Reflections

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  1. Jordin Clauson
    Jordin :)
    1 month ago

    Trying to move on from a rejection that happened two months ago, it’s sad even though I saw it coming from a mile away. In the long run it’s probably better for both of us.

    1. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      1 month ago

      So sorry, it is very difficult. Hang in there!

  2. Charlie T
    Charlie T
    1 month ago

    The experience of trying to respond and not just react. This is new for me.

  3. Nannette
    Nannette
    1 month ago

    I am learning that each moment is special…and to be grateful for that time- no matter what I am doing. I sit and think of all the experiences that I have had…did I truly experience the experience? and was I grateful at the time? I look back and just think “if only”…but my days now are filled with “I can and I will” Each day is a treasure that unfolds and I am very grateful and try to really do my best.

    1. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      I do my best to let the past be the past and not future tripping, anticipating or ginning up expectations’ Nannette. I do not always succeed but it douses the “if only”s and unmet expectations from becoming flames that the monkey in my mind will chatter incessantly about.

  4. Robin Ann
    Robin Ann
    1 month ago

    I am working part time for seasonal help for the holidays, I haven’t worked in Retail in like 30 years but I am enjoying seeing happy faces and having conversations with folks. I work on a computer all day at my regular job and it can be very isolating even though we IM, email and do many on-line meetings . However, the new job right now there are times when I feel frustrated but trying to hang in there and I know soon it won’t be so challenging trying to know everything. I really like so far everyone I work with. Everyone is super pleasant and helpful.

  5. Ose
    Ose
    1 month ago

    Something new is on its way, which is difficult to get hold of right now. A kind of transformation of being critizising into kind of more tenderness towards myself and others for example, not completely but clearly there, offering joy in still moments while feeling allowed to beginning to harvest the fruits of long-time facing transformation of fear, pain and suffering. The experience of gratefulness being available as a choice to be taken any moment is transforming difficult moments into moments of peace and surrender to the moment given, transforming despair into humility, fear into the capacity to observe fear, and suffering possibly into a peaceful balanced state while still being aware of the pain.
    I am deeply grateful for this transformation and years melt away now. Deeply grateful also for all of you here and you who have been here with all of us (Grateful sea, Kevin, ED S., and so many dear kindred hearts also, and if you still read here, just feel a heartfelt embrace if i may for your precious presence which you gifted us with) as well as my dear friends and loved ones.

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      I know this feeling well,
      dear Ose,
      and have been experiencing it in waves,
      each one
      getting a little closer,
      tantalizing me with the scent of it,
      edging ever closer
      so that I can almost touch its breath.
      Embrace it
      with love . . . ♥

  6. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol
    1 month ago

    I have to ponder on this one and cannot guarantee an answer! Look forward to reading how others relate to this question.

  7. Barb C
    Barb C
    1 month ago

    I’m experiencing the age I am now and the accumulation of all the days and years before. This includes both being grateful for the things my body is capable of, like going for a long walk, and noticing the things that aren’t quite what they used to be. That’s the reality for all of us if we live any length of time.

    Over the course of this year I’ve experienced a new side of myself thanks to taking improv classes, which I’ve mentioned before. I started those early in the new year through our parks and rec department and I’ve signed up for each cycle of classes they offered. Several of us are regulars and we have “Improv Friends Club” get-togethers in the months when class isn’t in session; our teacher even comes to those and we have dinner and do skits at someone’s house. I’ve found a brave and spontaneous side and I’ll now jump right into a scene whereas I held back early on. I’ve laughed more and harder in this last year than in a long time–such a delight!

    I’ve also grown professionally over the years. I occasionally pause to recognize how reflexively I do things to act as both a leader and supporter of my team, which has grown rapidly over the past 18 months. I’ve gotten my ego out of the way. I make sure to give others opportunities and to highlight them and the team rather than myself. I’m able to say “I don’t know” and “Well, I got that wrong. Help me understand so that doesn’t happen again.” My younger self was insecure and would have wanted to be sure people knew I was good at things; she also didn’t like acknowledging mistakes. I’ve grown into confidence and make a point of “learning out loud” in a meeting to encourage others to be honest and to make it okay to try and not quite get there. If we’re not making mistakes we’re not trying new things and learning.

