of us are being forced into a new economic model. There just isn't the income there was a few years ago. And the future doesn't look pretty.
As we get older one of the primary health considerations I see is Stress. And, what can cause more stress than finances. We are not going to be able to afford all of the stuff we did when we were younger. We problaby haven't got the space to put anything new. So, think about that next thing.
Start digging out the things you had to have last year and are now sitting in the garage. Probably almost new. Take some time and enjoy that before you head out to buy the next thing that will end up in the same place.
Contented aging is just what it says. We are getting older and should become more content with the material things we have.
Click Here!
God Bless
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Where Does Fear Fit In Contentment?
Welcome,
Sounds like a contradiction right. I certainly cannot be at peace when I am entertaining fear. I am not talking about the bumper stickers or rea window stickers you see on the road. I am talking about the real thing. Real fear. Doubt. Anxiety. When you don't see a ray of light anywhere. When you look around in a crowded room and you don't see anyone. The real stuff!
Welll we both know it isn't possible. Fear and contentment are like oil and water. You can try and mix them together but, let them sit a while and the separate. The reason is that to be content you need to be at peace with your surroundings. And, if you are fearful you are on edge and enxious.
You need to figure out what is you goal. Fear - Contentment. Good news is you can't have both! That''s right if you continue to entertain fear you cannot have contentment. And, if you really desire contentment - fear has to go.
I prefer the latter. So, for me when fear and anxiety take over (and thats what it feels like) I have to quick stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. I mean stop! And,
1. Identify the fear.
2. Name it
3. Look at it.
4. Touch it.
5. Smell it
6. Taste it.
If it is real fear you will be able to all of the above.
Once you have identified the source of fear you need to isolate it. Take it out of context. Separate it for a moment from your emotions. Then what I do is pray. Yes pray. I pray that this source of fear will be removed from my life. I pray hard, fervent,long. To the Holy Spirit to intercede with Jesus. To Jesus to intercede with the Father. And, lastlly I pray that the fear will be removed and if not allow me to change and handle it.
Sounds like a contradiction right. I certainly cannot be at peace when I am entertaining fear. I am not talking about the bumper stickers or rea window stickers you see on the road. I am talking about the real thing. Real fear. Doubt. Anxiety. When you don't see a ray of light anywhere. When you look around in a crowded room and you don't see anyone. The real stuff!
Welll we both know it isn't possible. Fear and contentment are like oil and water. You can try and mix them together but, let them sit a while and the separate. The reason is that to be content you need to be at peace with your surroundings. And, if you are fearful you are on edge and enxious.
You need to figure out what is you goal. Fear - Contentment. Good news is you can't have both! That''s right if you continue to entertain fear you cannot have contentment. And, if you really desire contentment - fear has to go.
I prefer the latter. So, for me when fear and anxiety take over (and thats what it feels like) I have to quick stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. I mean stop! And,
1. Identify the fear.
2. Name it
3. Look at it.
4. Touch it.
5. Smell it
6. Taste it.
If it is real fear you will be able to all of the above.
Once you have identified the source of fear you need to isolate it. Take it out of context. Separate it for a moment from your emotions. Then what I do is pray. Yes pray. I pray that this source of fear will be removed from my life. I pray hard, fervent,long. To the Holy Spirit to intercede with Jesus. To Jesus to intercede with the Father. And, lastlly I pray that the fear will be removed and if not allow me to change and handle it. If this sounds religious to you , so be it. I am 73 and for the first 52 years of my life I handled emotions my way. And, well they didn't exactly turn out great. But since I have turned my life over to Jesus and allow Him to resolve things for me I find a peace in life I never knew. Nothing else ever worked, Jesus did!
Get that fear out of your life. Find peace and contentment through Jesus Christ.
