Like Charlie, it is an inward exploration as that is where the answers are. There were one or two people who pointed the direction on inner enquiry, but I had to do the work.
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Throughout my time following Christ, despite a lot of wayward moments, He has always brought me back to Him. His chastening is kindness and happens innumerable ways throughout the day. He keeps me close to Him and never lets me wander away. He’s the shepherd that has come to bring life in full, here and the afterlife. I have no doubts I will see my loved ones again and they are as alive as I am. There’s just been so much, yes, anecdotal evidence, in my life of His being real.
This morning out for my early morning, once again my impatience and arrogance with others getting the better of me, thoughts swirling of holding onto grievances, lists of ways others should be and aren’t, when BAM suddenly I just felt the sickest and most horrible. I stopped as the physical pain was so severe and asked Jesus for forgiveness for my arrogance, listened to some hymns and like moments I felt the sickness disappear and I kept running another 2-3 miles. He has a way of humbling me, of continually reminding me of my place and softening my heart to patience and humility, forgiveness.
It really does feel like at times He just picks me up like a misbehaving puppy and totally shakes me, like this is not the way you should be. I couldn’t even explain how much guidance there has been from God in my Christian journey and how much He has driven me close to Him, shaking out, sculpting, trying to grow me as a person to be more like Jesus Christ, He does feel in every way the good shepherd.
I express my gratitude by sharing the good news and by letting others know that Jesus is a friend of sinners. By expressing to others the grace and mercy of Jesus and accepting the chastisement and corrections haha.
My best friend passed 2 years ago. He was 51 and was a beacon of hope and light during the darkest days of the past 10 years in my life. Now that he is gone, I recall his wisdom to shine light on my darkest days and to express my gratitude, I pay it forward to his children and any other person that needs the curtains pulled back, and always give credit to the co-author of my awakening. I am grateful to have known him.
Indigenous leaders in politics and culture are teaching me that the colonialist capitalist settler perspective, my own included, needs a huge shaking up. Such teachers rekindle my hope that rebalancing, restoring, and gradually healing our suffering planet is possible.
I have two close friends and a sister I can be very honest with about things that are happening in my life and a husband who is always there for a hug when that’s what I need more than anything. I think I’ll write a thank-you card that’s a “just because” and send it to those people I love who are there when I need them.
Wonderful idea, Barb….we never know when we will no longer be able to tell them and there is something about snail mail, the written word on paper, that is so endearing.
Right now it has been the most darkest week of my life, to where I didn’t feel safe to sleep at my own house without feeling fear. I realized the light that lead me to safety was my aunt and grandparents, they, had trust in me and loved me for who I am becoming, they gave me a place to stay where I feel safe, and made me feel so appreciated and loved. They fought for me, justice for me, because to see me get manipulated, lied and gas lighted to by my own mother, they have been in the same cycle, so expressing how proud of me for realizing this cycle and that I have the power to break it for how young I am. And lastly I rekindled my inner light on my darkest days, I kept pushing, when times were hard ,I went to family , not strangers, friends, boys, I choose my family.
Makayla, I’m so sorry this is your situation right now. I hope you find what you need to get to a better place where you can feel safer and I’m glad you have family to turn to.
On my darkest days there is only me, and I climb inside my head and build a wall around myself that no light can penetrate.
What I am learning, is that even in that darkness, there is a pinhole of light. Through gratitude and self awareness, that pinhole of light gets bigger and brighter. Until eventually it shines on me like the sun. Some of this I have learned through my amazing therapist and through reading from wise and thoughtful authors. And I am learning so much from you all. Thank you for sharing your journey.
My mentor (RIP) of 27 years. He was my Moses for he found me in a desert of dark days. I honor and give thanks for him by doing my best to share his wisdom in hopes it will help others. I share a journal entry from 2016 that reminds me of him: Sep 6 2016 Ethical Alchemy (That seemingly miraculous change of a thing into something better)
“Religion isn’t about believing things. It’s ethical alchemy. It’s about behaving in a way that changes you, that gives you intimations of holiness and sacredness.” Karen Armstrong
Faith is currently defined as a string of beliefs which I see as a confining man-made Dogma in most cases. To explain my way of thinking, I often quote priest, psychologist and author Alan Watts who says “Belief clings, Faith lets go.”
