Discussions

I recently bumped into an acquaintance who I know for seventeen years.  The moment I asked the standard how are you? the answer was the general family pleasantries which then turned to discussing a problem they have been battling with since we first met.  I thought while I listened to the repeated tale how I wish they could find peace. 

I know in the beginning stages of a painful time I feel better when I vent and pour my heart out to anyone that is willing to listen.  Discussions and being embraced by kind hearted people is comforting. There has to come a time in life where I realize that despite all the yelling, screaming and crying I am not living my life.

I mentioned that I get comfort with volunteering at the church food pantry.  Helping others with worse situations grounds me and perhaps they may want to find a similar project too.

I have discussions and find admiration in people that are older than I am as they travelled many steps on the journey of life that were filled with both joy and pain and their advice is a gift.  A favorite discussion was how change is the one thing we all are guaranteed. They remind me the that many times we do not see situations the way they are but define them through our interpretations.  When you are in pain you must step away from the mirror and take a good look at your reflection.  It is not possible to see yourself clearly when your nose is pressed to the glass.  

There is not a person alive who has not made a mistake.  I have been forgiven by many during this journey of life.  Forgiveness is key to moving on and I find myself having those discussions lately versus venting on anger.

Mending and healing takes time, patience and work.  If being successful at happier days was easy we would have far less hate and hurt in this world.  We have to keep busy and take the steps to find peace because I know for myself focusing on hurt is only hindering my enjoyment of life.

I have regrets in life as I am sure many of us have.  I am working hard at moving forward and trying to find ways to make positive future steps.  I want to focus on all the things I am blessed to be able to do today.  How sad would it be if I got sick tomorrow and was no longer able to do all the things in front of me and be filled with regret on  how I wasted these hours because of a life setback.

Today will one day be a memory to discuss with future generations.  I do not want to continue discussing the story that I know I will regret sharing one day.

After a much longer discussion than most have on a street corner I gave them a hug and wished them peace.  The other day I heard the honking of a brand new car and there they were waving from the windows with brighter faces.  I hope this is the start of days of healing and I pray the next time we meet I will see bright smiles as the pain lasted way too long.

I am learning to stop venting and instead use all this energy discussing solutions.  I do not have to do all the talking in every discussion and instead am learning to listen with an open mind and heart.  We all think our way is the right and only way but in truth that is not reality.  There are many points of views and they all must be looked upon with a clear vision. 

Here is to the beginning of a journey of happy, healthy, loving, caring discussions where we all learn to live in peace so we can see the beauty of the journey and to help each other get past the bumps in the road to avoid a future of regrets.