Reflections

Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment.

  1. Ose
    Ose
    1 week ago

    Struggling with existential change ahead sheduled for January next year concerning my profession offers much opportunity also once the way is decided how to go on. It already is quite clear which way to go, and as far as i can see, it will be on its way by end of September / begin of October when it will be needed to express it to my peers and clients step by step. The “how” still has to be sorted out, so that all will be turning out ok for hopefully all concerned. Although there is fear, there is bright light also.

    1. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Wishing you a courage and a smooth change, Ose.

      1. Ose
        Ose
        1 week ago

        Thank you for your kind wishes, dear Drea!

  2. sparrow51014
    sparrow
    1 week ago

    “No one here gets out alive.”
    Jim Morrison

    None of us are exempt from struggles either . . .
    I struggled to learn how to ride a bicycle,
    crochet,
    dig a proper hole for planting,
    to please my parents
    and then
    to tell them who I really was,
    to make it through the social nightmare of high school.
    I thought my ‘real’ struggles were over
    when I got married at the ripe age of eighteen,
    but they had only just begun.
    Love is much more difficult to navigate than I thought,
    especially compounded by personal tragedy.
    That marriage didn’t survive it.

    Now I am much older
    and the world of struggles
    has opened its doors wide,
    showing me a whole new range of issues to worry about
    and to weep over
    and to keep me up at night . . .
    but somehow
    I’ve been grabbed by the throat
    and been pulled out of most of that chaos.
    Somehow
    I have learned some lessons,
    taken heed,
    and become a little wiser.
    Becoming happier has been an unexpected side effect of this.
    Struggles still catch me when I’m not looking,
    but I don’t live in fear of them anymore . . .
    they are what they are–
    nothing more,
    nothing less.

    Some struggles are man-made
    and I have learned to let them go and bother somebody else.
    Some are real demons that I have to face
    or prepare myself for,
    like my future financially,
    my health as I get older,
    and my freedom,
    but I hope I’ve become kinder to myself,
    and more patient,
    being aware of them,
    letting them have their space,
    but with knowledge and forethought
    and a baby little seed I’m cultivating quietly,
    tenderly . . .
    and that is Trust. ♥

    1. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Please grow a trust tree and give me some seeds, Sparrow. I can use them!

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        1 week ago

        Sorry,
        dear Drea . . .
        my little seedling
        isn’t big enough
        to grow a tree
        yet . . . 🙂
        Trust is a struggle.

    2. Mary
      Mary
      1 week ago

      Beautiful, Sparrow.

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        1 week ago

        I’m glad my response spoke to you,
        dear Mary . . . ♥

        1. Mary
          Mary
          1 week ago

          Always.

    3. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 week ago

      I have discovered true benefits of becoming kinder to myself, thanks for the reminder, dear Sparrow.

      1. sparrow51014
        sparrow
        1 week ago

        Yes,
        dear Joseph . . .
        it feels much better
        than the teacher’s ruler bloodying my knuckles
        or making me sit in the corner. ♥
        Those were the days,
        weren’t they?

  3. Ngoc Nguyen
    Ngoc Nguyen
    1 week ago

    I would say it is English. As I currently live in the U.S., being unable to fully understand English is a source of struggle. There are many people who choose to live in towns where they can stay within their community to minimize the challenges of English. But for me, I am aware that I am still young and capable of learning. I decided to live in a town where I must “force” myself to develop my English. Five years have passed. Even though I have not yet become super fluent in English, I can see that I am much better than my previous self. Therefore, I have learned that identifying what I am struggling with and building my ability from it is the key to expanding both my skills and experiences.

    1. Yram
      Yram
      1 week ago

      I would applaud you on your expression in English. I have noticed more confidence in your skills since you returned from visiting your sister. Prior to this you wrote very little but now your heart really shows.

    2. Mary
      Mary
      1 week ago

      You write beautifully, Ngoc. I didn’t know you were not fluent in English.
      Vietnamese and English must be so different.
      I would think it would be so hard to learn English.
      You are very brave, Ngoc, and are doing very well.
      Mary

      1. D
        Drea
        1 week ago

        Second what Mary said. Ngoc, I would not have guessed that you struggle with English. You write beautifully.

    3. L
      Loc Tran
      1 week ago

      My Ngoc, your English has certainly improved. Being with you has also helped me improve upon my Vietnamese too. This only makes communication even easier.

  4. Charlie T
    Charlie T
    1 week ago

    I could certainly use some growth in the “staying in the present” department.

  5. Yram
    Yram
    1 week ago

    Relationships are a struggle for me. They offer me the opportunity to find the truth and examine who I am.

