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Living A Meaningful Life In A Meaningless World

The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
King Solomon

The wisest man that ever lived once said, “all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

After looking back over his life, and all that he had accomplished, Solomon concluded that all was meaningless.

Yet here we are, over 3000 years later still pursuing the meaningless things of this world.

Everything you have now or every hope to achieve is meaningless.

If that is the case, why then do we try so hard to acquire so much materially, and spend so little time focusing on the things that matter— the man on the inside?

The human spirit will never be satisfied. We have become weary and tired from chasing our wildest dreams and desires. Yet still no matter how much we see, hear or achieve we are never content. There is always something else on the horizon for us to conquer. We have allowed society to deceive us into thinking that if we are not apart of the group looking to achieve more, then somehow some thing is wrong with us.

What do you have to show for your hard work?

Stress.

Anxiety.

Panic attack.

Debt.

Unhappiness.

We work so hard, and instead of living comfortably,we are living like paupers. We live above our means, thinking unconsciously  that we have to keep up with the Joneses.

But I have some terrible news for you, the Joneses have just filed bankruptcy.

Mr. Jones is on suicide watch, and Mrs. Jones was last seen at the pawn shop, pawning her fancy jewelry to feed the kids.

We have allowed society to dictate to us what we should and should not have. We have become blinded to the truth. Yet for many that is the way they choose to continue to live.

I have learned so much about life.

I realize that the pursuit of happiness is a myth. Nothing on the outside of self can truly make you happy. We constantly compare ourselves to others only to find out that they too are comparing them self to someone else.

No one is better than you. We all have the same blood flowing through our veins, and no matter how much money a person have, one day they too must die and leave it all behind.

A person will be remembered for their contribution after they are gone.

What am I really trying to say?

You might be stressed out right now about not having enough money to pay the bills, someone special in your life or what ever else you think you need.

Just for a moment, might I suggest that you change your perspective about what you think you need. Have you ever really stop to think about what you are thinking about or what is causing all this senseless stress?

Have you ever stop to consider what the worse thing that could happen, only to realize that you will be able to bounce back as long as you still have life?

Get away from all the noise and chatter going on around you.

Simplify! Simplify! Simplify!

You will only begin to find meaning for your life after putting everything into perspective. Get rid of all the extra “stuff” that you think defines you.

Peel away the layers of excess.

Get rid of dead relationships.

Drop bad habits and cultivate healthier new ones.

Having worked so hard to acquire much things, I realized the more I had the greater my sorrows.

I too, like Solomon, have come to one conclusion.

All is vanity and vexation of spirit.

I thought it would have been hard to start over, but the truth is, there is a peace that comes with living a simple life. I wouldn’t trade your Gucci purse, mansion or Rolls Royce  for my  peace.

I am content with what I have and confident about where I am going.

What about you. How are you currently dealing with all the things going on in your world?

Positive Affirmation: Today I will take a good look at my life. I will make a conscious decision to face the things I have been afraid to face and put things in perspective.

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Simple Wisdom For Everyday Living

“We don’t yet fully understand the power that we hold. We have the power to change. The power to overcome. The Power to be brilliant. The power to hope and believe that anything we set our mind to is possible.”
Kymarie McEwan

As I sit here reflecting upon my life and the wisdom that I now use to guide me, I realized something— life is simple. It’s us, the complex beings that we are, who have an innate desire to make life much more difficult than it is. We can’t always change our experiences, but we can sure change the way we deal with them. Disappointments are inevitable, but discouragement is a choice.

As you go through this day, may you be inspired, and choose to embrace these simple wisdom.

Live purposely: You might not have yet figured out what your ultimate purpose in life is and that is fine. But until you discover what you have been divinely placed on earth to accomplish, give life your best self, right where you are. Wake up confidently everyday knowing that your being here makes a difference. Your presence is the only one  required to brighten up someone else’s day. Don’t stop pursuing your purpose, but find purpose in what you do until them.

Think abundantly: We tend to believe that there is not enough of what we want, need or desire to go around. Until we begin to embrace the truth, that God is able to supply all our needs, above and beyond our expectations, we will continue to experience lack. It doesn’t matter what you are facing now, just keep reminding yourself that abundance is your birthright and that there is nothing lacking.

Give gratefully. Because you now know that abundance is your birthright and there is nothing lacking. Share what you have with those in need, knowing that all that you stand in the need of will come to you ten- fold.

