Reflections

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  1. Ose
    Ose
    2 months ago

    To reply here to the daily question is a beautiful possibility to interact with you all here in a meaningful way. Thank you for this opportunity to share here. The gift of another day, the gift of the opportunity to connect with creativity again, to be with music and with loved ones.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      You are right,
      dear Emilia . . .
      this gift within this place
      is the wonderful connection it provides! ♥

    2. Patti
      sunnypatti
      2 months ago

      Thank you for being here, Emilia.

    3. Mary
      Mary
      2 months ago

      Hi Emilia. My name is Mary. I look forward to hearing more from you.

  2. sparrow51014
    sparrow
    2 months ago

    It’s three days into the new year,
    and I feel like I’m still in recovery from 2025,
    not quite ready to break out of my cocoon
    and face the year ahead,
    and whatever it is that may come down the pike with it.
    I know that possibility awaits . . .
    crouched in the corners of my brain,
    but first I need to finish sweeping out the filth and sediment
    that have festered in there for 12 long months.

    The sun has been bright,
    but the earth is cold,
    so the inch or so of snow on the ground from three days ago
    is still there . . .
    I couldn’t bear to put my winter trail boots on today,
    as it feels like I am strapping hooves onto my feet,
    so I wore heavy socks inside my sandals
    when I went out.
    Possibility seems to wake up
    when I turn off the news
    and walk out to the garden,
    asleep and dreaming under the snow . . .
    if I can wake up now
    and begin looking for snowdrops and crocus,
    inspiration
    will poke its leaves up through the snow in my head.

    I’m not gone . . .
    I’ve just been resting,
    and I have faith that soon
    my interior
    will begin to bloom again
    with inspiration
    and ideas,
    and Life.

    In the meantime,
    coming here
    keeps me going.. ♥

    1. Antoinette88615
      Antoinette
      2 months ago

      Keep up the good work Sparrow !

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        2 months ago

        I get inspiration from you,
        dear Antoinette . . .
        I think that’s how it works. ♥

        1. Antoinette88615
          Antoinette
          2 months ago

          Thanks we do help each other grow and change ! 🌱💓🙌💯

          1. sparrow51014
            sparrow
            2 months ago

    2. Kelli Smith
      Kelli Lynn
      2 months ago

      I feel this tug to stay here for a moment more too. Like it’s more of a season shift than a new year shift that moves me along.

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        2 months ago

        So I’m not the only one,
        dear Kelli Lynn? ♥

    3. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      2 months ago

      For me, the new year is over rated. Just another form of bookkeeping, belonging to the ego of humankind. Thank you for this lovely reflection and the reminder to keep the news at bay, dear Sparrow.

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        2 months ago

        You,
        dear Joseph,
        and others like you,
        help to remind me
        to not over-expose myself to the news. 🙂

      2. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        I’ve always felt like my life happens in epochs, or dispensations, that come and go at times of their own. The new year is what we make of it. Sparrow, I hear you too in being slow and inward for the time being.

        1. sparrow51014
          sparrow
          2 months ago

          Sometimes,
          dear Drea,
          like you,
          I feel I need time to regroup.
          and not leap out into the new year
          feet first. ♥

      3. Antoinette88615
        Antoinette
        2 months ago

        The new year is totally over rated ! We have to change all the time and not only in January! It’s super cold here today ! Well wishes to you Joseph.

      4. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        2 months ago

        I need this reminder too,
        especially as I was pulling myself away from sleep
        this morning.
        Thank you. ♥

  3. Antoinette88615
    Antoinette
    2 months ago

    The possibility that I can change! I can letgo of all of these negative minds and false delusional stores- ditch the mental score card !

    1. L
      Loc Tran
      2 months ago

      Agree, Antoinette. We’re not who we think we are. We’ve changed our ways before. We can certainly do that now if we want to.

      1. Antoinette88615
        Antoinette
        2 months ago

        If we want to let go of our minds and change to become- Truth there is a way . We have to like you said have a willingness to let go of falseness. The human mind is a negative nonsensical mind . Why would anyone want to keep that mind ? I’m truly grateful ☺️ to let it go! Happy and free ! 🙌💯🌱✨

  4. C
    Carly J
    2 months ago

    During this difficult period of grief i think the possibilities lie in story. Reading, watching, writing and supporting. To be transported into a story has been quietly healing.

    1. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      2 months ago

      So healing, Carly J. Comfort and peace to you.♥️

  5. Mary
    Mary
    2 months ago

    I feel a sense of possibility in art. About two months ago my art teacher and mentor stopped teaching the weekly and twice monthly classes that I had been taking from him. I have not felt motivated to do much art since. But today I am starting a new twice monthly art class. I feel both nervous and excited. Also my mentor and former art teacher has asked me to collaborate with him on some artwork. He gave me two pieces of his artwork to work on. I have some ideas and am excited to get started. Also he offered to help me clean out my art room so that I can start using it again. I’m feeling lots of possibilities.

