The Road to Positivity

Posted on by Miriam

No two days are ever the same.  Just like no two roads on any of our trips have ever been the same.

As another day looms with doctor appointments, job hunting, visiting my unwell mum, worrying about pressures my kids are facing at school and feeling a niggling loss of direction, I came to the realisation that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.  And that how today unfolds will largely depend on my outlook.  A dear blogger friend of mine, Jessica from Unmeasured Journeys, wrote a similar post recently called Detour Ahead.

Today the road of life stretches ahead of me and it waits to be shaped.

Positivity

I can choose to go straight ahead along the main highway, though unexpected things can sometimes force me to make a detour.  We all know the feeling when life throws us off our intended destination.  Health, finances, relationships, distractions … stuff happens.

DSCN9336 (1280x960)

Sometimes it can feel like we’re carrying a heavy load.  Like two horses and two tonnes of responsibility.  And we can feel that it’s too much to cope with.  Like the weight in our heart will never lift.

Other times it can feel like we’re in the middle of the Sahara desert with no road in sight, much like us here driving in the middle of the South Australian sand dunes.  The swirling thoughts in our mind can make us feel like we’re in lost in a sand storm with no way out.

In the Sahara

We can wallow in this negativity, allow it to engulf so that we can’t see in front of us or behind us or we can fight our way through.  Accept what is and move ahead.

P1040070

Sometimes all we need is a helping hand, someone to open the gate and guide us, a kind word and supportive shoulder, like my neighbor who came knocking at just the right time.

cropped-p1010324.jpg

What I’ve decided is, the best way forward is to go full steam ahead. With a positive mind. Keeping the beauty of life all around us and the strength at our back.  Not to see the potholes in the road as obstacles but challenges to overcome.

And we can overcome them.  Where there’s a road – and a will – there’s a way.

May the sun guide you and be a positive beacon and may the conditions be favorable as you tackle life’s challenging roads.

I wish you peace and a positive mind on your journey.

92 thoughts on “The Road to Positivity”

    1. It does Nicole, I agree. I actually wrote the post yesterday and feel much better today. In fact I’ve just come back from a Zumba class so I’m feeling pretty energised. Yesterday was a different story though.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  3. What a refreshing and uplifting sentiment, Miriam. Our experience is very much influenced by how positive we choose to be. I’ve often felt that how much I like a place has a lot more to do with how I was feeling at the time I visited than the location itself. I reckon that’s true in day to day life as well, especially when we’re working through challenging times.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. So very true and so well said Justin. You’re right, our moods affect everything we do and see in life, it’s all about perspective. Thanks for a great comment.

      Like

      Reply

  6. There’s only one way to achieve anything worthwhile in this world…no matter what happens, grit your teeth and never quit!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. My sweet, sweet friend. Your story just popped up on my reader and before I even got to my name, my cheeks were wet. Still are. Thank you for being kind and comforting and supportive.

    I’m tripping over my words here, trying to find the perfect thing to say about your beautiful post. I feel like I did at Holy Yoga the other night. It’s the gate. You opened the gate for me by being this amazing friend an ocean away. I feel like I’ve known you since way back when. I love what you said about the pot holes. Let’s not get stuck in them.

    How weird is it that we wrote similar stories this close together? Fate I suppose. Lucky me. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. And lucky me as well. I knew there was a reason why I love blogging so much and it’s meeting people just like you. Yes, I definitely feel like we have a real connection and I can’t explain why or how, when we’re worlds apart. But who’s to question friendship, when we can just enjoy! So glad you enjoyed my post Jessica and also that you were a part of it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Feel that GIANT hug??? It’s coming from have a world away, barreling into your house, and telling you that I’m sorry things are a bit hard for you right now. That is a lot to carry around. Especially about your lovely mum. Please know I think of her daily and if there is anything at all I can do, I will. I could send her a card or write her a story. Something.

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply

        1. I felt your hug! Yup, got the goosebumps and all. No need to be sorry Jessica, I’m feeling okay today. I wrote the post yesterday when I was a bit down and had the day ahead of me. We all carry things around and have to deal with them and what’s happening with mum is all just part of my journey and learning to cope. As hard as it is I’ll get through, especially with friends like you for support. Means the world to me. xo

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Love that. Some days those bags are heavier than others, but we always seem to have find the strength we need somehow.

