While this space is mainly about easy, homemade recipes, it is also about telling stories, and to a much smaller extent, my views on life in general.
And while this post has absolutely nothing to do with food, but instead looks at life and the way we see it, I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did writing it, even if you first came to this site looking for a recipe or a kitchen tip or two.
***
I CHOOSE TO
FOCUS ON BEAUTY INSTEAD
***
Some days, itās easier to look at the storms clouds rolling by, instead of focusing on the tiny streak of sunlight peeking through the grey.
Other days, we concentrate on our worries, our losses, and our hardships, instead of celebrating our joys and successes, no matter how tiny they may seem.
And yes, while it may be easy to think of how little we have; it often does us more good to appreciate and be thankful for that with which we are blessed.
Because I was born with a large dose of optimism and christened āFeliciaā, which essentially means āthe happy oneā, Iāve always found myself tilted towards a sunshiny and jovial personality.
Iām the kind that looks at a traffic jam and am grateful for more time to read my latest book. Iām also the sort of girl who laughs at the situation when I get splashed at by a passing car on a rainy day.
Basically, Iām the kind of person who greets a pile of mess, and tries to search for the one spot of beauty, and then, spends some moments admiring it. Iām also the kind of girl who looks at dark silhouettes and sees them for their glorious contrast against the light.
I choose to focus on beauty instead, rather than the mess, because there are some things just not worth our time worrying about.
And sometimes, I believe, it is this innate ability to look at the bright spot in the patch of dark, that has drawn me to other like-minded souls, just like Shanna, my favorite blogger at Food Loves Writing and Ashley, the creator of Not Without Salt, both of whom have inspired this train of thought.
I unconsciously gravitate towards other people who appreciate the texture of cracked porcelain, seeing it for its tiny pieces of fragile beauty, instead of a broken vase. There is a strong force of attraction that pulls me to those who can rise up from a situation of endless tough days, and still meet the world with genuine joy ā joy not because of their circumstance, but in spite of it. I find a sincere smile and a wholehearted laugh (the kind which makes your abs muscles ache) so much more beautiful than a face thick with makeup and fake courtesies.
At the same time, I naturally stay away from those who refuse to get out of their rut; I intentionally try to fill my spaces with positivity, love, and joy.
***
Of course, there are those who think being too optimistic is the result of being ungrounded ā that those like me are flawed by unrealistic views of life.
But does it really have to be that way?
That life can only be lived if youāre always peering so hard at the cracks that you miss the lovely grain in the hardwood parquet floor? Or that youāre always afraid that you donāt deserve for good things to happen, so you breathe a sigh of relief when something bad strikes, just so you can say āI told you soā? Or that youāre always complaining of every single thing that comes your way, so much so that people start moving away from you because your negativity is pulling them down?
No, it doesnāt have to be that way.
You can wake up early in the morning and be thankful you managed to catch the sunrise; or leave the office so late but appreciate that the subway is no longer jammed with the peak-hour crowd.
You can choose to live a life of abundance, an existence of joy with a focus on beauty.
Yes, Iām telling you, you can.
Iāve realized that when you intentionally focus on the good and positive and beautiful aspects of life; you tend to remove the focus from the bad and the negative and the ugly.
So do this with me, dear friends..
Think of one thing that made you smile today, and then, focus on it.
Yes, you can.
Suzy says
The one thing that made me smile this morning is you, Flea! I could sure use some of your optimism everyday! Wish I could talk to you more often! Hugssss
rosewithoutthorns says
Awwww you’re sooo sweet Suze! I miss u too! We really should Skype soon! I see the pictures u upload to Familiar and it’s amazing how fast Sara and Sophia are growing!! Big hug to u and them and Fran! Love u!
tinywhitecottage says
After reading your post, which, by the way is “me” to the core, I have decided to “not” bookmark it…but, copy, paste and print! š Felicia you have such a beautiful outlook on life. I need more friends like you! I could go on and on, however, instead I think I will just quietly ponder.
rosewithoutthorns says
You are the absolute sweetest! š thank you for your comment, it just made my day. You know, I always want to call you by your name, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere on your blog, not even on the “about me” section! Would love to know your name, unless it’s something you plan to keep anonymous! Have a beautiful day dear!
xoxo,
felicia
tinywhitecottage says
haha! It’s Seana…..(shawna) š Good day to you too!
rosewithoutthorns says
Thank you Seana!
gracelimsaifong says
A very inspiring message. Yes Felicia means a happy one. A name we specially selected for each of you .. Valerie – the determined one, Ronald – the strong and dependable one. Through this Food for thought message I am glad that your experience of happiness would motivate others – .
Life is about a choice. Does one see a bottle half-empty or half-full? A positive mindset gives us the natural energy to achieve great things.A negative mindset will set one back to inertia -weighed by anxiety and fear.
Most importantly underlying all these, is our ability to love oneself, God and others.
Our faith in Jesus Christ have thought us this –
Mark 12:30-31 New International Version (NIV)
“12.30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.ā 12.31 The second is this: āLove your neighbor as yourself.ā[b] There is no commandment greater than these.ā
Love daddy
rosewithoutthorns says
Thanks for your encouragement daddy š Exactly, having a half-full attitude always helps any situation!
Love you!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
I read somewhere that we should try to fill your day with at least 51% of positive thoughts and actions. Lovely post Felicia!
rosewithoutthorns says
Hola Paula!
what a lovely balance! never thought about it that way, but yes, we should always try to tilt the balance in the favor of positive thoughts & actions. thanks for sharing that with me š
Buena semana!
Un beso!
shanna mallon says
I so appreciate your consistently positive voice, Felicia.
rosewithoutthorns says
thanks for stopping by, dear Shanna! and thanks as always for being such an inspiration! š