Duke Ellington
seems to have put it in a nutshell
in today’s Word . . .
he took lemons
and made lemonade,
aren’t we happy he did?
*****
It sort of boils down to either an optimistic
or a pessimistic approach.
There have been many times in my life
when I have not been able to see the forest for the trees,
and those trees loomed large . . .
I had no idea how to either pass through or overcome them,
and so I just girded myself with a slingshot
and plowed ahead,
with little hope of a positive outcome.
You might call it
flying by the seat of my pants
Guided by my ego’s desires,
but thinking it was my heart,
I embarked on many adventures,
some of which were miss
and others that turned out to be hits.
But none of them were buoyed by gratitude.
As I may have mentioned before
I am either a slow learner,
or I just have to learn the hard way,
but Grace found me when I was at my lowest
and taught me how to see the forest,
which was incredibly beautiful
and not as threatening as the ominous trees.
I learned from people
like Anne Frank and Etty Hillesum,
Viktor Frankl,
and so many others
that there is gratefulness in everything . . .
even in ‘impossible ‘challenges.
All I have to do is to choose it.
“. . . . just have to learn the hard way,” I have called my past penchant for being in the system as “remedial”, dear Sparrow. The system called it “persistent”.
Carol Ann, I find this to be very useful, especially for advocates like me. Setting a positive example for the group we’re trying to advocate is a huge part of the responsibility. This all loops back to honesty vs impulsivity and reinforcement vs repetition from my response to Michele’s post and my lengthy answer where I provided updates on my LT1192 foundation advocating for people with autism and mental health struggles emphasizing those from the Traditional Collective Asian group.
Yram, I’ll give the NBA as an example. Just because I lose interest in the game out of impurity and politics, I’ll always stay true to what got me there in the first place like my Vietnamese roots as the old saying goes on how the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’ve talked before of how LeBron’s corruptive political superteaming buddy systems led to him bringing Bronny on to the Lakers led to the league messing up. Continuing to keep tabs on current trends gives me hope down the line. The day LeBron retiring isn’t far. Maybe, fan interest will return again with fresh faces. It’s important to always maintain a sliver of hope.
I’ve learned a lot in the last five years. I still suffer and I still have challenges, but how I think about them has changed. It’s as if I have a road map that allows me to see other routs. I feel like I have more options. And just like when looking at a map, I have a wider perspective. I can see more of the issues and options available to me.
Opening your mind,
dear Charlie,
has shown you more options.
You are wise to see this
rather than stick to old routines
that don’t do anyone any good . . .
your suffering will be less,
and so will mine
having taken your observation to heart. ♥
1 Thessalonians 5:18
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
“18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
A grateful perspective in the midst of challenges is a way of life – for challenges surround us, more or less all the time. Some challenges are bigger than others, deeper than others, call on more courage, heart and wisdom than others. But when we meet every challenge with the perspective of gratitude, we find that we learn more about ourselves, others and (in my case) God/my relationship with God. Gratitude can keep me from overthinking, from becoming too anxious and help me see new ways to meet the challenge. Gratitude settles me, and keeps me open to new possibilities.
I’m not sure how a grateful perspective could help me respond to challenges in a ‘new way’, but it helps in a consistent way by always being grateful for what I have and for what I do not have at times.
Yram, Lunar New Year is right around the corner. 2026 is the year of the horse. Horses are known to be competitive like me. Learning helps me achieve whatever I choose to set my mind to. Backdoor power is the greatest form of power.
My ennielgram tri-tones are 8W9 6W5 3W4. This profile is perfect for the backstage politician. My dominant type as an 8 with a 9 wing shows the motivation to challenge conventional wisdom but with a measured approach. 6s are rooted in protection, but my 5 wing calms me down and is reflected in my desire to learn. The 3 goes well with the competitor in me, but the 4th wing shows my value in originality, individualistic foundation, and a desire to seek for challenges that prove my values. This explains my new passions of business ventures and social activism.With that being said, I was the age of the goat but have the strong competitive quality of a horse.
A strong competitive quality can work with the goat even if the goat is known to be laid back too. GOAT is also “Greatest of all-time.” My laid back lifestyle reflects the foundation of the goat.
