BLOG 151—Living in a “What if?” World

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*** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
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BE TAKEN AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

Time goes by so quickly, especially when you do not have a lot of projects to work on. No significant events or changes to write about this week.

For some reason, the program I use to post my blog is not allowing me to include photos on my post. Please go to my Facebook post to see photos >> https://www.facebook.com/isityou/ 

I heard from Phyllis Lynch and Chris Foster.
Great to hear you are still enjoying reading my blog posts.

And, how about you?
Have you been trying new things?
Eating new dishes?
Found new love?

But, what if?

With so many naysayers in the world, don’t be one to yourself. That is one of the main ways that helped me come back from my 37-day coma, I did not question myself, I just challenged myself and did. Rather than thinking “what if” this or that happened.

What if I can’t get my blog out on time?
What if it rains tomorrow?
What if that person will not love me?
What if you leave me?
What if I cannot find food to nourish my body?
What if, what if, what if?

To live life in a “What if” world can be very hazardous to your mind and life. Off and on I have done that, as we all do. This thinking can make life very difficult and hard to live with joy. Look for the good things and aim toward them – always.

More recent excuses:
The world is already cluttered with much going on; I don’t want to add to it.
Why would anyone want to read what I have to write?
What if I don’t add adequate value?
What if I am not coherent?
What if I spend a lot of time pouring my heart into posts that no one reads?
What if, what if, what it.
How about this: What if I have a message inside me for you that can advance, inspire, engage — but I never share it?

What if?

Here’s the thing: I love living in this world.

Even on my most painful of days, there is beauty. I enjoy observing and absorbing whatever environment I am in. I don’t question much, especially about nature. Change to fit in, I do. I find a way to have joy where I am, always. I analyze the sights, the sounds, and treasure the wonder. Is this something you aim to do?

Existence excites, but sometimes it can paralyze.

At times, I have been admittedly stuck in a cycle of over-analyzing for probably a bit too long. I sometimes find I’ve been living in a What-If world. Now and then, the what-ifs had been growing louder, snowballing into a giant scary cloud in my brain. This is not a good way to live.

I value self-expression, but, at times, have let myself stay into the dark “What-If” world, holding me back from who I want to be. I’m committing to expressing myself, even in my fear. Because I know I won’t go forward without starting to take personal risks.

How about you?

What if you were to live this year expressing yourself in safe and healthy ways, totally unafraid of the possibilities — excited — about where we might go and where you might end up?

Whether you are trying to decide whether or not to take a trip or if you should try a new dish at your favorite restaurant, you, perhaps, may always think of the negative things that “might” take place. In reality, though, these thoughts are pretty unrealistic and are most likely will never happen.

By asking yourself these pessimistic “what ifs”, you are letting the possibility that something may go wrong and interrupt your reality and rational thinking. This is not clear thinking.

You may turn down chances to pursue different opportunities of travel and adventure because you are always worried that something “might” not go as planned. These thoughts will fill you with frustration and regret.

This is such a hard way to live.

Believe me, I have been guilty of the “what if” syndrome. Before every task I’m given, I ask myself what kind of possible consequences could arise. But I also ask myself, “what if what I am about to do works?”

If I am given a choice, I sometimes find myself thinking about the worst-case scenario attached to each choice. I’ve always justified it as me being careful, but in reality, it’s me being irrational when I shouldn’t be.

I’m not saying you are irrational in your life. What I mean is not to put negative thoughts in your head right away for no reason.

So, what if something doesn’t go as planned? Sometimes events that take an unexpected turn can make the adventure you’re on even better, and you can learn from any loose ends. Look for the good things.

No more, “What if?”

By asking yourself, “What if?” you are also putting whatever situation or decision in a negative light. And, you do this while there are likely many uplifting aspects to the journey or event you are about to partake in. Why not focus on the good, instead?

Turn the negative questions into positive ones.

Ask yourself,
“What if I have a blast on this trip?”
or
“What if I end up loving this food?”
or
“What if this works?”

By questioning the choices you are being faced with using wishful thinking, you are bound to have a better attitude toward the situation, finding joy. This, along with an open mind that is thirsty for adventure and void of doubt, will be much better for you.

Take the chance!
Buy the ticket.
Order that food you’ve never tried before.
Try that new thing.

If things don’t go as planned, so be it. I’m sure you will learn something from the experience, regardless of what it is. Perhaps you have already tried something and it did not work—so you learned! This is much better for your mind.

Why question bad things that “might happen”? Why not question the positive things that “can” take place, instead? You will automatically feel inspired and a new world of hope and many more opportunities will arise.

Are you finding the joy you can in the world?

Take it from me, a recovering patient of the “what if” syndrome. Don’t waste your life away by asking yourself what can go wrong. Start focusing on everything that can go right!

I do hope you like reading my words,
please let me know how they might help you.

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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>

Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves as well as others.

Inspirational quotes and ideas provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
At any age, you can (and should)
make changes to make your life better.

You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

When you improve the quality of your thinking,
you change the quality of your life—
sometimes instantly!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control!

In fact, you have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule—next to impossible. But you can do it!

Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

Remember, you are only as young as the last time you changed your mind. Keep your thoughts and self-talk fun and productive and always reaching for advancement.

Remember, very little is needed to make a great life.
I hope these words I pick do help you.

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BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS 

Life is like riding a unicycle.
To keep your balance,
you must keep moving forward.

Allow everything that happens to teach you,
From beauty to fear to love.
Just keep going, and keep learning.

No feeling is final until the end.
Keep a smile on your face as you go forward.
You WILL get there.
Kit Summers

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

12/25—Hope you made a fantastic Christmas for yourself. Beth and I went to her aunt’s house, which is not too far away. Aunt Karen and Uncle Dave have a lovely abode.

Their wonderful house in Plum Branch, SC is currently for sale, are you looking? There are over 30 acres to play on, you can even jump in the nice pond and swim with the beavers. You can grow your eatable plants in the spacious garden.

Also, they have an established dog and cat kennel business that you could take over, which will pay for the superb house you live in.

This house has high ceilings – great for juggling practice!

If you want to see it, take a look here >>
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/SC-283-Hwy_Plum-Branch_SC_29845_M93503-20169

By choice, they did not want a WiFi connection, no cable TV, and their small cell-phone is only for making and receiving calls. So, like the old days. They are quite happy and have all they need.

12/28—We took a journey again to Baker Creek State Park. Of course, the pooch, Jemma, joined us and loved the outing. She was all over the place smelling everything. I would have joined her but my sniffer does not work so well anymore.

Because the weather has been so dismal, we have not gotten out very much to enjoy the days. Hopefully, the upcoming week will present nicer days.

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YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>
Take a long walk and enjoy nature as you go.
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NEXT BLOG >>
As you know, the New Year is coming up soon. Our plan is to join our friend, Nancy, for the festivities. But, I expect, we will probably end up asleep as the New Year passes. I will let you know.