Everything’s gonna be okay. Platitude or attitude? When I’m overwhelmed or upset it feels like a cliché. But when I get quiet; when I slow down and put into perspective whatever’s carousing with my emotions – it becomes a relaxed confidence.
Byron Katie developed a method that starts by asking “Is it true?” Then … can you be absolutely certain it’s true? This is what she calls “The Work.” She goes on to ask us to consider how we react when we believe this thought – and who would we be if we didn’t?
I’m bombarded every day with stories created for clicks and eyeballs. Some are entertaining, far too many are disturbing. Back in the 80’s Don Henley called out the compulsive hunger society has for “Dirty Laundry.” It benefits me to question this tendency.
If there’s no way to be 100% certain the ugly crap is true, why believe it? Especially if it just makes me mad, sad and unfriendly. When I look for the positive and delightful in people and the world at large – I’m optimistic, happier and more pleasant to be around.
Neville Goddard tells me to use my imagination to create the world I want to live in. If I focus on negative things that I have no control over, the evidence of that attention appears in my life. Instead, when I turn my energy to solutions and empowerment within my circle of influence, the world changes for the better.
So slow down. Look for the upbeat stories. Give the benefit of doubt to the growly, confused neighbor. Cultivate feeling groovy – like Simon and Garfunkel suggest:
“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”
– Henry James
