Thorns With Roses

TODAY'S QUOTE:
"I am thankful that thorns have roses.".... Alphonse Karr

What a clever way of putting a delightful spin on a negative. I'm much more than grateful that there are roses scattered among the thorns of life. Trouble is certain, but allowing it to overshadow the joy is self-defeating. Life is magical. Each moment has such promise if we just make an effort to embrace its true potential.

Finding the beauty in the smallest of things takes strict attention to detail. Refuse to put all your focus on the negative when there are so many positives littering the landscape. Bad does exist and its agony is horrid sometimes; that much is true.  Humans tend to forget that even the most difficult of situations can have hidden benefits. Grey clouds possess the most breathtaking of silver linings, but walking head down will only keep your gaze fixed firmly upon dirt.

Hard lessons are opportunities for triumph. Any situation that knocks you down will afford you the strength and determination needed to rise up even stronger from the battlefield. Your mindset has to cease whining, "why me" and replace that lame question with a firm demand of, "empower me". The lessons will be clear as day once your eyes are free of tears and your mind is free of self-pity. True wisdom is hard earned and should always be highly valued.

A warrior does not win every time he fights. But a valiant warrior never backs down from a challenge even if the odds are against him. He knows the thorns well, but recognizes the flowers with equal measure. Focus on the blooms and down play the doom. Nothing is gained by making a bad situation worse by overemphasizing its importance.

Obstacles are something we must deliberately overcome, not something to be overcome by willingly. Going belly-up exposes our tenderest parts and invites attack. Remember that a leisurely stroll through the roses is well worth the struggle past the thorns. And as always.... think about it.... let it ride.... then you decide!!!!