Trust Thyself!

Trust Thyself!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

I happened to look up and saw this baseball hat bobbing by. It was an ordinary hat, nothing special about it as far as baseball caps go; except for two words, which stood out like a sore thumb.

First of all, I love hats. I collect them. I wear them…a lot!

Secondly, I noticed the words, “Trust Thyself” emblazoned on this one. I hadn’t seen this one before. I found those words captivating.

Of course, it didn’t have to be a hat. It could have been anything, but the words are what really grabbed my attention. I love when that happens. In fact, just last week I stumbled upon a great vegan restaurant in Studio City, which also sold hats displaying the word “Hope.” I was as intrigued then as I am now.

I enjoy hats making such statements, because when you wear them you are doing so publicly. It’s an opportunity to share a message and offer anyone paying attention a chance to think about something of value and importance. Let’s call it a testimony of sorts. The way I see it, it stands for something you value or believe in.

Now, I have observed just as many tee shirts and hats conveying derogatory and negative statements. Needless-to-say, I notice them, too. However, those types of statements aren’t inspirational to me. They don’t motivate or drive me toward all that is good, which is what I want.

I personally have hats which read LOVE > HATE, PIMPIN JOY and OFF THE BEATEN PATH. All express a little bit about me and the messages I want to put out there. I like to think most of the time I am transmitting an image of goodness, integrity and positive character. I believe such good messages are highly needed today. I know I need them!

In any case, the words “Trust Thyself” seem a couple of good words to ponder and share with the world.

Ralph Waldo Emerson utilized these words as a metaphor for the faith each person puts on himself; a self-reliance. More specifically, he said “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.”

These two words masterfully bookend each other and point to a stronger message on building oneself up instead of tearing oneself down. It’s such a positive message to benefit from.

Trust itself refers to hope, honesty, safety, goodness and reliability. It points to having favor and confidence in a person, place or thing.

Thyself (you) speaks to the idea of looking inward toward yourself.

In other words you turn all elements wrapped up in the ideology of what trust is and should be and point them directly back at yourself as if looking deeply into your own eyes in the mirror.

Do you “trust” yourself?

What does it mean to find trust within oneself?

Quite possibly if we felt more in tune within ourselves and touched upon some sense of peace, joy, contentment and confidence which lies within we would be more apt to understand such trust. Naturally, this takes plenty of work and nurturing to uncover and sustain.

Not only that, it makes sense to me how if we learn or have such trust within, we are able to find more trust outside of ourselves too…with others.

Finally, trust leads to trusting. We demonstrate an unquestionable belief in those individuals proving themselves honest and sincere. Ergo, we surround ourselves with such people to strengthen our own core beliefs without compromising our own uniqueness.

In short, I guess I’d say I support the idea. It points to positivity in motion. It’s active and easily applicable.

“Trust Thyself” more fully and openly. It’s an attractive quality, isn’t it?

It’s just another idea to think about this week. Heck! Why not put it on a tee-shirt or hat and wear it around and see if anyone notices!

In my opinion, it always pays to share the good news.

Enjoy contemplating it.

Cheers!

Spilling the Beans!

Spilling the Beans!
By Allen Merritt ©2018

For some reason the thought, “Spilling the beans” popped into my head this morning and I immediately wrote it down wondering why I thought it and what it could mean in respect to maintaining a sense of the positive.

As I ponder the phrase I remember it as a reference to someone letting the cat out of the bag or accidentally divulging something before it was time to share it. Perhaps it refers to revealing the truth. Or, in some instances, it might signify making a mess and having to clean it up. At times the idea is about sharing information meant to be private such as a secret.

I suppose there are many connotations wrapped around such an idiom. In fact, there is a kids game called, “Don’t Spill the Beans,” which plays off the idea. The object is to get rid of all your beans by placing them into a pot without being the first to tip the pot over. If you tip the pot over and spill the beans, you get all the beans and the other player wins the game. In this case, spilling the beans serves many purposes. One allows a player to win and free themselves from carrying all the beans and the other piles the bean burden onto someone else.