  6. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol Ann Conner
    1 week ago

    My everyday life in many ways has been a struggle for many months. The need to accept that there are so many things I can no longer physically do. I think the biggest opportunity and challenge being offered to me right now is literally to “BE HERE NOW.” The importance of PRESENCE is being brought home to me in every moment, every breath, every relationship.

    I found Richard Rohr’s meditation today quite meaningful for today’s question. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/offering-our-presence/

    1. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 week ago

      Thank you for that pleasant read, Carol Ann.

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 week ago

      What a beautiful meditation,
      dear Carol Ann,
      that you offer us this morning . . .
      thank you. ♥

    3. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Ohh Alexis Pauline Gumbs is a luminary. Thanks for sharing.

  7. D
    Drea
    1 week ago

    A stomach issue that I had dismissed for years has turned out to important. Instead of brushing off the pain, I need to pay careful attention to what causes it. Instead of overriding my gut, I need to listen to it. I suppose I thought I was the master of my pain. That hasn’t worked. My gut is a part of me whose health and functionality I took for granted for too long.

    Really, I need to rebuild the relationship between mind and gut. Because gut is mind … but some of us are taught to ignore our gut, or to abuse it. As a first step towards healing our relationship, I am going to issue my gut an apology.

    I’m sorry, dear gut, I didn’t know to listen to your pain. You told me quietly, then loudly, and now we have damage. I should have listened to you sooner, but I was naive. Please forgive me. I’m going to do better now.

    1. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol Ann Conner
      1 week ago

      Drea, I relate. And I agree that our gut tells us a lot about our mind and how it works!

      1. D
        Drea
        1 week ago

        It really does! It has its own language, spoken in small sensations and inner movements. I’m definitely becoming a student of my gut.

        1. L
          Loc Tran
          1 week ago

          Drea, I’ve heard before that the gut is right 9 out of every 10 times. I find that to be true, and it’s a very high probability.

          1. D
            Drea
            1 week ago

            Loc, that means the gut is right an impressive amount of the time. I’ll be paying closer attention. I think Western thinking has an override on the gut–Descartes’ mind over matter, or “I think therefore I am”, taken to the extreme. It just doesn’t work. Plus, the smartest analytically-minded people I know always incorporate their gut feelings. The gut deserves respect and needs to be in the driver’s seat along with the head.

  8. L
    Loc Tran
    1 week ago

    Ngoc and I have finally returned to our normal love life. Struggles are in the rear view mirror for now. Prioritizing collectivism over individualism without personal agendas is the main lesson I learned. Having my emotions overread by my root people made me uncomfortable that I used collectivism to push to do things and receive care my ways through backstage politics.

  9. D
    Deann
    1 week ago

    I am struggling with a situation that involves staying or going. Sometimes the answer is so clear my chest lightens but there are depths to the situation that alter those feelings. I’ve given it to God over and over but the mind keeps taking it back and tangling me up.

    1. Patti
      sunnypatti
      1 week ago

      Whatever the situation may be, I wish you all of the strength, courage and trust to take the next step.

    2. Mary
      Mary
      1 week ago

      That sounds hard, Deann.
      Sometimes decisions need to be made.
      Sometimes you can wait, and in time the answer becomes clear.
      Wishing you peace.

    3. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 week ago

      Leave it to the mind to tangle things up. You will prevail, of this I am sure, Deann.

    4. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 week ago

      I have been in similar situations,
      dear Deann,
      at several points in my life . . .
      the last time,
      I decided I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing,
      making the same mistakes over and over again.
      I was tired,
      worn out,
      but made a concrete decision,
      an iron-fisted choice
      and after a very painful period of time,
      I planted my feet
      and have never looked back.
      Sometimes it takes being sick and tired
      for change/or not
      to occur.
      You can do what is right for you,
      dear one. ♥

    5. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol Ann Conner
      1 week ago

      Deann, I learned many years ago that I am a compulsive doubter. Even when I make a decision and actually take a direction, I continue to question that decision. I’ve learned that I am going to go through a period of gnawing doubt even when a decision has been made. I accept that it is part of my process. I watch it but I don’t buy in to it. I don’t beat myself up about itI just proceed with the decision I’ve made.

      Also, for many years I sponsored several women in a twelve step group who were struggling with whether they should stay or leave their alcoholic husbands. I urged them to make a decision just for that one day. Will I stay today or will I go? They seem to find that helpful. It put them in the present moment and they could proceed accordingly.

    6. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Wishing you courage, Deann. It seems like you care deeply.

