Woman in the Mirror

“Better one good thing that is, rather than two good things that were, or three good things that might never come to pass.” –Irish proverb

It’s really hard to stay in the NOW! It’s not impossible though. What is impossible is trying to change other people. So why do we struggle with control? Why don’t we just learn to BE? If we don’t like what is, no need to look outside ourselves for the answer to the problem. We need to make the choice to be happy or not. I believe we find true joy and happiness when we look at what is and enjoy it rather than complain about it. If we start to feel negativity towards something, we have a choice to change. We can’t change others or the situation, but we can change ourselves. We can change our behaviors, reactions and emotions.

I have been struggling lately with feelings of franticness and control. When I feel out of control like this it really troubles me. I start to try to put the blame on other people or situations, when in fact, I am the one who needs to get a grip. I can’t blame anyone else for putting food in my mouth, spending money in my checking account, leaving my apartment a mess, feelings of guilt, and physical exhaustion. I need to look at myself and sit down and have a chat. First of all, one person always has to be involved in this. I have learned the hard way about leaving God out of my life. It’s not a pretty sight. So, number one on the agenda is to be still and feel God and ask him to be present during this conversation. Then, I have to address issues that need to be taken care of.

I must say that I am really blessed at the present moment with being able to financially take care of myself so that I can live on my own, in solitude. For one reason alone, it makes putting the blame on anyone else nearly impossible. I can’t blame anyone else for using my debit card. I can’t blame someone else for making something crappy for dinner. I can’t blame anyone for making my apartment a mess (well, maybe Wallie). So why do I easily place blame on others for my emotional baggage? I need to own up to this. I need to look in the mirror and see who God made and say “You are better than that! Where is the Spirit of self-control in you? You deserve joy and peace. Relax and breathe. Now, be yourself.”

Since we are mourning the loss of good ‘ole MJ…it’s only natural to reflect on his wonderful music. For good reasons I’ve really been drawn to Man in the Mirror. We have to look to ourselves to make changes and ask God to be with us and give us strength to be His hands. I have often found it hard to look in the mirror at myself. I’m not quite at the place that I’m completely accepting of myself. I’ll get there! Right now I have to be joyful in knowing that better is joy in the now, than the passion and enjoyment of the past, or the riches, health and love that might never come. So starting today… I will remember…“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at YOURSELF and then make a change” – Michael Jackson