FROM PARIS WITH LOVE

Some days I am filled with energy and others are very lethargic. Today is not so hot after a wonderful day yesterday. So, let’s both grab a cup of coffee. That helps to give us a break. And coffee goes with everything in Paris.

This week I have been pondering a lot of things – mainly how I spent most of my life planning my life around a man. The men changed but I did not. You would think I would have learned a lesson, but noooooooo. I just found another man. And I would give each one that good ole college try of 10 years or so and move on to another man. We Southern girls liked the men. So, you can imagine my surprise when I found myself without a man. Like NOW. Haha. What am I going to do with all the insights and awarenesses that are coming at me like Mac Trucks? And lots of dreams about lives that happened a long time ago.

I must stand alone, and it is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. So, as the songs I once loved fade away, so do the thoughts and feelings of others. I tell myself what’s meant to be will always find a way, so I’m letting go. And I am paying close attention to what is finding a way to stay. Wow. Really letting go. It has been hard for a while, but it’s getting easier. Day by day, step by step.. that’s how I’m living my life now. Finding small joys in the little things that make me smile. I’ll get where I need to be, eventually. Or not. Knowing that I will, for me, for now, will have to be enough. I can do this. Yes, I miss my family. Yes, I miss my friends. But I am now loving them as they are without trying to change them in any way. They will either make it or they won’t. I will either make it or I won’t. You will either make it or you won’t.

Today’s borrowed piece that I want to share with you is this.  These lessons do not limit to any one aspect or one person. They are universal and will help you through all walks of life. Embrace them and make them a part of your life for a peaceful, joyous life.                                      –    Featured Image Source: Pakin Songmor © 123RF.com

“Gautama Buddha: a prince, a warrior, a meditator and an enlightened teacher. Nothing will ever stress enough the kind of wisdom he imparted at his time, the kind which still exists to inspire millions and millions of people around the world.  Buddha means the one who is awake. He indeed was and his teachings continue to knock sense into the lost and the drifted. Buddha was the embodiment of peace, acceptance and detachment to material possessions.  Through his messages, we can better understand our spiritual and emotional selves. Here are 11 of the life-changing pieces of lessons from this enlightened soul.

1. “When you like a flower, you just pluck it. But when you love a flower, you water it daily”

Love is a pure, undemanding emotion. You don’t hurt the ones you love. True love will always be a reason for your growth. There is a clear distinction between unconditional love and the emotions based on our ego’s needs.

2. “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth”

No matter how hard you try to hide the truth, it will eventually be revealed. The seekers of the truth will ultimately find it. Truth can never stay hidden.

3. “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

We often seek solace and happiness in the external environment, the things we buy and the material possessions we have. In reality, peaceful living only comes from acknowledging what you have within. Peace resides within you only.

4. “There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path”

Ever heard how life is about the journey and not the destination? Well, it’s the truth! Accept the joys and the sorrows of the journey and you will understand what it is to be living. Happiness isn’t the end goal, being happy all along is.

5. “An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body but an evil friend will wound your mind”

Your life becomes more meaningful and happening when you have the right kind of people in your life. Supporting, joyous, compassionate people. Having negative people around only means hurting our own lives.

6. “In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.”

It is a very deep teaching and a very meaningful one if we understand what Buddha was trying to convey. We all are one. The differences are only presumed by us only. There was no segregation originally. In the eyes of the universe, we are all one and equally worthy of love and happiness.

7. “You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger”

Anger and resentment eat you like fire eats wood. It destroys the one experiencing it and not the one it is against. Learn to forgive and move on.

8. “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”

It is something many religions endorse: our thoughts create our reality. What we focus on is what we believe. If it’s the darkness you concentrate on, how do you suppose you will see the light? It’s all about our perspective and thoughts.

9. “Believe nothing no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

Don’t let others think for you – think for yourself. Know your ground and stick to it. You have your view of the world and, if something clashes with it, you have the right to disregard it. Popularity doesn’t mean it’s the right thing.

10. “You only lose what you cling to”

If you do not attach yourself emotionally to something, it will not be a loss. Nothing lasts forever. Unconditional love and happiness will come when we fully accept the experiences, even when they are short-lived.

11. “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk our path.”

It’s your life and you will have to live it. No one can do it for you. You cannot let others guide your life but you have to steer it yourself. Be your own torch to carve your way through this journey called life.”

I took the cat netting down from the balcony and now I think I can see clearer outside my window. Maybe. Maybe not. BE CAREFUL! Beware making another person the center of your life. YOU ARE THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE. Love yourself first and foremost. Then love others.

I have a lot of memes that I have saved, but it is becoming too many memes. So, I will leave you with lots of words to think about. I don’t expect you to agree. Also, I have a lot of thoughts to share on another day. After the pandemic. Everybody is hurting. Getting to know my neighborhood. Facing fear. Making decisions. Stay tuned…….

Best Jay