    1. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      Ah yes, that pesky thing called the aging process.

      1. Barb C
        Barb C
        1 month ago

        So, so pesky!

  8. Susan94513
    Susan94513
    1 month ago

    I am realizing how much I am just “letting go” and living moments in a surrender to what is. I am also spending more time in meditation and being present. I find I am happier for no reason.

  9. L
    Lauryn
    1 month ago

    Everyday is a new experience of myself. Lately, this has involved more turning within, seeking refuge within my own mind and heart. Self preservation.

  10. D
    Drea
    1 month ago

    I’m experiencing myself as someone who offers space for others to heal, as a facilitator. I really enjoy being able to open spaces for others to move through grief and gratitude, and also the discipline involved … there’s an imperative for me to welcome whatever comes, which in turn demands that I work through my own stuff before holding space. It feels meaningful and important. I would add, if anyone is interested in hosting Grateful Gatherings, I highly recommend listening to that call, there’s another training in January.

    1. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      1 month ago

      Thank you for that, I may look into it in the future

  11. Elizabeth H67151
    Elizabeth H
    1 month ago

    I think that over the past many years, I have developed a little bit more detachment from my “small self”– the part of me that wants things my way, wants to be right, that reacts instead of responding, etc. I am experiencing myself more often from a grounded place that has compassion for the small self and can be curious about what it is experiencing. I feel more empowered because I know that I have an interior “toolbox” of spiritual practices (and now gratefulness practices too) that I can reach for when the small self is feeling in despair or angry etc.

  12. Ngoc Nguyen
    Ngoc Nguyen
    1 month ago

    I had a great experience making Vietnamese bread. It was very difficult for me because successful Vietnamese bread must be very lightweight, with thin and crispy skin that cracks when you slightly press on the surface. I tried some recipes and techniques unsuccessfully. Fortunately, Loc’s aunt taught me how to make it last week, and I succeeded. It was such a great experience! I really enjoyed the hot, crispy bread fresh out of the oven with chili soy sauce or hot milk coffee.

    1. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      1 month ago

      sounds delicious

    2. L
      Loc Tran
      1 month ago

      My Ngoc, I saw the video you posted on Facebook. It was beautiful. You have sweet sounding voice.

    3. L
      Lauryn
      1 month ago

      This sounds amazing. I love Vietnamese food!

    4. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      That bread sounds delicious. Ngoc! And I am intrigued to think of how it would taste with chili soy sauce

    5. D
      Drea
      1 month ago

      Oh, Vietnamese bread sounds incredible! I’ll have to look up a recipe online, I didn’t know about this type of bread. Enjoy!!

  13. Patti
    sunnypatti
    1 month ago

    I am having a new experience of finding my confidence again as I prepare to restart my YTT. I was physically and mentally beat down in the restaurant-owning business. It was quite the experience, to say the least. Not practicing yoga daily as I did before that adventure really affected me. But I have faith that I will regain the movement and flexibility. I just need to find that part of me who knows she can do anything she sets her mind to.

    1. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      The 2o minute mindful standing yoga led by Dr. Lynn Rossy has been a part of my morning rituals for the past couple of years. It is powerful as Carol mentioned, and has helped my flexibility and balance, SunnyPatti.

      1. Patti
        sunnypatti
        1 month ago

        I’m always up for checking out a new practice, thank you. I have been practicing more lately, just need to get back into a daily routine. Now that my husband will be starting a job, it’ll be easier to do so.

    2. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      1 month ago

      I’m rooting for you, Sunnypatti! Yoga is a powerful tool.

