I have been in a reflective state of mind lately…very pensive. I am thankful for my life – I have a roof over my head, a wonderful family, great friends, a job that pays the bills, clean water to drink and food to eat. I am tremendously grateful. But lately, I can’t help but think I should be out in the world doing something more.
A few days ago, I watched Eat, Pray, Love. I’m not sure that was the smartest move in my current state of mind, but here are a few of the quotes that hit too close to home for me:
“There is so much about my fate that I cannot control, but other things do fall under the jurisdiction. I can decide how I spend my time, whom I interact with, whom I share my body and life and money and energy with. I can select what I can read and eat and study. I can choose how I’m going to regard unfortunate circumstances in my life-whether I will see them as curses or opportunities. I can choose my words and the tone of voice in which I speak to others. And most of all, I can choose my thoughts.” — Elizabeth Gilbert
“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.” — Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)
“Faith is belief in what you cannot see or prove or touch. Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark. If we truly knew all the answers in advance as to the meaning of life and the nature of God and the destiny of our souls, our belief would not be a leap of faith and it would not be a courageous act of humanity; it would just be… a prudent insurance policy.” — Elizabeth Gilbert
Bingo…..I get it. So, what’s holding me back? Why not take that leap of faith? Why not follow my heart? Goodness knows I know what my heart is telling me. Is it because I’m comfortable? Sure. Is it because I’m lacking the self confidence and self esteem I need to make the big changes? Absolutely.
Enough of this. To refer to Elizabeth Gilbert yet again, “Operation Self-Esteem – Day Fucking One.” After all, “God never slams a door in your face without opening a box of Girl Scout cookies,” right? 
So, time to move on. Here’s to finding and sharing L’amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle (the love that moves the sun and the other stars).
Today’s little slice of heaven… unwavering self confidence that helps propel each of us to move mountains and make a difference in the world.
I LOVE these quotes and it’s so so so true. What DOES hold us back, ya know? I grapple with this too. I need to read this book and watch the movie. It’s on my list. XO friend!
The passion of doing something you love can’t be replaced – it’s electric. I wear my emotions on my sleeves – when I’m truly truly happy, it really really shows. Everything in my life just feels like it’s on steroids when I’m happy. When I’m not, I feel like I fumble around like a fish out of water not quite sure what direction to go and like I’m on a roller coaster of “I think I’m content” one day to “I feel pretty miserable” the next day. I am extremely lucky in the sense that I have actually experienced the pure day-to-day happiness. I don’t think everybody can say they have. But, now I know what it tastes like and boy is it delicious! haha.
To your point, why not go after it? Life’s too short. Carpe diem, my friend. And yes, the book/movie is worth taking in. *So* happy to read of your happiness, too – keep the blogs coming! XOXO
It’s so true, isn’t it? I want that electric feeling again work-wise, and for you too! hopefully soon enough my dear! And thank you for the blog compliments, glad you are reading my ramblings
Nice post, cool site, keep it up.