Michele, as far as grateful for what I don’t have, I can play black jack with the cards given as an 8 and a 4. I have to pick up another one. Shit, it’s a 10. I lose this round. There’s always the next and the following. The point there is that even if we don’t get our way, it will all eventually even out.
As far as being grateful for what I have, it makes me a better advocate for the people on my boat. This reminds me a long time ago on how you hope that the thinking is changing in the east. The 1st generation and strong traditionalists do work with only whatever they have for the next generations. As far as the 2nd generations go, the tide is turning. The old root is still there. It takes more than one generation to change collective habits. This all points to my black jack analogy that helps me with my advocacy rooted in care rather than rebellion.
Advocacy always comes from a place of both care and rebellion. It’s up to us to make what comes out more. For starters, I make sure to remember to build the puzzle slowly and steadily. As in a new concept I mentioned from my lengthy answer is reinforcement vs repetition. Not many people like the ladder, and I’m certainly one of them. For someone who lives by discipline, that speaks volumes.
The great Michael Jordan has talked before about turning weaknesses into strengths. This is like the old saying on how our greatest strengths are also our greatest weaknesses. My autism is a perfect example.
My sensitivity is what helps me understand people like Ngoc. But however, where my autism is a strength is that it helps me overcome my emotions and to speak my mind. Because I’m fortunate to have both, I’m able to pick and choose my words automatically for different situations. As far as speaking my mind goes, I just say it. People can think what they think. Overthinking and misunderstanding happens to everyone, because simply put, we’re humans.
Misunderstandings and overthinking are even more common in the US of individualism, because we have people from all walks of life from inside out. One of the ways I’ve learned to overcome the fear of ruffling up feathers is to be open to correction. One aspect where I agree with my traditional Vietnamese teachings is that when others are willing to speak their minds and correct us, it means that they love us. A couple examples that jump out are Barb and Drea.
Combining my 2 answers from Thursday and Friday, I was talking about my experiences with women and older adults to put in a nutshell. I just say what it is from what I see. Already knowing every strategy in the book helped me quickly respond to Drea and Barb without needing to take all the time and energy in the world for days to think. They both helped me expand my perspectives while remaining firm on my foundation. For starters, it’s knowing who we are and that there’s nothing to prove. Yes, I remember the part about how Barb and I can challenge each other and humorously talking about lunch 5 minutes after the exchange.
The whole point I was getting at when I was talking about Barb and I challenging each other is that here, anyone can challenge each other like nothing ever happened like the “As Long As You Love Me” song from Backstreet Boys in the chorus that goes “I don’t care who you are, what you said, and where you’re from as long as you love me.” As long as the approach is measured, everything’s good. Sensitivity, autism, and having been on both sides, and of course, growing faith in god helps me pick and choose my words without sacrifice. It’s what makes me qualified to be an activist for the people on my boat, especially those from my culture, with my LT1192 Project I mentioned weeks ago.
I haven’t talked about LT1192, because recent questions have not been as relevant to throw that in. Also, reinforcement and repetitiveness fall under the same roof. The former is viewed in a more positive light. For starters, I make sure that I’m relevant. That is a shared challenge for the ADHD and autistic group, because the ADHD is known to go on wild tangents while the autistic, especially the aspies, love to talk on and on about their interests. These questions were designed to give us a basic structure so we can make music instead of noise. Yes, learn the right melodies and rules within the genre first before improvising or getting creative.
With that being said, I use these questions and every interaction when possible as stepping stones for my LT1192 activism project. Picking and choosing words carefully without sacrifice is not one of my priorities to focus on, because that’s high-level content. Expanding interests and proper social circles are enough on the plate. Giving others more than what they can handle is the last thing needed. Leave the higher level materials for the leaders.
A measured approach and being open to correction are huge. I appreciate the ongoing discussion, Loc. It’s always worth it to be open to perspectives and mutual understanding.
Thanks, Drea. An honest and open communication line is only harder to come by in a society that is moving faster with more string-pulling, backstage politics, charms, and personal agendas. Advocacy requires transparency.
I like Antoinette’s phrase “ gratefulness in action” I think that is my answer to the question. Putting a grateful perspective into action will keep me from a “knee jerk” or quick emotional response. It will be in action taken after a pause, a breath and from a grateful heart.
