Many people
have come in and out of my life over the years . . .
no one recently,
as I live a very isolated life,
and don’t meet new people often.
There was a woman
some 12-15 years ago
who was in my life for awhile.
I initially knew Dorothy
as a person who needed a friend,
but as time went on,
she morphed into a vampire,
feeding off of my energy and good will,
and I began to dread her phone calls,
which all became about what she needed from me.
I gave and gave
until I had had enough . . .
I couldn’t allow her to manipulate me anymore,
and then I ended it–
something I had never done before.
When Dorothy felt me slipping away,
she told a cruel untruth about my husband to someone
who casually mentioned it to me,
and the jig was up.
I told her
that I loved her as a fellow human being,
but could not live with what she had done . . .
I felt a lot of guilt
while working on how to forgive her,
without resuming a poisonous relationship with her,
and have learned
how to put on my big girl pants
and stand up to people who mean me harm
without hate or judgment . . .
a very important lesson for me,
as I’d never confronted situations like that
in the past.
She unintentionally
taught me
how to break the bonds of control,
and I’ve become more brave
from standing up for myself,
and my husband.
The truth is
that I might not have stood up
if it was only for myself,
but for my husband
it wasn’t hard at all.
So I can’t take all of the credit.
And I can’t say that I have truly evolved from my old stance
because I still have dreams about Dorothy at night
that leave a bad taste in my mouth,
so I suppose I am still working on it,
but at least
she is out of my life,
if not out of my dreams . . .
yet. ♥
Dear Sparrow, Dorothy’s juju must have been fairly strong to impact dreams to this day. Your bad taste in the mouth comment reminded me that I cracked my self up this morning. While I was cleaning my teeth I thought of how bad the morning breath of the bears, now waking up from several months of hibernation, must be!
My new neighbor who is a 24 year old immigrant. She calls me midday every day to be sure I am doing okay. She drives me to a special spiritual group I like to attend each month. If I am not feeling well she brings food in case I am not up to cooking. I truly believe I am her adopted grandmother. We have major discussions about her hopes and dreams.
I have two great teachers right now. One teaches me about creativity, sacred connection, endurance, faith, and surrender. The other, about pain, death, acceptance, fortitude, honor, courage. I’m very lucky to have their influence in my life. Didn’t realize it until answering this question.
Some women I have recently become friends with when I joined a coffee group to meet new people after COVID restrictions were lifted. I woudn’t miss Thursday morning coffee group for the world! (Unless I’m traveling. 🙂 )
My boyfriend. In August it’ll be a year we’re going out. He’s so steady. He just accepts things. He doesn’t have 8 million ambitions, and he takes good care of me.
I would say it’s my new school therapist, David. While he and I just had one session, his story alone works greatly as a source of motivation for me. I appreciate his journey from a drug counselor to a mental health therapist at the age of 51. While there isn’t a gigantic impact on me yet, I can see the seeds of human services growing in my life through his inspiring story.
The first person who came to mind is a high school teacher who had a big impact. His encouragement helped boost my self-confidence to be curious and become a lifelong learner.
Loc Tran’s comment brought to mind another person I once knew, a Benedictine Monk who would repeatedly say “accept them as they are” when people had conflicts. Those words ring back to me every time I get upset with someone for what they say or do. I may still be upset by their words or actions, but it changes everything to lovingly accept them as they are (imperfect humans, as we all are). Different faiths, different cultures, different opinions don’t matter when we accept them as they are, we can forge relationships with anyone.
All the better if we can couple that with the attitude of a lifelong learner, curious to know more about their faith, their culture and how they formed their opinions. We can become peacemakers.
My son’s gf, Erin – it’s been around a year and half now. I love her. She is a perfect match for my son, is so genuine, kind and thoughtful. I am so happy she came into our lives. I look forward to call her my daughter-in-law one day.
Today is my Mom’s 9 yr anniversary of her passing – hard to believe. I wish my mom could have met Erin.
I just reconnected with a McNally Smith College of Music friend, Martin, over the last month. He and I have had 2 conversations. I knew him through the songwriting department having songwriting 2 class together. Years ago, we started out as classmates and became best friends through common ground of: logical thinking, preference for structure, and perfectionism at the time.
Back then, Martin and I were quite wild which was why the friendship only lasted until 2019. 7 years later, both of us are much more mature and in a much better place. Beyond the fact that I’m a Christian and he’s an Atheist, we share strong common ground, especially our interest in comedy songwriting which is why he loves my songs a lot even if I have some that talk about god.
The main take away from my brotherhood with Martin where I’m the big brother since I’m 6-7 years older than him is to love people regardless of religion. God also taught us that. Many of my brothers and sisters in Christ have the best of intentions when trying to convert others, but it’s healthier to accept others for who they are regardless of what religious practices they choose even if they choose Atheism. It points back to the idea I’ve talked about before on multiple occasions on how there’s more than one way to care for others. Yes, turn kindness into technique. Like from “As Long As You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys say from the chorus “I don’t care who you are, what you did, and where you’re from as long as you love me.”