    1. D
      Drea
      2 months ago

      Mary, I’m excited for you! Also impressed that you can oil paint. I tried that on my own and whew, that required professional help. Art is endless opportunity.

      1. Mary
        Mary
        2 months ago

        I agree, Drea. Thank you for pointing that out. Art is endless opportunity!

    2. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      2 months ago

      So much possibility in connections and your open-ness, Mary. I can sense your enthusiasm.♥️

      1. Mary
        Mary
        2 months ago

        Thank you for noticing my openness. I try to be open but don’t often think about it or give myself credit for it.
        (My negative bias is not fun.) And yes, connections open the world up. I recently read that the opposite of depression is connection. Love that. ♥️♥️♥️

    3. Antoinette88615
      Antoinette
      2 months ago

      So lovely Mary! What medium do you use ? Enjoy ☺️!

      1. Mary
        Mary
        2 months ago

        I use graphite pencil for portraits. I also use oil paint but have been focusing on graphite as I work on increasing my drawing skills. For figure drawing I use graphite pencil and markers. I started my new figure drawing class today. I am really excited about getting back into it! Thanks, Antoinette. ♥️

    4. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      What a wonderful gift,
      dear Mary,
      that your mentor has engaged you in a project,
      and perhaps even better,
      that he has offered to help get your studio in order. ♥

      1. Mary
        Mary
        2 months ago

        Yes, Sparrow. Two wonderful gifts! I am so pleased. ♥️

  6. Carla
    Carla
    2 months ago

    Just two days ago, 1/1, I made a commitment to formally begin addressing the clutter at home. Well, the Universe provided me with an opportunity to practice what I preach and take stronger action today. More than a 20 min plan. On Friday my car was vandalized! Unpleasantries! was my first vocal response and the gut wrenching feeling of being assaulted.and violated. Grateful no windows were busted. Among the items taken included my car registration, and my mom’s canvass grocery bags that she had signed artistically. I got them when she passed. Priceless! And one bag from US Holocaust museum. One of my advocacy tools. This weekend I was supposed to be on a relaxing retreat by Lake Superior including welcoming the fist moon of this New year. Sigh. I did not feel safe leaving my home. I’ll be home, focusing on the possibility on beginning a bigger start on decluttering. (My car was locked, it’s an older Kia not equipped with full alarm system for hatchback and my manually operated by hand garage needs springs to close). Yes I have an anti theft club device. Good weekend thoughts to all! (Including the nimrod who stole my stuff!) ☮️

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      My husband told me
      that Kia and Hyundai
      are two easy targets for hackers,
      dear Carla . . .
      there are flaws in the software
      that make them easy for people with less than good motives
      to get into,
      and to even drive your car away.

      I am sorry,
      especially,
      for the loss of your mom’s handmade totes. ♥

    2. D
      Drea
      2 months ago

      Dear Carla, I hope that you feel safe again soon. It’s so infuriating and sad when someone takes precious things willy nilly, thoughtlessly. It has happened to me too, on several occasions. Best of luck decluttering and also finding precious items as you go.

    3. Yram
      Yram
      2 months ago

      I hear you. I had planned to go to a grief support group on Saturday. My car wouldn’t start. I was lucky to have a friend that owns a shop. It is close by and he was open. He came and gave the car a boost. He suggested I come to the shop and he would put in a good used battery. He did not charge me . All was good until I tripped on a board they had by the door to hold open the door. I fell. The younger person said I trip on it also. I am very sore today. I never did get to the meeting or get the shopping done. Blessings and #&-**!+!?!

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        2 months ago

        The Universe,
        dear Yram,
        must have been trying to tell you something,
        but you handled it all
        with good grace. ♥

      2. Mary
        Mary
        2 months ago

        Wow! Blessings mixed in with super aggravating things!!
        They need to get a normal door stopper!
        Sorry you fell! And also so sorry you missed the grief support group.
        A grief support group really saved me years after I lost my youngest sister.
        Sending love to you, Yram.

    4. Michele
      Michele
      2 months ago

      Now-a-days it seems many people have ring cameras… maybe a neighbor has this footage? I’m so sorry you had to deal with this.

    5. Antoinette88615
      Antoinette
      2 months ago

      Wow Carla! You are brave see that this too shall pass. Good for you for taking the high road and even wishing the one who stole from you well. The universe is here and I’m grateful for your witty humour and honesty. Enjoy the purge – cleaning 🧹!

