Mindfulness of having a choice. And reflecting on the no-sense thoughts. And seeing that I need to deepen this to include triggers that leave me reacting in no-sense ways.
I am determined to focus on wellness and be ready for my trip to Scotland in October. I am walking every day trying to get close to 7000 steps and looking for other ways to get fit (yoga/zumba/biking). Sailing season is also here so I always look forward to any new adventures on the boat and of course lovely overnights of pure relaxation!!
I don’t know if this exactly answers today’s question, but I just came in from a beautiful walk. I am on a “high” from seeing all the beauty and wonder in Nature! It makes me contemplate The Higher Power that brings it all about! It made me think of Walt Whitman’s quote, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”. Even if this does not answer today’s question, thank you Grateful Living and I am able to share this reflection. Thank you to everyone who kindly shares their reflections! 🙏💖🌈
Being less judgmental/reactive, especially to my teens and remembering that at this moment, it’s not about me but about them growing, healing, learning while maintaining respect.
Deep connection to my partner – sharing our deep thoughts with each other and learning from each other without hierarchy or judgement.
Needing to take things one day at a time. Not plan too far ahead and accepting what is.
Like so many of you have expressed, I myself am coming to terms with my “new” aging self. A sense of humor, along with radical acceptance of what is helps as I navigate through the changes that are taking place in my aging body. I can’t do what used to be effortless. The new experience of myself is being grateful for what I still can do and embracing just “BEing” when I just don’t have the strength or energy to “DO”.
Have a blessed day everyone ♥
I am able to experience social situations
with less anxiety. This is new(ish) for me
and largely due to medication. I am so
grateful for this. The wear and tear on
my heart and stomach are the price I’ve
paid for not taking care of this sooner.
Now I try to listen to what my heart
and stomach are trying to tell me.
Our body has much to tell us, but if you are like me and lives too much in the head, as you say the gentle nudges of the body can turn into a scream if we don’t listen.
Charlie….my social anxiety is a relatively new experience for me. Perhaps just part of the aging process or trauma along the way? In my younger days I was a social butterfly…these days I am content not to be! Like you shared, I am learning to listen to what my heart and my spirit are telling me and not force myself to be in situations that make me anxious.
I also have been prescribed medication that I take as needed.
Dealing with more intense all-over body pain lately. Trying to figure out best pathways to relief and self-care. At this point it is primarily heating pads, some stretching, and not overdoing things. Sometimes pain meds and/or a bit of wine.
Pilgrim….I am with you. Fibromyalgia pain and just all-over body aches after activity. I too am learning how to practice self-care in the best way. And am grateful for heating pads, pain meds….and a glass of red wine!
Good morning Pilgrim. I am indeed enjoying these May days…despite the smoke that has settled over us from the awful wildfires in Canada. This past weekend we had an overnight at a lovely little mountain town where the skies were blue and clear. Still discovering so much about our new home state.
Have a blessed day my friend ♥
My new self…I keep trying to create. I seem to let myself down almost on a daily basis. I have to get my mind in place to travel on the path that I need to walk…not the one I keep stumbling on. Todays, photo on :The Grateful Living Word of the Day- was beautiful…and a path I would like to take. I am so, so very blessed…Although I am 71, yesterday my husband and I went on a 12 mile bike ride…Yes, it is an electric bike…but boy you DO have to work!! At first, I thought I would not be able to go the distance we wanted to…my knees ached with each pedal… It was our Anniversary and we were riding to “town” for a hot dog!! Can you imagine? The town is almost abandoned…empty storefronts, poor upkeep…but we traveled on the Rail Trail surrounded by beauty…birds flying, singing, a creek along the way.. Then the hot dog cafe was lovely- so clean and run by a pastor of some local church. We had our hot dogs on a picnic table under the shade of a tree. Then back on the trail…So at 71, I am still trying to create and live a better me. I think I was better several years back…but one step at a time. Some days, I take a few backward – but with God’s help and the wisdom of everyone here…I knowI can have a new eperience and a new me. Wishing Blessings and Happiness for all here.
Nannette…my husband and I love to ride our bikes. He still has a “regular” bike and I join in with him on occasion with my E-Bike. We really enjoy rail trails…they are nice and flat! Your outing sounds so lovely and reminds me of some of our own adventures. I am 68 in August and you have inspired me to keep on biking!
Have a blessed day ♥
This sounds like a wonderful day! My husband and I also ride, and I have an e-bike (and others). Yes, the e-bike is heavy and is work even with the e-assist. Fortunately bicycling is easier on the body than walking (calorie for calorie it’s the most efficient form of transportation on the planet). Thank you for sharing the happiness of the outing.