          What you about what is happening with your mum, is part of the lesson I learned at Holy Yoga the other night. I can’t quite get words around the lesson I learned quite yet, but when I do I’m sure you’ll be reading about it. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  13. Miriam, I have been waiting for you to post. Hoping the doctor’s news that you alluded to last week wasn’t too bad. I am sure you found some solace and comfort in the beautiful words and sentiments you crafted to express your situation.
    Times like these occur in everyone’s life because that is how life is. Some really good advice I received once when the big picture is too much just think about a day at a time. And sometimes even that is too much, one very practical friend accustomed to alot of crisis and bad times says “just keep breathing”. Keep up the Zumba, walks too. And keep posting.We all, want to know you are ok. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh Louise, thank you so much, you are very sweet. Thankfully my own news from the doctors was fine, everything came back clear so that was a big relief. Hope all is well with you, thanks again for your kind words and support. I really do appreciate it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Miriam, it might feel like an awfully rough 4WD kind of road but one day you’ll look back and realize that you learnt and experienced things that you wouldn’t have if things had been easier.
    A great choice of words and pictures.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. A beautiful post, Miriam and so true. As we take on more responsibilities in life, becoming adults, then parents the road will not always be easy but it’s how we approach those obstacles that really matters. My father-in-law is now seriously ill and beyond medical help apart from making him comfortable so another bumpy road with heavy sadness ahead. Reading this gave me a lift this morning and renewed strength. Wishing your mother well and that the potholes of challenges remain few and far in-between.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m glad my post gave you a lift, Annika, but I’m also so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. What a sad time this must be for you, especially when as you say he’s beyond medical help. I send you warmest wishes, strength and love for the times ahead.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. I loved this imagery! And it is so true…sometimes the road is smooth, other times it is very, very bumpy. And then there are those unexpected detours. But as long as there is a road, and as long as we are moving along it, we have hope. Thanks, I needed to read this today!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. I needed to read this piece at exactly this very moment. Your perspective is always of so much help to me. Thank you once more for opening the gate for me and allowing me to see that I am, in fact, just where I need to be in this moment. One breath at a time. Wishing you moments of peace on your journey today. It sounds like there are many uncertainties and challenges along the path ahead. I’m thinking of you. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you Lulu and I also wish you well. We all have our days of uncertainty and worry but I always like to think there’s a light at the end of it and the way we travel along it and reach our destination depends on our outlook. Take care.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  29. Such a beautiful, inspiring post! It’s not what happens that determines our experience, it’s how we respond to what happens! I love your positive outlook so much! In the words of Emerson: “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” Sending you many blessings and wishing you healing, peace and harmony, Miriam!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Emerson was very wise and you are very kind. Thank you for your lovely words and warm wishes, I truly appreciate them and I also wish you the same. Hugs to you my friend.

      Like

      Reply

  32. There’s always something to worry over, isn’t there, Miriam? Ups, downs and sideways nudges! Not easy to keep it all in perspective but a positive outlook is a big help. Love that opening photo! Wishing you a peaceful rest of the week 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  33. Sounds like life. I try to think of each day as a new adventure. The younger me would’ve thought of life as a role playing game, where each thing I do increases my experience and gives me new skills.

    I’m about to go on a life-changing adventure. And it’s something I’ve never done before. Sure, I’ve lived in Canada before, but I’ve never experienced having my daughter there. She’ll be meeting so many family members for the first time. And she’s starting school this year, too. It’ll be so unusual to hear her speaking English most of the time, as she almost always uses Japanese these days. And I’ll be getting my first car. Nearly 40 years old, and I’ve never had a car. It’ll be interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh wow, Jay Dee, you’re in for the ride of your life. So many changes are afoot for you and your family with your move to Canada. I’m sure your daughter will adjust, most probably quicker than you will, kids are amazingly adapt. I wish you all the best with your big move. Enjoy the adventure.

      Like

      Reply

        2. She’ll make friends easily. She’s the kind of person who’ll go up to a stranger and say hi, tell them her name, and her age. She’s very outgoing and not at all shy. But she’s also too open with strangers. She considers everyone her friend, even if she’s never met them before. I admire her ability to be open to and accepting of anyone, but she’s not careful enough.

          Liked by 1 person

        3. That’s were you come in as a parent Jay Dee. Helping her to blossom and yet teaching her awareness of the world at the same time.

          Like

  37. Pingback: Going the Distance – Out an' About

  39. A nice blog post and one we enjoyed reading.
    Mr Midnight and Sir Winston, from the blog “Gilmours Nice Place”, also add that whether we believe it or not, our lives are our creation. What we make out of our lives is completely up to us. I believe that when lessons in life are difficult, then that is because we unconciously wish to embrace the experience with which to move forward. Everything has its positivity – even the uglier more tragic circumstances in our lives. Most of us have just not been brought up to deal with such a concept. All the best from the three of us over here in the magical Black Forest. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.