For more informaton along these lines see http://tailgateministries.blogspot.com/
Friday, January 15, 2010
Should our Emotions Govern our Contentment
Welcome,
This is a pretty popular predicament. What about our emotions and contented aging? I like to put things down on paper so Aging + Contentment = (should) a happier more emotional stable life. It has for me. I can remember when a flat tire would throw me off course for days emotionally. Every little thing seemed to be a disruptive bump in my road of life.
Finding contnetment first was the answer for me to emotional stability. And of course the icing of happiness followed.
Now look, I don't want to discount our emoitions. They have an important role in our lives. But, we shouldn't allow them to dictate our state of happiness. I still have to count to 10 - take a deep breath over some things or events in my life. Thiings that happen daily. I have to step back and think about my reaction. If I don't I will usually be sorry and regret how I react. My emotions were designed to give me a quick response to things that I percieved as change. I should not allow them to alter my level of contentment. And, I know the first thing people say, that love is an emotion. Well, after 50years of marriage, I believe love is more a committment and a decision.. Sure our marriage has had the emotional love. Also, it has had times of not emotional love. But, the contract was forever and we got over our emotions and back to contentment.
We as humans cannot really change a lot of what comes at us. But, we can change how we react to these changes. Your need a base, an anchor something that when the winds of life roar you can tie yourself to and not be blown about. To me, that anchor is Jesus Christ. And, if you like you can follow my further adventures at the tailgate evangelist tailgateministries.com
You might want to look here for further information.
So-Long and God Bless
This is a pretty popular predicament. What about our emotions and contented aging? I like to put things down on paper so Aging + Contentment = (should) a happier more emotional stable life. It has for me. I can remember when a flat tire would throw me off course for days emotionally. Every little thing seemed to be a disruptive bump in my road of life.
Finding contnetment first was the answer for me to emotional stability. And of course the icing of happiness followed.
Now look, I don't want to discount our emoitions. They have an important role in our lives. But, we shouldn't allow them to dictate our state of happiness. I still have to count to 10 - take a deep breath over some things or events in my life. Thiings that happen daily. I have to step back and think about my reaction. If I don't I will usually be sorry and regret how I react. My emotions were designed to give me a quick response to things that I percieved as change. I should not allow them to alter my level of contentment. And, I know the first thing people say, that love is an emotion. Well, after 50years of marriage, I believe love is more a committment and a decision.. Sure our marriage has had the emotional love. Also, it has had times of not emotional love. But, the contract was forever and we got over our emotions and back to contentment.
We as humans cannot really change a lot of what comes at us. But, we can change how we react to these changes. Your need a base, an anchor something that when the winds of life roar you can tie yourself to and not be blown about. To me, that anchor is Jesus Christ. And, if you like you can follow my further adventures at the tailgate evangelist tailgateministries.com
You might want to look here for further information.
So-Long and God Bless
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
2010 Happy New Year
Having turned another year on the calendar I can't help but feel contented aging is not just a goal but a reward. A reward for seeking to do the best we can with what we have. I preached my Mom's funeral. And, one of the messages I presented was how that generation made do with what was available. They didn't wait until they had the next best thing to enjoy and be happy. They were able to, due to their circumstataces, lead a fairly happy life with what they had.
Come on, loosen up you are never going to have it all. What about taking the time to enjoy, really enjoy the last thing you had to have to make you happy. What about your spouse? Remember when he/she was all in the world you needed to make you happy . It didn't get that bad that you can't go back and renew those feelings. Take an evening and go out to a dinner/movie. Yeah, it'll cost you. But, my gosh, this is your life partner. There really is no trade in program. Contentment is the key to happiness. Not things!
What about your children. Remember those days of waiting until they were born. Of the playing times on the floor all day Christmas. So tired and yet each time they would call off you'd go. They still need you no matter what age they are now. If they are grown, you still need to get close and enjoy. Share with each other. Friends, life ends. What better way can you spend happy contented time than with family.
Our world appears to me to be seeking contentment not in the old values but in other forms. Recreation (not recreation), entertainment, mind altering substances. Anything but reality. No wonder they are malcontented.
