Not A Day Goes By
We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.
Buddha
I was going to write a post about my fascination with thoughts, but my daughter beat me to it. When I read her blog, Neverland Effect, this morning it challenged us to think about how our thoughts affect our reality. I love how she is able to recognize her stream of thoughts—that right there makes her present in the “now”. As a mom, I have always tried to steer the kids away from “stinkin’ thinkin’” (that was a phrase I used when leading groups with the chronic psych patients at the VA Hospital twenty years ago). With all of the quotes posted around the house and my insistent reminder of words like; “joy is not in things—it is in us” or “we all have choices and sometimes it’s only a choice of attitude. Be happy. It’s one way of being wise”, my kids have a pretty clear understanding that our thoughts can really make us who we are.
To take things another direction, I have also taught my kids that daily gratitude is essential for creating the world we want for ourselves and the planet. We practice focusing on the good that is happening, which is why I always resonated with the ONE Campaign. Our trip to Kenya was to share the success stories. When we focus our thoughts on the positive then we will see more positive in the world. My friend and fellow ONE Mom, Karen Walrond of Chookooloonks, recently included a video in her blogust 12’ post for Shot@life (please visit and leave a comment—one comment donates $20 for a child to be vaccinated for life—another example of positive!!) that brought back a flood of thoughts from Africa. It made me remember the slide show that she created—watch it and you will understand my emotions.
Still one year later I can hardly speak of our trip without tears. These are not tears of sadness, but tears from experiencing pure joy and witnessing beauty in a “hopeful” place! Not a day goes by that I do not think of Africa and the week I spent there—to ONE I will be forever grateful!
Coming Alive extra:
Each week I will be sharing news from the SPARK (the name given to our room of creative spaces) at the end of each of my Monday post. These will be links to all that the Fox Family of blogs is working on. Next week I will share how we decided on SPARK!
Yes, I know I am their mom, but when I read their blogs I am so inspired. They make me think, show me beauty, and give me so many reasons to be grateful!!!
Coming Alive 
Great post, friend. And thanks for the very kind shout-out. 🙂
Thank you and you are welcome!