Planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland and Northern England for Fall 2026. I have a procedure scheduled for June 2026 and need to have something to look forward to.
I think the opportunity in this moment is to be okay with myself no matter what I do and no matter what occurs. I frequently second guess myself, not allowing myself to feel content. Maybe the solution is to be okay with myself regardless of my choices, the results of my choices, or anything else that occurs. That would be contentment. I don’t have to chase after what looks like the most practical, kind, wise, fun, creative or exciting action, and I don’t need to become stuck in regret (resistance) over what I have or haven’t done. What if I am just okay and I can just feel content. (Sigh, breathe) No striving, no resisting, just acceptance. I can still take actions. It would just mean that my peace would not be dependent on my choices or on events.
My response today is a result of yesterday’s discussion about how gratefulness can lead to happiness. Many preferred to replace the word happiness with joy or contentment. Realizing that feeling contentment is an issue for me, and that my lack of feeling content is the cause of my unhappiness, I am choosing to focus my energy on finding contentment /being content. Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s rich discussion.
As I shared with Joseph yesterday, as I was putting all of this together in my mind – “Contentment is the lack of striving.” I would add that contentment is finding peace.
I am reading this on Monday. Your reflection fits perfectly with today’s word of the day:
Practicing contentment is a radical act in a consumption -driven world.
I’m reading this Wednesday evening, Yram. I will have to go back and look at Monday’s DQ.
I agree that practicing contentment in our consumer based world is pretty radical.
🌷🌷🌷
Thank you Mary for connecting this, and writing this epiphany. As we wait in this season of advent I want to hold on to this possibility of finding happiness.
Thank you for calling my thoughts an epiphany, Kelli Lynn. It does feel like an epiphany. Once in a while I get an insight into how my thought process leads to unhappiness. I know that regretting things I have or have not done in the past brings sadness. And I know that being dissatisfied with myself in the present robs me of my of joy and contentment. All I can say is it’s no wonder that happiness illudes me. I’m hoping that clarifying this for myself and getting into the weeds of this, can help me to grow into a happier Mary.
Thank you,
dear Mary,
for your thoughtful reply,
and for sharing your vulnerability . . .
I too,
felt the richness and intensity of yesterday’s discussion,
and it has remained to colour my day today.
I agree with you,
that contentment
is finding peace . . . ♥
It was your choice to use the word contentment instead of happiness in responding to yesterday’s question, dear Sparrow, that influenced my thought process yesterday. Gratefulness does indeed bring contentment.
And, yes, contentment is finding peace. With much appreciation for all you bring to this group, sending love. ♥️
Mary, this reminds me of my most recent 7.9 A1C result. I better refrain from eating cookies. American desserts and even snacks are really sweet. Vietnamese desserts are either bland compared to ours or have a bunch of fruits. One thing’s for sure is that Vietnamese desserts are by far not as sweet.
Not as sweet. That sounds like a good thing to me.
2
Kevin Carroll
2 weeks ago
This moment, unlike any other in my life, is offering me the opportunity to practice self-love. I have devoted my entire life, both personally and professionally, to caring for others. For this, I have no regrets. Sadly, the love and care I have shown to others has not always been reciprocated. I’m 71 now. I am well aware that my days on this earth are limited. Do I have twenty more years or just twenty more days? I don’t know, but the time has come for me to put myself as a priority in my life. I do so with compassion for others, but with conviction, confident that my future is in my best interest — and in my own hands.
”I’m 71 now. I am well aware that my days on this earth are limited.”
I and many others who come here
are experiencing this same awareness,
dear Kevin . . .
you have spent your life caring for and giving to others.
It’s never too late to begin tending to your own needs.
I can only say
be kind and generous to yourself,
just as you were with those you have cared for in the past
with love. ♥
Kevin, life sure passes on by faster than we realize. In my case, you go to sleep at 13 and wake up only to be 30. It’s only less than a month left that I’ll be 34 years old.
Well, the Word Of The Day sums it up pretty well.
In this moment, I have the opportunity to reflect and direct my attention (and intention).
There is an effort required to counter balance my seemingly natural state of ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. I am grateful to have the energy and time required to apply my practice. You know, this “showing up” to my own life, has brought me most of what matters to me. The decision to step forward (or “put myself out there”) at the risk of looking foolish or stupid or being judged, has mostly been rewarded and led to this moment. I will continue take the next step.
