I am ready to let go of my opinions of people and their stories. I am insecure. Everyone is. And the high standards I hold myself to are reflected in the way I view other people. While there is nothing wrong with possessing an opinion, I need to grow with the fact that no one else thinks and acts and speaks the same way I do, and no one ever will. My own stories are holding be back from simply, completely, being. Because at the end of the day, we are all people who crave to be loved and accepted. I am not a bad person. I am enough. But I am flawed, and there is nowhere else to grow but upwards.
Madeline, it wasn’t too long ago that I prefered others to be like me. I still believe that similarities make life easier. This preference stems from being annoyed over 20 questions, unsolicited advice, and a sharper communication style from my root people. Looking past my ego is the main formula to break through barriors. I’ve come to learn that it’s the way they express care. It took time for me to figure that out. Resentment towards those closest to us isn’t worth it. We’re only responsible for our methods.
Madeline, I remember a fellow once said that opinions are just thoughts. As long as one does not invest in the thought. As the clouds slip by, allow the thought to do the same.
Today’s reflection question asks: What is the limiting story I’m ready to let go of?
I think mine is the belief that going home means going back. When I return to my hometown, I want to sit in the same coffee shops, walk into the same stadium, meet the same friends, and feel like I can step back into the version of myself who once lived here. But time has moved. The stadium gates are no longer open to me. My friends have different lives and goals. Even having coffee with my sister now requires planning around a baby, heat, and our limited vision.
Nothing is wrong. It’s just different.
I’m not ready to let go of this place — I still want to come back, maybe even next summer. But I am learning to let go of the expectation that it will restore the past. Home is not a time machine. It is a place where I can be honest about who I’ve been, and who I am becoming.
Such a thoughtful reflection,
dear Ngoc . . .
it’s true
that we can never really go home again,
but I’m happy that you find solace and comfort
with people you love. ♥
Were our parents and teachers
afraid we would grow too big?
So big in fact,
that they felt the need to tamp down our youthful creativity?
Or did we do it to ourselves?
Everyone
seems to have ‘limiting stories’
of one kind or another . . .
maybe only sociopaths
are free of them.
Like so many people
I say that I am sick to death of them,
tired of their lingering presence,
and ready to let them go,
and yet they stay
and pop up to remind us to be fearful of fulfilling our hearts desires . . .
to be free of their crippling grip.
One of my stories
just up and left last week,
along with the shame and embarrassment
it has caused me for many years . . .
I didn’t really do anything consciously
to escort it out the door.
It just left
defeated.
It was because perhaps
I realized,
really realized
how against nature it was
without thinking about it at all.
I’ve thought plenty about it
all of my life,
but not that day,
so it was a surprise to be free of it.
Perhaps others will leave in the same way
in their own time,
but today
I am one story lighter,
and am more grateful for that
than I can say. ♥
I have some limiting stories that I have worked very hard to let go of. However, they sneak back up on me way too often. I think sometimes we are sincerely ready but they are so deep and so ingrained that we have to keep being willing to let go over and over.
I think so too,
dear Carol Ann,
and have the same struggles you do
in letting them go.
Today’s ‘Word’
mentions that ”comfort provides a floor but also a ceiling.”
It got me thinking
that when we reach the ceiling,
perhaps that is when we are most ready
to let the old stories go. (?) ♥
I am ready to let go of the sneaky inner voice that tells me I am unworthy of love and unlikeable. These stories keep me isolated and build up walls around me. I am so tired of them, but they are really engrained! I wish all of you luck in letting go of your limiting stories.
Ah yes, the stories that I tell myself. The things that were told to me, or I intuited, as a child that I received as the truth. When in reality, they were a reflection. Non the less, I carry these thoughts with me, keeping them tucked out of site, but always there for me to gnaw on. To pick at. To limit me in so many ways.
Mostly it’s the story that I’m not smart enough. That I’m stupid.
It has taken me way too many years to even acknowledge that this might not be true. And intellectually, I know this isn’t true. I mean, I’m certainly not the smartest person, I’m probably somewhere in the middle. Which is fine. And there is now a lifetime of evidence to point to.
But it still lives in me. Lurking. It’s gotten better, but it likes to come out when I make some sort of mistake or bad decision. “Ah ha! I told you so!”
This certainly has had a limiting effect.
I am doing the work. The digging down. The learning about how this stuff works. To let go of these stories.
I wish it was that easy. To just let go and watch them float away like a bunch of balloons.
