Daily Life

I recently read a book on meditation that essentially said - there are no problems, just situations; only some of which require one take immediate action. If a situation doesn't require I take immediate action, why worry about it? That really stuck with me and I try to recall it whenever I feel stressed about something. Most situations do not require I take immediate action; recognizing this, helps keep my stress level low and my life simple.

Not to say daily life doesn't require decisions. For example, how and when to interact with others. This is important and I focus on it more than in the past. It is amazing how many people avoid eye contact/interaction with others; this avoidance looks like pain to me and I find it tempting not to greet them. Why should I make an effort? Making eye contact and saying hello in a positive, cheerful voice to these people can have a positive impact; mostly, it brings a smile and return gesture which makes me (and hopefully them) feel good. However, there are occasions when a person does not respond favorably (or at all) to my greetings; I feel sorry for these people because it is evident they are in a lot of pain.

Some people go around with a frown on their face while others always appear to be smiling. This can make a huge difference in how others interact with them; I know, I was (trying to change) the former. Who wants to interact with someone who looks like they are mad or just a grouch? Indeed, as I sit by the pools squinting in the sun to write this post, I see my frowning expression in the monitor's reflection. Its not that I'm mad/sad; its just my normal facial expression (I've been told I look like I'm mad). I don't know why this is but at least now I'm always checking myself and try to smile a lot more than I frown:)

As a single, its often challenging for me to be positive and outgoing, especially in large groups of people, most of which appear to be couples or cliques. Maybe I'm using being single as an excuse, but regardless of the underlying cause, I find it difficult. This is something I've been working on for awhile but with added emphasis in 2015. Avoiding people or situations because one is self-conscious does not typically lead to a positive outcome; but this is somewhat of a negative thought and I'm focusing on creating positive energy so let me end this post here:)