don't worry, be happy.

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Don't cry over spilled milk. When you fall off the horse, you pick yourself up and get back on. These, and countless other trite truisms, come quickly to the mind of the bystander who is on the outside looking in. But when life throws a stick in my spokes, these truisms aren't worth the breath it takes to utter them. Not that these short axioms don't contain elements of truth, but when it comes to applying their principles, truly it is easier said than done. 

While in these low times, the easiest thing to do is just wallow in self-pity. And although the wallowing provides a odd sense of gratification, discouragement only pushes us further down a path of sadness. On the same topic, a wise man said, "Discouragement and its fellow travelers of depression, despair, and hopelessness are much like the proverbial rocking chair: they keep us busily occupied, but they do not take us anywhere." (Spencer J. Condie)

How true it is; especially for someone like me who has such a hard time letting things go and moving on. As I reflect on my life, I realize that I've spent far too much time rocking, and not nearly enough time on my feet, making a difference.

c. johnson