Books And Other Fun Things

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lots of buds ask 'chuck how do you maintain such a positive outlook?' i think practice of gratitude is different for all, so looking for a kind of quick antidote that will rewire your whole brain is rarely the trot. many small steps. its called a practice for a reason. still, maybe my story can help

the first time i remember REALLY thinking about this was when i was a young buckaroo and i got VERY sick. it was a long term, serious trot. anyway i remember thinking, 'i would give anything to not be sick anymore' i would try to quantify it like 'okay here is what i would do' with just wild stuff

eventually i started thinking 'the PASSION that i have for getting better is kind of funny because when i AM healthy i certainly never ENJOY MY HEALTH with that kind of passion. i just take it for granted.' so i made a promise that i would always remember that passion if and when i got better

i DID get better eventually, but that lesson kind of started to slip into other parts of my life. i get in a fender bender and it ruins my day, but there are INFINITE timelines where i died in that wreck, or someone i love did. HOW ABSURDLY LUCKY I AM TO HAVE A  FENDER BENDER

now it is important to remember that some people HIDE BEHIND gratitude in a bad way. the truth is sometimes you get in that wreck and it IS deadly, or you get sick and it DOES NOT get better. it helps nobody to ACT like there is no tragedy. there is. it is not WRONG to hurt and ache and be sad

so i personally think healthy gratitude practice is not a denial of the pain on this timeline it is an acknowledgment. it is not an invitation to sit back because everything is just fine, it is a CALL to step up and help when you are in the position to. to CHOOSE kindness and service

so when i wake up i think 'what a great day to take these blessings i have received and PUT THEM TO USE. great day to work to help those on the rough timelines i have narrowly missed but will someday be my own. when i talk about PROVING love that is literally what means: appreciation through effort

When really it's more like: "My boundary is that if you do this thing that I've told you I don't like then I will remove myself from the situation"

“People romanticize their plans but dread the execution. the magic you’re looking for is in the work you’re avoiding.”