I think spilling the beans in its best terms refers to healing and letting go of things one might be holding onto. Letting go of negativity is an example. Allowing oneself to be truthful and honest is another. If you are holding onto feelings, emotions, problems and hurtful ideas, it seems a good thing to spill those beans and let the chips fall as they may. Ergo, spilling the beans is like letting out a huge sigh of relief and allowing those feelings of burden (beans) and heavy laden to fall off your shoulders.

If the weight of carrying such troubles becomes intolerable, shedding such unwanted tribulations may prove helpful and take us back to a happy medium; bring balance back into the status quo and provide a sense of a much needed positive mindset.

Makes sense to me!

While in some cases spilling the beans denotes negative ideals such as gossiping and leaking information, it can also be incredibly helpful in context such as representing confession or ability to discuss or talk freely about what is going on in our minds or hearts. After all, everyone needs someone they can confide in and/or talk to; lend an ear. Sometimes we just need to talk about “it.”

What happens when you hold on to things and keep them bottled up inside?

Well, I know from personal experience growing up that if you keep things bottled up inside eventually you will implode and/or explode creating more havoc as a result and possibly hurting other people in the process.

As a loner and an only child, I carried the “shyness” and “awkward” genes and didn’t know better for the longest time. So when I consider the idea of spilling the beans, I think of it as it relates to becoming free of oneself. It’s a positive thing taken in proper context.

Of course, it isn’t always good to speak to soon or lash out. That is not what I mean. In many cases, allowing events to play out naturally by being quiet often yields good results and/or weeds out the negative. And quite naturally one doesn’t want to spoil a fun surprise by blurting out information either.

No, for the purpose of this discussion, spilling the beans signifies personal well being and self-healing as it pertains to our improved outlook on life, learning and living. Don’t let the hurt hold on to you; spill the beans (find someone to talk to even if it is in prayer). Don’t let something bother you or sit and stew within. Spill the beans. Speak your truth in the most considerate way possible.

Don’t be afraid to tell yourself, “I’m going to let this one go.” from time to time when appropriate.

Spill the beans or Don’t Spill the Beans that is the question!

Have a great week working your way to all that is good.

Cheers!

A Little Less Talk & A Lot More Action!

A Little Less Talk & A Lot More Action!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

What can I write today to promote all that is good in light of what we face each day; to encourage a positive mindset for us all?

There’s plenty going on out there in the real world with horrendous wildfires obliterating entire townships and displacing its families, more shooting incidents and a continuous façade of fake politics.

As usual, I want to help do more than discuss condolences, prayerfulness and mindfulness in the face of such atrocities. I have heard and/or seen social media postings on how angry people are becoming as they tire of listening to commentary suggesting how important people in positions of power are offering only their prayers following an incident. More specifically, what I am seeing are messages which convey an interest in how people are NOT interested in hearing it anymore.  They are asking the power players NOT to offer prayers or sympathy, because it’s all contrived.

This suggests that as emotions run high, talk is cheap and meaningless dribble only utilized to put on a show or put on errs. It isn’t heartfelt and it accomplishes zilch in the end. Ultimately, people feel nothing good comes from it.

They want answers. They want solid solutions to remedy ongoing problems; or, as one song reiterates, “A little less talk and a lot more action.”

And it doesn’t help when certain parties make unfounded statements which seem to only stir the embers causing a backlash of commentary, especially in the face of geological disasters and loss of human life.

I get it. I understand. I see it played out every day.

However, if there is anything I would want to say in regard to any of these events, it would be this: I believe the power of many individuals coming together in a prayerful and mindful spirit is beneficial for everyone. No, it doesn’t resolve the issues at hand, but it can start a process of healing from one good neighbor to the next.

I am profoundly impacted from the idea of foregoing prayer and any mindfulness consideration in light of any situation needing repair, because I believe there is nothing better to get the ball rolling toward fixing any problem; and, it doesn’t matter what faith background you identify with. Positivity helps!