Charlie, letting go takes such deep surrender that I find it’s like willingly facing a total loss of control. Religion calls it losing control to the Spirit. Interesting short talk by R. Rohr https://www.youtube.com/shorts/54IX0P9qvcQ
Why do we feel we are never enough,
dear Charlie?
Tall enough,
rich enough,
smart enough?
As Forrest Gump might have said,
“Smart is as smart does.”
I try to remember
that I am always doing the very best that I can
given what I have to work with,
even if it doesn’t look like it
to somebody else . . .
you are the one who has to live with you,
not them.
I join you
in watching those balloons float away . . . ♥
I’m in a career shift, and I have a story that the world “out there” is scary. I’ve been through some hard knocks and always done well. The novelty of my situation is bringing up kid fears. I’m ready to let go and keep on truckin’.
That’s a scary one for sure,
dear Drea . . .
I read one of Pema Chodron’s cards today,
and it said,
“Abandon any hope of fruition.”
The companion commentary said,
“The key instruction is to stay in the present. Don’t get caught up in hopes of what you’ll achieve and how good your situation will be some day in the future. What you do right now is what matters.”
I thought of you and your situation . . .
does this speak to you at all? ♥
There are many, what I call “old ideas,” Some based on family DNA, others on how I’m the only one limiting me. I can begin a new page in my journal about them. Sending Peace to all and our planet.☮️
Those old stories that creep in telling me I am not worthy to do what I’m doing. Along with the ones that tell me I should feel guilty for certain things, one of which is moving away from my family. Both of my sisters moved away long before I did (and much further), but since I’m the oldest, once I moved in 2024, somehow the world was ending as far as my mom goes. And now that we are planning to move again (!), she is wondering why we don’t want to come back to Charleston.
End of vent! haha! I need to let go of the story that I am responsible for other’s feelings and that their expectations are not mine.
I very much love Charlotte, but after being on the beach last week, we decided that we need it in closer access again. Being able to surf regularly would be amazing, but it’s not just for me… my husband loves it and so do our dogs. Our older dog learned quickly which way the beach was from our inn, and anytime we’d start to walk in the other direction, he would pull towards the beach. So while there is no move date as of yet, we’ve put it in the universe to take us to Jacksonville, FL… still get a big city with lots to offer, better opportunities for my husband’s career, better cost of living… and beaches!
oh I would love if you switched it to the West Coast near Tampa, LOL I would be the first person to sign up for your yoga class, lol. and take you to Tampa’s Riverwalk and eat lunch at the Columbia Cafe and get a nice 1905 salad…
Can’t wait to hear where and when you end up – excited for you, hubby and doggies.
Guilt
raising its selfish, ugly head,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
an age old story
so many of us
are burdened with . . .
I’m afraid
that the bottom line
is that it is your life
and you must do
what is called upon you to do.
I hold you dear. ♥
Thank you, Sparrow. I have to remind myself that it is my life. And just try to let go of what my mom wants me to do. She always acts so proud of me but then throws in things to make me feel guilty for my decisions. It actually makes me laugh in this moment 😄
I’ve talked about my basic desire for autonomy before many times. Seeing how I’ve evolved this time in Ngoc’s absence reflects it. Notable examples include going from a string-puller to a man of integrity and individualistic to collectivistic mindset.
Through all that bible-reading and communicating with Angela seeing how she and I are similar almost like twins, I came to the realization that my ego is the main barrior. I’m able to have more fun at traditional Asian gatherings. Yesterday is a perfect example illustrating my evolution.
One of the elders at my older brother, Dinh’s, house asked me in the sweet voice I use to perceived as babyish, about missing Ngoc. I was honest, played along, and did some exageration telling the elderly woman that I really miss her. The old Loc would have played politics and pulled more strings for autonomy. Nice try. I saw that she was just caring. It’s a cultural thing. Having talked to my little sister from another mother, yes, Angela, I’ve come to learn that Mexican and Vietnamese cultures have many similarities. Strong family values jump out.
I’ve heard a lot about the “King of the Castle” syndrome. I’m sure there are other young men who show up from time to time, but I’m the only one I know that jumps out who shows up here consistently. It’s not easy to embrace the fact that we’re always a baby in the eyes of our elders. Every man I know, myself included, has a desire for power to a varying degree. We were already created this way. Ultimately, it comes down to whether we use it for corruptive or positive influence. Back to this site. As mentioned before, the majority here are middle-aged, older, and elderly adults and more women. The 3 men I know that jumps out who make a regular appearance here are: Joseph, John, and Charlie T. If there’s more, please fill me in. I know those 3 are in the age group of my parents; mid 60s to lower 70s.