My friend, Ericka, who I met at the yoga studio. We have grown to become good friends since last summer. We’re the same age, so it’s nice to talk about things we’re going through as aging women, but also to share our stories, finding common and not-so-common grounds, but bouncing that knowledge and experience off of each other.
And my friend, Alejandra, who I also met at the studio. She was the studio manager and then brought me in to do that job as she moved on to operations. We clicked right away, but if it were not for her, I may not be doing what I am doing now. She also encouraged the former yoga director to allow me to teach a “new teacher” class last May after I got my 1st certification, and that has blossomed into me having regular classes there.
I am incredibly grateful for both of these beautiful women and the friendships we share 🙏🏼
All of the fine folks who reflect here on this forum of gratefulness. I was in a ‘not so good spot’ of my so called life when I found this site. I was introduced to Br. David’s video “A Grateful Day” during an eight week mindfulness course by Palouse Mindfulness. That was four years ago, come end of May or first of June. I am 68, so relatively new when the complete timeline is considered. Than you all, the gratefulness team and Br. David. The impact is immeasurable. Peace, Love & Light. Namaste.
I go back to Brother David’s video often,
dear Joseph . . .
just listening to it
wills me with a peace
that the whole Gratefulness team
has worked on
for us
over the years . . .
I join you in your thanks. ♥
Friends from all over he world doing this meditation together have all become like one big happy family! I’m so incredibly grateful and blessed! Thank you universe for doing everything for us 🌻🙌 I love you so much !
Happy Friday everyone!
Antoinette, I’m glad you have friends doing the same meditation with you. It’s motivating and builds connections. Bordom is more tempting when meditating alone.
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.
Many people
have come in and out of my life over the years . . .
no one recently,
as I live a very isolated life,
and don’t meet new people often.
There was a woman
some 12-15 years ago
who was in my life for awhile.
I initially knew Dorothy
as a person who needed a friend,
but as time went on,
she morphed into a vampire,
feeding off of my energy and good will,
and I began to dread her phone calls,
which all became about what she needed from me.
I gave and gave
until I had had enough . . .
I couldn’t allow her to manipulate me anymore,
and then I ended it–
something I had never done before.
When Dorothy felt me slipping away,
she told a cruel untruth about my husband to someone
who casually mentioned it to me,
and the jig was up.
I told her
that I loved her as a fellow human being,
but could not live with what she had done . . .
I felt a lot of guilt
while working on how to forgive her,
without resuming a poisonous relationship with her,
and have learned
how to put on my big girl pants
and stand up to people who mean me harm
without hate or judgment . . .
a very important lesson for me,
as I’d never confronted situations like that
in the past.
She unintentionally
taught me
how to break the bonds of control,
and I’ve become more brave
from standing up for myself,
and my husband.
The truth is
that I might not have stood up
if it was only for myself,
but for my husband
it wasn’t hard at all.
So I can’t take all of the credit.
And I can’t say that I have truly evolved from my old stance
because I still have dreams about Dorothy at night
that leave a bad taste in my mouth,
so I suppose I am still working on it,
but at least
she is out of my life,
if not out of my dreams . . .
yet. ♥
Dear Sparrow, Dorothy’s juju must have been fairly strong to impact dreams to this day. Your bad taste in the mouth comment reminded me that I cracked my self up this morning. While I was cleaning my teeth I thought of how bad the morning breath of the bears, now waking up from several months of hibernation, must be!
Yes,
dear Joseph . . .
how did you guess?
the taste is as bad
as that of those hibernating bears. 🙂
🤣🐻😤-wow, there is an emoji for ‘breath’, LOL
Yes it is!
🙂
My new neighbor who is a 24 year old immigrant. She calls me midday every day to be sure I am doing okay. She drives me to a special spiritual group I like to attend each month. If I am not feeling well she brings food in case I am not up to cooking. I truly believe I am her adopted grandmother. We have major discussions about her hopes and dreams.
It sounds
like she is more than a caring neighbor,
dear Carol Ann . . .
she sounds like a loving friend.
Treasure her ♥
I have two great teachers right now. One teaches me about creativity, sacred connection, endurance, faith, and surrender. The other, about pain, death, acceptance, fortitude, honor, courage. I’m very lucky to have their influence in my life. Didn’t realize it until answering this question.
Some women I have recently become friends with when I joined a coffee group to meet new people after COVID restrictions were lifted. I woudn’t miss Thursday morning coffee group for the world! (Unless I’m traveling. 🙂 )
I have met some in credible friendly and helpful representatives on the phone. They made the experience easy to sort out with a cheery voice.
