Can you name two things that don’t go together? There they are. Happiness and control.
As long as we are trying to control an outcome, we’re never going to be happy. Imagine right now … say to yourself, “I would really be happy if …” and I’ll tell you that inevitably it will mean that if something or other would just go differently than it is, i.e. how you would like it, you could be happy. This is a lesson that comes up again and again and again. And in every area of one’s life.
Right now for me, both of my animals have serious medical problems, one just discovered within the last week. I would be happy if … this weren’t so; if … I could alter the outcome; if … what ails them could be turned around. None of this is reality. I can do the best I can to comfortably extend their lives for as long as possible. Who knows how long that might be? Surely, not me. And I can enjoy their wonderful company for as long as that is. I can do my best and that’s all I can do. And if I can get my head straight – it seems to come in and out of this – I can actually be happy right now as they have so far lived wonderful, happy lives and given me so much joy. And they will continue to do so for as long as they do.
We all have circumstances in our lives we wish were different. They often involve others, no? But what we need to always remember is that we are all living beings, of one species or another, on our own journeys in this lifetime. I’m not here to control yours. Nor you, mine. I don’t believe it’s our job to keep trying to control how things turn out. We can do our best to be a force for good, but beyond that, we need to trust that the Universe is in order and all is happening exactly as it should.
And there’s the happiness. Not saying it’s easy, but in that peaceful, trusting state of mind, it becomes much easier. Be happy. Me, too.
p.s. The photo is of the happiest plant on my porches. This was not the year of the thriving plants and flowers, but for some reason, this coleus, in a spot I considered probably too sunny, just gets more rich and beautiful every day. Perhaps that’s what I’m talking about.
Still A Dreamer 
Thank you Jeanne and I am sending peace. Beautiful thoughts in this time of pain for you. Good thoughts keep us strong. Thanks for reminding me. D.
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Thanks, Diane, I appreciate it. I’m doing all that I can so they are as healthy as possible and hopefully with that, their lives will both be extended for a good long time. But it’s not mine to know and I need to let go beyond what I am already doing. I sure do love these little guys. Jeanne
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Jeanne-
Another friend of mine here lost TWO of her cats this MONTH, one was 15, the other 20, yet still another had a tumor removed in July. Too many kitties are getting cancer these days and most vets do not know what is causing this. I THINK it is the FOOD. I eat clean, organic food, yet when I read the labels on pet food I cringe! Looks like garbage to me! I think that this country needs a pet food revolution!
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I think it’s the food, too, plus an increase in household chemicals and toxins, etc. that our animals (and we) were never exposed to 20 – 30 years ago. I feed my animals holistic food of a very high quality with no by-products, but even so, if not organic, is still coming from the mainstream meat supply, and the fish from the same oceans as produce the mercury/toxin laden seafood humans eat. Organic pet food is insanely costly and sadly, not within the reach of most of us. My first cats lived until 18-1/2 and 19-1/2 … on mainstream commercial dry food. Today those are different foods.
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Thank you for these words of wisdom!
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Just trying to understand what I see in front of me. You’re welcome.
Jeanne
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Wow. Jeanne that piece of writing just left me sitting here in silence…
“We need to trust that the Universe is in order and all is happening exactly as it should.” Words that I will carry in my heart. I hope all goes well with your pets. Many blessings and I know they are in the best hands any animal can hope for – yours. Take care. Keep us posted. Sharon
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Thank you … on all counts. I watch them like a mother hen, and am always hoping for the best.
Thanks,
Jeanne
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