NaBloPoMo: Make...Lemonade?

Hybrid lemons in my fridge

Today's NaBloPoMo prompt is as follows: "What do you think of the idea 'if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' Do you think it's always possible to make something bad into something good?"

"If life gives you lemons, make lemonade" is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune due to lemons usually being bitter, and lemonade being a sweet drink.

I certainly don't consider myself an expert at using (life's) lemons to make lemonade, though I would say my mother is a great example of this. I think she is a natural born fighter, a strong woman who firmly believes, "where there's a will, there's a way!."

Now that I write that, I think I do have this too at times. In particular when I have a goal, usually clear in my mind, I am resolute in accomplishing it. Nothing can stop me!

It's of course much easier in hindsight to see the sweetness that has come out of bitterness in life more often than not. Forgiveness is key. And sometimes that takes time.

I do my best of course (that's all I can do) - I'm not perfect - to forgive others and myself, to have faith and belief in myself, i.e., my abilities as well as in life to believe that I can make lemonade really well or sweet(ened) lemon tea (hot or cold) or whatever I choose to do with them, like juggling! Woohoo! (I do that sometimes!) However, I have the belief that things will always work out in the end.

In the meantime, I may stumble and fall, complain at times, until I have had enough. Enough of hurting (emotionally/mentally/spiritually/physically), enough of feeling sorry for myself, enough of whatever situation.

"Enough is enough!" or "I've had enough!" are two such thoughts that cross my mind from time to time that propel me to kick my own butt so-to-speak, get moving, and use the lemons handed to me wisely.

From sweetopia.net

As I'm writing this, I am coming to a realization. The way through having bitter lemons is to ask a question or questions. For instance, "How can I do this?" or "What do I need to do in order to ...?" (fill in the blank)

So there, now you have a tip, a tool to help you make wonderful lemonade or what you will. So go on and enjoy those lemons!

By the way, I highly recommend this hybrid lemon (see photo above) which is a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange - they are plump, ripe, and juicy - or sweet lemons: ooh, so delectable and they both smell so good too! ;)

Do you make lemonade out of the lemons in your life or what do you do with them?

Don't Worry, Be Happy

When I was growing up and even at times 'today' - these days - happiness seemed so elusive. It seemed like everyone else was happy, happier than me.

Years ago when I had my spiritual awakening (see blog posting, http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/12/well-i-did-it-again-i-cant-believe-it.html), I had a strong inner knowing (i.e., intuitively) that I could have written a book on the key to happiness as I realized why during that experience. It was so simple, yet we - yes, myself very much included - tend to complicate things, including life. (Hmmm, if I had written that book, would I have been as successful as Eckhart Tolle? ;))

I am not giving the key away, not so fast! However, I will tell you that oftentimes, I look externally outside myself for happiness. When I do this, happiness is elusive. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. This may be not the best analogy, but the only one I can think of right now.

Most of you, perhaps all of you, can relate to this at one point or another in your life. This can be hard to admit, after all who wants to admit that they're wrong?!

As a result and in my search for happiness, I have come to learn that it is simply a matter of choice. (This is not the key I am referring to above, though one of them.)

We can choose, despite the weather or our current mood, what will it be today: a smile or a frown? being loving and caring or cold and callous? being generous or stingy? You get the idea.

Hint: For Vancouverites, Londoners, and the like, rain is much preferred than a flood or tidal wave, right? It's a matter of perspective. So, be happy with what you've got/been given.

Though the "grass is always greener on the other side", it's not always that way though it may appear to be. For example, though you may admire someone, you probably wouldn't want the problems he/she deals with (which may be hidden under the surface or not at all). Everyone has their own unique challenges to cope with, including you. What you have is perfect for you whether you like it or not. Best to make the most of it: "suck it up princess!" (Not sure what they say for guys.)

When life gives you lemons, how can you make lemonade? Or phrased another way, what choice can you make no matter what life hands you? How can you make your world, your life, and that of others a better and happier place?

*NB: I prefer to use the word 'happiness' rather than joy as the latter denotes supreme or ecstatic happiness whereas this blog posting is about everyday-kind-of happiness. :) And I'm not perfect: I'm still a work in progress! ;)