When I think on it further I see many individuals who would like to lend a hand as they are able. Some offer money, some take action and offer time and talent while others can only offer moral support, thoughtfulness and prayers toward a better outcome for all in light of unusual circumstances which endeavor to bring us down.

Let’s remember how prayers and thoughts are something to lift us up so that we can move forward in any situation we face. We need to start with prayer and then back it up with positive helpful action. Maybe we are forgetting the latter part of that statement.

Maybe we need to also set an example by offering something more than a mere promise, but a sincere interest in working toward managing and navigating toward successful solutions. Indeed, that would require us to use a little less talk and a lot more action.

My point for today is based on beginning with and accepting those prayers, condolences, good thoughts and good vibes. Do not discard them. Let’s work on building a stable foundation for growing and building something by not disregarding such principles. Let’s not be so angry we forget our spiritual core and our true human spirit.

I liken this to how fans and cheerleaders spur on their favorite sports teams even when their falling behind. They cheer them on anyway. It’s all about good vibes and a positive spirit of encouragement to get out there and do your best to win the game or finish the race. When it comes to real life issues, it is the same. We need to spread the good vibes and positive energy. 

There is no better place to start then with prayer, quiet contemplation, consideration, mindfulness, as well as good and helpful thoughts toward our fellow men/women.

Maybe the phrase, “A little less talk and a lot more action” actually means starting with prayer (a little less talk) and proceeding into solutions (a lot more action).

Not only that, it conveys a sense of one person caring for another.

It’s easy to lash out, but not so easy to walk in the other mans shoes.

It’s something further to think about.

Enjoy the week living on a positive note.

Cheers!

Backed Into a Corner!

Backed Into a Corner!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

Yesterday, I sat in the coffee shop shuffling through social media applications when all of a sudden a small, young, white, blonde hair girl rushed into the place heading toward the bathrooms, which were both locked. She was frantic. Not only that, but she was backed into a corner. Not a moment later two hefty African American women appeared nipping at her heels. It was evident a fight might ensue.

I looked up and paid close attention.

The two girls literally blocked the other one so there was no way for her to escape while they pointed fingers in her face. The young girl was screaming, “Leave me alone. I’m having a bad day. Get away from me.”

One of the two girls on the attack said something like, “Go ahead and call me the “N” word again.”

It quickly became clear that a verbal slander may have taken place outside and the two girls were not going to let it go. Instead, they wanted to defend themselves against such things by giving the single girl a verbal thrashing as well, along with a few raised fists.

One of the coffee shop employees (a tall young man) soon arrived onto the scene to help all three ladies understand they were not going to be able to have their little escapade on the property. He asked them to leave.

The two girls calmly left without causing further disturbance.

The single girl was still defensive as she left doing everything she could to get the others off her trail.

Now, I cannot tell you exactly what happened. But if I were to guess, the single girl may have let loose an unfortunate derogatory comment, which didn’t land two well with the other girls creating a negative circumstance and causing a tirade.

When people attack other people verbal or otherwise, intentional or unintentional, there is always an impact. Feelings are hurt. Tempers flare. Hate begets hate.

There is a lesson here to learn. If we put out the negative vibes, we can expect them to come back around to us and sometimes all too quickly. I’ve seen it happen more than once. Think of all the sayings verifying this idea.

What goes around comes around.

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Misery loves company.

What you put out there comes right back to you.

Karma! Karma! Karma!

It occurs to me how if any person on this planet wants to nurture and grow a peaceful environment, effort must be initiated to do so. We must think twice before we speak. It doesn’t matter if we are having a bad day or not. Limit what you say until you day is getting better; until you have a grasp on self-control. This includes writing emails and sending out tweets.

A public display of anger disrupts everything and encourages others to do the same.

We live in an age where well known individuals are encouraging others to rally up against each other to the point of fighting, shooting and ultimately death. It makes no sense to me, but it happens nonetheless.

