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Do Thorns Have Roses?
Posted by Pat on October 16, 2012 in Uncategorized | ∞
What I want to share today is something I’ve shared on occasion in talks I’ve given, even though I don’t know where it came from originally. I read it somewhere and that author indicated a friend told him it had been shared with him originally by an old friend who didn’t know who the original author was!
(If you know, let me know please!)
And do pay close attention to the conscious choices the author makes in this story, noting how easily they could have made other choices.
I woke up early today excited about all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. My job is to choose what kind of day I’m going to have. I can complain because the weather is rainy, or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.Today I can feel sad that I don’t have more money, or be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and to guide me away from waste. Today I can grumble about my health, or I can rejoice that I am alive. Today I can lament over all my parents didn’t give me when I was a child, or I can be grateful that they allowed me to be born.Today I can cry because roses have thorns, or I can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today I can whine because I have a job, or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do! Today I can complain because I have to go to school, or I can eagerly open my mind and fill it with new tidbits of knowledge. Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework, or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind and body and soul. Today stretches ahead of me waiting to be shaped, and here I am the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have.
So have a great day-unless you have other plans!
It’s so easy to forget that we are in charge of how we experience life. The choices we make, large and small, create our feelings.
I remember that Eleanor Roosevelt told us that no one can make us feel inferior without our consent.
And Victor Frankl also said that everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms-to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.
So why is it so easy to forget these basic truths? Why do we continue to create our own soap operas?
And maybe “why” is the wrong question!
Maybe the question should be how do we remember to choose the experience we want-the peace, the love, the joy, t
he beauty. How do we reframe the story we are telling ourselves so that we can see the gifts and lessons in each experience?
he beauty. How do we reframe the story we are telling ourselves so that we can see the gifts and lessons in each experience? What would you recommend for us (or for yourself!) to replace our whining or complaining, to see the moments from a higher perspective?
Please share your thoughts!
14 Comments
Thank you, Pat. It’s a good thought to keep in mind.
Meg,
Keeping “good” thoughts in mind is a full time job! But well worth it!
Thanks for sharing!
I choose to like “Do Thorns have Roses?” Is it true that a thorn by any name would prick so sharply? Thanks Pat.
Joy,
Good question!
I know there are some thornless roses and, no doubt, rose-less thorns. And who knows if our perception of the thorn as necessary, as perhaps beautiful in its own way, would lessen the sharpness of the prick!
I would recommend printing this story, highlighting the positive choices, post it on your wall and read it every day until the positive choices become habit.
Thanks Carol for the suggestion!
As you well know, repetition is the key to changing our thoughts as well as our behaviors! We just need to overwhelm the habitual negative ones!
Nice. Life just keeps moving on – its up to you to make your own choice in your life. Young people need to know that it it up to each of them to make the right choices, no matter the situation they find themselves in at the young age. Don’t just follow along with the gang, get in control of your own life – others will probably follow you along the right path. Look for the good, let the bad alone.
Thanks Pat. Earl
Earl,
Good to hear from you!
I think it’s not an easy thing to be a young person in our world these days. Though, I vaguely remember it not being easy when we were young either! It all comes down to choices.
Pat that is so true and something we should all live by! As Carol says we should read it daily until it becomes a wonderful habit! Thanks for sharing it!
Tish,
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sometimes I am amazed at how easy it is to let an old habit of thought back in our minds before we have anchored the new, positive, one!
It made me think of what someone suggested to me. Just before you let a thought escape your lips, ask yourself, “Is this really what I want to be true?” If not, rephrase it into something you do want before you give voice and presence to it.
Laurie,
Thanks for sharing that important question.
If we take a deep breath and ask it of ourselves, we can alter our words and therefore our mindset!
Thank you for this story. I am at crossroads in my life and reading this brings me back into focus; I am grateful that this blog found its way to me.
Betsy,
I appreciate hearing from you and know that crossroads can be both challenging and exciting. I know for you peace and clarity!