the new beginnings

The new beginning

Today is a beautiful day. The sun is shining brilliantly. It is hard not to be positive and optimistic when we have such a day. The question becomes if the weather were dark and foreboding, would I still feel so contented? The reply, of course, has to be in the affirmative — it has to still be, yes. I cannot be unduly affected by the weather. Each new day summons a new start — a new beginning. Now, many would think that this concept is just naive. Of course, I can be affected by the weather or other external factors.  Clearly, it is true that I am exposed to my environment: my job, my family, my age, and my health — to name but a few. This is the nature of life. However, human beings and other creatures have a self-reflective nature. (1) We are, potentially, aware that we are alive and perhaps able to think multiple thoughts at the same time. (2) Reflection is a wonderful gift, but also an odious curse.  

This concept suggests that I am in control of my reality and how I see the world, given my givens. (3) If I decide that each day is gloomier than the previous one, it is. If I believe that each new day affords exciting opportunities and unique joy, this is also true. I create my perception of the world. The question then becomes, â€śIs this stance overly positive and hopeful — to a point of being trivial and ridiculous?” 

I believe that there is no reality outside my immediate perception, other than the existence that I give it. The colors, the smells, and the sounds are unique to me and my understanding of them. How my central nervous system responds to fear, for example, has a direct correlation to my experience and my training. I was recently watching a program, in part, on navy seals and how their training enables them to perform difficult and dangerous tasks. Their vetting process is very strict and serious. (4)  

If this is true at this professional level, it must be true with me at a more personal one. I am not my thoughts. They are outside my true essence. (5) So, if I awake feeling miserable after a night of listless sleep and terrifying dreams of the future, or even more telling, of the past, I can say to myself these are only created ideas.  

I can accept their influence and have an arduous day — which I do sometimes — or I can simply ignore them and have a positive one. It is to be noted that we must have â€śup and downs” in life. So sometimes I opt for an awful day. The point is that I am in control of my consciousness and how I exist in the world. Unfortunately, life is fickle. I cannot stop my body from aging, or a traffic accident, or a major catastrophe. But the rest — my day-to-day existence — is directly related to my mental actions. So, aspire to look for a new beginning, each and every day.  Seneca (6) leaves us with a thought: Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. 

A closing thought:   At certain times in life, it is difficult to be overly optimistic. In spite of this reality, I  am of the opinion that each day gives us a fresh start. This is even true when the overall circumstance is significant and difficult, perhaps a chronic illness or long-term imprisonment. It is not the condition that I find myself in but how I ultimately respond to this situation that will ultimately win the day. Prayer and your relationship with God will be of immense assistance in your quest.  

To sum up:  This week, we spoke about each day being a new and fresh beginning. 

To be noted: From Voltaire (7) — God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well. 

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuBeBjqKSGQ 

For reflection: 

This week, on your interesting stroll, please ponder what a new beginning means to you. 

Every day look for something magical and beautiful. 

Don’t be a wage slave â€“critical thinking is great! 

http://www.dbawageslave.com 

Quote: A bright day can only be created by me.  

Footnotes: 

1) Do animals have reflective minds able to self-regulate perception, reasoning, memory?

2) https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-4565,00.html 

3) https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/given 

4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBuIGBCF9jc&ab_channel=MotivationHub 

5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epgb6OuyBMU&t=31s&ab_channel=BeyondWordsPublishing 

6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3wZoqElCgs&ab_channel=DailyStoic 

7) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAzKGkTIKpg&ab_channel=TheSchoolofLife 

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