People who bully, shame and inflict pain on others need to stop, but nobody seems interested in following through with improving human relations by setting better examples of how to do so.

In fact, I can tell you that I like to post positive messages and pictures of things I see supporting these ideals in the real world. What I have noticed is very few people will notice or respond to such postings. For example, I posted a mural I found which simply stated, “PEACE” and it received very little “Likes.” I found the same was true for another mural reading, “GRATITUDE.” What this demonstrates to me is a how most individuals may say they believe in supporting ideas of peace, joy, gratitude, encouragement and similar terms; but when push comes to shove they really do NOT support it.

The other side of the coin shows a glimmer of truth for what IS supported. People will indicate they “LIKE” all sorts of negative commentary.

My message today is founded on the principle that it doesn’t take much to right a situation and make it better. The tongue may be sharper than the sword, but it can also provide a measure of good healing when utilized properly.

Why put yourself into a situation where you may be backed into a corner?

Interestingly enough, not once did I hear an apology or any effort to diffuse the situation from the parties involved. Who knows what would have happened should someone not have intervened at least to advise them they are in the wrong place to display such behavior.

Moreover, I found myself sending out some good prayerful thoughts that nothing more serious would happen outside the coffee shop or further down the street as a result of what I witnessed.

People are getting all riled up and allowing themselves to fire off in anger too easily these days. Many of them are getting caught in the act. Why? Because it simply is wrong no matter how you look at it. The news is fraught with these situations being caught on video. Those inciting individuals are losing their jobs, reputations and experiencing further negative circumstances as a result of flying off the handle for no legitimate reason. They are also often times misrepresenting the truth. In other words, they are making up stories and trying to sell them as truth. And, it isn’t working!

Don’t let this happen to you. Keep life on the up and up and personify joy and a little more understanding. Don’t let yourself get backed into a corner or caught in such a mess. What good will it do to cause another person such pain except to experience as much pain yourself in return?

Personify positivity!

Allow the positive to emanate within and without.

Then we nurture peace, as well as grow self-esteem and confidence.

It’s something to think about this week as we endeavor to live life on a positive note.

Have a good one.

Cheers!

A Penny for Your Thoughts!

A Penny for Your Thoughts!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

I found a penny today.

I find them a lot.

Suddenly, I look down and spot a little glimmer of copper stamped with the image of Abraham Lincoln.  It is one of those little things in life which serves to remind me of how great small things are. And even though it doesn’t offer much monetarily, if you collect enough of them, value can be found.

Moreover, pennies collected are like positivity gems. Pennies are considered by some to be lucky when you find them just as are four leaf clovers. We are reminded not to sweat the small stuff as pennies represent the epitome of the smallest denomination of money and at the same time we are to recognize how small stuff grows into something bigger over time. It is where we place our value which determines the outcome and contributes to our best perspectives.

In any case, whenever I find one I smile and feel good for no particular reason but to feel good…and special. So every time I collect a penny it is like the universe offering me a penny for my thoughts. So here are a few...thoughts that is!

Pennies may not be considered as anything important.

I beg to differ.

While you may not want to sweat the small stuff, it pays not to ignore them.

Did you know that a U.S. penny is worth .07 Chinese Yuan? Of course that is rounded up from .069233 Yuan, which is 1/14 of a single Yuan. A single bus ride costs one Yuan. Therefore, when you add it all up, it takes at least 14 American pennies to ride the bus in China. If we consider food prices for rice and flour in China, it costs about 2-3 Yuan per 500 grams. Interestingly, it would cost 28-42 pennies to buy some food to eat if you were hungry. We're talking pennies per day! Of course, rates fluctuate, but currently it takes 14 cents to equal 1 Yuan. Google it! 

Imagine how that changes our perspective from something negative to something positive.

A penny here and a penny there could make a difference. 

Some folks will throw their extra coins into a fountain or “wishing well.” In many cases, the fountain will eventually be cleaned out and those pennies go to help a charitable organization in need of extra funding. That is a positive thing!