There is no substitute for us humans than close uplifting relationships. First with our families and then our friends. Don't use diversions to try and make you happy or contented.
Stay tuned, Larry
Come on, loosen up you are never going to have it all. What about taking the time to enjoy, really enjoy the last thing you had to have to make you happy. What about your spouse? Remember when he/she was all in the world you needed to make you happy . It didn't get that bad that you can't go back and renew those feelings. Take an evening and go out to a dinner/movie. Yeah, it'll cost you. But, my gosh, this is your life partner. There really is no trade in program. Contentment is the key to happiness. Not things!
What about your children. Remember those days of waiting until they were born. Of the playing times on the floor all day Christmas. So tired and yet each time they would call off you'd go. They still need you no matter what age they are now. If they are grown, you still need to get close and enjoy. Share with each other. Friends, life ends. What better way can you spend happy contented time than with family.
Our world appears to me to be seeking contentment not in the old values but in other forms. Recreation (not recreation), entertainment, mind altering substances. Anything but reality. No wonder they are malcontented.
There is no substitute for us humans than close uplifting relationships. First with our families and then our friends. Don't use diversions to try and make you happy or contented.
Stay tuned, Larry
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year....2010
Welcome, I am starting this blog on aging contentedly via this new page only because I am not techie enough to transfer the older blogs. The content and meaning will be the same. Finding contentment in your present circumstances.
Aging contentedly is not easily done in the material world we live in. The pressure is on to have the latest and the newest and the shiniest. However, sometimes our resouces will not allow it.
Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.....
It is how we respond to the pressures of life that determine our contentment level. Most of us really do have enough. Why not take the time and really enjoy that latest gadget you had to have before rushing out to buy it's replacement. Most of the stuff we own cannot be that far out of date that it is useless. And, how much stuff do we have that we really don't know how to fully use. I have a outdated cell phone ($39.00). I still don't know how to punch in phone numbers, speed dial etc. So, what good will a new phone do me. I probably won't take the time to learn how to use it fully either.
So what has all of this to do with contented aging? Well one sure way to age longer and happier is to practice contentment. I mean am I going to have a stroke over not getting the newest gadget that I can't afford? Am i going to develop high blood pressure over my 3 year old car not having GPS onboard?
These are ridiculous I know. But, we do put ourselves under undo pressure trying to keep up.
Starting in 2010 take some time and enjoy yourself, family, friends. Read a good book. Get a good cup of coffee. I mean do you really need someone talking to you every waking hour (TV etc). There are probably parks close to where you live. Get out doors.
It's not doing what you like, but lliking what you do, that is the secret of happiness.....
Until the next time, Larry
Aging contentedly is not easily done in the material world we live in. The pressure is on to have the latest and the newest and the shiniest. However, sometimes our resouces will not allow it.
Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.....
It is how we respond to the pressures of life that determine our contentment level. Most of us really do have enough. Why not take the time and really enjoy that latest gadget you had to have before rushing out to buy it's replacement. Most of the stuff we own cannot be that far out of date that it is useless. And, how much stuff do we have that we really don't know how to fully use. I have a outdated cell phone ($39.00). I still don't know how to punch in phone numbers, speed dial etc. So, what good will a new phone do me. I probably won't take the time to learn how to use it fully either.
So what has all of this to do with contented aging? Well one sure way to age longer and happier is to practice contentment. I mean am I going to have a stroke over not getting the newest gadget that I can't afford? Am i going to develop high blood pressure over my 3 year old car not having GPS onboard?
These are ridiculous I know. But, we do put ourselves under undo pressure trying to keep up.
Starting in 2010 take some time and enjoy yourself, family, friends. Read a good book. Get a good cup of coffee. I mean do you really need someone talking to you every waking hour (TV etc). There are probably parks close to where you live. Get out doors.
It's not doing what you like, but lliking what you do, that is the secret of happiness.....
Until the next time, Larry
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