The Windshield View

I have heard the saying on more than one occasion that there is a reason a car has a very large windshield glass versus the rearview mirror, which is quite small and completely its opposite.  Over the course of reading many motivational messages, I have been reminded that my future is looking forward and as a result, should have the largest view possible.  In contrast our past has been lived and although there may be some moments that were less than pleasant or just plain difficult, the rearview mirror reminds us that looking backwards should have a view that pales in comparison to what lies ahead.  I am always glad to see a version of this message in looking at material that speaks to me, because I can never tire of being reminded about focusing on what comes next.  Having said that, we just began a brand-New Year 2018 and I am of the belief that the large windshield view, is clear and full of promise.  So many things can occur during the course of twelve months and every time I get to celebrate a new January 1st, I am also reminded of those that are no longer able to celebrate along with us, as they have ended their journey here and I have an expectation that they will await to greet us on the other side.  For me the future can be filled with optimism since we don't know what it holds in store for us, I then choose to have great expectations of the good things to come.  How those things will manifest somehow in my life is always a surprise, but nonetheless, an expected one. Within the last twelve months, I can recall some trying moments that if I focused on them, could change my perspective about the type of year I had.  More importantly, there were many more instances that were filled with happiness that I have catalogued those in my memory as they will serve me well, if I get to one of those days that needs some cheering up down the road.  When you are thinking about the possibilities that lie ahead, I hope that you do so with a smile on your face and wonderful thoughts about how life can get even better.  This thinking brought to mind how an old friend taught me to buy a lottery ticket on a routine basis.  The reason was not necessarily focused on winning the big jackpot, rather this friend of mine instead asked me what I would do with all of that money.  With her, I would contemplate for extended periods of time that we would pay off our home, or buy a new one.  The world would be our playground with this windfall as we could see many of the places that looked spectacular in magazines and on travel blogs, in person. After we finished with our dreams being said out loud, she would then tell me that this one dollar that was spent on this ticket, was the best therapy that money could buy.  I never forgot that lesson and the many smiles that have come with those purchases and to this day, I still buy a lottery ticket on a routine basis. In doing so, I smile as I think about the future and whether the windfall comes or not, I am quite happy to be in the present moment looking forward through my clear large and spotless windshield view.  As we begin what I hope will be a prosperous year for everyone ahead, I also hope that you clean off any things from your view that may not serve you anymore.  Just like a regular windshield, periodically we need to give it a good cleaning, so that we can see with better clarity at what great things lie ahead.    
 

“My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue, an everlasting vision of the ever changing view”. -Carole King