After a few very heavy years, I’ve been on a journey to get myself together again. Last year I tried to focus on ways to improve my overall productivity, thinking if I could work harder or more consistently I’d be happier. I don’t believe I found that to be true, and this year I prioritized happiness and well-being instead. I’ve tried a lot of things to this end, and I think they went really well, personally!
I feel like this year has been a turning point for me, and I’m happy for all the discoveries I’ve made in these ventures–finding this site included! I’m eager to see what the next year brings, with all this year’s work as my foundation.
Welcome to this place,
dear Jared…
you belong.
It sounds like you are doing all the right things…
just remember to be gentle and patient with yourself,
and share your journey
with love…♥️
For me it was never to give up and always be hopeful. To always believe in the power of prayer. My prayers were answered but it was not immediate nor easy, it took a village to get to this point in my daughter’s recovery. However, my dearest daughter was the one that did the hardest work of all! Amen
I have finally learned not to enter the dance of anger . . .
that is,
I don’t take on what has been thrust at me.
I don’t get angry back.
I refuse to carry the anger of the other person,
and neither participate
nor take it personally.
I don’t get defensive
and lash back . . .
it’s not about me.
That way,
I’ve discovered
it either doesn’t escalate
or receives a response
and then just dribbles away
into the air,
like a deflating balloon.
The mind of free and happy- I see more and more how suffering and joy live in the same space which is me and is all around us.
I want to keep planting and cultivate these seeds of being free and happy. Meditation has helped me learn how to truly let go. Thank you all so much for being here!
I learned new ways to work with some difficult emotions that I used to bypass or push away, including fear, anger, despondency, and grief. I want to carry these skills forward, because the more I work with these emotions, the more I am able to be at ease with them when they arise, in myself and others.
Nothing new really but going on to do what i can, to be present and humbly be of service if and where required. What i am very grateful to have learned is to let go of resistance due to fear, at least suppose so. Blessings to all of you who share and who visit here.
Tomorrow I’ll start reading through my journals for the past year. That may yield a different answer. Right now when I think back over the year what comes to mind is the spontaneity and playfulness I gained from taking improv classes. Another class series starts in late January and I’m already registered. How can I inject it into my everyday life, not just in class? Something to think about–but not to overthink because that wouldn’t be true to the spirit of improv.
That is great, Barb C! A few years ago I took some Improv classes that were being offered for awhile at a local church. Even though I definitely was not a natural and it never felt easy to me, it really was a ton of fun and did bring forth spontaneity and playfulness. Around that time, I also read a book that I loved about injecting Improv wisdom into everyday life. It is called “Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up”, by Patricia Ryan Madson
My word for 2024 was/ is friendship. I am learning how important it is to love and take care of myself, and how to do that. I am learning that in order to be friends with others, the people and world around, I must be friends with myself first. I am grateful for this ongoing invitation and learning …
Love Joe Primo’s quote:”Suffering is ever-present. Joy is ever-present. They are here together and always will be. So how will you live within this reality?”
I respond with a quote I saw on FACEBOOK from the Reiki site:: “Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” This is a powerful lesson that I have had to learn over and over. Healing does not necessarily mean a cure but it does help me to remember that joy is ever present. It does help me to remember that suffering is ever present but misery is optional!
I have learned that while many spiritual teachers and mystics can provide guidance on my journey, the most important thing is to listen to my Inner Teacher. And that “ordinary folk” who don’t claim to be enlightened also have much wisdom that I can benefit from.
I am grateful to be learning that you have to let your kids fly – and part of that is giving them space to learn, make mistakes and try things on their own. As a parent, this is scary because I am not confident that they will thrive in this world, but letting go with this uncertainty is necessary for my kids to grow
Such a gift to your children and the world, Marnie, thank you. No one can offer the world what your individual children can bring. And yes, it can be scary! Trust yourself, trust them.
I am grateful for all the insight and strength I gained in 2024, and I want to continue to grow in that way. I am also grateful for the people who have helped me and my family along that way, and I am grateful for all the opportunities I had to help others.
Nothing really new this year, that I can think of.
It seems I am learning the same things over and over. Just continuing my practices, has been the takeaway. Keeping my eye on the journey of contentment, discipline, kindness, service, connection, and gratitude. Inching closer to a more even state of existence.