I had recently recorded a movie about Mother Teresa and sat down to watch it last night and evidently the movie was longer than the cable guide indicated and the recording ended just as she was establishing her first home for the dying. It was such a let down. Hope I can find it on the schedule again and attempt to record it. She had such a deep and simple faith. She is known to have said that when she saw a need, she would proceed but would not organize too much.
My faith is truly being tested these days and many of my old life-limiting beliefs are stirring up fearful thought patterns. I think there’s a filibuster going on in my head. I’m also aware of a sense of boredom which is usually a red-flag for egoic-brain activity in my experience.
My job, my faith, is to trust. My intention must be bold. I must be WILLING TO BE CHANGED. I find my job is always willingness. It’s the paradox that losing control willingly is for me always a sign of deeper truth. It is always a sign that a greater awareness is on the horizon. It is seldom a comfortable place to be. But as my mentor used to say, “Your job is to wait, watch and see what life is offering you this day and this day.”
I know that I can’t change anything but I can be willing to be changed.
Blessings, Carol
Thank you, Carol – Karen Armstrong is a name I haven’t heard in a long while, and it gives me happy feelings. I’m looking again now at her books. Warm wishes to you 🙂
You are most welcome. Sometimes, I hesitate to share journal entries but have found that many times they resonate with others on this site. Thanks for your note.
Thank you, Carol. I find myself nodding in agreement when I read your posts not only for the truth that you articulate but the clarity with which you express it.
My inner light is restored when I rise above my own piles of stuff — old feelings, unworthiness, baseless fears — that block access to the Light. I show gratitude by sharing kindness, respect and patience to others.
Flowers or pictures of flowers help me remember there is beauty in the world even when I am in a dark place. My soul has also been touched by music recently. Specifically two pieces of music from the Stop, Look, Go class from gratefulness.org. I can show gratefulness by taking care of the flowers. I can also make donations to organizations that promote the beauty of flowers and to gratefulness.org to support their teaching.
Thank you pkr. I did take time to notice the flowers. Did you find any in your day? Tried to include a picture for you but I don’t see a way to do it. 💕🌸💜
Mostly myself and my spiritual practice/faith. In my darkest days, I was too fearful and ashamed to talk about what was happening in my life, so no one knew the truth until I escaped those days. These days, I do have my husband, some of my family and a few close friends that I would trust to help me if needed. I’m grateful my days are a lot brighter than they used to be, even if they still get dark every now and then. Lessons every day!
I have to say this website and Kristi Nelson’s book, which I’m almost finished reading. I am very grateful for finding this site and have it become my daily routine.
Mica – today is NATIONAL GUINEA PIG APPRECIATE DAY! I totally thought of you when I saw that and was excited to share with you:)
Thank you, Michele! My calendar has some lesser day 😐 . I’m glad to be reading this only 4 hrs after you posted, so indeed guinea pig day is today 🙂 . I’ve given her a fancy little plate of healthy treats.
I draw hope from my ancestors who help rekindle my inner Light. I also have a few trusted friends who are a balm when it’s dark. I express my thanks to the current generation of family via cards, texts, sending little tokens. I celebrate gratitude with close friends by sharing a meal.
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Like Charlie, it is an inward exploration as that is where the answers are. There were one or two people who pointed the direction on inner enquiry, but I had to do the work.
forever grateful
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Throughout my time following Christ, despite a lot of wayward moments, He has always brought me back to Him. His chastening is kindness and happens innumerable ways throughout the day. He keeps me close to Him and never lets me wander away. He’s the shepherd that has come to bring life in full, here and the afterlife. I have no doubts I will see my loved ones again and they are as alive as I am. There’s just been so much, yes, anecdotal evidence, in my life of His being real.
