Thank you for sharing something so personal and meaningful. ❤️ It’s amazing how life’s hardest seasons can deepen our faith and help us notice the sacredness in the smallest moments—peace, family, hope, and simply having another day to be grateful for. And congratulations on your daughter’s nearly 3 years—that is truly something worth celebrating! 🎉🙏 https://animeworldhd.app/
I think we had this question before or similar. Definitely owning my own home, and not depending on parasitic landlords for the most basic of human needs 😛 After having dependable stability I found I could take greater risks, which most often paid off for me. I also found that I could bounce back from adversity much more quickly than if I was worrying about rent. For example, I lost my job as a reporter. It didn’t take long to find another one, but I was not very worried about it and this peace could have been the thing that allowed me to succeed in finding subsequent opportunities, but I can’t really tell that can I? The mental health benefits of knowing where I will sleep for as long as I want, improved my quality of life and I have been enjoying that peace of mind for more than 25 years now. You know, Maslow’s hierarchy and all that is a real thing.
I think for me life has caused me to have a greater resilience over so many years of constant challenges. I also after my Mom died and my divorce turned to God more. Helped bring peace to my life. I found this site when life became very hard with my daughter’s addiction but thank God she will be celebrating 3 yrs in January.🎉
The man I would have laid down and died for
(not what you think,
but that is another story for another time),
was mostly raised in Japan,
and from living with him for seven years,
alot of that influence
rubbed off on me . . .
his mother loaned me her “Mrs. Ma’s Cookbook”,
from which I learned to make egg rolls and pot stickers,
seafood tempura,
and the most delicious broth I’ve ever tasted.
I also remember reading some wonderful books,
”The Three Bamboos”
being one of them.
It always stuck with me,
long after I forgot the plot,
that the bamboo tree survives
because it is more flexible than the mighty oak . . .
it bends and twists in the storms,
but does not break.
Although I did not immediately learn that lesson,
and remained fairly rigid in my thinking,
when I finally did,
it saved my life.
It also has to do with surrendering,
I think–
not giving up,
but softening
and allowing things to flow over and under me,
even to carry me from one place to another.
I was a tree with broken branches
many times
before I got the message spontaneously one terrible afternoon.
The man I was living with at the time
threw me against the wall
and hit me
hard.
With no forethought or plan
I allowed myself to slowly fall to the ground.
He left me alone after that,
and some time later
I left him as well.
But one of my better angels took over in that moment
of falling,
and saved me from a beating.
I was as surprised as he.
Now,
I consciously go with the flow of things
and adjust my position afterwards.
What happens
is going to happen . . .
there’s no use screaming into the wind about anything.
Learning to be a person of still waters
is now a life long practice.
My life is less fearful
and the bumps
are not as bumpy anymore.
I feel blessed
to have this piece of knowledge. ♥
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a book titled “You Learn By Living.” I often think of her quote “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” At some level this quote sounds harsh, but I translate it in my mind as “You can do the thing you think you cannot do.”
So mostly I developed greater resilience over time, slowly and surely, but with many setbacks and many mistakes. By just doing life; putting one step in front of the other, especially when things were difficult.
Keeping on keeping on, when I couldn’t see the way ahead.
Having to meet and take on challenges and risks that I never would have thought I could possibly do.
Now, I am amazed at where I am for the most part.
Too many experiences to list here, but all have helped me remember my inner resilience and utilize it to have a better life. My experiences led me to meditation, yoga, this website and so much more, all allowing me to stay grounded, centered, and resilient to the bumps I come across on my path.
Big love and gratitude to Dolly Parton and all the beauty she shared with the world. I read this quote of hers at the start of my vinyasa class this morning, “I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”
The experiences of pushing through challenges — my biggest ones being addiction, and also being a single mother to a special needs child. I have been sober for 11 years and a good mom for 10 years now. These circumstances have shown me my true grit.
The practice of coming to this website daily (although I don’t post very often) has given me a morning anchor that lends resiliency throughout my day, no matter what it may bring.
I think, subconsciously, resilience started for me at 21 months of age when my mother passed. I have slushed through many challenges. I feel confident and stronger than maybe I would be without it.