Though it has taken many years, I learned this weekend that it really is OK (and is needed) to confront the bully in the room about abusive behavior that was publicly directed at me. I spoke out directly to the bully, in a smaller setting, using spiritually principled words, sitting among others who saw the abusive outburst. I do not blame them for their inability to challenge the behavior at the time it occurred. I do not even consider them a “witness. ” Perhaps they have their own inner wounded child that they have not learned how to advocate for. They were disabled in a way, not knowing how to confront the actions of this bully. I’ve spent many years accumulating and practicing spiritual and therapeutic tools. They all merged into the weaving of words, provided by Sophia, this past Saturday. I often speak out / advocate for others. This time, all the tools came together for my “own” use. An inner weight lifted from my shoulders and gut. Yes, there was a form of an apology, that I verbally acknowledged. I will try not to judge what sounded insincere. The individual did the best that he could.
What a beautiful example you provided to others, Carla. You can tell people “how to” or they “should” forever. However to model it, that is empowering. Thank you.
Carla, you inspire me. If you don’t mind sharing, what was the most useful thing you learned on your way to where you are now, with regards to confronting a bully in public? I would like to learn too.
Thank you, all, for your supportive comments. As an additional comment I’d add that we all deserve to be treated with respect, including me. Finding and owning my own inner voice took years, prayer, and Grace. Years ago I would have disassociated or over reacted when I felt ‘attacked.’ In this incident, I had compassion for this individual and also myself; being led to say the other’s behavior towards me was not appropriate nor ok. Happy New Year’s eve to all.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring action and mindset of yours, Carla! I have recently taken a webinar and I plan to take another training this Saturday about Bystander Intervention, because I want to learn what to do if I find myself in the position of someone who “witnesses an abusive outburst”
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.
After a few very heavy years, I’ve been on a journey to get myself together again. Last year I tried to focus on ways to improve my overall productivity, thinking if I could work harder or more consistently I’d be happier. I don’t believe I found that to be true, and this year I prioritized happiness and well-being instead. I’ve tried a lot of things to this end, and I think they went really well, personally!
I feel like this year has been a turning point for me, and I’m happy for all the discoveries I’ve made in these ventures–finding this site included! I’m eager to see what the next year brings, with all this year’s work as my foundation.
Welcome Jared!
Welcome to this place,
dear Jared…
you belong.
It sounds like you are doing all the right things…
just remember to be gentle and patient with yourself,
and share your journey
with love…♥️
For me it was never to give up and always be hopeful. To always believe in the power of prayer. My prayers were answered but it was not immediate nor easy, it took a village to get to this point in my daughter’s recovery. However, my dearest daughter was the one that did the hardest work of all! Amen
healing
is the most precious gift of all.
dear Robin. ♥
I’m so happy for you and your daughter, Robin Ann!
I admire your daughter’s courage, desire to have a better life, Robin Ann. I also admire your courage to give her your hand and heart.
I have finally learned not to enter the dance of anger . . .
that is,
I don’t take on what has been thrust at me.
I don’t get angry back.
I refuse to carry the anger of the other person,
and neither participate
nor take it personally.
I don’t get defensive
and lash back . . .
it’s not about me.
That way,
I’ve discovered
it either doesn’t escalate
or receives a response
and then just dribbles away
into the air,
like a deflating balloon.
So true Sparrow. Anger is a cannibal and feeds off other anger.
Anger
is indeed a cannibal,
dear Joseph. ♥
The mind of free and happy- I see more and more how suffering and joy live in the same space which is me and is all around us.
I want to keep planting and cultivate these seeds of being free and happy. Meditation has helped me learn how to truly let go. Thank you all so much for being here!
*puts on dunce cap & sits facing corner*
I learned new ways to work with some difficult emotions that I used to bypass or push away, including fear, anger, despondency, and grief. I want to carry these skills forward, because the more I work with these emotions, the more I am able to be at ease with them when they arise, in myself and others.
Sounds like some very useful learning, indeed, Drea!
Nothing new really but going on to do what i can, to be present and humbly be of service if and where required. What i am very grateful to have learned is to let go of resistance due to fear, at least suppose so. Blessings to all of you who share and who visit here.
Thank you Ose. Blessing to you too. 🩷
Tomorrow I’ll start reading through my journals for the past year. That may yield a different answer. Right now when I think back over the year what comes to mind is the spontaneity and playfulness I gained from taking improv classes. Another class series starts in late January and I’m already registered. How can I inject it into my everyday life, not just in class? Something to think about–but not to overthink because that wouldn’t be true to the spirit of improv.
