I say `taking back’, because it can be too often that we have given it away. To others, to circumstances, to fears. And sometimes without even being aware that that is why we feel the way we do. I am musing on this because I watch myself, sometimes undulating like the waves, feeling strong, and then suddenly, even if for only a moment, powerless. I remind myself, we are never truly powerless. Even though it can certainly feel that way at times. It’s another life lesson – taking back our power, and remembering that we always have the choice to do so. If we feel we can’t? Well, as one of my favorite people, Louise Hay, has always said, “It’s only a thought, and a thought can be changed.”
Here’s another woman’s thought about that. Susan Polis Schultz says, “This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy.β
Happiness is also a choice, much as taking back our power is and they are inexorably intertwined. When we feel in control of our lives, we tend to be happy. We are not living according to the fear of others’ expectations (be they past or present), or of what will happen next. We are not filled with doubts.
This is our time on this planet. We can live in our space and our truth, and know what’s important to us. We have the right to pursue and find what brings happiness and tranquility into our lives. It may be a journey, but I do believe we can be there in this moment. We can live lighter and more freely, more optimistically.
In addition to my classic A.A. Milne Winnie the Pooh books, I also have a book by Benjamin Hoff titled The Tao of Pooh in which we realize what a zen-like – and therefore, powerful – character Winnie the Pooh really is.
In the wise words of author A.A. Milne,
βWhat day is it?”
It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day,” said Pooh.β
And that’s how it’s done.
I agree…we always have the power to choose our response to life’s challenges, don’t we? And how we make meaning of them. Thank you for this wonderful post!
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You’re so welcome, Kitty. I’m always happy to see you stop by. Stay warm!
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A beautiful post, Jeanne! I love those words from Winnie the Pooh. π
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Thanks, Lavinia. Pooh is quite a clever little bear. π
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I must read Winnie the Pooh, I’ve never actually read it! Wise words from Pooh and from you Jeanne.
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Thanks, Andrea. Never? And Milne being British, too! I think you would enjoy it, and no doubt your own library has it. π
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Well, I certainly don’t ever remember reading it, and yes, we do have it in the library π
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I don’t think Pooh was ever read to me as a child. It was something I discovered much later in my life, as is the case with so many things. Not everyone is exposed to the same things. And so we get to enjoy things anew or for the first time. All part of the joy of reading.
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Well said, Jeanne.
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Every now and then we get inspired, eh? Thanks. π
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Indeed!
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