The Travelers Gift (x2)

Ok, so I've read some more of this thought-provoking book. Imagine that? We left off after the first two decisions that determine personal success. David started his little journey through time and space with President Harry Truman learning "The Buck Stops Here." Then he ventured over to King Solomon being given the 2nd decision: "I Will Seek Wisdom." Okie dokie... After these encounters David is thrown into the civil war meeting with Colonel Chamberlain; a name which I honestly did not recognize. Before you go getting your panties all in a twist I know full-well what prompted the Civil War, and the outcome. I do not however remember all the military folk, where they fought, why, ect and so on. Back to the point: David is given the 3rd decision of personal success by Col. Chamberlain: "I Will Be A Person of Action". Col. Chamberlain taught him this by leading the Yanks in a full on Charge against the Rebels. They were greatly out-numbered by their opposition and in the face of all this, Col Chamberland refused to die retreating, instead he gave the order to charge, bayonets at the ready and the "Rebs" retreated.

David learned not to put off for tomorrow what can be done today. Yet another idea I love, and will work better at going forward. (:

Next David finds himself in a musty ol' room not nearly large enough for the 8 people it housed. The only person who saw him (oh- I forgot to mention that while Dave is being transported from place to place the only people who can see and talk with David are the ones he's there to see, King Solomon, Truman, ect) was a young girl. The young girl was none other than Ms. Anne Frank. This brave and amazing little girl teaches David the 4th decision: "I Will Choose To Be Happy."

Anne Frank shows David that your circumstances do not have to dictate your mood and that optimism is never lost unless you allow it to be. She tells David that he must decide to be happy at the start of everyday- and he will be; that he must smile in the face of fear and defeat.

Personally I have been working at being happier across the board for a while now. Honestly when something urks me or I'm just in a pissy mood I tell myself that it doesn't matter and screw it, and that I am happy. My theory is sort of "Fake it, till you make it." I keep telling myself that I'm happy and before I know I am. For years I laughed at people like (who I am now)... people running around telling themselves things don't matter. But I learned that I am responsible for my life, my choices and much like David learned with his first visit (and first decision) that if I am happy I'll make better choices for myself and my happiness will continue.

I am not saying that everything is ALWAYS ok or that I am always happy... hell no. That's just unrealistic. I am also not saying that we should just turn a blind eye to real and potentially stressful situations... but even these situations do not have to bring you down emotionally! (: So, far I'm loving this book. You should all go check it out.

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A few days ago I started the backyard. Well, since then it's rained everyday so it was put on hold. Today no rain, back to some nice weather (probably just in time for JLC and her Hubs to head out of town, ha haha) so I ventured out this morning. That was short-lived. I give up! My back hurts! Yes, I'm whining- get over it! I've decided to just rent a Rotor-tiller the beginning of next week. My pops is going to help me pick it up and drop it off and I'll get it done all by my lonesome! (: I'm still proud of myself for getting it done on my own. Just because I'm not doing it by hand doesn't mean ANYTHING!! I am woman hear my roar... or something.