Deann, because I saw Antoinette’s 2nd reply and could no longer reply to that, here is another relevant place since we’re on the topic of action. Action Jackson made me sound like I’m Phil Jackson, and it gave me a great laugh. It’s entirely possible that she knows about the 90s Bulls, Phil Jackson, zen, and the triangle offense.
EJP, this reminds me of my comment on Carol’s post over my stance of heaviness over the old saying that if we don’t have anything nice to say, we shouldn’t say it at all. I remember talking about how having a calm soul should be the priority. This goes a long ways in helping us adapt to incompatible environments.
If I am facing a new challenge, a grateful perspective will bring forth the gift to me. One more day of life to witness it. All Life is challenged. You must be alive to be challenged. Gratefulness allows me to fully embrace this gift. Peace, Love & Light.
A grateful perspective
changes everything,
as you know,
dear Joseph.
I am learning to call upon Gratefulness
whenever I see a challenge on the horizon,
or even when it surprises me suddenly,
face to face.
Thank you . . .
“Gratefulness allows me to full embrace this gift.” ♥
I love how today’s quote resonates with the way we use our energy each moment! We had many discussions yesterday or the other days about being kind towards others and ourselves. Creating anything is a lovely expression of gratefulness. What we do without music and the arts ? So thank you everyone for all you create for us !
I noticed due to the meditation method that yesterday when texting with my mom that anger arose within me – which is the fase self who is an illusion. My mind world stated to sort of boil with beliefs, judgments and the rest of the crew- the usual suspects and sent her a text saying we don’t need to discuss this anymore and it’s ok.
I slept on it and this morning I woke up and looked more at my mind with this “ challenge “ and saw it at all the false self who always wants to beat and defeat others – who makes others the enemy. This is gratefulness in action- letting go and taking action to eliminate or discard falseness . I’m so very grateful that I could see this demon mind/ illusion/ kelesha raising up its head because now in the blessed present moment I can Truly surrender – let go by owning up and repenting my false mind. I’m very humbled by seeing what I have in mind but what is so wonderful is that it is being taking away because I am letting go and admitting- yes , I have this mind and now it’s gone ! If it comes up again I can keep emptying out what is only my mind and doesn’t even exist! This is simply Truth in action. I’m grateful and happy to empty out. Thank you so much universe and I love you and you love me we are never apart and you Live forever. Thank you . Let’s keep going together until the end . Bit by bit empty out .
Antoinette, ultimately, we all need each other.
As for the false self, I pull strings as having talked about before. For starters, fortunately, it comes from a good root which is why nothing could be used against me. Letting go is easier said and done. Not to make excuses or getting complacent, I feel content with the progress I’ve made considering where I’m at in my life and where I live as a 34-year-old in the US that is rooted in productivity with a lot of backstage politics and personal gain. The point here is that natural resources helps, and it starts and ends there. The one advantage to being younger is fluid intelligence, because in my case, it’s why I’ve been fortunate to be able to pick up on well-being materials such as letting go faster.
Can’t change anything without taking action! Otherwise it’s simply fake. I can’t pretend to do things and hope or pray for results. That is not how things work in reality. Natures flow is the universe mind and now is the time to change my human mind world overlapping Truth and let this false illusion go. Then we BECOME Truth . You can think or talk til the cows come home but it won’t change anything.
So agree 👍🏾 action Jackson ! 🙌😉
2
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Duke Ellington
seems to have put it in a nutshell
in today’s Word . . .
he took lemons
and made lemonade,
aren’t we happy he did?
*****
It sort of boils down to either an optimistic
or a pessimistic approach.
There have been many times in my life
when I have not been able to see the forest for the trees,
and those trees loomed large . . .
I had no idea how to either pass through or overcome them,
and so I just girded myself with a slingshot
and plowed ahead,
with little hope of a positive outcome.
You might call it
flying by the seat of my pants
Guided by my ego’s desires,
but thinking it was my heart,
I embarked on many adventures,
some of which were miss
and others that turned out to be hits.
But none of them were buoyed by gratitude.
