We Are Like Actors in a Play

"All the world's a stage, 
And all the men and women merely players." - Shakespeare, As You Like it.

"We're actors in our lives, pretending to be
who we want people to think we are." - Simone Elkeles, author of Perfect Chemistry.

Just like an actor in a play or a movie, you have a role in your life. God is like a casting director who decides which character you will play in the big production called "life" - your life. Every person on this planet is in the same boat, meaning in the same situation, but not necessarily in the same movie. Your movie is unlike anyone else's. And while the Divine has assigned you a role without consulting you, you  can edit the script by making choices. You have a certain freedom, even though you may not be able change your body, your mind, your talents, your aspirations. Reflect on all the people that have lived, are living and will live in the future. Some will act in a short drama, others in a long one. Some lives resembles a tragedy, some a comedy at times... 

Although you can't always control the role that's been given to you, you can act as best as you possibly can and avoid complaining about it. Be grateful that you can take part in this production. You were chosen for this part, as God knew that you were totally suited for it! So no matter how difficult it seems at times, just being able to participate in this adventure is a unique and mind-blowing opportunity. From now on, whatever your circumstances, think about the big picture: your movie. Aim at giving an impeccable performance, but don't beat yourself up if you make mistakes... 

Even though you're playing a role, there is no need to be phoney. Ultimately, you'll be the spectator of your life, and you'll be pleased to see someone you can relate to, someone you can empathise with. If you're in harmony with who you really want to be, your true self, your performance will be genuine. You'll be able to look into your own eyes without apprehension. Put the past behind you and don't dwell on sad times, on injustices or missed opportunities. Move forward and live in this moment, looking ahead for good things to come.

Be kind and generous and forgiving - but don't try to please others at all cost. What they think about you makes no difference to who you are and what you're experiencing. Appreciate this role, this life you've been given and just be yourself.

With all my love,

Bella

Painting: "Arlequin, Pierrot and Scapin" by Antoine Watteau, French painter, 1716 (Wikipaintings)

Happiness Can Only Be Found Within

"Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitudes." - Dale Carnegie

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx

Freedom may be the only worthy goal in life, and it is won by not paying attention to things that lie beyond your control. You can't have a joyful heart if your mind is full of fear and insecurity. 

Your happiness depends on three things, and all of them are within your power: your will, your ideas concerning events in which you're involved, and the use you make of these ideas. 

Genuine happiness is always independent of external conditions. This is why you need to practice being indifferent to them. What's happening is not worth mulling over if it's not desirable in your eyes. Disregard negative evidence and cling to your inner reality, no matter what. This is the only way you will find the authentic happiness you're seeking.

It's easy to be mislead by appearances. Job titles, degrees, honours, fame, fancy possessions, designer clothes and good looks can be deceiving. Don't make the mistake of assuming that celebrities, public figures, political leaders, the wealthy, or people with great intellectual or artistic gifts are necessarily happy! To do so is to allow yourself to be manipulated by appearances. It will do nothing for your confidence and self-esteem; it will only make you doubt yourself. Never make any assumptions about others, even if they seem very successful. 

Real satisfaction only comes from things that are under your own control. Keep this in mind, and you'll never find yourself envious of other people, or feeling sorry for yourself. You won't blame others or your circumstances for your problems, but you will begin to take responsibility for the way you feel. You won't compare yourself and your accomplishments to others any more. 

Stop wanting to be anyone other than your own best self: this is something that's within your control, something you can achieve, today and every day... This is your path to freedom and a happiness greater than anything you've experienced so far!

With much love and best wishes,

Bella

Photo by Bella Tindale

Practice Being Optimistic

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope."- Helen Keller

"He who is in harmony with himself is in harmony with the universe." - Marcus Aurelius


When something happens to you, you tend to react immediately, based on the emotion you feel. You think, "This person was very rude to me. Now I'm upset!" The thought comes first, then the emotion. You interpret a situation in a certain way then respond to it emotionally, which in turn makes you take action. You might get angry or simply walk away, eyes downcast, with a bad feeling in your stomach...

Reacting with negative emotion creates anger, fear, jealousy, boredom, annoyance, frustration and even despair. All these feelings have nothing to do with what's happening on the outside. The process begins in the mind. Bodily sensations follow and this is the beginning of disease ("dis-ease"). Stress causes more illnesses than all the viruses and bacterias put together!

To avoid this gloomy scenario, practice being optimistic. It's often easier said than done, but it is possible, even in the midst of a not-so pleasant situation.  Have trust in the Flow of Life, and trust that the end result of this event or problem will be to your benefit, not your detriment. In the end, everything will be all right. When you focus on a problem, you feel bad - but when you focus on a solution or a positive outcome you immediately feel better. 

In optimism there is magic, but in pessimism there is nothing. In positive expectation there is elation and success. But in pessimism or the acknowledgement of what is not wanted there is absolutely nothing, just more negativity. Redefine your relationship with Life today. Do it now, because this is the only time you can do it. Not tomorrow and not next year. 

You don't need to lie to yourself, to say that something is exactly the way you want it when it's not. All you need to do is look at things in a different light, from a different perspective. Think about topics you find interesting and appealing. Visit new places and talk to different people. Do whatever makes you feel good and in harmony with the Stream of Life.

Familiarise yourself with the joy of being alive and being one with the Universe and remember: whatever you give out will come back to you a hundredfold...

With much love,

Bella

Photo by Nina Tindale