I have an imaginary shovel that keeps clearing a path for the next beautiful experience.
Thank you Dolly!
The practice of gratefulness has helped me develop greater resilience and many challenging experiences have also ultimately made me stronger. I share something I wrote on this site in 2023 and also find Richard Rohr’s words today apply for me.
Morning Meds Weekend Sep2-3 2023 Twists and Turns that lead to Growth
Looking back on my life so far, what unexpected twists and turns am I grateful for?
There were very many twists and turns and a lot of them were very upsetting and painful and it is hard to be grateful for them but I am grateful for the growth that they initiated. That said, there is one twist that was very much a gift. It occurred when I reached a stage where I owned my extremely deep anger and resentment toward a God I had been taught was judgmental and would not love me unless I was perfect.
I began to question my church’s dogma so I went to the only man of the cloth I trusted and said, “I’m ready to talk about God. He made no attempt to define God for me. Instead he gave me a xerox copy of what is called the daily office in church circles and told me to create a spot in my home where I could go, sit quietly and read the assigned daily scriptures. He said that I should not look for answers but just let the word work in me. That was wise advice as I was always looking for answers instead of living my questions!
At first I found such a daily commitment a chore but because I trusted him, I persevered. I’m so grateful I did because slowly but surely, I came to relish this special time of each day and was very upset when something prevented me from my daily contemplative practice. I did not realize it but I was growing in self awareness and it was changing my perspective dramatically. I liked me better and so did everyone else!
James Finley in his book “The Contemplative Heart” explains that fidelity to a contemplative practice leads to the realization of the “…divinity of the present moment.” He adds that “…By such fidelities [to practice] you, without your knowing how, are led along the path of your transformation into the depths of divinity that your daily living manifests.”
The day I took up a contemplative practice is the day I began to really grow spiritually. For this I am very grateful.
I see why the staff of Living Gratefully chose today’s quote from Paramahansa Yogananda because it compliments today’s question. “A harmonized mind produces harmony in this world of seeming discord.”
Until I began this contemplative practice which at the time I did not realize was integrating my insides and my outsides, I struggled to find harmony in my own life nor could I really possess a mind that promotes harmony in the rest of the world. You cannot give away something you do not possess.
Increasing quiet time, whether in the car while driving, Listening to classical music at home. Increased prayer and meditation within those quiet times It all works together. And leads to increasing my intuition which generally leads to a phone call or note sending to someone on my mind. And finding out that outreach is just what they needed. I guess that’s one way of “God wearing skin”–we’re used to reach out with the Universe’s loving compassion and touch. Gentle Wednesday greeting to all. ☮️🌻
I am more resilient than I used to be. I’m not sure exactly what practice to point to. It’s probably a bit of all of them. But I know it started with a willingness and a surrender. And then, to question my resistance and to question my motives behind that resistance.
There is so much work we can do.
Willingness and surrender–yes. It’s funny, both of those things seem flexible, fluid, and not “hard” as the word resilience seems to imply. But their power lies in their fluidity. I find so much more strength in surrender than in bracing myself and pushing through.
Yes, God bless Dolly! I never listened to her music regularly but have always respected her as an artist and a good person in general, especially with that wonderful book program she started for kids. She was such a radiant light. That light shines on in her legacy ✨
God bless Dolly Parton.
Yesterday was a sad but joyful day of listening to her music and reading all of the amazing stories and remembrances of her.
What an amazing human.
Reflecting on my strengths is a practice I use to foster my resilience. At certain points in my life, I have momentarily forgotten how I overcame previous challenges, which has left me feeling somewhat stagnant.
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Thank you for sharing something so personal and meaningful. ❤️ It’s amazing how life’s hardest seasons can deepen our faith and help us notice the sacredness in the smallest moments—peace, family, hope, and simply having another day to be grateful for. And congratulations on your daughter’s nearly 3 years—that is truly something worth celebrating! 🎉🙏 https://animeworldhd.app/
I think we had this question before or similar. Definitely owning my own home, and not depending on parasitic landlords for the most basic of human needs 😛 After having dependable stability I found I could take greater risks, which most often paid off for me. I also found that I could bounce back from adversity much more quickly than if I was worrying about rent. For example, I lost my job as a reporter. It didn’t take long to find another one, but I was not very worried about it and this peace could have been the thing that allowed me to succeed in finding subsequent opportunities, but I can’t really tell that can I? The mental health benefits of knowing where I will sleep for as long as I want, improved my quality of life and I have been enjoying that peace of mind for more than 25 years now. You know, Maslow’s hierarchy and all that is a real thing.