This morning out for my early morning, once again my impatience and arrogance with others getting the better of me, thoughts swirling of holding onto grievances, lists of ways others should be and aren’t, when BAM suddenly I just felt the sickest and most horrible. I stopped as the physical pain was so severe and asked Jesus for forgiveness for my arrogance, listened to some hymns and like moments I felt the sickness disappear and I kept running another 2-3 miles. He has a way of humbling me, of continually reminding me of my place and softening my heart to patience and humility, forgiveness.
It really does feel like at times He just picks me up like a misbehaving puppy and totally shakes me, like this is not the way you should be. I couldn’t even explain how much guidance there has been from God in my Christian journey and how much He has driven me close to Him, shaking out, sculpting, trying to grow me as a person to be more like Jesus Christ, He does feel in every way the good shepherd.
I express my gratitude by sharing the good news and by letting others know that Jesus is a friend of sinners. By expressing to others the grace and mercy of Jesus and accepting the chastisement and corrections haha.
My best friend passed 2 years ago. He was 51 and was a beacon of hope and light during the darkest days of the past 10 years in my life. Now that he is gone, I recall his wisdom to shine light on my darkest days and to express my gratitude, I pay it forward to his children and any other person that needs the curtains pulled back, and always give credit to the co-author of my awakening. I am grateful to have known him.
Indigenous leaders in politics and culture are teaching me that the colonialist capitalist settler perspective, my own included, needs a huge shaking up. Such teachers rekindle my hope that rebalancing, restoring, and gradually healing our suffering planet is possible.
I have two close friends and a sister I can be very honest with about things that are happening in my life and a husband who is always there for a hug when that’s what I need more than anything. I think I’ll write a thank-you card that’s a “just because” and send it to those people I love who are there when I need them.
Wonderful idea, Barb….we never know when we will no longer be able to tell them and there is something about snail mail, the written word on paper, that is so endearing.
Right now it has been the most darkest week of my life, to where I didn’t feel safe to sleep at my own house without feeling fear. I realized the light that lead me to safety was my aunt and grandparents, they, had trust in me and loved me for who I am becoming, they gave me a place to stay where I feel safe, and made me feel so appreciated and loved. They fought for me, justice for me, because to see me get manipulated, lied and gas lighted to by my own mother, they have been in the same cycle, so expressing how proud of me for realizing this cycle and that I have the power to break it for how young I am. And lastly I rekindled my inner light on my darkest days, I kept pushing, when times were hard ,I went to family , not strangers, friends, boys, I choose my family.
Makayla, I’m so sorry this is your situation right now. I hope you find what you need to get to a better place where you can feel safer and I’m glad you have family to turn to.
On my darkest days there is only me, and I climb inside my head and build a wall around myself that no light can penetrate.
What I am learning, is that even in that darkness, there is a pinhole of light. Through gratitude and self awareness, that pinhole of light gets bigger and brighter. Until eventually it shines on me like the sun. Some of this I have learned through my amazing therapist and through reading from wise and thoughtful authors. And I am learning so much from you all. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I liked your post.Please share the names of wise authors and their book which you have read. Thanks
My mentor (RIP) of 27 years. He was my Moses for he found me in a desert of dark days. I honor and give thanks for him by doing my best to share his wisdom in hopes it will help others. I share a journal entry from 2016 that reminds me of him: Sep 6 2016 Ethical Alchemy (That seemingly miraculous change of a thing into something better)
“Religion isn’t about believing things. It’s ethical alchemy. It’s about behaving in a way that changes you, that gives you intimations of holiness and sacredness.” Karen Armstrong
Faith is currently defined as a string of beliefs which I see as a confining man-made Dogma in most cases. To explain my way of thinking, I often quote priest, psychologist and author Alan Watts who says “Belief clings, Faith lets go.”
I had recently recorded a movie about Mother Teresa and sat down to watch it last night and evidently the movie was longer than the cable guide indicated and the recording ended just as she was establishing her first home for the dying. It was such a let down. Hope I can find it on the schedule again and attempt to record it. She had such a deep and simple faith. She is known to have said that when she saw a need, she would proceed but would not organize too much.
