Although summer does not officially arrive for another couple of weeks and the temperatures here in southern CA are below average and the May gray and June gloom are hanging around way late into the day, I am still excited for summer. I think that I need summer more this year than ever before. It seems that day after day lately when I listen to the news or read the headline stories, I can't seem to find anything that is not sad, depressing or just downright upsetting. Now I am usually such a positive person and don't ever remember feeling down in the dumps but I am getting a hint of what that must be like because of the way that I am feeling. Thus, I know that with the late arrival of summer here, I am definitely feeling the effects. But, after breast cancer, I have chosen to look at each day quite differently.
So, I have decided to create a summer of my own. I am officially taking a break from watching the news and all drama shows on TV and watching only those things that will make me laugh or make me happy. I am going to allow for more (some?) personal relaxation time wherein I won't feel guilty about doing absolutely nothing as I might do if had spent the time at the beach. I will treat myself to something new like a new hairstyle or a manicure or a massage or a new pair of shoes. I will delight in the magic of the day and the wonderful life that I have and the beauty of the world that surrounds me. And I will take the time to appreciate all of the wonderful people who surround and fill my life each day with so much love and light.
I realize that I don't need the sunny days to brighten my life when I have a wonderful husband with whom to share my days in creating special memories that will last a lifetime. I don't need to go out to meet new people when there are so many people that I encounter every day that I have never taken the time to get to know. I don't need a bunch of new clothes as it doesn't matter what I am wearing when I give a great big smile and a friendly hello to another person. I don't need fancy restaurants and resorts when I have lots of fresh foods in my own neighborhood and the most comfortable place in the world within my own home. I guess when it comes right down to it, I have everything!
I am so fortunate because I choose to look at the glass, not as half empty or half full, but overflowing. I am fortunate because I choose to see the good in everybody and everything. I am fortunate because I appreciate the mind that I have that allows me to create the reality that I want for my life. I am fortunate because I truly believe and understand that life, in and of itself, is simple and that I can choose to live it that way or I can choose to make it very difficult.
Life is truly all about choices for each of us. We choose what is important to us and how we want to live our lives and at this time, I have chosen to live today and everyday as though it is summertime and I am basking in the sun light. I can create my own warm days filled with lots of light and love and that will always outshine any sunny day outside. So today I am grateful for the grey, chilly weather because it reminded me of how fortunate I am to be able to create the sunshine in my life at anytime and to enjoy the days at my own personal beach which is my home. And you can do the exact same thing -- if you choose.