      1. Patti
        sunnypatti
        1 month ago

        Thanks, Carol! I love what yoga does and appreciate the support!

  14. Yram
    Yram
    1 month ago

    Last December my husband was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. I have been introduced to the care partner role. It is scary, burdensome, educational, and rewarding all at the same time. I am grateful to have found several groups that support that role. The participants are willing to share their experiences and offer resources.

    1. Nannette
      Nannette
      1 month ago

      Dear Yram, being a caretaker is a difficult role…but who better than you to love and care for your husband. He is Blessed to have you. I was a caregiver to my brother for a very short time (he passed away)…and it was just as you describe..scary (and I am a nurse with many years experience)..burdensome, educational and indeed very rewarding. I am so happy to have had those days with him. It is wonderful that you have found support groups…I think that will really help when you are feeling overwhelmed. You are in my thoughts and prayers and your husband too.

      1. Yram
        Yram
        1 month ago

        Thank you.

    2. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      1 month ago

      So glad you found some great support groups, makes a big difference . A lot to deal with : )

      1. Yram
        Yram
        1 month ago

        Thank you.

    3. C
      Carly J
      1 month ago

      Blessings to you on your journey with your husband Yram. I, too, have a caretaking role with my husband who lives with advanced cancer. The caretaking group is a gift that I hope fortifies you as it does me.

      1. Yram
        Yram
        1 month ago

        Thank you.

  15. Jenifer
    Jenifer
    1 month ago

    Today, I get the new experience of turning 27 🙂 As I’ve gotten older, I have allowed myself to explore and create and become and be. For a long time, This was something I didn’t do for myself out of fear of what others would think, if I didn’t fit their mold or meet their expectations of who they thought I was. Nonetheless, I have gifted myself the opportunity of becoming the person I always wanted to be and will continue to do so for as long as I can. And for that, I am grateful. 🧡🙏🏽

    1. Michele
      Michele
      1 month ago

      Happy birthday Jenifer!

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      May all your days be as fine as today, Jenifer.

    3. Nannette
      Nannette
      1 month ago

      Happy Birthday, Jennifer. Many of us wait many years to learn what you already have learned. You are going to have a great life. God Bless!

    4. Robin Ann
      Robin Ann
      1 month ago

      Happy Birthday Jenifer! Love it, yes we all need to find our own Joy!

    5. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol
      1 month ago

      Happy Birthday, Jenifer. Just remember you have been and always will be enough!

    6. Barb C
      Barb C
      1 month ago

      Happy birthdayweekmonth! (How we celebrate at our house, which reminds me I need to do something fun today; my birthday was Nov. 6)

      The good news is that you get to carry 27-year-old Jenifer with you all the rest of your life. I’m all the ages I’ve ever been, with all the lessons and growth.

    7. L
      Lauryn
      1 month ago

      Happy birthday Jenifer! 🎉

    8. D
      Drea
      1 month ago

      Happy birthday Jenifer!

    9. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      Happy Birthday, Jenifer!

    10. Patti
      sunnypatti
      1 month ago

      Happy Birthday, Scorpio sister! Best wishes for your 27th trip around the sun 🙂

    11. Laura
      Laura
      1 month ago

      Happy Birthday! 🎂

    12. Ngoc Nguyen
      Ngoc Nguyen
      1 month ago

      Happy birthday to you, Jenifer. Wishing you all the best with your goals.

    13. Yram
      Yram
      1 month ago

      Happy Birthday! What wisdom you have gained in your time of living.

    14. L
      Loc Tran
      1 month ago

      Happy birthday, Jennifer. I’m glad you’re able to be yourself. It’s where it starts and ends. I mentioned community building as my goal in my response. Being authentic makes it easier to align our standards with society’s standards. We’re doing it for real instead of reluctance.

    15. Josie
      Josie
      1 month ago

      Happy birthday, Jennifer! What a wonderful resolve. May you continue in this exciting direction.🙏

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