My faith is truly being tested these days and many of my old life-limiting beliefs are stirring up fearful thought patterns. I think there’s a filibuster going on in my head. I’m also aware of a sense of boredom which is usually a red-flag for egoic-brain activity in my experience.
My job, my faith, is to trust. My intention must be bold. I must be WILLING TO BE CHANGED. I find my job is always willingness. It’s the paradox that losing control willingly is for me always a sign of deeper truth. It is always a sign that a greater awareness is on the horizon. It is seldom a comfortable place to be. But as my mentor used to say, “Your job is to wait, watch and see what life is offering you this day and this day.”
I know that I can’t change anything but I can be willing to be changed.
Blessings, Carol
Thank you, Carol – Karen Armstrong is a name I haven’t heard in a long while, and it gives me happy feelings. I’m looking again now at her books. Warm wishes to you 🙂
Mica, I found a lot of her talks and interviews on youtube….might want to check it out. 🙂
Thanks, Carol – I’ll check them out 🙂
I found her Spiral Staircase book in my bookshelf and am starting to read it again.
“Willingness to be changed”–such a powerful and open space in which to exist. Thank you for this.
You are most welcome. Sometimes, I hesitate to share journal entries but have found that many times they resonate with others on this site. Thanks for your note.
Carol, thank you so much for this. All of what you wrote is relevant to me. 🙏
Glad to know that…thanks for your note.
Thank you, Carol. I find myself nodding in agreement when I read your posts not only for the truth that you articulate but the clarity with which you express it.
Laura, I have the same reaction when I read your posts.:)
My inner light is restored when I rise above my own piles of stuff — old feelings, unworthiness, baseless fears — that block access to the Light. I show gratitude by sharing kindness, respect and patience to others.
Flowers or pictures of flowers help me remember there is beauty in the world even when I am in a dark place. My soul has also been touched by music recently. Specifically two pieces of music from the Stop, Look, Go class from gratefulness.org. I can show gratefulness by taking care of the flowers. I can also make donations to organizations that promote the beauty of flowers and to gratefulness.org to support their teaching.
Rabbit, I too look at paintings of flowers for comfort & renewal. It heals my soul. Hope you find flowers today.🙂
Thank you pkr. I did take time to notice the flowers. Did you find any in your day? Tried to include a picture for you but I don’t see a way to do it. 💕🌸💜
Yes Rabbit, I did see some beautiful flowers today. I also saw lots of hummingbirds & butterflies too.
I will look for your photo. Thank you.
people post pictures in the Gratitude Lounge under the Connect menu at top of screen:)
Thank you Michele. Watch for a day lily picture.
Mostly myself and my spiritual practice/faith. In my darkest days, I was too fearful and ashamed to talk about what was happening in my life, so no one knew the truth until I escaped those days. These days, I do have my husband, some of my family and a few close friends that I would trust to help me if needed. I’m grateful my days are a lot brighter than they used to be, even if they still get dark every now and then. Lessons every day!
I am learning to rekindle my own inner light by my faith and meditations. Being grateful and self loving is the way.
I have to say this website and Kristi Nelson’s book, which I’m almost finished reading. I am very grateful for finding this site and have it become my daily routine.
Mica – today is NATIONAL GUINEA PIG APPRECIATE DAY! I totally thought of you when I saw that and was excited to share with you:)
Thank you, Michele! My calendar has some lesser day 😐 . I’m glad to be reading this only 4 hrs after you posted, so indeed guinea pig day is today 🙂 . I’ve given her a fancy little plate of healthy treats.
My grandchildren always bring inner light on dark days. Enjoying every moment is my way of expressing sincere gratitude for these joyful souls.
I draw hope from my ancestors who help rekindle my inner Light. I also have a few trusted friends who are a balm when it’s dark. I express my thanks to the current generation of family via cards, texts, sending little tokens. I celebrate gratitude with close friends by sharing a meal.