    6. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      2 months ago

      Not much worse than thievery, Carla. I have had things stolen from me twice during my time on the planet. Been a long time and I certainly did not behave as gracefully as you.

    7. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      I am amazed,
      dear Carla,
      that your car was robbed without actual vandalism . . .
      the things that were stolen
      seem odd.
      What can that person do with your registration?
      I agree with Carol Ann though . . .
      you are handling it all with good grace. ♥

    8. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol Ann Conner
      2 months ago

      Carla, Good Grief!!! The best made plans of mice and women! You seem to truly be rolling with the punches. I wish I could say I would handle it as well. Sending loving energy your way.

    9. Mary
      Mary
      2 months ago

      Carla, I am so sorry to hear that your car was vandalized, and especially to hear about the things that were taken. I am really feeling this and am so sorry. Also I’m sorry you missed your retreat. I can understand wanting to stay home after your car was vandalized.

      I have also been motivated to catch up on housework and to begin decluttering, Carla. . What I’ve done so far feels great. Let’s encourage each other through this. ♥️

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        2 months ago

        Yes . . . 🙂

  7. D
    Drea
    2 months ago

    I’ve injured my dominant hand, and it needs surgical repair that will take a while to heal. As a result, I will type more slowly, do art/writing with my non-dominant hand, change my workout routine, and alter my winter plans. Paradoxically, planning for my recovery is opening my eyes to a sense of possibility. These include new types of exercise, adaptive equipment that smart people have invented, honing my painting skills with non-dominant hand, preparing foods differently, and thinking about new activities. I find myself enjoying the process.

    1. Michele
      Michele
      2 months ago

      Wishing you a successful hand surgery and a speedy recovery to you. Love the positive attitude towards using your non-dominant hand too.

      1. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        Thank you so much Michele!

    2. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      2 months ago

      Such a forward-thinking approach, Drea. You give us all a great example of what challenges might turn into. All the best at every step.♥️

      1. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        Thank you Mary, you are very kind.

    3. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      2 months ago

      You will become ambidextrous Drea!
      Healing thoughts and vibes for you & your dominant and non-dominant hands.

      1. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        Thank you Joseph! I’m actually kind of curious about the process, wonder if it will open new thoughts and perspectives.

      2. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        2 months ago

        🙂

    4. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      I too,
      am inspired by your positivity,
      dear Drea. ♥

      1. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        Thank you dear Sparrow.

    5. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol Ann Conner
      2 months ago

      Drea, Your an inspiration.

      1. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        Thank you Carol Ann. Was it you who had pasted the old Zen parable of the farmer whose luck kept turning, and what could have been bad luck became good luck, again and again? I keep thinking I can’t judge whether this is lucky or not, to look for the opportunity in it.

        1. Mary
          Mary
          2 months ago

          I sense that you are quite young, Drea, but my goodness, you are wise. (Quite young being a relative term. I guess what I mean is younger than me. 🥰)

          1. D
            Drea
            2 months ago

            Thank you Mary, you are very kind.

    6. Mary
      Mary
      2 months ago

      Drea, drawing and painting with your non-dominant hand are often prescribed ways to loosen up in art. I should do so myself. I’m so glad to hear that you have found possibilities in working with your non-dominant hand. Please let us know when you have your surgery and how you are doing. ♥️♥️♥️

      1. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        Thank you Mary, I will let you know. And yes, I remember an old art teacher of mine mentioning the non-dominant hand for painting. If anything, it should be interesting.

        1. Mary
          Mary
          2 months ago

          ♥️♥️♥️

    7. Carla
      Carla
      2 months ago

      Drea, you’re really focusing on new possibilities- wow! My thoughts are with you.

      1. D
        Drea
        2 months ago

        Thank you Carla!

  8. Christina Rossi75270
    Christina
    2 months ago

    As I’ve shared here before, I am attempting to put together a writing career at the age of 70. It’s a possibility. Currently I’m considering submitting a piece to a contest.

    1. Mary
      Mary
      2 months ago

      That’s so exciting, Christina!

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      Push that button,
      dear Christina . . .
      you”ve already won a prize
      by doing the work. ♥.

    3. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol Ann Conner
      2 months ago

      Do submit your piece but always remember that writing brings personal growth and greater self awareness. It is never a waste of your time.

    4. D
      Drea
      2 months ago

      Submit! You gotta play the odds and submit to so many places, go for it! I can’t remember if the success ratio is 1:20, 1:50, or somewhere in between, but either way, I encourage you to get started and keep going. (I used to be a reader for a prestigious lit mag.) Good luck!

      1. Christina Rossi75270
        Christina
        2 months ago

        Drea, you’re a former reader so you know! I’m in a writers’ group and may hold out till the deadline to see if I can get their input. Thanks.

