How to Bloom Where You're Planted

"Truly charity has no limit; for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by His Spirit dwelling in each one of us, calling us to a life of devotion and inviting us to bloom in the garden where He has planted and directing us to radiate the beauty and spread the fragrance of His Providence."
— Saint Francis de Sales

Are you the type of person that lets the negative circumstances and challenges you face determine your level of happiness? Do you believe that you'll be happy when you land the next big promotion, save enough money, or find the soul mate you been looking for?

While positive goals drive you forward, it's important to learn to bloom where you're planted.

Instead of letting your circumstances dictate how you feel, let the joy you have on the inside shine forth. No matter where you are, find the good in it. Remember all that you have to be grateful for, instead of focusing on the feeling that there's always something missing.

To bloom where you're planted, look for the good in every challenge you face. Some of the wealthiest people feel empty because they don't have the unconditional love of others, their health, or other things that money simply can't buy. And, some of the poorest people in the world are the happiest. Why? Because they choose to find the good and focus on it.

When thinking about blooming right where you are, ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you have that you can be thankful for?
• Do you have a place to live and enough to eat?
• Are you employed? Can you pay your bills?
• Do you have your health?
• Are there people who love you, and whom you love in return?
• Do you practice your faith to help you with positive energy?

What You Think About Yourself Matters

How you look at the world and your level of confidence in yourself can affect what you achieve in life. People who act as though they're happy often are, because their lives follow their actions. Choose to find the great aspects of any challenge you face. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on possible solutions until you achieve the results you desire.

Speak well about yourself also. Spoken and written words have tremendous power. Those words can shape entire lives when people take them to heart. On the other hand, if you internalize negative words, everything you could be grateful for will seem insignificant. That negativity will make you feel discouraged and dissatisfied. Instead, take only positive words into your heart.

Positive words, whether spoken by you or spoken over you by someone else, can help to shape your life. You can bloom beautifully where you are right now. Move forward toward your goals and continue to improve, but remember that abundant joy and peace can be found in every situation or circumstance. Start looking for the joy right where you are.

Your beliefs about yourself and the world around you shape your destiny. What you think is intimately connected to how you feel. Think life-affirming thoughts and you'll feel more alive. Think thoughts of gloom and discouragement and you'll feel unhappy.

Decide today to enjoy the precious, present moment. In the grand scheme of things, the glass is neither half empty nor half full. You'll be happy and successful when you consciously choose to be where you are and nowhere else. Today, choose to be present and conscious in every moment. When you do, you'll bloom where you're planted.