Coffee With Marilyn

So I am up early, quietly contemplating life as I do, occasionally; and I look over at my coffee cup to see Marilyn staring back at me. "Hi, Marilyn, how are you today?"~~I think to myself, "coffee with Marilyn"...sounds sort of like "Tuesdays with Morrie", (though I never read the book or saw the show); but it sounds heartwarming. I have all good intentions to read it one day, just because.

I do look for inspiration all around me, anything can trigger my mind to start pouring out thoughts, ideas, opinions, and reflections. It doesn't necessarily have to be a major event or catastrophe, or a particularly stressful time in my life; just "life" in general. Sharing my thoughts not only validates who I am, but sometimes can inspire others to reflect on their own lives as well. I never consider myself as "one" identity; but instead, many...depending on my mood, my dreams and goals, my experiences, and my continued search for peace and happiness (and that being "my happiness", not always that of others). For we can only control our own happiness, which we create and nurture; it is not based on what "others" feel is our happiness. A valuable lesson to be learned.

Too often we are influenced by the hectic chores and "must-do's" in life; drama and frantic folks all around us, unhappy because things aren't going the way they want, or their "ideal" life is not manifesting itself yet. I can relate, but I also know that this life is what we make of it...good, bad or indifferent. We may not be in control of everything, but we are in control of ourselves, our emotions and our very "being" that defines who we are. Facing the fact that challenges confront us every day, isn't meant to defeat us...though some may make us believe this; those challenges are for our own good...whether or not we created them. Determination and persistence will pay off eventually...after all, we do live in a country where we can be as poor or as rich as we want (again, emotionally or materialistically); it just depends on how we navigate through the storms, and how we appreciate the calms.

Our destiny is what we make it. We have total control of our minds, souls and spirits; so whatever our source of faith or inspiration may be...it is what keeps us focused and grounded; and gives us that confidence to keep plodding along; though the path may be rugged and treacherous at times. Blaming others for our unhappiness is not going to fix the problem...it may actually add to the problem. I am convinced that we can find even a little "positivity" in everything. What a difference it makes in our overall existence. Challenges we will face, all the time; but how we cope and deal with them is what changes the direction our lives will go, both physically and emotionally.

So "thanks Marilyn" for providing not just a cup of coffee for me this morning, but also for the inspiration! Peace everyone...look for your sunshine and happiness today.