Love unconditionally:  We don’t have the right to choose who to love. We were created in love, and all people are lovable. By giving away love freely, we are opening up ourselves to receive more  love in return. The day I realized that I don’t have the power to change anyone but myself, was the day I became free to love unconditionally. I don’t always like the other person’s action, but I am learning that people often make choices out of fear or what they think to be the best for them in that moment.

Pray consistently: Men always ought to pray and not lose heart. You have to keep believing that what you are hoping for is possible, and that at the right time it will come to pass.

Speak with authority: Words are powerful. They have the potential to build you up or tear you down. Think about all the negative words that have been spoken over your life and what they have done to your self-esteem. Choose your words wisely. Think about what you are thinking about, because how you think is how you tend to speak. Remember you are powerful. You have the authority to exercise that power for good or bad. Choose wisely.

Serve others gracefully: One of the purposes for our existence is to serve others. Our gifts and talents are not for us to use to entertain ourselves. We should be using them to serve others. There is great joy to be gained by living a life of service.

Walk in peace constantly: No one has the power to steal your joy. Whenever you find that you are not at peace, stop and determine to whom you have given your peace to and take it back. Deal with what you have to deal with on the outside, but guard your heart and mind at all times. What others do is none of your business, but what you allow them to do to you is your choice.

Show gratitude: Always express gratitude for any kindness you have received. Also make it a point of duty to find at least 10 things to be grateful for each day. You might not have money, but you have life, and once there is life, there is still hope for you to make more money to cover your expenses.

Live simply: Cut out the clutter and scale down. I gave away my entertainment set and so much other stuff, because I felt like they were caving in on me. You don’t have to do the same thing, but figure out what you don’t need and get rid of the excess weight. Your self- worth should not be based on quantity, but by the quality of your life.

Take action: What is it that you want to achieve? What big dreams are you visualizing? Get very clear about what you want to see happen for you and take the necessary actions. The achievement of success is a journey. Success won’t be achieved over night so you have to be diligent and persistent in your efforts. If you don’t quit, over time you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Positive Affirmation: Today I will walk boldly and courageously, while giving thanks.

What simple wisdom do you live by? I would really love to hear your thoughts.

 

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How To Stay Positive When You Are Having An Emotional Breakdown

“As your faith is strengthened, you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit.”
Emmanuel Teney

I started this blog because I had this crazy idea that I could help others by sharing with them my life struggles. The optimist in me wants to believe that others need to know that they are not alone in whatever they are going through. However, what I have now found to be true, is that it is way easier to encourage others when everything is flowing smoothly and according to plan.

The past week has been emotionally challenging for me. Every time I pick up the pen to write I go blank. I needed someone to encourage me. I was emotionally drained and tired. Then I thought to myself, this is the perfect time to write. I can truly share my heart and somehow find the strength I needed to carry on. After all, positive energy is needed when you feel like there is nothing to be positive about.

Have yo ever wished someone else could feel the pain that you feeling? That way you don’t have to try and explain anything to anyone. I wish you could feel my pain, but then again you have your own pain so I won’t burden you down with mine. Maybe this article is just for my eyes only, but you are more than welcome to listen in on what is going on behind the scenes.

I have tried so hard to do my best. But is seems like my best is not good enough. Looking around all I see are my many failures. Disappointments, setbacks and obstacles. The more I try, is the more I fail. At what point will it be alright to consider myself a failure?

Could this be a test, or a sick practical joke? Where are the hidden cameras?

Sometimes I just don’t feel like I can make it through another day. So if this is a test or a practical joke I am not in the mood. The pain I feel on the inside is worse than the labor pain I felt giving birth to my daughter. At least, when the pain got to be too unbearable the doctor had compassion on me by giving me a dose of epidural to numb the pain. No such luck this time. I have to endure this pain, and drink from this bitter cup. My tears keep failing like the pouring rain, it would stop for a minute and then start again. My sky is over cast, grey clouds cover the sun for a brighter tomorrow, and the howling winds keep whispering, “this gloominess is to be your faith.”

I have had more losses than I care to remember. I started out on this quest to pursue my passion and make a living doing what I love most–photography. But it has not easy, I am not getting as much business as I need and I am struggling to market myself to a wider audience. Partly because the insecure side of me, keeping letting me know I am not as good as the other established photographers. Now I am faced with this dilemma of going back to what appears to be safe, a 9-5. Wow! after all I have been through, I am considering quitting on my dreams yet again. I promised myself the last time that I would not give up on myself again. It’s easy to quit,and I have given up too many times before. Based on my track record, people expect me to quit when things get rough –there has to be a better solution to my dilemma that quitting!

