If I Play My Cards Right...

In my usual transparent fashion, I must share that I don’t know how to play cards. Well, I know how to play solitaire, but that’s it, and I can’t remember the last time I played it. But my lack of card game knowledge isn’t the purpose of this post. What I want to focus on is the well-known lyrics of the song “The Gambler” by the late Kenny Rogers.

The idea to write about this topic came to me in March 2016, but I went in another direction and wrote something completely different. Considering how I believe everything happens for a reason, I’m convinced today is the day I needed to write this.

My stomach hurts and I’ve been experiencing this pain for a few days. Although I made the stupid decision to consume chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s earlier today, I don’t think the “food” is the source of my discomfort. The culprit behind my situation is still me—I realize I haven’t demonstrated the simple words I’ve chosen to write about.

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of living by the words quoted above. In life, we will experience things that we don’t like. The fact of the matter is, we can’t control the actions of others—unfortunately—we can only govern ourselves. And as much as we sometimes desire things to pan out in a certain way, we have to accept the things we cannot change.

I want answers to questions that have been swarming around in my head for a few days, and this lack of information is bothering me immensely! The fact that not getting what I want is causing me pain, lets me know I need to let it go; which, brings me to the subject of this post.

There are some instances in life when we should hold on and keep fighting. Then there are times when we should let go and walk away, and sometimes we need to drop everything and run!

Truth be told, I hope I’ll have a “Never Been Kissed” moment and I’ll get the answers I’ve been seeking. Hey, I am an inspiring writer too! But I think the best thing for me to do is live by the words in the song and fold ‘em. At the end of the day, my mental and physical well-being are a priority, so I fold.

MHIL Gratitude Journal: Entry No. 2; Lessons, Love, and Gratitude

There were quite a few things that came to my mind last week that I highlighted as something I am grateful for. But I had a hard time focusing on what to write about and how to express it. It was difficult because I’ve been distracted by a desire that doesn’t look like it will come to fruition. Although the probability of not getting what I want is disappointing, I’ve decided to look for the good in it—mainly the lessons, love, and feelings of gratitude I can draw from it.

1. The lessons: (a.) I’m not going to get what I want all the time. Honestly, I think at the ripe age of 44, I should have grasped this truth by now. But considering how I feel, I hadn’t fully accepted it. (b.) Treat others the way I want to be treated. I’ve given myself a pat on the back for being able to look at situations from different perspectives and appreciate someone else’s point of view. However, how I have been feeling the last few days allowed me to see I’ve missed the mark. I’m experiencing an act or behavior that I’ve demonstrated to other people—and I don’t like it.

2. Love: I am operating in self-love by identifying my mistakes and being mature enough to correct them.

3. Gratitude: I am grateful for the lessons this disappointment taught me.

Don’t get me wrong, I still want it and I’m hoping it is just delayed, but whatever the outcome, I am appreciative of the lessons, the love, and the gratitude it birthed.