  9. Mary
    Mary Mantei
    2 months ago

    This one sent me to my journal prior to writing here. I am feeling a strong draw to travel and adventure as possibilities. I’ve always appreciated “backyard adventures” as much as the “BIG” ones. Both feed my soul. Following are some ideas/quotes that I am bringing forward from 2025 to support me in this draw.

    “Fuss less, live more.” Mr. Fox, from a Mary Oliver poem.

    “Be an artist with time, not a victim of it.” Not original, however I can’t recall the author.

    “Above all, take a chance. Sing like blood going down the vein.” Mary Oliver, Long Life
    ♥️

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      Beautiful quotes,
      dear Mary . . .
      all. ♥

      1. Mary
        Mary Mantei
        2 months ago

        Thank you, Sparrow. ♥️

    2. C
      Carly J
      2 months ago

      i was gifted a bike trip from my siblings this Christmas. Just the idea of it gave me a very. much needed spark! Here’s to adventure in 2026

      1. Mary
        Mary
        2 months ago

        I’m excited for you, Carly!

        1. Mary
          Mary Mantei
          2 months ago

          Me too, Mary, and Carly.♥️

  10. Michele
    Michele
    2 months ago

    It’s the start of the New Year so anything is possible 🙂

    Wishing everyone a relaxing peaceful weekend.

  11. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol Ann Conner
    2 months ago

    I choose to embrace a sense of possibility in all areas of my life. I share John Denver singing “The Wings that Fly Us Home.” May we all be such wings.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cLUlU0Jn_w&list=RD6cLUlU0Jn_w&start_radio=1

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      I hadn’t heard this song either . . .
      it’s beautiful,
      dear Carol Ann . . .
      thank you for posting it. ♥

    2. Carla
      Carla
      2 months ago

      I’ve never heard this song though I followed his singing career. Thank you for sharing!

  12. D
    Deann
    2 months ago

    My new job brings learning everyday and learning always opens possibilities.

    Faith, gratefulness, self trust all give me a positive perspective which can lead me to see the possibilities.

  13. L
    Loc Tran
    2 months ago

    My faith is the biggest area I feel the greatest sense of possibility. It’s growing by the day, and I feel like I’m moving closer to god.

    1. D
      Deann
      2 months ago

      Yes, I get this!

  14. Patti
    sunnypatti
    2 months ago

    I feel it with my yoga, both personally and professionally. My studies continue offering deeper knowledge, deeper peace, and healing. And sharing this practice with others has given me so much joy and a satisfaction that I’ve never felt before. This coming week, I start teaching 2 additional classes at the fitness center where I have been teaching gentle yoga to mostly retired students. One of my new classes will not be for most of them as it’s a flow class, but it will allow me to meet new people, widen my circle. The other class is a deep stretch, and I’m excited to teach a class that truly offers time to slow down, to pause, and to sink into oneself. I’m also halfway through my next certification. I wanted to be finished by now, but life was busy, and I am giving myself grace. Working less hours at the studio desk will allow me more time to complete my studies. I am feeling all of the possibilities right now and am standing here with open arms ready to receive!

    1. D
      Deann
      2 months ago

      From the stressed out caterer I first met here to a relaxed and peaceful yoga instructor. You, friend are an inspiration.

      1. Patti
        sunnypatti
        2 months ago

        Thanks, Deann 🙂 It’s been quite the ride!

      2. Joseph
        Joseph McCann
        2 months ago

        The ebb and flow of Life, SunnyPattie. Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful, and thought provoking reflections since I have had the privilege to participate here.

        1. Patti
          sunnypatti
          2 months ago

          Makes me think of the ocean tides coming in and out… they just keep flowing 🌊
          Thank you as well, Joseph. I appreciate being in this community with you.

  15. Kelli Smith
    Kelli Lynn
    2 months ago

    “This is a time of transformation, and transformation comes not out of scarcity but out of the context of possibility, responsibility, and sufficiency.”

    I feel it in finding balance—in regaining confidence that I am doing what I am meant to do and that I can do my job as who I truly am. Life’s road doesn’t have an end; it bends and turns ahead, rises and falls. Occasionally, a bridge is broken or a sinkhole opens up, and I have to stop. Stop, back up, and decide: do I make a new road, or do I work to repair this one?
    This sense of possibility reminds me that even when the path changes unexpectedly, I have the ability to adapt, rebuild, and keep moving forward. Transformation isn’t about scarcity—it’s about seeing the potential in every detour and keeping faith that the journey itself is meaningful.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      2 months ago

      Thank you,
      dear Kelli Lynn,
      for this very wise observation. ♥

    2. Mary
      Mary Mantei
      2 months ago

      Beautifully stated, Kelly Lynn.

    3. D
      Deann
      2 months ago

      All of this!

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