As I may have mentioned before
I am either a slow learner,
or I just have to learn the hard way,
but Grace found me when I was at my lowest
and taught me how to see the forest,
which was incredibly beautiful
and not as threatening as the ominous trees.
I learned from people
like Anne Frank and Etty Hillesum,
Viktor Frankl,
and so many others
that there is gratefulness in everything . . .
even in ‘impossible ‘challenges.
All I have to do is to choose it.
Today
I need fewer reminders
to call on her. ♥
“. . . . just have to learn the hard way,” I have called my past penchant for being in the system as “remedial”, dear Sparrow. The system called it “persistent”.
Either way,
dear Joseph,
that was me. 🙂
For the most part, a grateful perspective always helped me “respond instead of react” to challenges.
I think,
dear Carol Ann,
that this a natural side effect
of gratefulness. ♥
Carol Ann, I find this to be very useful, especially for advocates like me. Setting a positive example for the group we’re trying to advocate is a huge part of the responsibility. This all loops back to honesty vs impulsivity and reinforcement vs repetition from my response to Michele’s post and my lengthy answer where I provided updates on my LT1192 foundation advocating for people with autism and mental health struggles emphasizing those from the Traditional Collective Asian group.
Because I am so grateful for this life I have been given, I am open to new ways to respond to challenges as they arise – and they will always arise!
If I always do what I’ve always done I will always get what I have always got. That makes me stuck. A new perspective helps me grow.
What a great observation,
dear Yram! ♥
Yram, I’ll give the NBA as an example. Just because I lose interest in the game out of impurity and politics, I’ll always stay true to what got me there in the first place like my Vietnamese roots as the old saying goes on how the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I’ve talked before of how LeBron’s corruptive political superteaming buddy systems led to him bringing Bronny on to the Lakers led to the league messing up. Continuing to keep tabs on current trends gives me hope down the line. The day LeBron retiring isn’t far. Maybe, fan interest will return again with fresh faces. It’s important to always maintain a sliver of hope.
I’ve learned a lot in the last five years. I still suffer and I still have challenges, but how I think about them has changed. It’s as if I have a road map that allows me to see other routs. I feel like I have more options. And just like when looking at a map, I have a wider perspective. I can see more of the issues and options available to me.
Opening your mind,
dear Charlie,
has shown you more options.
You are wise to see this
rather than stick to old routines
that don’t do anyone any good . . .
your suffering will be less,
and so will mine
having taken your observation to heart. ♥
Sparrow, I’m all too familiar with the old saying of beating a dead horse.
A grateful perspective can help me embrace the unknown, rather than shrinking from it in fear.
Drea, we have many fears from: failure, pain, weakness, confusion… Often times in hindsight, there’s nothing to lose.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
“18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
A grateful perspective in the midst of challenges is a way of life – for challenges surround us, more or less all the time. Some challenges are bigger than others, deeper than others, call on more courage, heart and wisdom than others. But when we meet every challenge with the perspective of gratitude, we find that we learn more about ourselves, others and (in my case) God/my relationship with God. Gratitude can keep me from overthinking, from becoming too anxious and help me see new ways to meet the challenge. Gratitude settles me, and keeps me open to new possibilities.
I’m not sure how a grateful perspective could help me respond to challenges in a ‘new way’, but it helps in a consistent way by always being grateful for what I have and for what I do not have at times.
Wishing everyone a peaceful relaxing Sunday.
https://nationaltoday.com/national-dark-chocolate-day/ – I fully intend to partake in today’s Nat’l Day:)
https://nationaltoday.com/imbolc/ – Bright Blessings!
Imbloc, a celebration right up my hay fields along with the animals they nourish. Thank you Michele.
Thank you,
dear Michele,
for introducing me to a new holiday . . .
Imbolc . . . ♥
Thank you for sharing. I am always amazed at what other cultures celebrate. It opens up a new understanding and appreciation for me. Again thank you.
Yram, Lunar New Year is right around the corner. 2026 is the year of the horse. Horses are known to be competitive like me. Learning helps me achieve whatever I choose to set my mind to. Backdoor power is the greatest form of power.
