At the moment, I have friends who are aging, and they are changing, both physically and also who they are being. With one of them, I feel as though she is a totally different person from the one I’ve known for over 20 years. It’s disconcerting, it’s sad and it’s challenging.
I’m changing too. It’s increasingly important for me to feel nurtured, and respected and seen.
So I need to make sure those I am with have good boundaries so I can sense that who I am is respected rather than taken for granted.
An important realization and one that requires me to make changtes in how I relate to family and friends especially.
To listen carefully to myself and what supports and nurtures me.
My faith supports me for sure! Years ago I suffered from really bad anziety after my Mom died. I turned to God.
I have been thru tremendous challenges and change and somehow I have managed. Thankfully the good Lord has been by my side,
having close relationships to my children, at times my family and my best friends for life mainly!
Whenever I have a panic attack
I always think that I am going crazy . . .
that my mind
is just going to fly away
from any sense of down-to-earth
reality.
I tell myself
that I’m just having an episode
and will feel fine when it dissipates.
I say that it’s never happened–
I’ve never gone crazy
and not come back.
But another voice inside of me
says,
“just because you came back before
doesn’t mean you’ll come back this time.”
That is what it’s like
when a monumental change comes along.
I am free and easy
with the small changes . . .
being flexible with my schedule
when something comes up
and my order has been disturbed.
I can handle home owner disasters that come up
with a clear head,
knowing what I can and cannot do myself,
call the fuel company
or the plumber when needed.
A little bit more out of my comfort zone
and a little more complicated,
is traveling to family funerals,
which have all been across the country,
more or less.
But my earlier adult life
was filled with psychotic
and very dramatic changes . . .
some,
life or death,
and those terrified me
and ingrained in me
a fear of the future.
Most of the time
I feel calm about it,
but thoughts creep into my mind . . .
that my husband could die,
that I could die homeless and alone,
or that civilization implodes.
That’s about as bad as it gets,
sparing you the details and variations
of all the different scenarios.
I’m tired . . .
I don’t want any more heartache in my life;
I’ve had enough.
My husband of course,
supports me,
and having him by my side
eases the anxiety,
but if he were gone
and I was on my own again
I would trust the Universe,
and that is something I
nourish daily and pay close attention,
mostly because of that persistent little voice
that says,
“you may not make it this time.”
It doesn’t dominate me
but it’s there all the time . . .
in the background. ♥
When I was much younger, I was concerned a whole bunch that I might “not make it”. It might have helped me if I had heard Alan Watt’s talk, about “making it”. I now realize trying and worrying about “making it” was so much self-induced suffering. I never needed to “make it” for I have always been here and had made it, just lost in the future tripping and not being present for “it”, dear Sparrow. Thank you for your vulnerability in your scribing. The unvarnished truth is Truth itself.
You are indeed ‘making it’,
dear Joseph,
and I am too
(there’s the little voice now,
saying, ‘so far’).
I know future tripping is a waste,
but honestly,
it does pop up from time to time,
and I’ve made a vow
to be honest when I post here,
and to tell the truth. ♥
Thank you
for your kindest support. 🙏🏼
When I can approach the unknown with curiosity rather than fear, I’m more open to whatever happens. Every new circumstance holds some lesson if I pay attention.
Remembering that I have lived through many changes and am content in who I am, the person shaped by all those changes, always helps.
What supports me in remaining open to change? I have gotten through many difficulties in life, and I have come out the other side okay. This gives me confidence that I can get through other difficulties. So I am not so afraid. I think fear is the biggest inhibitor to taking any action, trying something new, and just feeling the joy of what is. I have fear, but it is not overwhelming. I have seen things change for the better and for the worst. I believe I will most likely be fine, as life changes. I can try new things and feel joy in the moment. Sending peace to all. ☀️🩵
Beautiful, Mary. I believe we all have fear of different things at different times in our lives. You have used your fear to move ahead, rather than let it stop you in your tracks.🩷
Mary, it’s very easy to freak out and forget that we’ve been through darker place before and have come out of there strong. Once we calm down, we’ll realize that change and adversity isn’t anything new.
I have gone through so much change in these last 5 years. I learned to surrender, accept, embrace the change, & stay in the flow. Practicing these concepts has made weathering change a bit easier altho many of the changes were unwanted & caused me much grief.