Having that need fulfilled,
dear Louise,
is indeed
a door that opens into other things. ♥
I love your appreciation and awareness of this security you created, Louise. 🩷
I think for me life has caused me to have a greater resilience over so many years of constant challenges. I also after my Mom died and my divorce turned to God more. Helped bring peace to my life. I found this site when life became very hard with my daughter’s addiction but thank God she will be celebrating 3 yrs in January.🎉
The man I would have laid down and died for
(not what you think,
but that is another story for another time),
was mostly raised in Japan,
and from living with him for seven years,
alot of that influence
rubbed off on me . . .
his mother loaned me her “Mrs. Ma’s Cookbook”,
from which I learned to make egg rolls and pot stickers,
seafood tempura,
and the most delicious broth I’ve ever tasted.
I also remember reading some wonderful books,
”The Three Bamboos”
being one of them.
It always stuck with me,
long after I forgot the plot,
that the bamboo tree survives
because it is more flexible than the mighty oak . . .
it bends and twists in the storms,
but does not break.
Although I did not immediately learn that lesson,
and remained fairly rigid in my thinking,
when I finally did,
it saved my life.
It also has to do with surrendering,
I think–
not giving up,
but softening
and allowing things to flow over and under me,
even to carry me from one place to another.
I was a tree with broken branches
many times
before I got the message spontaneously one terrible afternoon.
The man I was living with at the time
threw me against the wall
and hit me
hard.
With no forethought or plan
I allowed myself to slowly fall to the ground.
He left me alone after that,
and some time later
I left him as well.
But one of my better angels took over in that moment
of falling,
and saved me from a beating.
I was as surprised as he.
Now,
I consciously go with the flow of things
and adjust my position afterwards.
What happens
is going to happen . . .
there’s no use screaming into the wind about anything.
Learning to be a person of still waters
is now a life long practice.
My life is less fearful
and the bumps
are not as bumpy anymore.
I feel blessed
to have this piece of knowledge. ♥
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a book titled “You Learn By Living.” I often think of her quote “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” At some level this quote sounds harsh, but I translate it in my mind as “You can do the thing you think you cannot do.”
So mostly I developed greater resilience over time, slowly and surely, but with many setbacks and many mistakes. By just doing life; putting one step in front of the other, especially when things were difficult.
Keeping on keeping on, when I couldn’t see the way ahead.
Having to meet and take on challenges and risks that I never would have thought I could possibly do.
Now, I am amazed at where I am for the most part.
I have had this experience too,
dear Maeve . . .
and yes,
I too
am amazed. ♥
Too many experiences to list here, but all have helped me remember my inner resilience and utilize it to have a better life. My experiences led me to meditation, yoga, this website and so much more, all allowing me to stay grounded, centered, and resilient to the bumps I come across on my path.
Big love and gratitude to Dolly Parton and all the beauty she shared with the world. I read this quote of hers at the start of my vinyasa class this morning, “I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world.”
The experiences of pushing through challenges — my biggest ones being addiction, and also being a single mother to a special needs child. I have been sober for 11 years and a good mom for 10 years now. These circumstances have shown me my true grit.
The practice of coming to this website daily (although I don’t post very often) has given me a morning anchor that lends resiliency throughout my day, no matter what it may bring.
I have that in my past too,
dear Emmaleah . . .
you are a brave and courageous woman,
and a wise mother
for your child. ♥
Glad for you and your child, Emmaleah.
I think, subconsciously, resilience started for me at 21 months of age when my mother passed. I have slushed through many challenges. I feel confident and stronger than maybe I would be without it.
I have an imaginary shovel that keeps clearing a path for the next beautiful experience.
