by Peggy Sealfon

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." -Winston Churchill

Life is short. Within a time span of just a few dozen months, it seems that our lives have been inexorably altered. Fortunes have been lost, jobs have evaporated, the value of the dollar has plummeted, relationships have been stressed to the breaking point and the outlook has seemed dismal. Some people have been so overcome with fear as to be rendered dysfunctional in every aspect of their lives.

Change is inevitable and entering a state of paralysis is counterproductive and depleting. Our dramatically changing world is our wake up call. It is a clear opportunity for a new beginning. This changing passage in time has provided a unique chance to connect with what’s really important in our lives. So for a moment, take a giant step back and look at the bigger picture, shifting the way you look at your world and your life. If you wallow in thinking about how bad things are, you will continue to attract negative things. Thoughts are energy and what you think is what you can manifest. So focus on thinking about what you truly want in your life. Sometimes we are so caught up in what we believe we “should” be doing or what we “should” be achieving, we lose touch with our authentic selves and who we really are or what our real purpose is. We lose touch with our gifts, our talents because we’ve taken on the goals or missions imposed upon us by parents, spouses, children, friends. But who are we? What’s really important to us? Think about it. Here’s a chance to make new choices. Panic and uneasiness may be blinding you and you’ll miss seeing all the new possibilities that are unfolding every day. Just let go and open your eyes.

The past is the past; leave it there. It is not who you are or what you are capable of doing now. Be present in this moment in time. The past has guided you to this point in life’s journey but it does not define the present. Let go of rigid thinking that keeps you focused on the old ways of doing things. If you are unclear as to what you want right now, take some quiet time for yourself to allow the thoughts to bubble up from within. What do you love to do? Give yourself permission to really think deeply about it. Then, make some time to do it and don’t worry about what others might think. Find something you’re good at and something you enjoy and just do it. At the age of 65, singer/songwriter Bobby Goldsboro taught himself fine art oil painting and has produced an impressive collection of paintings in just four years. It’s a new career for him. It’s never too soon or too late to start. When you find the path that feels right, life becomes an effortless flow and amazing things begin to unfold. Have faith in yourself and trust in your own highest power.

In the scheme of the global village, be grateful for all that you have. Even if you are feeling that right now you have very little, there are many who have less. Be thankful for your friends, your family, your health. When you pause to be thankful, you attract a positive charge from the universe and amazing things begin to happen. Open your heart and your mind. Be aware and be flexible.

As we come together in this changing world, we realize that we are part of something much bigger than any one of us. By putting more positive thoughts out into the universe, we contribute to generating a better world. When you lose yourself in the cosmic dance without struggle, you find yourself moving effortlessly; almost magically. Life is like a river in which you merge. When you flow with the current in a smooth and fluid experience, life becomes harmonious, balanced, and joyful. So let go of fear. Be grateful for the changes. Take stock of your “real” self and take a quantum leap into the river of life.