Turning the page

by Deidra Mills
(Denton, TX)

Deidra Mills

Change is inevitable. The more you grow, the more your story grows. With every person you meet, a new paragraph begins. With every day you live, a new page is turned. So, how does the story end?

We will find that out when our day comes, but in the meantime, we should focus on the current chapter in our lives. Some of the events that I have encountered may have seemed insignificant at the time, but each experience contributes to who I am as a person.

There is a saying, “If you don’t like something, change it…and if you still don’t like it, change the way you think about it!” I really like this because a lot of how we feel is based on our mindset. If you are feeling sad, you can make a choice to feel good.

It’s that simple! The only thing holding you back is yourself.

So, how do we implement such change if we generally see the glass as half empty? It can happen with practice. Like any good thing worth having, you simply have to work for it.

Here is something to ponder...I am studying about the physics of the universe in an astronomy class and learned that the dust that makes up a star is the same matter that is within each of us. So when people say that the universe is inside you they are absolutely correct.

It’s incredible that we are all connected by this matter inside of us. So shouldn’t that make us FEEL connected to one another? Perhaps it should, but we might be too intertwined in our own lives to even notice.


Sometimes, I am so busy that I run through my life with blinders on. I can’t spare a moment to look up because I have my mind on too many things at once. It’s hard to appreciate what’s out there when are consumed by your own thoughts. The way to slow down a bit (and appreciate yourself in the process), is to recognize the times when you say negative things to yourself and change it into something positive. For example, many of us may think that we are not good enough or that we are not smart enough, however, the instant that you think that negative thought, it repeats itself, and expands until you actually believe this! So, why not change the way you think? Is that possible? The answer is yes.

It may seem too simple, but all you have to do is say something positive about yourself in the place of the negative thought. I tend to think that I am not good enough. I think that my body is not the right size or I’m not where I should be in in life. In order to neutralize these thoughts I remind myself that I am beautiful inside and out.

You may think this sounds "cheesy but after doing the following exercise several times it will get easier and you will believe that you really are beautiful inside and out. Do you know why that is? The answer is simple: because you are beautiful!

Try it. Look into the mirror, and just “see” the person in front of you. If negative thoughts flood your vision, close your eyes, and say, “I am beautiful.” Repeat this a few times. Now, open your eyes again. How do you feel? After a few attempts at this you will begin to notice the mantra’s positive influence on you.

For every negative thought, there is a positive one. You can choose what type of day you want to have by changing your thoughts.

Life has many paths, and you should enjoy every step on the path you have chosen! Cheers!