As for being a baby in the eyes of our elders, knowing that we’re all god’s children and all the conversations with Angela certainly helps. As mentioned in the earlier paragraph, a regular appearance on this site is beneficial too. Connecting the dots, my mom told me indirectly that discomfort comes from ego when talking about the way of care from elders when they cuddle, affectionate, or ask about missing spouse. Angela aside. From what my mom told me, seeing the bigger picture, and connecting dots on the foundation makes it easier to welcome their love and embrace.
With all that being said in summary, I’ll always love my autonomy but can be ok in an environment with less of that. If we’re talking basketball terms, impact>influence. What I mean by that is to focus on the things that don’t get talked about contributing to helping a team win. Stats, endorcement deals, larger contracts, influence or anything that links to gaining power is secondary.
I’m ready to let go of that my life is over if I don’t have the love and support of certain people like family, or other loved ones. I’m always sort of harbouring limitations of potential possibilities due to inferiority emotions or thoughts. To even admit that they are there is scary. Baby steps and using the meditation method of letting go is actually a life saver! I’m so grateful to be able to let this too go . Even if more of this comes up the drain pipes it’s being removed by grace ! Thank you so much .
Your life isn’t over,
dear Antoinette,
wherever you receive your support and love from.
You are you
and are supported
(and loved)
by the Universe.
I am grateful
that your meditation method
helps you through darker times
as well as the happy ones. ♥
Yea if my life was over I wouldn’t even have the possibility of becoming anything let alone Truth ! A True reason to be grateful! Just live today and do our best today have no regrets about the outcome! Thank you ! 🤩
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I am ready to let go of my opinions of people and their stories. I am insecure. Everyone is. And the high standards I hold myself to are reflected in the way I view other people. While there is nothing wrong with possessing an opinion, I need to grow with the fact that no one else thinks and acts and speaks the same way I do, and no one ever will. My own stories are holding be back from simply, completely, being. Because at the end of the day, we are all people who crave to be loved and accepted. I am not a bad person. I am enough. But I am flawed, and there is nowhere else to grow but upwards.
Madeline, it wasn’t too long ago that I prefered others to be like me. I still believe that similarities make life easier. This preference stems from being annoyed over 20 questions, unsolicited advice, and a sharper communication style from my root people. Looking past my ego is the main formula to break through barriors. I’ve come to learn that it’s the way they express care. It took time for me to figure that out. Resentment towards those closest to us isn’t worth it. We’re only responsible for our methods.
Madeline, I remember a fellow once said that opinions are just thoughts. As long as one does not invest in the thought. As the clouds slip by, allow the thought to do the same.
Today’s reflection question asks: What is the limiting story I’m ready to let go of?
I think mine is the belief that going home means going back. When I return to my hometown, I want to sit in the same coffee shops, walk into the same stadium, meet the same friends, and feel like I can step back into the version of myself who once lived here. But time has moved. The stadium gates are no longer open to me. My friends have different lives and goals. Even having coffee with my sister now requires planning around a baby, heat, and our limited vision.
Nothing is wrong. It’s just different.
I’m not ready to let go of this place — I still want to come back, maybe even next summer. But I am learning to let go of the expectation that it will restore the past. Home is not a time machine. It is a place where I can be honest about who I’ve been, and who I am becoming.
I love how you said, “Nothing is wrong. It’s just different.” This can apply to so much in life. Thank you.
“Home is not a time machine. It is a place where I can be honest about who I’ve been, and who I am becoming.” – such truth in this, thank you Ngoc.
My Ngoc, our answers share a common theme. That is to adapt to our circumstances, no re-creating the past.
Such a thoughtful reflection,
dear Ngoc . . .
it’s true
that we can never really go home again,
but I’m happy that you find solace and comfort
with people you love. ♥
We all have them,
don’t we?
Were our parents and teachers
afraid we would grow too big?
So big in fact,
that they felt the need to tamp down our youthful creativity?
Or did we do it to ourselves?
Everyone
seems to have ‘limiting stories’
of one kind or another . . .
maybe only sociopaths
are free of them.
Like so many people
I say that I am sick to death of them,
tired of their lingering presence,
and ready to let them go,
and yet they stay
and pop up to remind us to be fearful of fulfilling our hearts desires . . .
to be free of their crippling grip.
One of my stories
just up and left last week,
along with the shame and embarrassment
it has caused me for many years . . .
I didn’t really do anything consciously
to escort it out the door.
It just left
defeated.
It was because perhaps
I realized,
really realized
how against nature it was
without thinking about it at all.