Discovering who I am by going on a labyrinth walk yesterday, and not being carried away, while watching thoughts and feelings, being stored up in long-term memory. From birth, boyhood, youth, to old age, and death l am not body, rather knowing the transmigration of the soul., the challenge of not expecting others to take care of me. Namste
The new experience of myself lately is being a restaurant owner and manager. It’s hard work, more so than anything else I’ve ever done in my life. I’m being pushed in so many directions and mostly by me. The path is challenging, that’s for sure, but I’m grateful to be on it.
I believe there’s a saying among paddlers that goes something like, It’s never the same river twice. I try to remind myself that although this day, this drive to work, this phone call, this email, this grocery shopping seem routine and humdrum, they are in fact new every single time. Different cars on the road, different clients, different shoppers, and each of those obvious variables brings its own aspect of newness to the situation. Most of all, I’m new. I’ve changed since yesterday, even though I can’t see or comprehend the changes on a day-to-day basis.
The experience of myself is not “fall out of the sky” new. Gradually new best describes the experience. I have become less monkey minded, snake eating its own tail or as I have heard it sometimes described the hamster in a wheel. Anxiety, I think a clinician would say. Over the past year or so my practices have allowed me to not want to shoot that damn monkey but to invite him into my lap. The approach of acceptance, awareness, being present, all surrounded with a good dose of gratitude for life has helped this experience along.
Aaaahh Joseph, I know that monkey very well!!! I too am learning to acknowledge his presence and “meet him at the door laughing” as Rumi says in one of my favorite pieces of poetry “The Guest House”.
Thank you for your authentic sharing Joseph ♥
Joseph, I agree with RABBIT…if you were teaching a class I would be first to sign up (but Rabbit would beat me -being number 1). Thank you for your wise words…your journey helps me want to put my best foot forward.. Many days, I am amiss but I will continue to try. Blessings my friend.
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Mindfulness of having a choice. And reflecting on the no-sense thoughts. And seeing that I need to deepen this to include triggers that leave me reacting in no-sense ways.
I am determined to focus on wellness and be ready for my trip to Scotland in October. I am walking every day trying to get close to 7000 steps and looking for other ways to get fit (yoga/zumba/biking). Sailing season is also here so I always look forward to any new adventures on the boat and of course lovely overnights of pure relaxation!!
I don’t know if this exactly answers today’s question, but I just came in from a beautiful walk. I am on a “high” from seeing all the beauty and wonder in Nature! It makes me contemplate The Higher Power that brings it all about! It made me think of Walt Whitman’s quote, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”. Even if this does not answer today’s question, thank you Grateful Living and I am able to share this reflection. Thank you to everyone who kindly shares their reflections! 🙏💖🌈
Being less judgmental/reactive, especially to my teens and remembering that at this moment, it’s not about me but about them growing, healing, learning while maintaining respect.
Deep connection to my partner – sharing our deep thoughts with each other and learning from each other without hierarchy or judgement.
Needing to take things one day at a time. Not plan too far ahead and accepting what is.
Like so many of you have expressed, I myself am coming to terms with my “new” aging self. A sense of humor, along with radical acceptance of what is helps as I navigate through the changes that are taking place in my aging body. I can’t do what used to be effortless. The new experience of myself is being grateful for what I still can do and embracing just “BEing” when I just don’t have the strength or energy to “DO”.
Have a blessed day everyone ♥
I am able to experience social situations
with less anxiety. This is new(ish) for me
and largely due to medication. I am so
grateful for this. The wear and tear on
my heart and stomach are the price I’ve
paid for not taking care of this sooner.
Now I try to listen to what my heart
and stomach are trying to tell me.
I’m so glad that you’ve found some relief, Charlie.
Our body has much to tell us, but if you are like me and lives too much in the head, as you say the gentle nudges of the body can turn into a scream if we don’t listen.
Charlie….my social anxiety is a relatively new experience for me. Perhaps just part of the aging process or trauma along the way? In my younger days I was a social butterfly…these days I am content not to be! Like you shared, I am learning to listen to what my heart and my spirit are telling me and not force myself to be in situations that make me anxious.
I also have been prescribed medication that I take as needed.
Dealing with more intense all-over body pain lately. Trying to figure out best pathways to relief and self-care. At this point it is primarily heating pads, some stretching, and not overdoing things. Sometimes pain meds and/or a bit of wine.
Pilgrim….I am with you. Fibromyalgia pain and just all-over body aches after activity. I too am learning how to practice self-care in the best way. And am grateful for heating pads, pain meds….and a glass of red wine!
Blessed Tuesday to my friend Diane. I hope that you are well and enjoying these May days!
