topic Re: Paging cottonball... in Community Chat

Paging cottonball...

AliJoi5 — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:15:51 GMT

I had replied to your very thoughtful post on the "[t]here comes a time" topic. Since the thread is gone and I doubt you had a chance to read my reply, I wanted to write you again here.

I am not a person of faith as it concerns any particular denomination or system of worship, but the excerpt you posted really touched me. Beautiful words to live by. I also loved your response in general. It took me a long time, and a great deal of soul searching and existential angst, to come to the conclusion that you do have to make a conscious decision to chose happiness in this life. It's easier said than done, but you win simply by trying.

I was hoping you (or another kind contributor) would repost that excerpt for me. I don't recall the citation you gave, otherwise I would look it up. Thanks so much!!

Re: Paging cottonball...

MacDUFF — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:18:00 GMT

I missed it...I always miss all the good stuff!

Re: Paging cottonball...

masque — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:33:10 GMT

Hi AliJoi; I think this may be what cottonball posted.

Philippians 4:8King James Version (KJV)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Re: Paging cottonball...

AliJoi5 — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:46:19 GMT

Suffice it to say that thread went awry very quickly MacDuff! I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. But there were a few bright spots, and I hope cottonball or another poster can mention that excerpt again here. It was beautiful, and I think it could apply to anyone (not just people of faith).

Re: Paging cottonball...

AliJoi5 — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:49:00 GMT

Yes that's it @masque! Thanks so much for reposting!! You da best.

Re: Paging cottonball...

masque — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 22:52:23 GMT

@AliJoi5

You're welcome.

Re: Paging cottonball...

dooBdoo — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 05:12:09 GMT

I saw the thread the night before, but didn't see what happened yesterday to cause its demise. We've all learned just about anything on these forums can become contentious... it's unfortunate, but it's the nature of forums.

I've always believed personal perception plays a huge role in the way we experience our time on this globe. I agree with this quote:

"A loving person lives in a loving world.

A hostile person lives in a hostile world.

Same world.

Everyone you meet is your mirror.

(Ken S. Keyes, Jr., and Wayne Dyer, Ph.D.)

Thanks for this thread, @AliJoi5, and thanks to @cotton4me and @masque for reminding us of that beautiful passage.

Re: Paging cottonball...

cotton4me — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 09:50:49 GMT

@AliJoi5

Thanks so much for your kind words. It’s nice to know that someone benefited from my post. I’m glad Masque was able to provide the quote. I was gone all day so I didn’t see what happened to the thread after I posted.

I understand the struggle of maintaining the balance between negative and positive. When I feel the scales tipping toward the negative I know it's time to regroup and try to focus on better things. I like your statement: "It's easier said than done, but you win simply by trying."

All the best to you.

Re: Paging cottonball...

AliJoi5 — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:41:44 GMT

Thanks for your post @dooBdoo! I couldn't agree more. I do believe that, to a large extent, life is what you make it and attitude is everything. I think at some point, if you want to make it in this world and find peace and happiness along the way, you have to adopt these principles and adjust your outlook. Once I started to understand this, it was like a weight off of my shoulders. It was freeing to know I held that kind of power, you know? Not that I'm done yet... I still have a long way to go! But the best part about it is that with each new day, you have another opportunity to grow. It's never too late!

Re: Paging cottonball...

AliJoi5 — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:50:32 GMT

Thanks @cotton4me! I just loved how supportive your post was, even in the midst of all of that discord (there were some other great posts too). I've saved that excerpt, and I'm going to look at it every time I'm afraid or worried. I think it has a very encouraging, very comforting message.

Thanks again and enjoy your weekend!

Re: Paging cottonball...

dooBdoo — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 01:20:55 GMT

@AliJoi5 wrote:
Thanks for your post @dooBdoo! I couldn't agree more. I do believe that, to a large extent, life is what you make it and attitude is everything. I think at some point, if you want to make it in this world and find peace and happiness along the way, you have to adopt these principles and adjust your outlook. Once I started to understand this, it was like a weight off of my shoulders. It was freeing to know I held that kind of power, you know? Not that I'm done yet... I still have a long way to go! But the best part about it is that with each new day, you have another opportunity to grow. It's never too late!

Hi, @AliJoi5! You're welcome! I do agree with your comments. Even with the combination of joy and hardships everyone faces, we do have a choice in the way we view what happens. Sometimes it's hard to accept, because it means we have to take responsibility for our reaction to everything life hands to us rather than allowing ourselves to feel despondent and place the blame on the circumstances. It's not a simple concept, but certainly worth knowing and working toward embracing.

It's all part of self-awareness, and self-awareness isn't easy.

Thanks, again, for this great thread.

Re: Paging cottonball...

AliJoi5 — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 03:41:20 GMT

Well said @dooBdoo! I especially like what you said about it being difficult because it means having to take some responsibility (and that can be scary, as we all know). Regret was something that really held me back in the past. It took me longer than I care to admit to actually face it, accept my bad decisions, and then... give myself a break!

Thanks again for sharing! So many bright, thoughtful ladies on this board!!