I’ve thought plenty about it
all of my life,
but not that day,
so it was a surprise to be free of it.
Perhaps others will leave in the same way
in their own time,
but today
I am one story lighter,
and am more grateful for that
than I can say. ♥
I congratulate you on the story popping up and leaving … that’s wonderful! Love the spontaneity of its departure too.
I have some limiting stories that I have worked very hard to let go of. However, they sneak back up on me way too often. I think sometimes we are sincerely ready but they are so deep and so ingrained that we have to keep being willing to let go over and over.
Letting go over and over — truth.
I think so too,
dear Carol Ann,
and have the same struggles you do
in letting them go.
Today’s ‘Word’
mentions that ”comfort provides a floor but also a ceiling.”
It got me thinking
that when we reach the ceiling,
perhaps that is when we are most ready
to let the old stories go. (?) ♥
Sparrow, I think that is a pretty good observation. I think that is necessary for surrender.
‘They’
talk about breaking the glass ceiling,
dear Carol Ann . . .
that is where my thought
was born out of. ♥
I am ready to let go of the sneaky inner voice that tells me I am unworthy of love and unlikeable. These stories keep me isolated and build up walls around me. I am so tired of them, but they are really engrained! I wish all of you luck in letting go of your limiting stories.
Unfounded fears.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of not enough.
Happy Summer time All…🕊️🩷
🌞💦🌱
Ah yes, the stories that I tell myself. The things that were told to me, or I intuited, as a child that I received as the truth. When in reality, they were a reflection. Non the less, I carry these thoughts with me, keeping them tucked out of site, but always there for me to gnaw on. To pick at. To limit me in so many ways.
Mostly it’s the story that I’m not smart enough. That I’m stupid.
It has taken me way too many years to even acknowledge that this might not be true. And intellectually, I know this isn’t true. I mean, I’m certainly not the smartest person, I’m probably somewhere in the middle. Which is fine. And there is now a lifetime of evidence to point to.
But it still lives in me. Lurking. It’s gotten better, but it likes to come out when I make some sort of mistake or bad decision. “Ah ha! I told you so!”
This certainly has had a limiting effect.
I am doing the work. The digging down. The learning about how this stuff works. To let go of these stories.
I wish it was that easy. To just let go and watch them float away like a bunch of balloons.
Charlie, letting go takes such deep surrender that I find it’s like willingly facing a total loss of control. Religion calls it losing control to the Spirit. Interesting short talk by R. Rohr
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/54IX0P9qvcQ
Why do we feel we are never enough,
dear Charlie?
Tall enough,
rich enough,
smart enough?
As Forrest Gump might have said,
“Smart is as smart does.”
I try to remember
that I am always doing the very best that I can
given what I have to work with,
even if it doesn’t look like it
to somebody else . . .
you are the one who has to live with you,
not them.
I join you
in watching those balloons float away . . . ♥
I’m in a career shift, and I have a story that the world “out there” is scary. I’ve been through some hard knocks and always done well. The novelty of my situation is bringing up kid fears. I’m ready to let go and keep on truckin’.
Making a big shift is scary, even if you know it’s what you need to do. May your truck carry you on this path with ease!
Thank you Sunnypatti!
That’s a scary one for sure,
dear Drea . . .
I read one of Pema Chodron’s cards today,
and it said,
“Abandon any hope of fruition.”
The companion commentary said,
“The key instruction is to stay in the present. Don’t get caught up in hopes of what you’ll achieve and how good your situation will be some day in the future. What you do right now is what matters.”
I thought of you and your situation . . .
does this speak to you at all? ♥
It very much speaks to me. Thank you, dear Sparrow.
There are many, what I call “old ideas,” Some based on family DNA, others on how I’m the only one limiting me. I can begin a new page in my journal about them. Sending Peace to all and our planet.☮️
Those old stories that creep in telling me I am not worthy to do what I’m doing. Along with the ones that tell me I should feel guilty for certain things, one of which is moving away from my family. Both of my sisters moved away long before I did (and much further), but since I’m the oldest, once I moved in 2024, somehow the world was ending as far as my mom goes. And now that we are planning to move again (!), she is wondering why we don’t want to come back to Charleston.
End of vent! haha! I need to let go of the story that I am responsible for other’s feelings and that their expectations are not mine.