Good morning Pilgrim. I am indeed enjoying these May days…despite the smoke that has settled over us from the awful wildfires in Canada. This past weekend we had an overnight at a lovely little mountain town where the skies were blue and clear. Still discovering so much about our new home state.
Have a blessed day my friend ♥
My new self…I keep trying to create. I seem to let myself down almost on a daily basis. I have to get my mind in place to travel on the path that I need to walk…not the one I keep stumbling on. Todays, photo on :The Grateful Living Word of the Day- was beautiful…and a path I would like to take. I am so, so very blessed…Although I am 71, yesterday my husband and I went on a 12 mile bike ride…Yes, it is an electric bike…but boy you DO have to work!! At first, I thought I would not be able to go the distance we wanted to…my knees ached with each pedal… It was our Anniversary and we were riding to “town” for a hot dog!! Can you imagine? The town is almost abandoned…empty storefronts, poor upkeep…but we traveled on the Rail Trail surrounded by beauty…birds flying, singing, a creek along the way.. Then the hot dog cafe was lovely- so clean and run by a pastor of some local church. We had our hot dogs on a picnic table under the shade of a tree. Then back on the trail…So at 71, I am still trying to create and live a better me. I think I was better several years back…but one step at a time. Some days, I take a few backward – but with God’s help and the wisdom of everyone here…I knowI can have a new eperience and a new me. Wishing Blessings and Happiness for all here.
Happy Anniversary Nannette. I also enjoyed visualizing your bike ride and the hot dog too:)
Nannette, I loved visualizing your day, sounded lovely to me : )! Happy Anniversary!
Nannette…my husband and I love to ride our bikes. He still has a “regular” bike and I join in with him on occasion with my E-Bike. We really enjoy rail trails…they are nice and flat! Your outing sounds so lovely and reminds me of some of our own adventures. I am 68 in August and you have inspired me to keep on biking!
Have a blessed day ♥
This sounds like a wonderful day! My husband and I also ride, and I have an e-bike (and others). Yes, the e-bike is heavy and is work even with the e-assist. Fortunately bicycling is easier on the body than walking (calorie for calorie it’s the most efficient form of transportation on the planet). Thank you for sharing the happiness of the outing.
Putting more effort into my mental self care.
Discovering who I am by going on a labyrinth walk yesterday, and not being carried away, while watching thoughts and feelings, being stored up in long-term memory. From birth, boyhood, youth, to old age, and death l am not body, rather knowing the transmigration of the soul., the challenge of not expecting others to take care of me. Namste
Getting old and having one health problem after another.
The new experience of myself lately is being a restaurant owner and manager. It’s hard work, more so than anything else I’ve ever done in my life. I’m being pushed in so many directions and mostly by me. The path is challenging, that’s for sure, but I’m grateful to be on it.
Glad to hear you are busy with the restaurant venture SunnyPatti. A busy restaurant is a good sign!
I believe there’s a saying among paddlers that goes something like, It’s never the same river twice. I try to remind myself that although this day, this drive to work, this phone call, this email, this grocery shopping seem routine and humdrum, they are in fact new every single time. Different cars on the road, different clients, different shoppers, and each of those obvious variables brings its own aspect of newness to the situation. Most of all, I’m new. I’ve changed since yesterday, even though I can’t see or comprehend the changes on a day-to-day basis.
Love this Laura…..I have such an affinity for rivers! I am adopting this mindset…thank you!
Laura, Thanks!
I needed this reminder–couldn’t see any real newness in my life to respond to the question. Thank you!
The experience of myself is not “fall out of the sky” new. Gradually new best describes the experience. I have become less monkey minded, snake eating its own tail or as I have heard it sometimes described the hamster in a wheel. Anxiety, I think a clinician would say. Over the past year or so my practices have allowed me to not want to shoot that damn monkey but to invite him into my lap. The approach of acceptance, awareness, being present, all surrounded with a good dose of gratitude for life has helped this experience along.
Joseph, you have a talent for writing. You should write a book!!
Aaaahh Joseph, I know that monkey very well!!! I too am learning to acknowledge his presence and “meet him at the door laughing” as Rumi says in one of my favorite pieces of poetry “The Guest House”.
Thank you for your authentic sharing Joseph ♥
Joseph, You are an inspiration. Inviting that monkey into your lap says it all.
Joseph, I agree with RABBIT…if you were teaching a class I would be first to sign up (but Rabbit would beat me -being number 1). Thank you for your wise words…your journey helps me want to put my best foot forward.. Many days, I am amiss but I will continue to try. Blessings my friend.
If you were teaching a class, I would want to come. Perhaps you are and I am glad to be here. Thank you.
Silence…..just being a better listener.