Superintendent Page
"Accepting the Challenge" Let's talk a little bit more about how accepting challenges can help you. Life sends all of us challenges that we may not feel up to meeting. But when we create our own challenges, there are special benefits. One time, an archeology professor, who had not been in the field for many years, was offered an opportunity to join an expedition to search for lost cities in the Northern Andes. Since it meant 30 days on horseback in high mountain jungles, and scaling 3,000 foot high cliffs to search for ancient tombs, it was something he thought twice about at age 50.
Yet, accepting this special challenge not only brought him a renewed sense of competency and excitement in life, it also significantly changed his assumptions - and those of his family - concerning the whole concept of aging and maturity. He found that it wasn't age, but rather his spirit and courage that counted, and he returned with a new zest for life. (After all, isn't 50 the new 40?) Why not test some of your assumptions and call upon resources that your ordinary/everyday life doesn't use very often? A trip to a totally different culture will do it, or try learning a sport or other activity with which you have absolutely no experience. Put yourself out there! How long has it been since you really challenged yourself? Do you remember how good it felt? Good - now do something about it!
What would it take to make you happy?
Think about your answer for a moment, because we have reasons to be happy every day, even if the world around us seems to have come unglued.
Now, I know some of you think that if you only had this or that particular thing you would be happy. Others believe that if you were only in love with someone wonderful, who loved you back, then you would be happy. And there are probably still others who believe that if God would work a miracle and cure you or someone you love of an illness, that would make you happy.
But I want to tell you something. Happiness is a choice you make, not something that does or doesn't happen to you. You can choose to be happy right now, no matter what you have or don't have.
The first step is gratitude. If you develop and heighten your powers of appreciation by focusing on the beauty in your life instead of the imperfections, you will be halfway there. I guarantee that you will see an abundance of beauty in your life, regardless of your surroundings or circumstances, if you will only look for it. You will be adopting the "attitude of gratitude."
Once you can see it - appreciate it! Not just intellectually - let it give you real joy. You see, the time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is here, and the reasons to be happy are all around you. So what are you waiting for?
Comments