Usually I would jump right on something like this from a policy perspective. I’m in Paris on an amazing vacation and have very deliberately not been consuming any news or thinking about things back home (except for the way my brain automatically makes comparisons between what I see here and what’s happening at home–France is coming out ahead). I have several donations set on a recurring basis so i’m always taking action in that way.
Family and friends matter to me. I sent a happy birthday message today to my brother whose birthday it is so that was one action. I’ve been sending messages and pictures to my husband, daughters, and two best friends while I travel to stay connected with them and that also matters.
Today I supported an organization that helps woman of domestic violence go to a shelter that allows their pets. Many women in abusive situations will not leave their abuser as they have no where to go that will take their animals. If they leave the animal- they fear for the safety of their pet with their abuser. Thankfully, I have never been the victim of domestic violence…if I were I know that I would NEVER leave my dog/cat. Most shelters do not allow pets and today research shows that this needs to change and change is happening. Red Rover is an organization that helps pets as well as helping victims get shelter with their pet or having their pet go to a kennel or safe place. I love animals and believe everyone should be safe. I am fortunate to be able to help in a small way.
I try to live my life according to my principles.
Practicing kindness. The truth is, my labor and earnings have gone on to fund horrors around the world. Not with my direct permission, but with my indirect complicity. This weighs heavily on me.
I will continue to speak out and make my viewpoint clear and I will attempt to listen without judgment.
That’s probably the most difficult part.
It would be great
if we could choose what venue
we would like our taxes to support . . .
this country
would be a much kinder place.
I’m with you,
dear Charlie,
but try to accept what is beyond me to change. ♥
If it’s any comfort, your taxes have also funded museums, scientific research, national parks, education, healthcare, housing, clean water and much more. Yes, that’s the smaller part of the budget, but it is there. I wish we had a way of voting via the 1040 for where our taxes go directly so that as an individual taxpayer, I could put my money to the things that matter to me. But that’s not how our system works. And it wouldn’t be dependable funding for the people who work in all these agencies.
You are not alone, Charlie. I agree completely with you and feel the same way. I continue to speak out…but it seems my voice is not heard in this present culture…but I will not be silenced.
Charlie, I hope you can be compassionate with yourself about complicity. Our tax system is coercive, as anyone who doesn’t pay finds out the hard way. You’re in a double bind, where the threat of economic violence looms over you if you don’t pay taxes, but paying taxes means your money automatically goes into things in which you’ve never had a say. Non-compliance means leaving the country, facing personal economic sanction, laundering money, or being a billionaire and using tax havens. I applaud you for speaking out, making your viewpoint clear, and continuing to listen without judgment. Even those things are a lift, given the situation most regular people living in the US are in. You’re doing good work.
I will be out and about today and will do my best to stay aware of those I meet and treat them with loving kindness. May I be open, be willing, to listen and no matter what I choose to say, say it with Love.
Inviting the grateful-group I am hosting for another meeting, hoping to be able to be of support for them. It might be a bit difficult again, as I am unable to host it the usual day of a month, but may be a date close to this will be doing it. Thank you for this question.
Dear Claire, my group is held in a hybrid setting in German language. If you wish, you might search at the Grateful Gatherings Directory if there is a group close to you for personal attendenace or online in your language! here is the link: https://grateful.org/gatherings/directory/ Wishing you a good day!
I’m with Ngoc in that “I love the feeling of what matters rather than what needs to be done.” I have some notes that have been on my to-do list for quite some time – cards of thanks, care, appreciation. Now that I see them in the light of “what matters” rather than part of a task to be done, it will be easier and more joyful to sit down this afternoon and thoughtfully and lovingly write them.
I’m going to the state capitol today to push our state reps to sponsor legislation supporting safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists. The city has come far in the past decade, but there’s still a lot to do.
I have a few projects that need to be done. I will feel so much better if I get these accomplished. It matters to me that I share my food with those who no longer cook for themselves. It helps me not to let the food go to waist and someone’s day is better for it.
I love the feeling of what matters rather than what needs to be done. Today, I will continue writing one of the four essays required for the school scholarships. It is important to me. It’s not just about the scholarship, but when writing the essay, it gives me an opportunity to reflect on who I am and why my educational path means a lot to me. Happy Wednesday, everyone! 🌸
My Ngoc, the first one feels peaceful while the 2nd feels pressured. Doing better in a more laid back environment is one thing we have in common. After all, we have a strong desire to live a laid back lifestyle.
I am having lunch with a friend that I haven’t seen since December. We were working together at the studio before operations changed and she decided not to stay – all on good terms. Anyhow, I love her and can’t wait to see her and nourish our friendship!
I could, no should make another entry in my blog, neglected for weeks.
I’ll feel better for it, I’l be cranky like I wish I could be each day, and hope I’ll touch someone.
As a member of our local and state League of Women Voters, I have a responsibility that involves legislation. I have been working on a report for a few days now, and today is the day I want to finish and submit it. It matters to me to carry out my obligations and commitments. Gratefulness and lightness will come with that task put to bed! ♥️
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Usually I would jump right on something like this from a policy perspective. I’m in Paris on an amazing vacation and have very deliberately not been consuming any news or thinking about things back home (except for the way my brain automatically makes comparisons between what I see here and what’s happening at home–France is coming out ahead). I have several donations set on a recurring basis so i’m always taking action in that way.
Family and friends matter to me. I sent a happy birthday message today to my brother whose birthday it is so that was one action. I’ve been sending messages and pictures to my husband, daughters, and two best friends while I travel to stay connected with them and that also matters.