Other people discard their pennies as nothing at all. They want nothing to do with them as if they are a complete nuisance or inconvenience, which is probably why I find them all the time while out walking. These pennies may end up tossed in the streets, thrown into tips jars, lost in the couch or simply left on the counter or floor when they are offered back as change or fall from our grip. I have literally seen people thrown them into a garbage can deemed as trash.

Even homeless people understand the value of a penny as it adds sustenance when combined with a few other coins. Tip jars eventually grow as more coins are added and eventually, over time, something good comes out of what began as something so small.

It may be small, but not necessarily minute.

Remember the saying, “We may be small small, but we are mighty?”

This is what finding a penny is like.

Big things can come in small packages. In other words, never underestimate your value, your worth or what you have to offer. You can accomplish a lot with very little. And that offering is worth something to someone. Just like a simple smile, happy greeting or inquiry as to how someone is doing. There is a benefit to every little thing.

A penny reminds me to be thankful and grateful for the small things in life. A penny teaches me the value of everything and how one thing benefits another, interconnects with another and contributes greatly to the existence of another.

How can you go wrong with this kind of thinking?

A penny is a gift. It is not a lost worthless relic. It provides a bit of sustenance just when you least expect it. In this world every little bit counts when so many have great need. A penny saved is a penny earned, right?

In conclusion, never doubt yourself or what you have to offer. It can positively impact not only your life, but the life of many other individuals. Do something to help yourself and serve others as you can. Watch the negative images melt away. In the last couple of weeks, I decided to test myself in this thought process. I went to the store and bought food items to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies, nuts, water and sodas and I made lunch bags and drove around offering people on the streets something to eat. I knew it was not a lot to offer, but in those moments I could see how important and valuable it was in lifting the spirits of someone in need if only for the moment.

Next time you spot a penny, pick it up! Pick it up for good luck. Pick it up as a reminder to value little things. Pick it up to help alter negative perspective. Pick it up to focus on the positive and the good.

Enjoy the next moment as positively as you can!

Cheers!

Running on Empty!

Running on Empty!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

I left the house this morning knowing I needed to stop and fill up the gas tank.  I was almost to the point of running on fumes, but the needle was still hanging above the “Empty” line by a smidgen. Traffic was already a bit congested, which isn’t good when your car is running on empty. But I managed to get to the nearest fuel stop without too much concern. Then after topping her off, I was off to run errands.

How many times have we pushed the limit and ran the car right down to the last drop?  I would be one of the first to raise my hand to this question. And as I consider the idea I am quickly reminded on how many times I have done that to myself (meaning my body) and/or have experienced the feeling of such emptiness beyond my control.

If we are not careful, everything can come to a complete and utter stand still.

It’s difficult at best to maintain a mindset toward everything positive so as to keep life in the balance when some days you feel like you’re dragging your behind on the pavement. I experienced an entire week of feeling drained with zero to no energy and yet trying to shake it off enough to get something done. A few times during that week I literally had to force myself and talk myself into getting it together. It wasn’t pretty!

Sometimes your body just tells you the answer is “no” whether you like it or not.

It is a strange feeling to say the least.  But regardless, it is moments such as these where we are able to see how the negative plays a part in our lives and possibly pushes us to do better. Opposites attract and everything has its opposing elements.

Ultimately, one can only do the best they can and make the most of the journey while keeping an eye on all things good.

I remember thinking during this week long episode about how much I could be getting accomplished if I just felt like it.

I suppose everyone has their down days and the key is to keep plugging along and “show them what you’re made of” even if you are running on empty.

For me, I wasn’t feeling my best self and did what I could to get plenty of rest and take care of myself.

However, when it comes to addressing the idea of running on empty it may mean more than feeling ill at ease. It may relate to a complete lack of enthusiasm, energy, optimism or resources. The danger is how these things may lead to a sense of hopelessness, uncertainty, confusion and all other similar traits teetering on the brink of negativity such as depression and self-defeating tendencies.

