Reflections

Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment.

  1. A
    Andrea
    4 days ago

    I can be a friend. I can’t check on people. Offer my support and help, offer a listening ear or talk with them as they desire. I can be present with others.

  2. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    4 days ago

    Just being supportive and showing i am available for their needs

  3. Ose
    Ose
    4 days ago

    Buying a cusshion for my father for his head to comfortably rest when tired; making arrangements to have some good time together at a place he loves and where he may remember precious memories; send out my heart and praying for all hearers, to possibly helping to transform the way of suffering to healing.

  4. Linda72766
    Linda
    4 days ago

    I will show up for my dear husband today, who is living in assisted living now. We miss each other terribly but are slowly adjusting to the new reality.
    It is so painful to watch him decline, but he is safe and eating well and people are caring for him, and I am deeply grateful to all of them.

    1. Yram
      Yram
      4 days ago

      I am with you!

    2. Mary
      Mary
      4 days ago

      I am so sorry that you and your husband are going through this Linda.
      Sending you love.

      1. Linda72766
        Linda
        4 days ago

        Thank you, Mary.

  5. Antoinette88615
    Antoinette
    4 days ago

    Show up and say I’m here ! I can listen and hug ! 🤗

  6. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol
    4 days ago

    practicing the Presence and being kind, releasing only loving and life giving energy.

  7. Yram
    Yram
    5 days ago

    I will hold in thought and prayer all those involved in the recent school shooting in our state capital. I believe In connectivity. So my prayers may comfort all.
    I will be more conscious today to be present to those whom I’m in contact with.

  8. Elizabeth H67151
    Elizabeth H
    5 days ago

    On the one hand, I want to be alert to suffering in the lives of all around me, whether strangers or friends. I want to be able to offer the gift of my full Presence and listen deeply without trying to fix things. On the more home-based front, I think of the physical suffering that my husband experiences– chronic pain, spasms, fear of a continued weakening of the body and loss of function. It seems to me that it is most helpful when I can take full care of my body and spirit so that I can be a genuinely joyful and calm support for him. I think that when my nervous system is in a calm and centered place, it might help his nervous system to be in a calm and centered place which can help reduce pain. Also, to give attention and priority to supporting him in all of the wonderful ways that he contributes to the world. He has much to contribute, but because of his quadriplegia and the mental fog he sometimes experiences because of his pain, he sometimes requires some of my support. I want to make sure that supporting him isn’t at the bottom of my to-do list, after all of the things that I want to do to contribute to the world.

    1. Mary
      Mary
      4 days ago

      Elizabeth, you are dealing with so much.
      I’m so sorry that your husband has so much pain.
      I’m glad you take good care of yourself.
      Your coming from a calm and joyful place,
      should bring bring much peace to him. ♥️

      1. Elizabeth H67151
        Elizabeth H
        4 days ago

        Thank you, Mary!

    2. Yram
      Yram
      5 days ago

      Blessings to both of you. It is tough to see our loved one diminish as we try to flourish. It is a real balancing act. I struggle daily with this.

      1. Elizabeth H67151
        Elizabeth H
        5 days ago

        Thank you, Yram! ♥️

  9. Ngoc Nguyen
    Ngoc Nguyen
    5 days ago

    Listen, fully listen without bias. it might not be easy. But I’m on the way to improving myself on it. I have been volunteering in Crisis text line for one week. I don’t really make a significant difference. But I will continue empathetic sprouts.

    1. A
      Andrea
      4 days ago

      I’m sure you make a significant difference. You may be feeling like you aren’t making a significant (big) difference, but all the little differences add up and multiple into that significant difference. Support and understanding in a time of crisis. Thank you Ngoc.

    2. Mary
      Mary
      4 days ago

      I think you probably make a bigger difference than you think you do.
      Sending love to you, Ngoc. ♥️

    3. L
      Loc Tran
      5 days ago

      My Ngoc, based upon the way our conversations are heading and from what you’ve told me, I’ve noticed improvement. No one said it would be easy. It requires a lot of slowing down and even setting our agendas aside to pull off active listening. We’re actually making a positive impact even if we don’t always realize it.

  10. Mary
    Mary
    5 days ago

    First I’d like to thank all those who have sent positive energy
    and prayers to my Mom and myself. I am so very grateful!

    As many of you know, Mom has been going through some very difficult times
    trying to fight off depression as she acclimates to a new
    Assisted Living Facility.
    Starting this week, I am going to see her every morning
    and going with her to the 10:oo activity (various kinds of games),
    11:00 exercise and lunch at 11:30.
    Feeling poorly, she has been staying to herself, and in her room.
    I’m trying to help her get into the routine of being with others.
    As she becomes more comfortable with others,
    I’m hoping that her anxiety and depression will diminish.

    Sending peace and love to all.

    1. Yram
      Yram
      5 days ago

      That is beautiful!
      I thought of the commandment
      ” honor your father and mother”. You are doing just that.

      1. Mary
        Mary
        4 days ago

        Thank you, Yram.

  11. B
    Barbara Smith
    5 days ago

    Stay present and open minded.

  12. D
    Drea
    5 days ago

    Echoing what others have said, I can pay attention, listen, and really take in what someone else is communicating–both verbally and nonverbally.

  13. L
    Loc Tran
    5 days ago

    Today is my menards piano day. There’s always the possibility of someone suffering. Hearing music can make a difference in their lives, because it calms the mind down and can uplift them, especially around the holiday season.

  14. Mary
    Mary Mantei
    5 days ago

    Show up. Be aware. Take the time.

    1. D
      Drea
      5 days ago

      Yes, taking time is such an important detail. Thank you for the reminder.

  15. J
    John
    5 days ago

    Food insecurity and hunger are no strangers in AZ and the US generally. I am recommitting to regular shifts at our local food bank.

Subscribe to Grateful Living

Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Customize your subscription


Give thanks and support Grateful Living during our 2024 Year-end Campaign