So much of our time is spent fixing problems: problems at
work, issues with our loved ones, concerns with our health, our weight, our
finances. You name it, 90% of our waking hours (and so many of our sleeping
ones as well) are spent in having yet another problem brought to our attention,
with its clamoring need; “Fix me, Fix me!”
But what if, just for this Valentine’s Day, you shifted your
attention to “What’s right with” – well, everything? What’s right with your
work, your loved ones, your body, your finances? And on and on.
There is nothing more loving than aiming a healthy dose of
“what’s right” at all those in your life. Think about it. When was the last
time you looked at your spouse/significant other with “what’s right” on your
mind? Oh sure, you love them, and that’s great, but in the ordinary course of
life, how often do you deliberately dwell on what’s right with them? What’s
wonderful about them, what thrills you to the very marrow of your bones?
As opposed to noticing the minor irritations we invariably
inflict on those we love. You know, the messy bathroom, the forgotten
dry-cleaner’s items, the missed dinners/soccer games.
And how about yourself? How often do you stop to appreciate
all that is right with you and how you lead your life? Of course there are
areas you want to improve, maybe parts of yourself and your life you’d like to
radically transform, but there are also lots of parts of you that deserve appreciation,
acknowledgment of “rightness.”
For example, the very fact that you want to improve--that
you aren’t interested in putting up with those times you fail to be the kind,
considerate, understanding human being you know you’re capable of being. That
you want to achieve what you know you’re capable of, not the mediocrity you
currently wallow in. That’s lots of rightness right there. Not to mention your
taken-for-granted abilities, like your sense of humor (yes, that’s an ability),
your loyalty to your friends, the skills you’ve learned along the way, and so
much more.
Life is meant to be enjoyed, appreciated, and a large part
of that is loving those who inhabit our world. This Valentine’s Day, look at
your world, your co-workers, your boss, your nears-and-dears, even yourself,
with new eyes--eyes that see what’s right with it all, and watch your
love-quotient expand exponentially.
Then, be really daring, and see if you can’t, one day at a
time, shift your focus to “what’s right” until it becomes a habit, vastly
increasing your enjoyment of this fabulous adventure called “Life!”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