These types of situations are our obstacles, things which make us want to quit or give up. But here is something new to think about; these are the times to test perseverance and persistence. Keep on keeping on anyway. Never let anything lord that much power over you or get the best of you.

It makes me think of that old children’s story about the little engine that could. That uphill climb was tough, but he kept saying, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can!” Before you know it the little engine that could not only could, but DID make it up and over the hill.

That’s my message for anyone running on empty this week. If you are experiencing a lack of energy, chug along anyway. Because if we hang in there, we learn how prevalent that old saying is, “This too shall pass” allowing us to get back up again and move on.

No matter how tired you are, don’t let this moment prevent you from the vision of the next better moment.

Have a great week living life on a positive note.

Cheers!

Happy Hour: All Day, Every Day!

Happy Hour: All Day, Every Day!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

Is there anyone who doesn’t love the idea of having a “Happy Hour?”

I see Happy Hour signs posted all over the place in bars, restaurants, coffee shops and more.

Happy Hour is a celebration.

Generally, it takes place between specified times in the mid to late afternoon and prior to dinner time. It is also a marketing strategy to attract business by offering cheaper drinks. For many, I would dare say, Happy Hour is all about the opportunity for alcohol and escaping the day’s labor issues. Businesses look to ply customers with liquor to make money while individuals look to it as a reason to escape and party. No day or week is complete without a good old post work Happy Hour. But do we always need to correlate Happy Hour with needing a drink?

Personally, I like the idea of having Happy Hour as it pertains to our ability to enjoy our lives in an uplifting and positive way. In this way, Happy Hour is every part of every day. That is, if we let it. Pursuing “happy” helps our spirits soar. If life is short and Happy Hour is a celebration, then shouldn’t it be happening all the time?

Doesn’t it make sense to say the Happy Hour embodies time spent in pursuing our joys? If so, why limit it to a specific means, time frame or place?

In terms of positivity, we can allow every moment to be a happy one. What are some other ways to celebrate our lives as one big Happy hour? Of course, this depends on individual differences, but here are some great reminders.

• Taking a walk and exploring new places
• Hiking
• Beachcombing
• Boating at the lake
• Camping
• Yoga
• Comedy Clubs
• Biking
• Calling a friend
• Lounging at a park
• Sitting on the front porch
• Curling up with a book

Plenty of options are available to recognize and find your happy place. Not all of them cost money either. Visit it often! Your attitude will change and become brighter, because the Happy Hour truly is a pathway to a more peaceful state of mind. 

If you have to designate a special time for your Happy Hour, go ahead and do it. Think of it as your special “Me” time. I mean, we all have to work and get things done in the real world. All I am suggesting is to make a lighter time of it and think of each second as a chance to celebrate your happy.

Diving into our happy space simply means being present and embracing the experience as it happens.

Long idea short, Happy Hour isn’t restricted to anything in particular, so take each moment and turn it into a chance to feel good about yourself, others and the world you live in. Happy Hour should be celebrated all day, every day!

I propose not limiting Happy Hour to after work, bars or alcohol. Redefine your party and discover a whole new meaning to what Happy Hour is.

With this in mind, here’s to you and every Happy Hour you can discover. May it lead to a healthier positive mindset and a more enjoyable day!

Cheers!

Appreciation is Highly Appreciated!

Appreciation is Highly Appreciated!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

I woke up this morning to a couple of kind emails. Both expressed thanks and gratitude for the work I do with one of my jobs. Isn’t that nice?

Imagine rising up at around 6:30 am, opening up those emails and starting your day off with a pleasant surprise. It’s like tearing the wrapping paper off a gift and discovering the goodies inside. It felt good to have such a show of support, simple as it was. I guess it doesn’t take much for us to be happy, but it does take something.