Change is the only constant in nature & life.
I have had to go with the flow, ask for guidance from above & be grateful in order to move forward. Having a good attitude, laughter & lots of praying have helped me tremendously.
Resilience is my best friend.
The Divine has guided me through it all.✨
My perception of change helps me be open to it. I believe changes will bring either a gift from God or a lesson into my life, even though I have not yet recognized it.
Gifts = changes that I wish for 📦
Lessons = changes that are out of my desire 📙
When change surprises me, I try to surrender, pray, learn, and find flow. When I want to change myself or something, I focus on each day of the process. I notice what’s holding change back and chip away at the barriers. When a relationship or something I held dear–a hope, an identity–changes, I grieve it so that something new has space to grow.
“Be Adaptable, not changeable” is my slogan that supports me in being open to change. For example, “Loc Gets Straight to the Point” originated in 2016. Getting straight to the point remains the constant. Some suddel differences 10 years later are that it’s simpler and tamer.
There is so much change going on in the world. As many of you have said, it’s inevitable in all areas of our lives. Change seems to be happening at a faster rate than it once did in my world. Technologically, ecologically, politically, my physically being, etc. I have not been one to shy away from change in my life, it has brought so many wonderful aspects of my life forward. So what supports me now is what has always supported me; learning, understanding, consideration, and discernment. Is that a form of Stop, Look, Go? Maybe. So, many change opportunities I embrace, and others, when possible, I say, no thank you.
My belief system and my practice supports me. I remember ‘hating’ change when I was younger. Learning to trust, surrender, and embrace life has changed my perspective on change. Change is constant. Change is good. Learning to stay balanced during change is important. The theme for August at the yoga studio has been Aparigraha, so I have been reminded all month that letting go of how things are now is making space for all of the beautiful things still out there for me.
I too looked it up…
Aparigraha is the fifth yama (ethical restraint) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, translating to non-possessiveness, non-greed, or non-attachment.
Core Meaning
Non-Hoarding: Taking or keeping only what is necessary for your current stage in life.
Letting Go: Releasing emotional baggage, old identities, and physical clutter that no longer serve you.
Freedom from Expectation: Giving and loving unconditionally without demanding reciprocation or control
I too,
had to look up ‘Aparigraha’,
dear SunnyPatti,
and need to live more
with that concept in mind,
especially as I cull my accumulation of ‘stuff’.
Thank you. ♥
🙏🏼
In The Secret Power of Yoga, Nischala Joy Devi describes Aparigraha as Acknowledging Abundance. So we can look at it from another angle, rather than just non-grasping, etc. Here’s a short copy & paste for you –
Devi’s description emphasizes recognizing the blessings in everything and gaining insight into the purpose of our worldly existence. This perspective shifts focus from the drive to accumulate more toward appreciating what we already have, fostering gratitude and presence. She encourages readers to see abundance in many forms — not just material wealth, but also in having a safe home, quality relationships, access to food, good health, and the ability to live fully in the present.
☮️
Sunnypatti, I had to look up what aparigraha means, a new word for me.
I believe I have tried to live my life with this concept for quite sometime now.
Thanks for sharing.
Have a happy Monday.🕊️❤️
You may not have noticed,
dear Michele,
but the gratefulness team
has posted your reflection on stewardship
from a few days ago,
complete
with all of the links you provided . . .
all good information. ♥
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.
At the moment, I have friends who are aging, and they are changing, both physically and also who they are being. With one of them, I feel as though she is a totally different person from the one I’ve known for over 20 years. It’s disconcerting, it’s sad and it’s challenging.
I’m changing too. It’s increasingly important for me to feel nurtured, and respected and seen.
So I need to make sure those I am with have good boundaries so I can sense that who I am is respected rather than taken for granted.
An important realization and one that requires me to make changtes in how I relate to family and friends especially.
To listen carefully to myself and what supports and nurtures me.
Such a thoughtful post, Maeve, that comes with a poignant reality. Blessings on this journey of self-care.🩷
Thank you
My faith supports me for sure! Years ago I suffered from really bad anziety after my Mom died. I turned to God.
I have been thru tremendous challenges and change and somehow I have managed. Thankfully the good Lord has been by my side,
having close relationships to my children, at times my family and my best friends for life mainly!