I liked the part of today’s Word
where it is stated
the importance of receiving more than seeking,
dear Charlie.
Sometimes
I think I did too much rather frantic seeking,
and so missed some of the invitations offered.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. ♥
the invitations before you; a receiving rather than a seeking.
I identify so fully with all you have said here, Charlie. Thank you for writing this! Reading your response is helping me to clarify my own thoughts and feelings.
This moment offers me the opportunity to “be open.” Or as Joe Primo says to receive instead of seek. Joseph Campbell in the Power of Myth says that all of our stories, our myths, are inviting us to see instead of seek. I so enjoyed everyone’s willingness to be vulnerable, to be seen, yesterday and all responses lifted me up. This site gives me constant opportunity to grow.
Yesterday was really powerful for me, Carol Ann. Thank you for bringing the meditation from Miribai Starr into the conversation. She says to be exactly who you are, a true human person. So I think, no striving to be who I’m thinking I should be? No fighting to resist what has already happened or might happen? Accepting what is and being who I am in any given moment. I’m thinking I will save so much energy by just being ok with life and ok with myself. What a gift to reclaim my energy.
I’m still processing all of this dear Carol Ann. Thank you for your wonderful input. ♥️
Mary, I hear you loud and clear–the shackles of should–have been with me all of my life! Lots of folks shared about “contentment.” That’s a new word in my vocabulary and I’m liking it! Mary, we are all processing. In fact, life is process not product. Hugs to you and yours, Carol Ann
I feel the same way
about the responses yesterday,
and I am seeing that others also felt this,
dear Carol Ann.
Could it be that we are growing collectively? ♥
Nor I, and we are all blessed to have the opportunity to cross paths.
2
L
Loc Tran
2 weeks ago
Carol Ann, this reminds me on how there’s always room for me to improve on receiving care. As I’ve said before, walls get torn down. Picking and choosing on how we want to receive care even out of protection for basic desire of autonomy can lead to selectiveness and clique practice. Being selective, cherrypicking, and agendas, and cliques all go together.
Today the moment is offering me the opportunity for connecting, authenticity and compassion. My closest friend’s father has passed; my estranged son has finally responded but is being greatly effected by his mental illness and unable to think clearly.; my husband is frustrated by my concern with my son; another friend has lost her job at 65 y.o. and cannot afford to retire. My opportunity is to be present for them as best I can. 💔 To trust in a higher power than me to help my son because I am unable to break through.
This is so much to deal with HeatherHoney. Having loved ones with mental illness, I know how distressing the situation with your son must be. Still, I am happy to hear that he has responded to you. Sending so much love to both of you. Please visualize a protective layer of peace around your heart. (I like to visualize a pink protective layer of peace around my own heart.). Be there for your son and your friends but remember to protect your loving heart.
Many things to be troubled over,
dear Heather . . .
I believe that the Universe,
our Source
can work through you with your son
if you allow yourself to be present
and vulnerable.
I hold you in my heart
with love . . . ♥
I’m in a writers’ group and there is a gathering coming up. I have trepidations about it. I want to go in without preconceived notions about the other women. To go in simply open to them.
I don’t have a writers’ group to go to,
and already have preconceived notions about the other participants,
dear Christina . . .
you are a step ahead of me. ♥
A chance to do some readings that allow me to think out of box. To enjoy the outside winter day from a cozy chair. To hear the furnace providing heat. To smell the aroma of my hot beverage. To know there is life in my body to enjoy activities.
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.
To love and to live loving kindness wherever i am and wherever i go, with all my heart.
Planning a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland and Northern England for Fall 2026. I have a procedure scheduled for June 2026 and need to have something to look forward to.
I think the opportunity in this moment is to be okay with myself no matter what I do and no matter what occurs. I frequently second guess myself, not allowing myself to feel content. Maybe the solution is to be okay with myself regardless of my choices, the results of my choices, or anything else that occurs. That would be contentment. I don’t have to chase after what looks like the most practical, kind, wise, fun, creative or exciting action, and I don’t need to become stuck in regret (resistance) over what I have or haven’t done. What if I am just okay and I can just feel content. (Sigh, breathe) No striving, no resisting, just acceptance. I can still take actions. It would just mean that my peace would not be dependent on my choices or on events.