I began to think of several incidents in my life for which the opposite took place. As a result (or lack of support), I ended up leaving various opportunities. I suppose there is a time within each of us where we have to walk away and put things behind us. For me, it generally happens when someone, a group or an entity of any sort begins to demonstrate a lack of care for anything other than their own agenda and it plays out in derogative and negative ways. When you are not valued or recognized for your participation in or contribution to the things you are involved in whether that is a job, a special project or what have you, it generally becomes a disrespectful (and at times a misrepresentation) and produces a volatile and negative environment. Then it turns into a question of whether to hang in there for the long haul. Is the opportunity worth it?

For me, I tend to hang on longer than I should, anticipating how things may not be as they seem. I like to give people and situations a chance as long as they are giving me one in return. I appreciate collaborations, as well as a healthy give and take.

As I get older, I find I like any sense of appreciation. I want to feel appreciated. When it doesn’t happen and I see people treated disrespectfully, with rudeness or discarded as garbage, then I have to rethink the purpose of being there. In some cases, a job is just a job, but simple humanity must come into play for any of it to work. In this capacity, life is a two way street and not a “do as I say” mentality.

As I reflect on my previous work history, I realized when I decide I am done; I am truly done and walk away. No turning back! And I KNOW why.

The purpose of this reflection is shed light on how important building a sturdy and stable foundation of positivity is for each of us. Operating with a lack of care for the individual only produces opportunity to lord power over them via control, manipulation and vindictiveness. Now, not all situations are like this. Sometimes the job has to get done despite what is going on with any one individual. Decisions have to be made. This is understandable. But in light of those organizations who fail to support those which support them, the consequences will continue to remain negative and toxic, especially when applied with apathy.

In any case, as I woke to such a wonderful experience this morning, I looked back for a minute and understood how taking a positive approach works so much better than allowing negativity to brew and fester.

I also thought about what I can do today to pay it forward and give in kind to someone else. Is there someone I need to appreciate and say thank you to? Am I having a difficult time with anybody due to misunderstandings? Can I reconcile and grow some peace in any given situation? I mean, I am a part of this world, too. I have to put out want I want to receive. If there is nothing I can do to make the best of a particular situation, then I can let it go and move on.

Here’s something else, don’t beat yourself up or anybody else. Positivity means not wishing any ill will on others or yourself.  If it’s not working, it’s not working. Let it be only that. There is power in civility and respect. And, there is power in appreciation as indicated by the emails I received this morning. Every little bit counts.

Go out there and enjoy your week and help others do the same.

Cheers!

Turning on a Dime!

Turning on a Dime!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

Today I find myself reflecting on how things change, not just the idea of change in and of itself, but how things can change suddenly or in an instant. As I continue to look for the good in each day I specifically began pondering how to turn things around. I want to make every endeavor about discovering positive elements.

A few weeks ago I planned a trip into the city to work on a project with my coach and after I arrived I received a notification they would need to cancel the appointment as their flight was delayed and causing a backlash of events. (Funny thing was later I found out my coach was in the city I actually reside!)

Again, best laid plans didn’t work out. It reminds me of a lyric I keep hearing in a song that goes something like, “We make our plans and we hear God laughing.” I appreciate the humor! Finding humor in our wasted efforts is a good way to activate positivity in the moment.

Anyway, I made the most of my time. I decided to head toward the beach. I guess it was meant to be, because as I pulled into the parking lot I spotted a man searching for someone to pay it forward to. I pulled up thinking they were about to pull out of their spot (which he was) and he approached my window and asked if I wanted the remaining time left on his parking pass. I thanked him and took advantage of the offer. How’s that for positivity showing it’s face!

I parked and headed out across the fine white sand and enjoyed the view, the smells, watched sailboats teetering on by. It was a lovely little treat, as it turns out. I ended up splashing around, ducking waves and playing in the water for a while. I felt like a child at heart. It was a blast! And this was the result of life turning on a dime.

