"Wrinkles mean you laughed, grey hair means you cared, and scars mean you lived."

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In the last month, my friend, I have noticed a few more wrinkles, encountered a new grey hair and earned a new scar from my quarterly dermatology appointment.  I'm fond of this quote as it puts a positive spin on each of these three inevitable physical aspects of Life.  In reality, each one can be scientifically explained through the aging process and the human journey.  But what of our figurative wrinkles, grey hair and scars in Life?

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In these past few days, my friend, I have either witnessed vicariously or directly these three elements multply in my life and it has caused me to take pause and reflect...

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The figurative wrinkles of daily mental obstacles that I have either ignored, brushed off or diminished.

The figurative grey hairs of unconscious worries that play themselves out in my dreams.

The figurative scars that I have unintentionally and intentionally caused to others and to myself.

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I know, that may be too deep for a week day, but it is where I am at... and where are you, my friend?

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* What mental/emotional obstacles have you ignored recently that simply need a greater boost of determination?

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As Clarence Blasier has stated so simply, "The obstacles you face are mental barriers which can be broken by adopting a more positive approach."  Often times we make the mole hill a mountain because of our own personal overlay on a situation.  Pull back the mental dark clouds and you may better see a brighter day and moment in front of you.

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* What figurative grey hairs of worry have you been suppressing, my friend?

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As I have told my friends and children, "When you feel you're 'drowning' in life's situations, don't worry.  Your Life Guard walks on water."  90% of what we worry about never occurs and as for the 10% that unfold, it is powerful opportunity for personal faith to emerge.

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* What figurative scars have you recently caused to yourself and to those around you, my friend?

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There is a wonderful quote that eloquently states, "Every scar has a life of its own and a space in my heart."

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My friend, befriend those emotional scars and forgive yourself so you can have a peaceful space in your heart.  Make amends with those you may have scarred so they can also maintain a peaceful space in their heart... and ask for forgiveness.

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And after you have done so with all three elements, as I have attempted to do, refocus on the laughter, caring and "living" of your life, my friend.

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