My boyfriend. In August it’ll be a year we’re going out. He’s so steady. He just accepts things. He doesn’t have 8 million ambitions, and he takes good care of me.
I am glad for you Christina. ☀️
I would say it’s my new school therapist, David. While he and I just had one session, his story alone works greatly as a source of motivation for me. I appreciate his journey from a drug counselor to a mental health therapist at the age of 51. While there isn’t a gigantic impact on me yet, I can see the seeds of human services growing in my life through his inspiring story.
My Ngoc, I remember us talking about his enthusiasm. That’s real.
The first person who came to mind is a high school teacher who had a big impact. His encouragement helped boost my self-confidence to be curious and become a lifelong learner.
Loc Tran’s comment brought to mind another person I once knew, a Benedictine Monk who would repeatedly say “accept them as they are” when people had conflicts. Those words ring back to me every time I get upset with someone for what they say or do. I may still be upset by their words or actions, but it changes everything to lovingly accept them as they are (imperfect humans, as we all are). Different faiths, different cultures, different opinions don’t matter when we accept them as they are, we can forge relationships with anyone.
All the better if we can couple that with the attitude of a lifelong learner, curious to know more about their faith, their culture and how they formed their opinions. We can become peacemakers.
Tom, reading your post makes me flattered. I’m glad to be a source of inspiration and have a strong influence on you.
My son’s gf, Erin – it’s been around a year and half now. I love her. She is a perfect match for my son, is so genuine, kind and thoughtful. I am so happy she came into our lives. I look forward to call her my daughter-in-law one day.
Today is my Mom’s 9 yr anniversary of her passing – hard to believe. I wish my mom could have met Erin.
❤️
I just reconnected with a McNally Smith College of Music friend, Martin, over the last month. He and I have had 2 conversations. I knew him through the songwriting department having songwriting 2 class together. Years ago, we started out as classmates and became best friends through common ground of: logical thinking, preference for structure, and perfectionism at the time.
Back then, Martin and I were quite wild which was why the friendship only lasted until 2019. 7 years later, both of us are much more mature and in a much better place. Beyond the fact that I’m a Christian and he’s an Atheist, we share strong common ground, especially our interest in comedy songwriting which is why he loves my songs a lot even if I have some that talk about god.
The main take away from my brotherhood with Martin where I’m the big brother since I’m 6-7 years older than him is to love people regardless of religion. God also taught us that. Many of my brothers and sisters in Christ have the best of intentions when trying to convert others, but it’s healthier to accept others for who they are regardless of what religious practices they choose even if they choose Atheism. It points back to the idea I’ve talked about before on multiple occasions on how there’s more than one way to care for others. Yes, turn kindness into technique. Like from “As Long As You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys say from the chorus “I don’t care who you are, what you did, and where you’re from as long as you love me.”
Thank you Loc. What a different world we would live in if your viewpoint on acceptance of one another’s spiritual path was widespread. ♥️
No problem, Mary Mantei. The world would be more peaceful for sure.
My friend, Ericka, who I met at the yoga studio. We have grown to become good friends since last summer. We’re the same age, so it’s nice to talk about things we’re going through as aging women, but also to share our stories, finding common and not-so-common grounds, but bouncing that knowledge and experience off of each other.
And my friend, Alejandra, who I also met at the studio. She was the studio manager and then brought me in to do that job as she moved on to operations. We clicked right away, but if it were not for her, I may not be doing what I am doing now. She also encouraged the former yoga director to allow me to teach a “new teacher” class last May after I got my 1st certification, and that has blossomed into me having regular classes there.
I am incredibly grateful for both of these beautiful women and the friendships we share 🙏🏼
All of the fine folks who reflect here on this forum of gratefulness. I was in a ‘not so good spot’ of my so called life when I found this site. I was introduced to Br. David’s video “A Grateful Day” during an eight week mindfulness course by Palouse Mindfulness. That was four years ago, come end of May or first of June. I am 68, so relatively new when the complete timeline is considered. Than you all, the gratefulness team and Br. David. The impact is immeasurable. Peace, Love & Light. Namaste.
I go back to Brother David’s video often,
dear Joseph . . .
just listening to it
wills me with a peace
that the whole Gratefulness team
has worked on
for us
over the years . . .
I join you in your thanks. ♥
Friends from all over he world doing this meditation together have all become like one big happy family! I’m so incredibly grateful and blessed! Thank you universe for doing everything for us 🌻🙌 I love you so much !
Happy Friday everyone!
Antoinette, I’m glad you have friends doing the same meditation with you. It’s motivating and builds connections. Bordom is more tempting when meditating alone.
A happy day to you too, dear Antoinette.
Thank you, dear Joseph on the way home from London to Norway.
Safe travels to you Antoinette as you make your way home.
Thank you 🙏 Michele!