Love Takes Work. It’s Worth It.
Category: Relationships
Discern the Balance
Puppy Love. Forever.
Happy Valentine’s! May you embrace those around you – family, friends and pets. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing celebrate love throughout the day!
Start Living the Good Life. Now.
Where’s Life Taking You?
Love’s a Choice, Not a Feeling
Lately, I’ve had this thorn in my side… that’s been the struggle to love (or perhaps accept) someone who’s rude, mean, and selfish. It’s much easier to tolerate this behavior from a stranger but much harder from a person who’s close to you.
My first instincts are generally to avoid them – whether it’s seeing them or interacting with them. But realistically, I know I can’t avoid them forever. And I know deep down in my heart there’s a lesson to be learned. I’m learning that my worst enemies are, ironically, the best teachers – they teach me how to be patient, how to love unconditionally and how to practice forgiveness. It’s not easy but I’m learning to embrace these seemingly difficult people (and situations) in order to learn and embody love, kindness and compassion. This is what transforms lives and touches hearts, especially mine.
Every morning, I make a conscious decision to love because I know it’s the right thing to do. I make a conscious decision to forgive because I want to be set free. I make a conscious decision to have a positive attitude because I know everyone’s a work in progress, including me. I want to let go so I can move on – to love and live in freedom. Happiness isn’t a feeling but a daily choice. But you have to want it. I mean really want it. Choose love. One day at a time.
©2012 Susie Lee
Poster of the Week | Small Acts, Big Impact
I’m totally guilty of this. I’m so busy with ‘my life’; work, deadlines, plans, hopes and dreams. That I sometimes forget (or underestimate) to reach out to my parents in simple small ways I know would make their day – a phone call, a hug, a smile, a meal, a ride, a thank you note, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a unexpected visit. As they get older, I believe it’s the small acts of kindness that’ll touch their hearts rather than the once-in-a-while-big-events. My greatest hope is that my actions will always be motivated by love rather than by fear, expectations or guilt. In our parent’s season of change, may we honour them by expressing and showing how important they are to us today, and in the days to come.
©2012 Susie Lee
It’s Never Too Late or Too Early
“The loneliest people are the kindest.
The saddest people smile the brightest.
The most damaged people are the wisest.
All because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do.”
-Anonymous
I thought of my dad when I read this quote as it describes him. Especially over the last few years of seeing him in physical discomfort and with increased loneliness of growing old. I’ve been told that you’ll never fully appreciate your parents until you have kids of your own or until they’re gone. I don’t want to wait until that day to fully appreciate and embrace them. As the holidays draw near, give the gift of time (and thanks) to your parents. It’s never too late or too early. Wishing you the best. Always.
©2012 Susie Lee
This is what my dad looks like. All the time. Truly.
Video of the Week | Parents Are Awesome
Every so often I come across a video noteworthy of being Video of the Week. This Parent Rap Video is noteworthy. I not only love this creative video because it made me laugh but because of it’s truth. I know, sometimes, life can be tough but I believe parenting can be tougher. During those tough times, keep the love and laughter close at hand and see the big picture when those small things drive you insane. Have a fun week!
©2012 Susie Lee
Key to Lifelong Success
“I’m utterly convinced that the key to lifelong success is the regular exercise of a single emotional muscle: gratitude,” writes Geoffrey James in his Inc. Magazine article, “True Secret of Success (It’s Not What You Think).”
“People who approach life with a sense of gratitude are constantly aware of what’s wonderful in their life. Because they enjoy the fruits of their successes, they seek out more success. And when things don’t go as planned, people who are grateful can put failure into perspective.
“By contrast, people who lack gratitude are never truly happy. If they succeed at a task, they don’t enjoy it. For them, a string of successes is like trying to fill a bucket with a huge leak in the bottom. And failure invariably makes them bitter, angry, and discouraged.
“Therefore, if you want to be successful, you need to feel more gratitude. Fortunately, gratitude, like most emotions, is like a muscle: The more you use it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. The best time to exercise gratitude is just before bed. Take out your tablet (electronic or otherwise) and record the events of the day that created positive emotions, either in you or in those around you.
“Did you help somebody solve a problem? Write it down. Did you connect with a colleague or friend? Write it down. Did you make somebody smile? Write it down.
“What you’re doing is “programming your brain” to view your day more positively. You’re throwing mental focus on what worked well, and shrugging off what didn’t. As a result, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll wake up more refreshed.”
Article from Exchange Everyday
© 2012 Susie Lee
Susie Lee 