wrote some of this blog post over a very yummy new years day breakfast alone
the rest was written in this casita during the holidays
Because I’ve learned to live in gratitude, I cannot stress how much I know it to be the key to happiness. I’ve mentioned this in past articles and as most of you know by now, it’s been a personal standard in my life. I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in holding on to virtues that are life changing—like gratitude, of course. The past year was overall good but not without challenges and low points. But since today is the start of a new year, the first page of this years novel, starts today (started on New Year’s Day actually).
Another virtue I like (want!) is patience. I don’t have it, but I do hope to learn it. I will say though, I’m happy to have learned gratitude before I learned patience. Because I actually believe being grateful is a life skill. It helps us cope on so many levels as it makes us see the goodness in dire situations. We easily realize that we’re still blessed despite the odds. In the process, we not only become compassionate towards others but are rewarded with another golden virtue, which is peace. I’m slowly learning that high doses of peace produces patience in me. Slowly but surely, I believe, will I master patience.
I thank the Lord for all the people He put in my life this past year and I encourage you to do the same. I have met so many awesome people and have made many wonderful friends. I continue to thank Him for my family’s patience, specially when I was too busy (in the kitchen) for them. And, I thank Him for old friends that continue to love, support and treat me like family. I also thank Him for the many disappointments I went through. Without those, I wouldn’t be able to impart wisdom and depth when I tell you what I am certain of. In page one of this new year, I have made a decision to pray unceasingly because it is He who gives me the wisdom. Wisdom is a gift from Him. Not something we are automatically born with. I have also made a decision to celebrate the ones who have shown me consistent kindness. Surrounding myself with only the positive beings that know how to not criticize and put others down. It will be these individuals that will teach me and constantly remind me that kindness (another virtue) is also so very important.
Here’s a story and a tip on how to be grateful in times of negativity. This year, I put myself out there through this blog. A friend told me, “you better be ready, because some of the friends you will meet, are not really your friends”. I didn’t understand what it meant, but in time, it became crystal clear. Not everyone can or will be happy for you. But I tell you, that’s a good thing! Why? Because it allows you to center yourself and realize the goodness of the individuals you have within your reach and upright individuals you decide to deal with, work-wise. Isn’t that something to be thankful for? You also gain the knowledge of who you need to stay away from and those who will lift you up! But, most importantly, in all this, you have the maturity, due to your inner wisdom, to not be angry. You just charge it to experience and simply let go. Take it as Gods divine protection. Because, it is!
This year has been such a learning experience. I had high expectations of certain people I came into contact with for my new endeavor. The ones I least expected though, were the ones who supported me even more than the ones I enlisted. I see this as a pleasant surprise and again, a blessing! Another setback was very painful criticism I heard from certain people I believed to be true. Then came a phase of being used. I don’t want to elaborate, I only mention it because it exists. People will take you for granted and want you for certain agendas they have. Or even cozy up only for introductions they need, then cut you out, faster than fast. Fear not, that too can be a blessing. It was in my case, because those who love us can see through what our souls see too. Celebrate those sensitive individuals because they are worth more than gold. Pain and disappointment is needed in life, it gives us perspective and removes our fears. Always remember that with gratitude comes protection! God will show you who and what exactly to avoid. The finality of all this, being, humility. Humility in knowing your are being guided and secured by the Lord.
Don’t get me wrong, this post is not about me ranting. It’s knowledge and experience I’m sharing. Some of the realistic facts of life. It’s also me, wanting to remind you, that our reaction to these situations must be positive. Because like it or not, everything I’ve mentioned does happen everyday. As long as we co-exist with human beings, these negative situations are inevitable. What’s important is that we live in our consciousness and have the right mindset when we react. So that we respond with wisdom, gaining the important virtues I mentioned; gratitude, peace and kindness. Once we realize we have all these, we will be so humbled.
I have no bitterness or anger in my heart. Only compassion for the one that cannot say one nice thing about another. My dear readers, let’s guard our hearts together from negativity and putting others down. It only works to backfire. Practice being content because the content ones win this race called life. As I’ve said earlier, this year, I will celebrate each and everyone who has shown me the most CONSISTENT KINDNESS, LOYALTY AND TRUE FRIENDSHIP. It’s my turn to honor these awesome individuals. Lets give back together. Can I challenge you on that? I really would love to hear your stories by the middle or end of this year.
A wise uncle of mine once said, “form your own thoughts and make your own relationships with people”. In other words, don’t base them on what others have experienced and told you. There is in fact, ALWAYS two sides to a story. I, myself have formed a pure friendship with someone I had been warned about endlessly. It turns out, that this person has proven to be a much kinder individual towards me than the one that warned me. See? Not everyones negative experience will be ours. It’s too bad this new friend lives far away. My point? We should also learn to give people a chance.
What I am certain of; with each setback comes a blessing. I’ve experienced it when I reacted w wisdom and honesty. The blessing of a mind with perspective, discernment and peace. The blessing of closer ties with family. Tight friendships and success in my kitchen. My biggest success right now, is my joy. No amount of money can compare. I am at my happiest and I intend to thrive in it. You can, and you will too! I look forward to sharing more and more with you all. Here’s to a blessed 2015!
Be Inspired!
What i am certain of: of prayers, setbacks and blessings is my fave article because i felt i was not reading a post by a blogger but i felt i was talking and having conversation with Nicole as a real person beside me. Why? Many reasons: i like the post is about many things intangible (not food or products) but it’s about positivity, gratitude, humility, compassion. These are big words! and yet so apt and inspiring. The post illuminates kindness and sincerity. Once in a while it is better to pause quietly in awhile and think, listen, feel and express. It is a refreshing piece to read 🙂
Hi, Nicole.
I just want to say that I appreciate your blog and IG account. I may not know you personally but I like you. You seem very insightful and grounded/unassuming; thus, very easy to relate to. I hope this message will be a sweet reminder to you today that you are doing right by the universe. God bless, DS.
Thank you, Darlene. My heart is full. Reminders like these are my affirmations that I chose to do the right thing when I took this path… You don’t know how much I appreciate this. Again, thank you.
N