^{Photo by cindy capitani}

The Buddha once said, “Thought-habits can harden into character. So watch your thoughts.”

That’s my mantra for today, as sit before my Laughing Buddha. Sometimes I think he mocks me as I meditate before him. But he’s not.

The Laughing Buddha gives health, happiness, prosperity and longevity. He doesn’t mock me. He reminds me that all he offers can be mine, if I open my heart. He told me: Do the next right thing.

Last night I tried to sleep, all my past mistakes marching through my brain. Then I recalled the Buddha: “Thought-habits can harden into character. So watch your thoughts.”

Some days, I’m so productive it surprises me. And others? I dwell in the past. I dwell on the love of an old boyfriend I’ll never get back. I dwell that my sons live in Arizona and Pennsylvania. I dwell on my cat that now lives in Chatham. I dwell on past mistakes I can’t fix.

But today I will keep in mind: “Thought-habits can harden into character. So watch your thoughts.”

My thoughts today will be love. Loving everyone. Loving strangers. I will hug every old lady in the nursing home today. I will love the people who cut me off. And I will love that horrible ramp from Kennedy Blvd. to Rt. 495 (you have to be from Hudson County to understand that). I will love that crowded, horn-honking ramp and let everyone in front of me.

A speaker at a retreat said everyone should carry a bottle of bubbles. She said open the window, blow bubbles into the traffic. The horns will stop. Everyone will look. Windows will open as drivers, passengers and kids try to catch them, hoping they’ll float closer.

Today I will buy bubbles. And keep my thoughts on love.

I can’t change the past. But I can make today a good day.

I will watch my thoughts and remember that if I do the next right thing … health, happiness, prosperity and longevity can be my future. And I will remember I can’t change the past. Or make anyone forgive me.

Today I will blow bubbles. And think only of love.

 Check out this Lucinda Williams video "Blessed." It's a series of videos, each one more moving than the next.(See her website for more.)