We are what we think

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” – Buddha

I have always believed that your thoughts control your path. The stories you share with others define your life. Life is just as you say it is.

The thing is – sometimes I just can’t seem to shake the thoughts bouncing in my head. The “What If?’s” are often louder than the “here and nows”. I’m finding that sometimes the concerns I have, the stresses about the future, and the daunting to do list seem to cause more chaos on my mind than it’s worth. If I could just clear out those thoughts, I could easily find focus, and could hopefully live happily in the present.

Sometimes thoughts of the past and the future seem too powerful or too alluring or too grand not to entertain them for a while, or in some cases, fight through the stress they bring.

I used to struggle with this issue more frequently, but then I finally relaxed and started to just enjoy exactly where I was in life. I'm not sure exactly when the shift started, but I find myself back in ways of old. Certainly, some days are grand. Some days, I feel distant. Perhaps it's my indecision. Perhaps it's my impossible expectations for myself. Perhaps it's just an impatience to feel "at home" for the first time in my life.

I'm anxious to find my calm again... to clear my mind and find the shadow of joy again.