Can You Choose to Live in Wonder not Fear?

I Choose Wonder…

Take a look around you. There is wonder all over. Miracles abound.

Nature used to be a big part of everyone’s lives. We rose with the sun and turned in for bed at dusk. We worked the Earth and harvested it’s bounty. The connection with Earth, and the miracles of nature were automatic. Today, however, we need to make an effort to stop, look, smell, feel, taste, and appreciate what we have. I try to do this at least twice a day and say thanks for the many wonders in my world.

Each new day brings new adventures. Things that seem bad at first tend to open new doors to new opportunities. When “bad” things happen, I make myself think good thoughts for this will surely bring wonderful events. If I slip up and start thinking sad thoughts, things start taking a turn for the worse. If I don’t perk up, the downward spiral is sure to continue. So I put a smile on my face and take a walk. People who know me are amazed to see me smiling because they know some of the recent and current challenges facing me. I simple reply that worry brings nothing good and that things always seem to work out.

Why Do Some Choose Fear? 

Our Comfort Zone is Our Safe Place…

Have you ever been through major policy changes or a buy out at a job? Many  people freak out. They see only bad things coming with the changes. Their sense of security is being shaken. They fear losing their job, a cut in salary or hours, etc. They fear the unknown. “Can I learn the new skills I need to?”, they ask themselves. Most likely they will be able to with little effort, but their fear tells them differently. They resist, start to complain, talk about going to the union or bringing a union in. Guess what? They often lose their  job. Had they taken the change as a challenge, they might have gotten a promotion instead.

What challenges are you facing in your life right now? Are your thoughts mostly positive or negative? Are you fearful or wondering how it will all turn out?

All Things Considered…

My parents are elderly and have had a sudden onslaught of health issues since January of this year. I have spent every last penny I have, and borrowed to boot, to keep them safe in their apartment in NY. They live in fear of change, the unknown and ultimately death. Their apartment of 40+ years is their comfort zone. In their present condition they are not able to step out of their comfort zone. It is a sad thing to watch. All I can do is try to make them as comfortable as possible so their health can improve enough to deal with the inevitable changes to come. I travel from PA to NY every week to care for them, take them to doctor appointments, stock them with groceries, etc. I try to smile the whole time I am there. 🙂

My water main to my house just broke. With a 4 and a half foot retaining wall the work is complex and very expensive. Since I have no money left and a terrible credit rating due to some silly decisions I made before my separation from my husband, you would think there is no hope. However, it turns out I am eligible for a grant from the city to not only fix the water line, but get a new retaining wall, outside steps, complete house painting, and much needed inside work as well. You see I told you things always seem to work out. 🙂

All things considered, I have a lot to be in wonder of.

I wish you all a sense of wonder that will allow you to also live in wonder not fear…

~ Karen Karo ~