Thank you Dolly!
This. Therapy. Healthy friendship(s). Physical fitness routine(s).
The practice of gratefulness has helped me develop greater resilience and many challenging experiences have also ultimately made me stronger. I share something I wrote on this site in 2023 and also find Richard Rohr’s words today apply for me.
Morning Meds Weekend Sep2-3 2023 Twists and Turns that lead to Growth
Looking back on my life so far, what unexpected twists and turns am I grateful for?
There were very many twists and turns and a lot of them were very upsetting and painful and it is hard to be grateful for them but I am grateful for the growth that they initiated. That said, there is one twist that was very much a gift. It occurred when I reached a stage where I owned my extremely deep anger and resentment toward a God I had been taught was judgmental and would not love me unless I was perfect.
I began to question my church’s dogma so I went to the only man of the cloth I trusted and said, “I’m ready to talk about God. He made no attempt to define God for me. Instead he gave me a xerox copy of what is called the daily office in church circles and told me to create a spot in my home where I could go, sit quietly and read the assigned daily scriptures. He said that I should not look for answers but just let the word work in me. That was wise advice as I was always looking for answers instead of living my questions!
At first I found such a daily commitment a chore but because I trusted him, I persevered. I’m so grateful I did because slowly but surely, I came to relish this special time of each day and was very upset when something prevented me from my daily contemplative practice. I did not realize it but I was growing in self awareness and it was changing my perspective dramatically. I liked me better and so did everyone else!
James Finley in his book “The Contemplative Heart” explains that fidelity to a contemplative practice leads to the realization of the “…divinity of the present moment.” He adds that “…By such fidelities [to practice] you, without your knowing how, are led along the path of your transformation into the depths of divinity that your daily living manifests.”
The day I took up a contemplative practice is the day I began to really grow spiritually. For this I am very grateful.
I see why the staff of Living Gratefully chose today’s quote from Paramahansa Yogananda because it compliments today’s question. “A harmonized mind produces harmony in this world of seeming discord.”
Until I began this contemplative practice which at the time I did not realize was integrating my insides and my outsides, I struggled to find harmony in my own life nor could I really possess a mind that promotes harmony in the rest of the world. You cannot give away something you do not possess.
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-true-seed-within/
Increasing quiet time, whether in the car while driving, Listening to classical music at home. Increased prayer and meditation within those quiet times It all works together. And leads to increasing my intuition which generally leads to a phone call or note sending to someone on my mind. And finding out that outreach is just what they needed. I guess that’s one way of “God wearing skin”–we’re used to reach out with the Universe’s loving compassion and touch. Gentle Wednesday greeting to all. ☮️🌻
I hope you had a gentle Wednesday, as well, Carla.
I am more resilient than I used to be. I’m not sure exactly what practice to point to. It’s probably a bit of all of them. But I know it started with a willingness and a surrender. And then, to question my resistance and to question my motives behind that resistance.
There is so much work we can do.
Willingness and surrender–yes. It’s funny, both of those things seem flexible, fluid, and not “hard” as the word resilience seems to imply. But their power lies in their fluidity. I find so much more strength in surrender than in bracing myself and pushing through.
Taking the time to get to know myself has helped. Dolly inspo (RIP, queen):
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” Dolly Parton
“I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb – and I’m not blonde either.” Dolly Parton
Yes, God bless Dolly! I never listened to her music regularly but have always respected her as an artist and a good person in general, especially with that wonderful book program she started for kids. She was such a radiant light. That light shines on in her legacy ✨
Also, I identify with that quote 😆
God bless Dolly Parton.
Yesterday was a sad but joyful day of listening to her music and reading all of the amazing stories and remembrances of her.
What an amazing human.
She was amazing. I’m going to get one of her books next, hadn’t read them and now I really want to. So much to look up to.
Meditation! The method to let go of my mind is helping me a lot and it also flows with gratitude! Thank you 🙏
Reflecting on my strengths is a practice I use to foster my resilience. At certain points in my life, I have momentarily forgotten how I overcame previous challenges, which has left me feeling somewhat stagnant.
My Ngoc, this aligns with what I talked about last night on understanding our value.