18 Reasons Why It's All Good

by Jill MacGregor

Now, who’s a pessimist? I understand. Life can throw curve balls and sometimes it feels like you’ve caught the ball in the head one too many times. I get it. But you know, those are just moments and life is also full of other moments—good ones—and sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of all that good and just focus on the bad and the ugly.

Oh, look. I made you a little list— for the moments when you need a some reminding that everything’s going to be okay and that its truly fabulous to be you.

1. You are so loved.  And that makes you a giant. And that love will keep you from ever being alone even if you are feeling like a tiny island in a vast sea surrounded by nothing by horizon.
2. You are made to heal.   Break, repair, grow…and repeat.
3. You are capable of the most remarkable things.   Others see it in you all the time. In fact, they’ve come to expect in you. Its time you started believing it, too.
4. You get what you give—so give what you need.   I mean, really, what if you just tried this approach as an experiment. Think of how your expression would change, the tone of your voice, the words you would choose.
5. Every day is an opportunity to start over.   So if you find yourself in a place where you feel you’ve made mistakes that are so egregious that you are smacking your forehead like you’re in a V-8 commercial, you need to remember that your prison is your own making. Every day is a chance to make things right, to heal a wound—and it may be your own—to take all the screeching monkeys off your shoulders and start clean and fresh. Make amends. Give yourself a do-over. Give others the same opportunity.
6. There is an inexplicable power in kindness.   Like 7up when you’re barfing, kindness has a curative property that I can’t quite explain. It softens all hard edges, it takes the sting out of every bite, it builds confidence in all of us at our weakest moments. When your actions are fueled by kindness, you are telling others (and yourself) that there is nothing to criticize and caution is not necessary because all words will be heard. Practice kindness regularly and receive it often.
7. Everything you do is important  —and if you don’t think it is, then try harder. Don’t stop until you’ve convinced yourself…everyone else is already buying what you’re selling.
8. You get to pick.   There is always a choice. Sometimes it’s not your first choice, sometimes it’s the choice of handling a difficult situation with grace instead of like a bull in a china shop, to forgive someone instead of holding a grudge, to look a little deeper and gather some understanding instead of lashing out. Whatever it is—it’s all you.
9. Things rarely end—they just change.   Your feelings of loss—trust me, I understand how that feels like it is fueled by endings. But, is it really loss you’re experiencing or the newness of change. Try to move with the changes and start to notice the new things, people, emotions that are filling what once felt like a void.
10. Life is rich. Even if you’re not.   I know the whole simple pleasures thing sounds corny but think how you are replenished by a sunny day, time spent with family and friends, giving of your time. It’s all the things that you can’t put a price on that make you so very wealthy.
11. Others see your beauty even if you can’t.  Maybe you should start using other’s eyes. When others give you compliments, really try to hear what they’ve said. There’s a lot of truth in their words that you may be ignoring.
12. Chaos and Fear are your friends—not your enemies.   They are keeping you on your toes, keeping your mind nimble and preparing you for what’s around the corner. Think of Chaos and Fear as your kung fu masters, you ninja, you.
13. Everything that has ever hurt you was really designed to teach you.   Sometimes it takes awhile to receive the lesson. Try to be patient with the process.
14. If you are starting at hard, you are starting at the wrong place.   So, honey, unhitch that horse and just let it walk on its own. Locate natural and try to start there. It’s not cheating.
15. The little things rock.   Sure, grand gestures are, well, grand. But your gestures don’t always have to be earth shattering to have a big impact. The little things you do for others—and, yes, you do them even if nothing’s coming to mind—are full of sweetness. These actions tell people that you are thinking of them when they’re not around and tell strangers that you realize the universe doesn’t center solely around you.
16. Your words and actions can change the world.   So use your powers for good, my friend. And don’t skimp.
17. You will never use up your chances for happiness.   Happiness is the wellspring that will always be fed and there is no limit to how many times you get to fill your cup.
18. You are surrounded by things designed to make you feel better.   Wine is good. Beer is cold. Fires are cozy. The sound of water is relaxing. Coffee is strong. Flowers smell good. Cats purr. Chocolate is delicious. Spices smell like faraway lands. I could go on but I hope you see what I’m saying. It’s all there for you.

If you liked this, you may also want to read 35 Shots of Truth.