Here is a collection of thoughts that have already been shared on my blog in the past, but I am stitching them all together since they all share a common theme.
You may have control of your life, but you cannot control your environment. You cannot control the economy, trends, family circumstances, accidents, unexpected expenses, and the weather of life. You cannot control other people and their moods, personal situations, or issues. You cannot control biases or changes in your industry of choice. You cannot even control jealousy and envy in others. However, you can control your own STRENGTH to get back up and START AGAIN.
Destiny is manifested only through action. You cannot be the captain of your own destiny, only the sailor, because we cannot control external influences that may alter the stability or direction of our ships. Once you understand this basic principle, you won't be so hard on yourself when things don't go your way. If man could write his own fate, he would have designed his journey to be without obstacles. Yet all obstacles come with valuable lessons designed just for you and only you. Suffering is imposed on us time and again so that one day we would become brave wise masters. Faith keeps our ships moving, while empathy and the memories of our experiences lead to wisdom.
Keep creating new chapters in your personal book and never stop
re-inventing and perfecting yourself. Try new things. Pick up new
hobbies and books. Travel and explore other cultures. Never stay in the
same city or state for more than five years of your life. There are many
heavens on earth waiting for you to discover. Seek out people with
beautiful hearts and minds, not those with just beautiful style and
bodies. The first kind will forever remain beautiful to you, while the
other will grow stale and ugly. Learn a new language at least twice.
Change your career at least thrice, and change your location often. Like
all creatures in the wild, we were designed to keep moving. When a
snake sheds its old skin, it becomes a more refined creature. Never stop
refining and re-defining yourself. Transformations are an integral
part of life. Just look at the seasons or the weather.
And lastly, our hearts resonate at the same frequency as the earth and the universe. Therefore, we are all valuable instruments in the orchestration of the world and its harmony. We must always be aware of the vibrations we emit individually and collectively. Always be in command of your music. Only you can control and shape its tone. If life throws you a few bad notes or vibrations, don't let them interrupt or alter your song.
Suzy Kassem (c) Writings from 2002-2010