I ended up making two donations from my phone on a bus ride through Paris, thanks to this question and a couple of email prompts.
Have a wonderful trip, Barb!
Today I supported an organization that helps woman of domestic violence go to a shelter that allows their pets. Many women in abusive situations will not leave their abuser as they have no where to go that will take their animals. If they leave the animal- they fear for the safety of their pet with their abuser. Thankfully, I have never been the victim of domestic violence…if I were I know that I would NEVER leave my dog/cat. Most shelters do not allow pets and today research shows that this needs to change and change is happening. Red Rover is an organization that helps pets as well as helping victims get shelter with their pet or having their pet go to a kennel or safe place. I love animals and believe everyone should be safe. I am fortunate to be able to help in a small way.
That sounds like a wonderful organization, Nannette. I wouldn’t leave my animals either.
I try to live my life according to my principles.
Practicing kindness. The truth is, my labor and earnings have gone on to fund horrors around the world. Not with my direct permission, but with my indirect complicity. This weighs heavily on me.
I will continue to speak out and make my viewpoint clear and I will attempt to listen without judgment.
That’s probably the most difficult part.
It would be great
if we could choose what venue
we would like our taxes to support . . .
this country
would be a much kinder place.
I’m with you,
dear Charlie,
but try to accept what is beyond me to change. ♥
If it’s any comfort, your taxes have also funded museums, scientific research, national parks, education, healthcare, housing, clean water and much more. Yes, that’s the smaller part of the budget, but it is there. I wish we had a way of voting via the 1040 for where our taxes go directly so that as an individual taxpayer, I could put my money to the things that matter to me. But that’s not how our system works. And it wouldn’t be dependable funding for the people who work in all these agencies.
I feel you Charlie.
You are not alone, Charlie. I agree completely with you and feel the same way. I continue to speak out…but it seems my voice is not heard in this present culture…but I will not be silenced.
Charlie, I hope you can be compassionate with yourself about complicity. Our tax system is coercive, as anyone who doesn’t pay finds out the hard way. You’re in a double bind, where the threat of economic violence looms over you if you don’t pay taxes, but paying taxes means your money automatically goes into things in which you’ve never had a say. Non-compliance means leaving the country, facing personal economic sanction, laundering money, or being a billionaire and using tax havens. I applaud you for speaking out, making your viewpoint clear, and continuing to listen without judgment. Even those things are a lift, given the situation most regular people living in the US are in. You’re doing good work.
I will be out and about today and will do my best to stay aware of those I meet and treat them with loving kindness. May I be open, be willing, to listen and no matter what I choose to say, say it with Love.
The people you meet and treat with love will be lucky indeed ❤️.
Inviting the grateful-group I am hosting for another meeting, hoping to be able to be of support for them. It might be a bit difficult again, as I am unable to host it the usual day of a month, but may be a date close to this will be doing it. Thank you for this question.
Wow how generous of you. Is this only in person? I would love to find more connextions
Dear Claire, my group is held in a hybrid setting in German language. If you wish, you might search at the Grateful Gatherings Directory if there is a group close to you for personal attendenace or online in your language! here is the link: https://grateful.org/gatherings/directory/ Wishing you a good day!
I’m with Ngoc in that “I love the feeling of what matters rather than what needs to be done.” I have some notes that have been on my to-do list for quite some time – cards of thanks, care, appreciation. Now that I see them in the light of “what matters” rather than part of a task to be done, it will be easier and more joyful to sit down this afternoon and thoughtfully and lovingly write them.
I’m going to the state capitol today to push our state reps to sponsor legislation supporting safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists. The city has come far in the past decade, but there’s still a lot to do.
Good for you, Drea!
THANK YOU!!
Barb, I thought of you! This kind of advocacy is so necessary, but not easy.
I have a few projects that need to be done. I will feel so much better if I get these accomplished. It matters to me that I share my food with those who no longer cook for themselves. It helps me not to let the food go to waist and someone’s day is better for it.
My relationship with god is something that matters to me. Reading the bible every morning brings me closer to him.
I love the feeling of what matters rather than what needs to be done. Today, I will continue writing one of the four essays required for the school scholarships. It is important to me. It’s not just about the scholarship, but when writing the essay, it gives me an opportunity to reflect on who I am and why my educational path means a lot to me. Happy Wednesday, everyone! 🌸
My Ngoc, the first one feels peaceful while the 2nd feels pressured. Doing better in a more laid back environment is one thing we have in common. After all, we have a strong desire to live a laid back lifestyle.
I am having lunch with a friend that I haven’t seen since December. We were working together at the studio before operations changed and she decided not to stay – all on good terms. Anyhow, I love her and can’t wait to see her and nourish our friendship!
I could, no should make another entry in my blog, neglected for weeks.
I’ll feel better for it, I’l be cranky like I wish I could be each day, and hope I’ll touch someone.
Stay true. Stay the course. With Loving Kindness. Peace, Love & Light.
❤️ Thank you
Love it, Joseph. Sounds exactly like what I would do.
Checking in on my kids and my dad – family matters to me.
Michele, they’re the ones who lay down our foundation and are there for us when needed most.
As a member of our local and state League of Women Voters, I have a responsibility that involves legislation. I have been working on a report for a few days now, and today is the day I want to finish and submit it. It matters to me to carry out my obligations and commitments. Gratefulness and lightness will come with that task put to bed! ♥️
Thank you for your civic energy!
You are welcome, Barb.♥️
Thank you for your hard work, Mary!
You are welcome, Drea.!Sometimes it is hard work. I always learn something. I did complete it and sent if off yesterday. Ahhhhh.♥️