My mind is on a emotionally roller coaster. I can’t stop the tears from falling. I am having panic attacks. I am consumed by fear and anxiety, to make matters worse I have to struggle and walk this lonely road alone.

Can anyone even see me, or see the pain?

I don’t think so.

I get to understand that when people look at me, all they see is the confident woman that I suppose to be. They don’t see the struggles going on on the inside as I navigate my way through my many changes.

I am stuck in an emotional vortex of what should have been and what could be. This wasn’t the life I planned.

I wish I could run away, but to where?  Anywhere I go, I still have to carry my luggage of pain. I don’t want to, but it is mine.

I was born of a woman. Got an education. Had all my wishes come through. Had my world shattered into pieces. Now I have to pick up the fragments of my life and start all over again.

Can someone help me?

I am scared.

Can I do this again?

Do I have enough wind beneath my wings to soar again like an eagle?

These are the questions I ask myself.

What keeps me going, when I don’t want to get out of bed? 

My faith. I don’t know how some people make it without believing in a power higher than them self. If I am to be totally honest, I don’t think I would want to keep living if I didn’t have the hope and assurance that even though weeping may endure for a long time, joy is sure to come in the morning. Looking back on everything, life is so much more than what I thought it should be. For a long time, I measured my self worth based on what I had, my station in life and who I was with.

I thought my world would have ended when my marriage came to an end. I talk about it a lot because, that was what I used as my measuring stick of having made it. As a little girl, all I wanted was to be called Mrs. in addition to having the house, car and children. If I had all those things. I was good. But here I am 6 years later divorced and living the single life again. I get very lonely sometimes. I wish I had someone to call me baby and tell me how he loves me, but that is not my reality now. I just refuse to get involved with another person, just because I don’t want to be alone. When the right person comes along for me, he will be able to find a woman that is whole and complete. The things that use to bother me in my relationship don’t anymore. Being single have afforded me the  opportunity to put things in perspective. At the end of the day, I have to ask myself, will this all matter in a week, or is this argument worth staying mad over? So much more I have learned about love, that I will share with you some other time. But for now, I will leave you with this – choose your battles. Decide if what you have is worth fighting for.

There are so many things that have been revealed to me as a result of the trying times I have to live through. Lessons, I would not have known had I not walked this road. I don’t always feel like carrying on, but giving up is not an option for me today. Things will get better for me and for you. Like nature we too have to go through our seasons. Sometimes it seems like winter will never leave, but one day the snow must melt and make room for spring.

In the midst of your pain, take courage, your break through is on its way. Choose to stand even when your strength is gone. You might stumble a few more times, but don’t give up. Keep crying if you have to, but don’t stop hoping and believing for a brighter tomorrow. Nothing that is happening right now is by chance. There is things you need to learn from your trials, but in the end, all things will work together for your good.

If this rambling of mine has some how inspired you, I would love to hear your thoughts. I am sure we can encourage each other as we go through our changing seasons.


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January 23, 2012 - 2:06 pm

CT - Can I just tell you that this post is just spot-on for me right now. Apart from some relationship problems I’m having right now (which by the way I’m supposed to call and talk with you about), I have found myself in a very sticky financial situation.

I’m having trouble eating, sleeping, concentrating. I just feel totally out of it. I’m really trying to have faith that it will work out, but every time I think about it I start feeling depressed.

I’ve just been praying and hoping, and hoping and praying.

So thanks for this, thanks a million.

January 23, 2012 - 4:59 pm

Kymarie - I am glad that this could resonate with you.There were days I felt like I was falling in out of mid air, but you know what, God always came through for me, even if it was at the last minute. My faith is stronger today than it was a year ago. Don’t stop believing.

Try stepping back from the situation, what can you do, what can you create, what can you eliminate? Maybe we could brain storm over email and come up with something. There is a solution and you will find it.

Standing by your side
Kymarie

January 23, 2012 - 8:11 pm

michelle - I am at at lost after reading your ramblings:-) I just came in from work and decided that I needed some inspiration as I was feeling real beaten down by life and then I read this and it just touch a chord with me. Thank u so much for sharing. U just lead me to keep beliving that it won’t last forever even though it feels that way sometimes god bless u.

January 23, 2012 - 8:54 pm

Kymarie - ha ha. I guess my story makes your struggles not look so bad after all :) But you are right, you can’t give up!

