Joy & Madness side by side
Existing under common sky
Life & death a path designed
Like love & hate thus intertwined
Make man & woman so inclined
Nature sees not differences
Comforts both in subsequence
Choice is yours to procure
Planted seeds in time mature
Marked by hands with true intent
Things will always change; to succeed you must focus your intention with unwavering determination. When hard times appear, it’s good to remember why you choose to live in Belize. As things change it’s important to know what has true value. When we are aware we get constant reminders. For Instance; last week sitting on the water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro I was reacquainted to the beauty of Belize through the eyes of three Asian travelers.
Mostly local on the boat except for these three cruise ship exports, they were eager to take it all in before they ran out of time. Chirping and chattering excited, they fired off questions to the local sitting beside them. Enthusiastically they chimed, “Is the water always this nice?” Can we see fish at the reef?” “Can we swim and where is the best beach?” the conversation continued and my mind drifted to other thoughts. We sometimes get lost in our heads about things we need to do and forget to look outside and live in the moment. Listening to tourists remind us of the beauty that surrounds us every day. Change is constant especially in San Pedro. As the economy shifts we are experiencing a different reality, but we can keep ourselves focused by remembering why we choose to live on La Isla Bonita. When things get hard and we feel we are suffering it’s important to remember to endure gracefully. Living on a tropical island is enduring gracefully.
As I turn my head to look at the excited tourists’ as our boat slowed down to dock in San Pedro, I overheard one of them say, “You live in paradise!!” Looking around at how they see it. Yes! It is paradise. As I walked down the dock to the sandy beach, one of the locals said, “Boy, business is bad! Right then I experienced the concept of perceptions. Some people choose to suffer badly, always complaining about the obvious. Others choose to see what has true meaning and endure nicely.
There are many reasons we could suffer, finances, physical pain, family, emotions, depression to name a few, how we manage it is what counts. When we can accept what is in the present moment we develop a deep perspective and the capacity to transform our circumstances. We as spirit in human form will experience suffering in our lives. How we react to these experiences is what makes the difference. Spiritual and creative growth is not always smooth. Most often they come with pain. It’s all part of personal transformation on the way to a better you. Whenever they happen it’s important to look for the “Golden nuggets of wisdom”. Every aspect of suffering holds wisdom.
I don’t know about you, but for now as things change, I choose to focus on the beauty in Belize and endure gracefully. Today remember to count your Blessings.
Excerpt from “Secrets To Life Book” by Chris Emmanuel
Book available at Chris Emmanuel Art Gallery (Sunbreeze Hotel) and Pages Book Store
