Here I sit, pen in hand, invoking the “Black Swan – the impossible bird” which is the theme of this month’s magazine. When I was asked to write an article for Life Online, I was very reluctant as I did not think I was capable of writing. However, inspired by the story of the Black Swan, I decided to take a chance and embark on my journey of discovery.

I now share the following reflections which I hope may resonate with you.

During my 69 years of life, I have been blessed with untold abundance. I have had challenges along the way. Who has not? None of us are free from obstacles but, oh my word, have I had joy and abundance aplenty! Finding the strength to overcome adversity may seem impossible, but I have found that simply living in the present moment is the only way to face these challenges. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and fear of the future was foremost in my mind, I realized that all I needed was to face the present moment. By not focusing on some future suffering and perhaps death, I realized that all I needed to do was to live in the present moment. We always have the necessary strength to cope in the present moment. It is fear of the future that is difficult to cope with.

Focus on all your blessings and appreciate the abundance you have. If you think that it is “impossible” to live an abundant, happy life, think again! As Mary Webb wrote,

The well of Providence is deep, it is only the buckets we bring to it that are small.

You measure your abundance by the pattern of your thinking. Start with Gratitude. Think of everything you have to be grateful for. It all comes back to your thought patterns, and it is not “impossible” to change your thoughts. After all, who is the Thinker of your thoughts? As you take charge of your thoughts, you open doors to the impossible. “I can’t control my thoughts!” you say.

Of course, you can! Who is in charge, you or your thoughts? Refuse to let any situation or thought limit your greater experience of good. Open your mind now – do not procrastinate! Life should be a joyous adventure – you decide. Remember, you will always succeed in experiencing the content of your thoughts. Control the nature of your thoughts. One of the most challenging things to master is your thinking, but you alone can do that.

Think positive thoughts, have a positive mental attitude. Build on the conviction that your thoughts always create your experience. Every thought is the start of a new sequence of events – each moment a new beginning. So, start now and make your life a joyful, abundant experience – it is not “impossible”. Refuse to let yourself be influenced by negative thinking, think only of things that benefit you. Expect only good things to happen to you.

Few of us realize how great we are, what power we have!

To believe your own thoughts, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men – that is genius.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson.

What we think about ourselves and the joy we get from living depends on how our minds filter our experiences. Our happiness depends on inner harmony and not on the control we can exert over the forces of the Universe.

So, I challenge you to do the “impossible” – take control of your thoughts, practice gratitude and start living an abundant life. You will then discover your “Black Swan”!

Author