My response today is a result of yesterday’s discussion about how gratefulness can lead to happiness. Many preferred to replace the word happiness with joy or contentment. Realizing that feeling contentment is an issue for me, and that my lack of feeling content is the cause of my unhappiness, I am choosing to focus my energy on finding contentment /being content. Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s rich discussion.
As I shared with Joseph yesterday, as I was putting all of this together in my mind – “Contentment is the lack of striving.” I would add that contentment is finding peace.
I am reading this on Monday. Your reflection fits perfectly with today’s word of the day:
Practicing contentment is a radical act in a consumption -driven world.
I’m reading this Wednesday evening, Yram. I will have to go back and look at Monday’s DQ.
I agree that practicing contentment in our consumer based world is pretty radical.
🌷🌷🌷
Thank you Mary for connecting this, and writing this epiphany. As we wait in this season of advent I want to hold on to this possibility of finding happiness.
Thank you for calling my thoughts an epiphany, Kelli Lynn. It does feel like an epiphany. Once in a while I get an insight into how my thought process leads to unhappiness. I know that regretting things I have or have not done in the past brings sadness. And I know that being dissatisfied with myself in the present robs me of my of joy and contentment. All I can say is it’s no wonder that happiness illudes me. I’m hoping that clarifying this for myself and getting into the weeds of this, can help me to grow into a happier Mary.
Thank you,
dear Mary,
for your thoughtful reply,
and for sharing your vulnerability . . .
I too,
felt the richness and intensity of yesterday’s discussion,
and it has remained to colour my day today.
I agree with you,
that contentment
is finding peace . . . ♥
It was your choice to use the word contentment instead of happiness in responding to yesterday’s question, dear Sparrow, that influenced my thought process yesterday. Gratefulness does indeed bring contentment.
And, yes, contentment is finding peace. With much appreciation for all you bring to this group, sending love. ♥️
I think
we are all learning from each other,
dear Mary . . . ♥
Mary, it’s sure fascinating to think of the endless possibilities in how many ways a cookie can crumble.
Yes, Loc, there are so many ways to think about gratefulness.
Mmmm, now you’ve got me thinking about cookies. 😊
Mary, this reminds me of my most recent 7.9 A1C result. I better refrain from eating cookies. American desserts and even snacks are really sweet. Vietnamese desserts are either bland compared to ours or have a bunch of fruits. One thing’s for sure is that Vietnamese desserts are by far not as sweet.
Not as sweet. That sounds like a good thing to me.
This moment, unlike any other in my life, is offering me the opportunity to practice self-love. I have devoted my entire life, both personally and professionally, to caring for others. For this, I have no regrets. Sadly, the love and care I have shown to others has not always been reciprocated. I’m 71 now. I am well aware that my days on this earth are limited. Do I have twenty more years or just twenty more days? I don’t know, but the time has come for me to put myself as a priority in my life. I do so with compassion for others, but with conviction, confident that my future is in my best interest — and in my own hands.
”I’m 71 now. I am well aware that my days on this earth are limited.”
I and many others who come here
are experiencing this same awareness,
dear Kevin . . .
you have spent your life caring for and giving to others.
It’s never too late to begin tending to your own needs.
I can only say
be kind and generous to yourself,
just as you were with those you have cared for in the past
with love. ♥
Kevin, life sure passes on by faster than we realize. In my case, you go to sleep at 13 and wake up only to be 30. It’s only less than a month left that I’ll be 34 years old.
This moment is a chance to care for my body as I begin the day with morning exercise & try to get back into the swing of self care.
Well, the Word Of The Day sums it up pretty well.
In this moment, I have the opportunity to reflect and direct my attention (and intention).
There is an effort required to counter balance my seemingly natural state of ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. I am grateful to have the energy and time required to apply my practice. You know, this “showing up” to my own life, has brought me most of what matters to me. The decision to step forward (or “put myself out there”) at the risk of looking foolish or stupid or being judged, has mostly been rewarded and led to this moment. I will continue take the next step.
I liked the part of today’s Word
where it is stated
the importance of receiving more than seeking,
dear Charlie.
Sometimes
I think I did too much rather frantic seeking,
and so missed some of the invitations offered.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. ♥
the invitations before you; a receiving rather than a seeking.
