2024-08-06
Everything that has a beginning has an end. Make your peace with that and all will be well.
— Paulo Coelho
I often say, “Everything comes to an end.” Whether it’s good or bad, everything in our lives eventually ends. I adopted this view after facing disappointments in situations and relationships I hoped would last forever. Thinking everything lasts forever is naive, especially when we know our mortality rate is 100%. I bring this up not to be depressed or hopeless but to emphasize the importance of using our resources wisely.
I must admit, some days are harder than others. On those days, everything I hoped to accomplish or enjoy seems out of reach. But sometimes, I am pleasantly surprised by unexpected positive events. Maybe happiness is just around the corner. Recently, I realized that “bad” days aren’t significant unless they lead to dire situations; after all, life-altering events can happen. On “regular” bad days, I focus on assessing my mental and physical state. I ask myself, “Do I need a little break?” The answer is often yes. Sometimes, all it takes is a walk in the sun to lift my mood, brainstorm new ideas, or be inspired by the clear blue sky.
I also find my mood worsens when I neglect my passions, like fine art and skateboarding. When I neglect my passions, I wonder, “Why am I working so hard if not for what I love?” When this thought strikes, I visit a nearby museum, work on a painting or drawing, or skateboard until I can’t move my legs. In other words, I don’t mind shifting my priorities when alarms go off in my head.
I told my friend I like staying focused and working hard. He joked, “Why burn out tomorrow if you can burn out today?” That perfectly captures my work ethic. Sometimes, I feel buried under a mountain of self-imposed deadlines and responsibilities. Yet, the steady passage of time motivates me to accomplish more before the day ends. It’s like I’m racing against time daily. Yet, even the worst moments vanish when I close my eyes to rest. I believe we get new opportunities every day to march toward our goals.
However, this doesn’t mean I can easily turn off negative thoughts and self-talk. I accept them as they come, knowing they will flow out of my mind like a river. Eventually, I’ll be free of them—either by accepting the situation or resolving any issues within my power. It helps to remember that some events last longer than others. Some thoughts may linger for minutes, while others for months. Regardless, the outcome is the same: my mind finds acceptance or resolution, and I find peace again.
You might call it distraction, but I focus on redirecting my energy to positive thinking and staying productive. Dwelling on negative thoughts isn’t helpful. If a problem is beyond my control, I accept it, acknowledge my feelings, and push myself to create positive results that add to my happiness.
Copyright 2024, Brian Lee