January 23, 2012 - 9:38 pm

Romaine Clarke - You have no idea how I needed to read this today. There are things I want to say or shout from the rooftops or post on Facebook. I always felt like no one knew how I felt. I take great comfort in your words. Stay strong my sister.

January 24, 2012 - 8:42 am

Kelly McIntosh - Thanks for sharing. I identify with what you are saying here. I truly hope that joy comes in the morning.

January 24, 2012 - 11:02 am

Kymarie - We just can’t stop believing. The moment we stop is the day we die on the inside.

January 24, 2012 - 11:05 am

Kymarie - Thank you my sister. I have decided that these trials won’t get me down. Things will get better, but until then I will keep sharing the experience.

How To Be Happy No Matter Your Situation

“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

Happiness is an illusive desire. Well that is not entirely true. Happiness becomes an illusive desire when you keep thinking that the situations in your life has to be perfect before you allow yourself to be happy.

I was the most unhappy person I knew. If things didn’t go my way, I would be really unhappy. I didn’t like my job, I didn’t like being broke, I didn’t like how my relationship was going, I didn’t like the way I looked and because of that I would eat more and then be unhappy with myself for not having any self control. Gee! My life was a total mess, filled with stress anxiety and unhappiness. Something had to give and give fast or I would have exploded!

One day I had an awakening. I said to myself, “self, would I be any happier if I had everything my heart desired?”

After answering that question honestly, the truth of what it takes to be happy began to unfold.

How to be happy no matter your situation

Enjoy where you are right now. Every situation you go through in life  is a learning experience. Knowing this, you should not spend your time worrying about things that you have no power to change. You most definitely can’t bog down yourself with thoughts of tomorrow.  Focus all your efforts and concentrate on what is before you.

Express gratitude. Who would have thought that a simple expression of gratitude could help you to feel better. When you start to focus on what you have now, you will begin to realize that things are not all that bad.

Be optimistic about the future, while giving your full attention to the present. Everyday you get a new opportunity to be better than the day before. Keep hope alive by reminding yourself that this too shall pass.

Bloom where you are planted. Your situation doesn’t have to be  perfect before you start to take action. Right there in your mess, you can do what is possible in that moment until your change comes.

Make a difference in someone else’s life. I don’t know about you, but I am really happy whenever I get an opportunity to serve others. By focusing on bringing joy into others peoples’ lives, I intern receive joy for myself. The same will be true for you.

We know the truth. No one can make us happy. We have to choose every minute of the day to be happy no matter what is going on around us. And contrary to popular beliefs, happiness will never come as a result of what you have. Genuine happiness, is being willing to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, even when things are not perfect.

I wish for you peace, love, joy and HAPPINESS.

Positive Affirmation:  Today, I am choosing to be happy for the simple reason that I am alive.

How happy are you? Share with me your happiness techniques in the comment box below.

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Teach Me How To Love…..Myself

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Love is a word that comes and go, but few people really knows what it means to really love somebody, much less them self. Many people are relationship addicts. If they are not in a relationship, they don’t feel good about them self. Relationship junkies are expecting to find in someone else what is already within.

I have consciously stayed out of a committed relationship for over 5 years after my marriage ended. It was not because I didn’t desire to be with someone else but after much self reflection, I realized that I had loved the man more than myself. What I was looking for in him, was searching for me–self love.

Love is not something to be found on the outside of oneself. Love is who you are.

What you believe about yourself, and how you express yourself is a direct reflection of your true belief about love. When you can get to a place where you can accept yourself for who you are, you will feel love. When you can forgive yourself for past mistakes and failures, you will experience love. When you can start to trust yourself, and tell yourself the truth no matter how the truth makes you feel, you will express love. When you can celebrate your worth, whether you are in a relationship or not, you become the embodiment of love. When you can accept your beauty for what it is, you will be ready for love.

Love is the co-operative, harmonizing,accepting,forgiving essence of your soul. By giving love to yourself first, you will realize that you won’t have a hard time giving it away to others freely.

You are love.

Love does not demand what it does not have. Love does not force itself on others in order to feel better about itself. Love does not attack or seek revenge. It does not withhold itself. Love is patient and kind.

You might have spent your whole life trying to figure out what love is and how to find it in your life. However just remember, you are the expression of love. To find the love you seek, you have to first find the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home–love.

Positive Affirmation: Today I am committed to knowing myself, express myself and experience myself as love.

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