My ennielgram tri-tones are 8W9 6W5 3W4. This profile is perfect for the backstage politician. My dominant type as an 8 with a 9 wing shows the motivation to challenge conventional wisdom but with a measured approach. 6s are rooted in protection, but my 5 wing calms me down and is reflected in my desire to learn. The 3 goes well with the competitor in me, but the 4th wing shows my value in originality, individualistic foundation, and a desire to seek for challenges that prove my values. This explains my new passions of business ventures and social activism.With that being said, I was the age of the goat but have the strong competitive quality of a horse.
A strong competitive quality can work with the goat even if the goat is known to be laid back too. GOAT is also “Greatest of all-time.” My laid back lifestyle reflects the foundation of the goat.
Michele, as far as grateful for what I don’t have, I can play black jack with the cards given as an 8 and a 4. I have to pick up another one. Shit, it’s a 10. I lose this round. There’s always the next and the following. The point there is that even if we don’t get our way, it will all eventually even out.
As far as being grateful for what I have, it makes me a better advocate for the people on my boat. This reminds me a long time ago on how you hope that the thinking is changing in the east. The 1st generation and strong traditionalists do work with only whatever they have for the next generations. As far as the 2nd generations go, the tide is turning. The old root is still there. It takes more than one generation to change collective habits. This all points to my black jack analogy that helps me with my advocacy rooted in care rather than rebellion.
Advocacy always comes from a place of both care and rebellion. It’s up to us to make what comes out more. For starters, I make sure to remember to build the puzzle slowly and steadily. As in a new concept I mentioned from my lengthy answer is reinforcement vs repetition. Not many people like the ladder, and I’m certainly one of them. For someone who lives by discipline, that speaks volumes.
The great Michael Jordan has talked before about turning weaknesses into strengths. This is like the old saying on how our greatest strengths are also our greatest weaknesses. My autism is a perfect example.
My sensitivity is what helps me understand people like Ngoc. But however, where my autism is a strength is that it helps me overcome my emotions and to speak my mind. Because I’m fortunate to have both, I’m able to pick and choose my words automatically for different situations. As far as speaking my mind goes, I just say it. People can think what they think. Overthinking and misunderstanding happens to everyone, because simply put, we’re humans.
Misunderstandings and overthinking are even more common in the US of individualism, because we have people from all walks of life from inside out. One of the ways I’ve learned to overcome the fear of ruffling up feathers is to be open to correction. One aspect where I agree with my traditional Vietnamese teachings is that when others are willing to speak their minds and correct us, it means that they love us. A couple examples that jump out are Barb and Drea.
Combining my 2 answers from Thursday and Friday, I was talking about my experiences with women and older adults to put in a nutshell. I just say what it is from what I see. Already knowing every strategy in the book helped me quickly respond to Drea and Barb without needing to take all the time and energy in the world for days to think. They both helped me expand my perspectives while remaining firm on my foundation. For starters, it’s knowing who we are and that there’s nothing to prove. Yes, I remember the part about how Barb and I can challenge each other and humorously talking about lunch 5 minutes after the exchange.
The whole point I was getting at when I was talking about Barb and I challenging each other is that here, anyone can challenge each other like nothing ever happened like the “As Long As You Love Me” song from Backstreet Boys in the chorus that goes “I don’t care who you are, what you said, and where you’re from as long as you love me.” As long as the approach is measured, everything’s good. Sensitivity, autism, and having been on both sides, and of course, growing faith in god helps me pick and choose my words without sacrifice. It’s what makes me qualified to be an activist for the people on my boat, especially those from my culture, with my LT1192 Project I mentioned weeks ago.
I haven’t talked about LT1192, because recent questions have not been as relevant to throw that in. Also, reinforcement and repetitiveness fall under the same roof. The former is viewed in a more positive light. For starters, I make sure that I’m relevant. That is a shared challenge for the ADHD and autistic group, because the ADHD is known to go on wild tangents while the autistic, especially the aspies, love to talk on and on about their interests. These questions were designed to give us a basic structure so we can make music instead of noise. Yes, learn the right melodies and rules within the genre first before improvising or getting creative.
With that being said, I use these questions and every interaction when possible as stepping stones for my LT1192 activism project. Picking and choosing words carefully without sacrifice is not one of my priorities to focus on, because that’s high-level content. Expanding interests and proper social circles are enough on the plate. Giving others more than what they can handle is the last thing needed. Leave the higher level materials for the leaders.