Whenever I have a panic attack
I always think that I am going crazy . . .
that my mind
is just going to fly away
from any sense of down-to-earth
reality.
I tell myself
that I’m just having an episode
and will feel fine when it dissipates.
I say that it’s never happened–
I’ve never gone crazy
and not come back.
But another voice inside of me
says,
“just because you came back before
doesn’t mean you’ll come back this time.”
That is what it’s like
when a monumental change comes along.
I am free and easy
with the small changes . . .
being flexible with my schedule
when something comes up
and my order has been disturbed.
I can handle home owner disasters that come up
with a clear head,
knowing what I can and cannot do myself,
call the fuel company
or the plumber when needed.
A little bit more out of my comfort zone
and a little more complicated,
is traveling to family funerals,
which have all been across the country,
more or less.
But my earlier adult life
was filled with psychotic
and very dramatic changes . . .
some,
life or death,
and those terrified me
and ingrained in me
a fear of the future.
Most of the time
I feel calm about it,
but thoughts creep into my mind . . .
that my husband could die,
that I could die homeless and alone,
or that civilization implodes.
That’s about as bad as it gets,
sparing you the details and variations
of all the different scenarios.
I’m tired . . .
I don’t want any more heartache in my life;
I’ve had enough.
My husband of course,
supports me,
and having him by my side
eases the anxiety,
but if he were gone
and I was on my own again
I would trust the Universe,
and that is something I
nourish daily and pay close attention,
mostly because of that persistent little voice
that says,
“you may not make it this time.”
It doesn’t dominate me
but it’s there all the time . . .
in the background. ♥
When I was much younger, I was concerned a whole bunch that I might “not make it”. It might have helped me if I had heard Alan Watt’s talk, about “making it”. I now realize trying and worrying about “making it” was so much self-induced suffering. I never needed to “make it” for I have always been here and had made it, just lost in the future tripping and not being present for “it”, dear Sparrow. Thank you for your vulnerability in your scribing. The unvarnished truth is Truth itself.
You are indeed ‘making it’,
dear Joseph,
and I am too
(there’s the little voice now,
saying, ‘so far’).
I know future tripping is a waste,
but honestly,
it does pop up from time to time,
and I’ve made a vow
to be honest when I post here,
and to tell the truth. ♥
Thank you
for your kindest support. 🙏🏼
Learning the importance of living one day at a time.
I remind myself of this
every day,
dear Carol Ann . . .
it helps.
Thank you. ♥
When I can approach the unknown with curiosity rather than fear, I’m more open to whatever happens. Every new circumstance holds some lesson if I pay attention.
Remembering that I have lived through many changes and am content in who I am, the person shaped by all those changes, always helps.
What supports me in remaining open to change? I have gotten through many difficulties in life, and I have come out the other side okay. This gives me confidence that I can get through other difficulties. So I am not so afraid. I think fear is the biggest inhibitor to taking any action, trying something new, and just feeling the joy of what is. I have fear, but it is not overwhelming. I have seen things change for the better and for the worst. I believe I will most likely be fine, as life changes. I can try new things and feel joy in the moment. Sending peace to all. ☀️🩵
It’s important to remember how we have gotten through difficult times, overcome fear, and recognize our strength and ability.
Peace to you as well ☮️✨
I have been through some stuff and made it through. I can get through hard times. I have been strong. 🩵
Beautiful, Mary. I believe we all have fear of different things at different times in our lives. You have used your fear to move ahead, rather than let it stop you in your tracks.🩷
Thanks, Mary! I really don’t like fear to win.
Thank you Mary.
🩵
Mary, it’s very easy to freak out and forget that we’ve been through darker place before and have come out of there strong. Once we calm down, we’ll realize that change and adversity isn’t anything new.
True.
I agree with you,
dear Mary,
that fear is a major roadblock
to successful change . . .
I am grateful
that you feel free to enjoy. ♥
🩵
I have gone through so much change in these last 5 years. I learned to surrender, accept, embrace the change, & stay in the flow. Practicing these concepts has made weathering change a bit easier altho many of the changes were unwanted & caused me much grief.
Change is the only constant in nature & life.
I have had to go with the flow, ask for guidance from above & be grateful in order to move forward. Having a good attitude, laughter & lots of praying have helped me tremendously.
Resilience is my best friend.