I identify so fully with all you have said here, Charlie. Thank you for writing this! Reading your response is helping me to clarify my own thoughts and feelings.
This moment offers me the opportunity to “be open.” Or as Joe Primo says to receive instead of seek. Joseph Campbell in the Power of Myth says that all of our stories, our myths, are inviting us to see instead of seek. I so enjoyed everyone’s willingness to be vulnerable, to be seen, yesterday and all responses lifted me up. This site gives me constant opportunity to grow.
Yesterday was really powerful for me, Carol Ann. Thank you for bringing the meditation from Miribai Starr into the conversation. She says to be exactly who you are, a true human person. So I think, no striving to be who I’m thinking I should be? No fighting to resist what has already happened or might happen? Accepting what is and being who I am in any given moment. I’m thinking I will save so much energy by just being ok with life and ok with myself. What a gift to reclaim my energy.
I’m still processing all of this dear Carol Ann. Thank you for your wonderful input. ♥️
Mary, I hear you loud and clear–the shackles of should–have been with me all of my life! Lots of folks shared about “contentment.” That’s a new word in my vocabulary and I’m liking it! Mary, we are all processing. In fact, life is process not product. Hugs to you and yours, Carol Ann
♥️
I feel the same way
about the responses yesterday,
and I am seeing that others also felt this,
dear Carol Ann.
Could it be that we are growing collectively? ♥
Sparrow, I think we are growing. We are blessed to be here!
We are,
dear Carol Ann . . .
I have nothing like this in my earth life. ♥
Nor I, and we are all blessed to have the opportunity to cross paths.
Carol Ann, this reminds me on how there’s always room for me to improve on receiving care. As I’ve said before, walls get torn down. Picking and choosing on how we want to receive care even out of protection for basic desire of autonomy can lead to selectiveness and clique practice. Being selective, cherrypicking, and agendas, and cliques all go together.
Today the moment is offering me the opportunity for connecting, authenticity and compassion. My closest friend’s father has passed; my estranged son has finally responded but is being greatly effected by his mental illness and unable to think clearly.; my husband is frustrated by my concern with my son; another friend has lost her job at 65 y.o. and cannot afford to retire. My opportunity is to be present for them as best I can. 💔 To trust in a higher power than me to help my son because I am unable to break through.
Loving kindness to you – one day at a time.
This is so much to deal with HeatherHoney. Having loved ones with mental illness, I know how distressing the situation with your son must be. Still, I am happy to hear that he has responded to you. Sending so much love to both of you. Please visualize a protective layer of peace around your heart. (I like to visualize a pink protective layer of peace around my own heart.). Be there for your son and your friends but remember to protect your loving heart.
❤️
Many things to be troubled over,
dear Heather . . .
I believe that the Universe,
our Source
can work through you with your son
if you allow yourself to be present
and vulnerable.
I hold you in my heart
with love . . . ♥
I’m in a writers’ group and there is a gathering coming up. I have trepidations about it. I want to go in without preconceived notions about the other women. To go in simply open to them.
Christina, you are brave and you are creating opportunities for yourself. There will be others who are nervous too.
Be proud of yourself for going.
I don’t have a writers’ group to go to,
and already have preconceived notions about the other participants,
dear Christina . . .
you are a step ahead of me. ♥
Time to be quiet & peaceful.
Time for reflection.
🕊️♥️
An opportunity to reflect and re-affirm my commitments.
A chance to do some readings that allow me to think out of box. To enjoy the outside winter day from a cozy chair. To hear the furnace providing heat. To smell the aroma of my hot beverage. To know there is life in my body to enjoy activities.
That sounds wonderful, Yram. I’d love to know what you are reading. Outside the box, yes!
I go on the site: Art and Theology. I am reading: Watch for the light. Readings for Advent and Christmas.
Love this site, Yram. The art adds so much! ♥️
Calm, breathe, and relax… happy Sunday to everyone! 🧣
peace, quietness, and reflection time.
Happy Sunday all.
I will light a candle on this site in remembrance of Pearl Harbor. 🕯
https://nationaltoday.com/national-letter-writing-day/
Seems that America is over Dec. 7th. It is not on the calendar on the fridge. Thank you for remembering Michele.
To learn again what peace and contentment is.
Yes!