Now, fast forward to the last week when I was all set with plans for work and activities. My manager calls and tells me I have a interview for a costar role in a sitcom. I immediately cancelled two work gigs I had already been slated to show up for and made my way to the audition instead. I left feeling elated and seeing the value in the change. Life turn on a dime and I gained a sense of satisfaction and a perfect opportunity to be seen and heard for a great job. Whether I got it or not didn’t matter, because I was getting a chance to be seen for something really cool. I mean, not everybody gets such an opportunity. And they may remember me in the future; another positive result from going with the flow.

A few days later, this happened again for an even greater role in a major established cable series. I changed everything around and headed out to make the appointment. It all felt really good. Who knows what will become of any of it, but the experience in and of itself was worth taking the risks and moving things around for.

Life is interesting. We have to take advantage of finding the wonder in it as it is happening even when it changes and turns us around like these experiences I’m sharing indicate. 

When we do, positivity envelops us. All we have to do in return is embrace it back. I think this allows us to keep our hopes and dreams alive simultaneously. Good things are happening. I want to allow them to happen and shout out to the world how ready I am for them to take place even if it means changing my plans because things happen the way they do.

If I have to turn on a dime, I want to be happy about it. I want to discover less reasons to whine and complain or feel perturbed. Don’t we all?

Let’s get ready and be prepared to allow those good things to come into our lives and trust they are happening at the right moment and for the right reasons whether we have to turn on a dime or not.

Have a great week taking on those challenges and living life on a positive note.

Cheers!

Let’s Get “Egg-ey” With it!

Let’s Get “Egg-ey” With it!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

My day started off with a bang, quite literally!

You see, I placed a peeled hardboiled egg into the microwave, turned it on and walked away. Next thing I hear is a “Pop” sound. I immediately yanked the microwave door open to witness what use to be an egg. It was an egg gone haywire, an egg gone wrong! It imploded itself all over the interior of the microwave.

What did I do?

I laughed.

After all, laughter is good medicine, isn’t it?

I giggled and chuckled for a few minutes while I cleaned up the mess. I thought, “Well, this isn’t all that bad. I think I discovered a new way to make scrambled eggs.” The next thing I thought of was how my mother used to say, “It ain’t no fun unless it’s messy.”

Later, I pondered my egg wrangling adventure and realized it was such a positive experience to not react or respond negatively.

Look, I could have gotten perturbed, upset, angry and even beat myself up a bit for being so careless. I could have whined and complained while shaking my head back and forth during the clean up process. “I don’t have time for this!”

Ultimately, I found the humor in the incident and found it refreshing. As I think on it, I always wanted to participate in a food fight!

I guess I was having a slightly off day, because a little while later I was making myself a banana peanut butter smoothie and I took the straw I had ready to suck up my smoothie with and literally placed in the jar of peanut butter. I don’t know why. I guess my aim was bad. But no worries, I laughed it up again.

I chalked it all up to me being silly and the universe poking around and having a little fun with me. The humor just kept on coming!

Further into the day I was writing up a couple of complaint letters in reference to some poorly handled business transactions at a local business I visited. I decided I wanted to convey my concern for the lack of quality services.

Anyway, I received a return email stating the information was received and would be forwarded to the appropriate party. At the bottom of the email was listed the name of the person sending the response. It was signed “Carma.” I spotted that and again the laughter began. What are the odds of that happening? Carma (sounds like Karma) was going to go back and handle the situation and seek out a positive resolution.

In due course, my response is how I choose it to be. The more I think positively, the better chance my natural reaction will be just that…positive. This is true across the board.

Just before sitting down to write up this story of events, which could have been not so nice experiences, I came across a social media post I liked, which makes sense in light of how we have choices in the way we think, act and behave.

"Optimism is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Giving back is a choice. Forgiveness is a choice. Being honest is a choice. Spoken words are choice. Teaching others is a choice. Showing gratitude is a choice. Respecting others is a choice."

Make a choice to seek out the positive in everything and reflect it back.

Find the silly in the fumbles and enjoy them. No one ever becomes successful by never making a mistake no matter how small or large it is. So we might as well make the most of it and find a reason to laugh here and there along the way.

With that in mind, go out there and make the best of your day!

Cheers!