If my body is not as slender as I would like it, it’s up to me to make changes to make it happen.
If my body is not as flexible and sturdy as I need it to be, it is up to me to make changes to strengthen it.
If I am lonely, it’s up to me to find new friends.
If I am bored, it’s up to me to find new forms of entertainment
If I don’t know what I want, it’s up to me to figure it out.
If I lack spiritual awareness, it is up to me to seek out insights that resonate to me.
If I cook a meal that doesn’t’ taste very good, I have to look at myself as the source of the correction.
If I feel left out, it is up to me to change my actions so I am included.
If I think someone is mad at me, it is up to me to heal the rift.
If I don’t understand something, I need to ask questions until I do.
If I act without thinking, it is up to me to become more mindful.
If I find kind things to do for others, I get to look within myself for even more ways to reach out.
If I make people laugh, I get to acknowledge myself for my contribution.
If I use my skill to advance a project, I get look for other ways I can contribute.
If I’m on target, I must seek the reason for success within myself.
If I miss the mark, I must seek the reason for failure in myself.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
– – Rumi, The Essential Rumi, tr. Coleman Barks
100 years from now what will it matter?
Maybe something you said or did changed someone in a way you’ll never know.
That in turn influenced the affect they had on others.
You may not be praised for what you did, but you do always makes a difference.