  10. Patti
    sunnypatti
    1 week ago

    My struggles are small, but each has some opportunity in it for me to grow into a better version of myself. Life is full of lessons ~ always!

    1. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Very true, Sunnypatti!

  11. Michele
    Michele
    1 week ago

    There is always something new to learn each and everyday.
    TGIF! 🙂
    https://nationaltoday.com/today/

    1. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 week ago

      May all days
      be International Charity Day,
      dear Michele. ♥

  12. Joseph
    Joseph McCann
    1 week ago

    Most recently my complications and challenges are minor and need only to be reframed. Do I have a problem right now? Most of the time the answer is no. If it is not, acceptance of the situation helps out. Then look for a work around . . . . a solution if you will. Many times the solution requires not only acceptance but compromise. A week ago I had a basal cell carcinoma cut off my neck. The opportunity to grow can come from small and large challenges. The first good thing for me is that I do not imbibe when facing complications and challenges, for sometime now. Each time I do not imbibe, I grow internally a bit more. On a more pleasant note we ate our first corn on the cob last night. All seeds planted have now nourished us from this year edition of the vegetable garden. Peace and love.

    1. Mary
      Mary
      1 week ago

      Oh my, I bet that corn was good!

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 week ago

      All good things,
      dear Joseph . . .
      basal cell carcinoma cut out,
      decision not to drink,
      and your first corn on the cob from your garden!
      May the blessings continue . . . ♥

    3. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Joseph, congratulations and well done: “Each time I do not imbibe, I grow internally a bit more.”

    4. Michele
      Michele
      1 week ago

      mmm love corn on the cob 🙂

      1. Mary
        Mary
        1 week ago

        Me too!

      2. Joseph
        Joseph McCann
        1 week ago

        Our daughter, now 35, does not care for corn. When she was in middle school we were eating supper. It was corn season. I held up an ear slathered in butter and proclaimed “This is better than Christmas.” In her early twenties, she called at this time of year and asked me ” So how is Christmas?” A part of our family vocabulary now!

  13. EJP
    EJP
    1 week ago

    Challenging relationships offer opportunities to be outside of my comfort zone and grow from within.

  14. Christina Rossi75270
    Christina
    1 week ago

    Good morning Carla🌞 I feel your pain.
    A struggle that has opportunities to grow for me is attempting to come out of my aloneness and grow in mutuality with others. Sometimes my psyche responds with a resounding “No!” to opportunities for community. I can’t do it. Real growth would be finding my way with this practice, getting out of my own way and reaching comfort and union with others.

    1. Mary
      Mary
      1 week ago

      I think you are very brave to be working on this, Christina.
      Reaching comfort and union with others is desirable.
      But just being with others is a step in the right direction.
      Baby steps are often the way for me to move forward.
      Try doing just a little at a time.
      Sending love.
      ♥️♥️♥️

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 week ago

      I tend to isolate too,
      dear Christina,
      and sometimes have to force myself to participate . . .
      not as much though,
      as would be healthy for me.
      I send you courage and comfort
      with love . . . ♥

    3. D
      Drea
      1 week ago

      Christina, wishing you growth in building community. From a parts work perspective, I wonder what your psyche is protecting–not all communities are created equal so I suppose I can understand some fear around new ones! Any case, cheering you on as you work on this.

      1. Christina Rossi75270
        Christina
        1 week ago

        Thanks Drea!

  15. Carla
    Carla
    1 week ago

    Today’s photo was jarring, broken window panes, too similar to bullet ridden stain glass windows of Annunciation Church here in Minneapolis, MInnesota. This is my own current trauma to walk through. Being faithful to meditation / quiet time, cautiously talking to compassionate people versus those at a distance wanting more voyeured stories. Knowing I’m not alone lifting the children, families, emotionally wounded, and first responders in prayer to the Divine Healer. Having faith knowing “broken crayons still color.” Grateful for this page to express myself. 🌻☮️ Gentle upcoming weekend to alll.

    1. Mary
      Mary
      1 week ago

      I’m wishing a gentle weekend for you, Carla.
      Sending love

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 week ago

      ❤️

    3. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 week ago

      “Broken crayons still color.”

      Healing prayers
      offered up to you,
      dear Carla,
      and to all who have felt the impact
      of this terrible tragedy. ♥

    4. Yram
      Yram
      1 week ago

      Carla, do you know someone directly affected by the tragedy? I have a few MN connections and my heart goes out also.

    5. pkr29022
      pkr
      1 week ago

      🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    6. Carol Ann Conner
      Carol Ann Conner
      1 week ago

      Carla, Sending loving energy to you.

Subscribe to Grateful Living

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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Customize your subscription