Blessing or tribulation? The things that occur in your life – the events, people and experiences that the Universe brings to you – may light up your life, or they may light the fires of resentment and indignation. Ironically, the only difference is the attitude you bring to the exchange.

Here’s a little piece from Russ Hamel’s blog that I think you’ll like. It’s about how you receive those benefits you’ve been asking the Universe for.

$100 A Day – In Pennies!
By Russ Hamel

Are You a Victim?

Back in 2000 just before I declared personal bankruptcy, I experienced some very aggressive creditors. I did my best to contact them; to explain my situation; to make alternative arrangements that we could both live with.

One creditor in particular was tired of waiting. Admittedly, I was chronically behind with this particular company and now they were calling my loan. They were tired of my excuses. They were no longer willing to wait. They wanted to be paid in full… NOW! (The amount – $30,000)

I hated being in that place. I had no one to blame but myself. However, as most “victim-type” people, I still saw THEM as the enemy. I used to fantasize about paying them off… in pennies! With utmost revenge in my heart, I visualized dumping a truckload of pennies into my collection agent’s office. ‘there’s your money, you miserable…” I would imagine myself saying as I watched with glee at her shocked and overwhelmed expression.

Is it any wonder why I went bankrupt?

Bankrupt In Every Way

At that same time I was experiencing health and relationship challenges that would eventually lead me to chemotherapy and divorce respectively. I was really bankrupt in every way – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

For years leading up to this point I was constantly chasing the one big thing that would make me happy. I was looking for my $100, and the Universe was paying it to me in pennies. And just as I imagined the shock on my collection agent’s face, my own expression was truly unappreciative and most ungrateful.

• I blew right past people who were smiling at me as if they were invisible. I couldn’t stand their happiness. Pennies.
• Compliments… “What, this old thing? You”re making fun of me now.” Pennies.
• Whenever I got a greeting card for birthdays or holidays, I would read it, grunt and throw it away immediately, instead of basking in the loving intentions of the sender. “Pennies”, I thought. “I”ll only be happy when I get my $100″.
• I was especially ungrateful when receiving gifts. I had no use for impractical things – knick-knacks and such. Clutter! What a waste of money. Immediately into the trash they would go. Pennies.
• The sound of children laughing and having fun… “Hey, be QUIET in there!” Pennies.
• Invitations to dinner… “I”m busy that day.” “Well, what about another day.” “I”m busy THAT day too… hey, don’t you get it. I don’t want to go with you!” Pennies.
• A thoughtful parent brought me a coffee one day. I refused it, pointing to my little coffee maker smugly saying, “I make my own.” I didn’t even say thank you for your thoughtfulness. Pennies.

The Universe was paying me $100 a day, every single day… in pennies. I continued to tell the Universe through my resentment that I would only accept a crisp, new $100 bill. I was calling my loan. Pay it all… NOW!

And just like in a bankruptcy, I got pennies on the dollar.

Accept Payments in ALL Denominations

Today when my family goes out for a walk together, we inevitably find some coins on the ground. Even if it’s only a penny, you might think we found a million dollars. I am learning how to transfer that feeling of excitement and gratitude to every thing that happens to me in life. I realize that the Universe always has and always will pay me my $100 every single day… in pennies.

• The sky was so blue last night on our walk. Pennies.
• The air was warm and the soft breeze was refreshing. Pennies.
• We discovered a new park in the woods where the little one could play. Maggie and I chatted on the park bench, basking in the beautiful quiet surroundings. Pennies.
• We all held hands on our walk. The feeling of love and closeness was euphoric. Pennies.

And that was just our walk.

No, we didn’t find any coins on the sidewalk last night. But we didn’t have to. There were “pennies” everywhere.

Do the math… it takes 10,000 pennies to make $100. That’s 10,000 ways the Universe is delivering happiness every single day. You gotta Love That Feeling!

P.S. FACT: $100 in pennies weighs 27.5 kg or 60.63 lbs. WOW!

P.P.S. Paying off that $30,000 loan would require 3 MILLION pennies; 8,250.5 kg or 18,189 lbs.

All the best from Toronto,
Russ and Maggie

The world can seem like a crazy place sometimes…
OK, a LOT of the time! However, no matter what is going on in your life, magic happens when you learn how to choose better feelings now!
You’re Gonna Love That Feeling

Back to Charles:
I once knew a lady, a long-time student of helf help material, who was so virulently negative that even the most wonderful things in her life were treated as great impositions. She was aggressively resistant to finding the good in ANYTHING. She had no friends, and no coach would work with her for more than a session or two. She was just so determined that life was crap.

Here she was, wading through huge piles of pennies, and cursing all those obstacles clogging her path.

it’s easy to get into the habit of thinking only one way. We all do that. And it can be hard, sometimes, to break loose and see things in a different way. But do you actively fight all new ideas? Do you resist the urge to turn loose once in a while and just be happy for no reason?

Maybe you feel like you just don’t know how.

The “how” is simple. Spend more time around people who are cheerful, happy and positive. If you’ll pay attention, their attitude will rub off on you.

It really is that easy. Unless you’re so determinedly negative that you chase all your would-be benefactors away. If you find that happening – if positive people won’t even stay around you – then my one suggestion is: Stuff a sock in it. Just shut up and listen more, dammit.

Allow more input. Don’t fight it. And that input? Just so you don’t forget, it’ll probably be all in pennies.

Cheers from warm and smiling Thailand,
Charles

Related Posts:

1. How to Be Happy Despite the Holidays
2. Daily Motivation For A Happy Life