A measured approach and being open to correction are huge. I appreciate the ongoing discussion, Loc. It’s always worth it to be open to perspectives and mutual understanding.
Thanks, Drea. An honest and open communication line is only harder to come by in a society that is moving faster with more string-pulling, backstage politics, charms, and personal agendas. Advocacy requires transparency.
I like Antoinette’s phrase “ gratefulness in action” I think that is my answer to the question. Putting a grateful perspective into action will keep me from a “knee jerk” or quick emotional response. It will be in action taken after a pause, a breath and from a grateful heart.
Deann, because I saw Antoinette’s 2nd reply and could no longer reply to that, here is another relevant place since we’re on the topic of action. Action Jackson made me sound like I’m Phil Jackson, and it gave me a great laugh. It’s entirely possible that she knows about the 90s Bulls, Phil Jackson, zen, and the triangle offense.
A grateful perspective enables me to face challenges with an open heart and soul……
EJP, this reminds me of my comment on Carol’s post over my stance of heaviness over the old saying that if we don’t have anything nice to say, we shouldn’t say it at all. I remember talking about how having a calm soul should be the priority. This goes a long ways in helping us adapt to incompatible environments.
If I am facing a new challenge, a grateful perspective will bring forth the gift to me. One more day of life to witness it. All Life is challenged. You must be alive to be challenged. Gratefulness allows me to fully embrace this gift. Peace, Love & Light.
A grateful perspective
changes everything,
as you know,
dear Joseph.
I am learning to call upon Gratefulness
whenever I see a challenge on the horizon,
or even when it surprises me suddenly,
face to face.
Thank you . . .
“Gratefulness allows me to full embrace this gift.” ♥
I love how today’s quote resonates with the way we use our energy each moment! We had many discussions yesterday or the other days about being kind towards others and ourselves. Creating anything is a lovely expression of gratefulness. What we do without music and the arts ? So thank you everyone for all you create for us !
I noticed due to the meditation method that yesterday when texting with my mom that anger arose within me – which is the fase self who is an illusion. My mind world stated to sort of boil with beliefs, judgments and the rest of the crew- the usual suspects and sent her a text saying we don’t need to discuss this anymore and it’s ok.
I slept on it and this morning I woke up and looked more at my mind with this “ challenge “ and saw it at all the false self who always wants to beat and defeat others – who makes others the enemy. This is gratefulness in action- letting go and taking action to eliminate or discard falseness . I’m so very grateful that I could see this demon mind/ illusion/ kelesha raising up its head because now in the blessed present moment I can Truly surrender – let go by owning up and repenting my false mind. I’m very humbled by seeing what I have in mind but what is so wonderful is that it is being taking away because I am letting go and admitting- yes , I have this mind and now it’s gone ! If it comes up again I can keep emptying out what is only my mind and doesn’t even exist! This is simply Truth in action. I’m grateful and happy to empty out. Thank you so much universe and I love you and you love me we are never apart and you Live forever. Thank you . Let’s keep going together until the end . Bit by bit empty out .
Antoinette, ultimately, we all need each other.
As for the false self, I pull strings as having talked about before. For starters, fortunately, it comes from a good root which is why nothing could be used against me. Letting go is easier said and done. Not to make excuses or getting complacent, I feel content with the progress I’ve made considering where I’m at in my life and where I live as a 34-year-old in the US that is rooted in productivity with a lot of backstage politics and personal gain. The point here is that natural resources helps, and it starts and ends there. The one advantage to being younger is fluid intelligence, because in my case, it’s why I’ve been fortunate to be able to pick up on well-being materials such as letting go faster.
Yea I could not do it without the method that’s for sure 👌. 😉
Antoinette, it’s exactly why intention and action are equally important.
Can’t change anything without taking action! Otherwise it’s simply fake. I can’t pretend to do things and hope or pray for results. That is not how things work in reality. Natures flow is the universe mind and now is the time to change my human mind world overlapping Truth and let this false illusion go. Then we BECOME Truth . You can think or talk til the cows come home but it won’t change anything.
So agree 👍🏾 action Jackson ! 🙌😉