The Divine has guided me through it all.✨
Résilience and laughter…such wonderful gifts you have cultivated PKR.🌸
My past experiences. I look to my elders and admire their resilience and wisdom. It is kind of like ” if you can do it, I can too.”
Love this.
My perception of change helps me be open to it. I believe changes will bring either a gift from God or a lesson into my life, even though I have not yet recognized it.
Gifts = changes that I wish for 📦
Lessons = changes that are out of my desire 📙
My Ngoc, perception goes a long ways.
Wisdom
What an interesting distinction,
dear Ngoc . . .
I will think on this. ♥
“Change is the constant.”
Yes. And what supports you during change?
When change surprises me, I try to surrender, pray, learn, and find flow. When I want to change myself or something, I focus on each day of the process. I notice what’s holding change back and chip away at the barriers. When a relationship or something I held dear–a hope, an identity–changes, I grieve it so that something new has space to grow.
Thank you, Drea
”When a relationship or something I held dear–a hope, an identity–changes, I grieve it so that something new has space to grow.”
Thank you for this,
dear Drea . . .
involuntary change
is very hard for me.
Allowing myself to grieve it
does indeed make room for something new. ♥
“Be Adaptable, not changeable” is my slogan that supports me in being open to change. For example, “Loc Gets Straight to the Point” originated in 2016. Getting straight to the point remains the constant. Some suddel differences 10 years later are that it’s simpler and tamer.
There is so much change going on in the world. As many of you have said, it’s inevitable in all areas of our lives. Change seems to be happening at a faster rate than it once did in my world. Technologically, ecologically, politically, my physically being, etc. I have not been one to shy away from change in my life, it has brought so many wonderful aspects of my life forward. So what supports me now is what has always supported me; learning, understanding, consideration, and discernment. Is that a form of Stop, Look, Go? Maybe. So, many change opportunities I embrace, and others, when possible, I say, no thank you.
My belief system and my practice supports me. I remember ‘hating’ change when I was younger. Learning to trust, surrender, and embrace life has changed my perspective on change. Change is constant. Change is good. Learning to stay balanced during change is important. The theme for August at the yoga studio has been Aparigraha, so I have been reminded all month that letting go of how things are now is making space for all of the beautiful things still out there for me.
I too looked it up…
Aparigraha is the fifth yama (ethical restraint) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, translating to non-possessiveness, non-greed, or non-attachment.
Core Meaning
Non-Hoarding: Taking or keeping only what is necessary for your current stage in life.
Letting Go: Releasing emotional baggage, old identities, and physical clutter that no longer serve you.
Freedom from Expectation: Giving and loving unconditionally without demanding reciprocation or control
Let go and live!
Love this!
💜
I too,
had to look up ‘Aparigraha’,
dear SunnyPatti,
and need to live more
with that concept in mind,
especially as I cull my accumulation of ‘stuff’.
Thank you. ♥
🙏🏼
In The Secret Power of Yoga, Nischala Joy Devi describes Aparigraha as Acknowledging Abundance. So we can look at it from another angle, rather than just non-grasping, etc. Here’s a short copy & paste for you –
Devi’s description emphasizes recognizing the blessings in everything and gaining insight into the purpose of our worldly existence. This perspective shifts focus from the drive to accumulate more toward appreciating what we already have, fostering gratitude and presence. She encourages readers to see abundance in many forms — not just material wealth, but also in having a safe home, quality relationships, access to food, good health, and the ability to live fully in the present.
☮️
Sunnypatti, I had to look up what aparigraha means, a new word for me.
I believe I have tried to live my life with this concept for quite sometime now.
Thanks for sharing.
Have a happy Monday.🕊️❤️
It’s a good way to live. All of the yamas and niyamas are… all of yoga for that matter 🕉️
Thank you, PKR 🌼
Change is a constant part of life. Being grateful is grounding. I have my family and close friends also as support.
Happy Monday everyone.
Thanks, and a Happy Monday evening you, Michele.
You may not have noticed,
dear Michele,
but the gratefulness team
has posted your reflection on stewardship
from a few days ago,
complete
with all of the links you provided . . .
all good information. ♥
Thank you for letting me know Sparrow – I hadn’t noticed.
Nice, Michele. Having people in our corner goes a long ways. We were not made to go alone.