I’m surprised to hear of a new move knowing how much you love Charlotte. New adventures waiting for you I’m sure 🙂
I very much love Charlotte, but after being on the beach last week, we decided that we need it in closer access again. Being able to surf regularly would be amazing, but it’s not just for me… my husband loves it and so do our dogs. Our older dog learned quickly which way the beach was from our inn, and anytime we’d start to walk in the other direction, he would pull towards the beach. So while there is no move date as of yet, we’ve put it in the universe to take us to Jacksonville, FL… still get a big city with lots to offer, better opportunities for my husband’s career, better cost of living… and beaches!
oh I would love if you switched it to the West Coast near Tampa, LOL I would be the first person to sign up for your yoga class, lol. and take you to Tampa’s Riverwalk and eat lunch at the Columbia Cafe and get a nice 1905 salad…
Can’t wait to hear where and when you end up – excited for you, hubby and doggies.
Guilt
raising its selfish, ugly head,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
an age old story
so many of us
are burdened with . . .
I’m afraid
that the bottom line
is that it is your life
and you must do
what is called upon you to do.
I hold you dear. ♥
Thank you, Sparrow. I have to remind myself that it is my life. And just try to let go of what my mom wants me to do. She always acts so proud of me but then throws in things to make me feel guilty for my decisions. It actually makes me laugh in this moment 😄
Wishing you ease with your next move, and much autonomy and confidence!
Thank you so much, Drea! I have those tools, just need to remember to use them!
That there’s not enough time.
Past stories with no answers I am ready to let go of.
That I am not enough.
Peace, Love & Light.
Your story,
dear Joseph,
seems to be pretty universal.
I have it too . . .
I think about it
and wonder why? ♥
I’ve talked about my basic desire for autonomy before many times. Seeing how I’ve evolved this time in Ngoc’s absence reflects it. Notable examples include going from a string-puller to a man of integrity and individualistic to collectivistic mindset.
Through all that bible-reading and communicating with Angela seeing how she and I are similar almost like twins, I came to the realization that my ego is the main barrior. I’m able to have more fun at traditional Asian gatherings. Yesterday is a perfect example illustrating my evolution.
One of the elders at my older brother, Dinh’s, house asked me in the sweet voice I use to perceived as babyish, about missing Ngoc. I was honest, played along, and did some exageration telling the elderly woman that I really miss her. The old Loc would have played politics and pulled more strings for autonomy. Nice try. I saw that she was just caring. It’s a cultural thing. Having talked to my little sister from another mother, yes, Angela, I’ve come to learn that Mexican and Vietnamese cultures have many similarities. Strong family values jump out.
I’ve heard a lot about the “King of the Castle” syndrome. I’m sure there are other young men who show up from time to time, but I’m the only one I know that jumps out who shows up here consistently. It’s not easy to embrace the fact that we’re always a baby in the eyes of our elders. Every man I know, myself included, has a desire for power to a varying degree. We were already created this way. Ultimately, it comes down to whether we use it for corruptive or positive influence. Back to this site. As mentioned before, the majority here are middle-aged, older, and elderly adults and more women. The 3 men I know that jumps out who make a regular appearance here are: Joseph, John, and Charlie T. If there’s more, please fill me in. I know those 3 are in the age group of my parents; mid 60s to lower 70s.
As for being a baby in the eyes of our elders, knowing that we’re all god’s children and all the conversations with Angela certainly helps. As mentioned in the earlier paragraph, a regular appearance on this site is beneficial too. Connecting the dots, my mom told me indirectly that discomfort comes from ego when talking about the way of care from elders when they cuddle, affectionate, or ask about missing spouse. Angela aside. From what my mom told me, seeing the bigger picture, and connecting dots on the foundation makes it easier to welcome their love and embrace.
With all that being said in summary, I’ll always love my autonomy but can be ok in an environment with less of that. If we’re talking basketball terms, impact>influence. What I mean by that is to focus on the things that don’t get talked about contributing to helping a team win. Stats, endorcement deals, larger contracts, influence or anything that links to gaining power is secondary.
I’m ready to let go of that my life is over if I don’t have the love and support of certain people like family, or other loved ones. I’m always sort of harbouring limitations of potential possibilities due to inferiority emotions or thoughts. To even admit that they are there is scary. Baby steps and using the meditation method of letting go is actually a life saver! I’m so grateful to be able to let this too go . Even if more of this comes up the drain pipes it’s being removed by grace ! Thank you so much .
❤️🙏
Your life isn’t over,
dear Antoinette,
wherever you receive your support and love from.
You are you
and are supported
(and loved)
by the Universe.
I am grateful
that your meditation method
helps you through darker times
as well as the happy ones. ♥
Yea if my life was over I wouldn’t even have the possibility of becoming anything let alone Truth ! A True reason to be grateful! Just live today and do our best today have no regrets about the outcome! Thank you ! 🤩