That is great, Barb C! A few years ago I took some Improv classes that were being offered for awhile at a local church. Even though I definitely was not a natural and it never felt easy to me, it really was a ton of fun and did bring forth spontaneity and playfulness. Around that time, I also read a book that I loved about injecting Improv wisdom into everyday life. It is called “Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up”, by Patricia Ryan Madson
Great book! The instructor of the introductory classes I took recommended it. So much there even for someone who never tries improv.
My word for 2024 was/ is friendship. I am learning how important it is to love and take care of myself, and how to do that. I am learning that in order to be friends with others, the people and world around, I must be friends with myself first. I am grateful for this ongoing invitation and learning …
and what will the word for 2025 be? Glad to see you back KC 🙂
Hi KC.
I haven’t seen you for a bit.
Good to see you today!
Love Joe Primo’s quote:”Suffering is ever-present. Joy is ever-present. They are here together and always will be. So how will you live within this reality?”
I respond with a quote I saw on FACEBOOK from the Reiki site:: “Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” This is a powerful lesson that I have had to learn over and over. Healing does not necessarily mean a cure but it does help me to remember that joy is ever present. It does help me to remember that suffering is ever present but misery is optional!
I have learned that while many spiritual teachers and mystics can provide guidance on my journey, the most important thing is to listen to my Inner Teacher. And that “ordinary folk” who don’t claim to be enlightened also have much wisdom that I can benefit from.
Elizabeth, this makes me think about tapping into intuition and listening to my gut.
Both help to find truth.
I am grateful to be learning that you have to let your kids fly – and part of that is giving them space to learn, make mistakes and try things on their own. As a parent, this is scary because I am not confident that they will thrive in this world, but letting go with this uncertainty is necessary for my kids to grow
Such a gift to your children and the world, Marnie, thank you. No one can offer the world what your individual children can bring. And yes, it can be scary! Trust yourself, trust them.
I am grateful for all the insight and strength I gained in 2024, and I want to continue to grow in that way. I am also grateful for the people who have helped me and my family along that way, and I am grateful for all the opportunities I had to help others.
Nothing really new this year, that I can think of.
It seems I am learning the same things over and over. Just continuing my practices, has been the takeaway. Keeping my eye on the journey of contentment, discipline, kindness, service, connection, and gratitude. Inching closer to a more even state of existence.
That is a goal “inching closer to a more even state of existence.” I think I will ponder on for a while. Thank you, Charlie T.
I wish you continued success in your journey, Charlie.
Though it has taken many years, I learned this weekend that it really is OK (and is needed) to confront the bully in the room about abusive behavior that was publicly directed at me. I spoke out directly to the bully, in a smaller setting, using spiritually principled words, sitting among others who saw the abusive outburst. I do not blame them for their inability to challenge the behavior at the time it occurred. I do not even consider them a “witness. ” Perhaps they have their own inner wounded child that they have not learned how to advocate for. They were disabled in a way, not knowing how to confront the actions of this bully. I’ve spent many years accumulating and practicing spiritual and therapeutic tools. They all merged into the weaving of words, provided by Sophia, this past Saturday. I often speak out / advocate for others. This time, all the tools came together for my “own” use. An inner weight lifted from my shoulders and gut. Yes, there was a form of an apology, that I verbally acknowledged. I will try not to judge what sounded insincere. The individual did the best that he could.
What a beautiful example you provided to others, Carla. You can tell people “how to” or they “should” forever. However to model it, that is empowering. Thank you.
I also agree with the others – so proud of you and inspired too 🙂
Well done , Carla!
I second Robin Ann Carla.
Good for you for standing up for what felt right!!
Bravo, Carla! What a great example you set for those around you, and such an inspiration for all of us!
Carla, you inspire me. If you don’t mind sharing, what was the most useful thing you learned on your way to where you are now, with regards to confronting a bully in public? I would like to learn too.
Thank you, all, for your supportive comments. As an additional comment I’d add that we all deserve to be treated with respect, including me. Finding and owning my own inner voice took years, prayer, and Grace. Years ago I would have disassociated or over reacted when I felt ‘attacked.’ In this incident, I had compassion for this individual and also myself; being led to say the other’s behavior towards me was not appropriate nor ok. Happy New Year’s eve to all.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring action and mindset of yours, Carla! I have recently taken a webinar and I plan to take another training this Saturday about Bystander Intervention, because I want to learn what to do if I find myself in the position of someone who “witnesses an abusive outburst”
Elizabeth, I appreciate your comment. I had not know about Bystander Intervention and I signed up for a training too!
Carla, so glad you did that.
Very very brave and very enlightened.
Thank you Charlie, Blessings to you this New Year,