This may sound selfish, but I no longer hold myself accountable for the daily pain millions suffer in this world as I used to when whatever good I did in a day was never enough.
I am lucky. I didn’t do anything extraordinary or special to end up with this good luck. I try to show my gratitude by never taking my good fortune for granted. And I try to remember to see myself in each person I encounter each day and to realize I could be them, and they could be me.
I entirely agree with this perspective. Just wanted to offer the additional idea that the blessings, rather than being something to apologize for, fortify us against the pain.
Whoa. What a thoughtful, keenly observed piece about this moment in time, in our crazy, beloved, off-the-rails country. You dive into the deep, into the meaningful, and I thank you for putting it into words. The way you attempt to make to make sense of it describes so well the struggle of being alive and caring at this time.
Thank you....Sometimes there's a pressure to put the words out there as if I can't stand having it all inside of me and I imagine other people feel that way as well. We all have to say it out loud.
I’m with you—should have mentioned that I also look for blessings. The perspective I shared is actually fairly new to me, as old as I am. It’s a relief at 76 to stop holding myself responsible for fixing everything.
Susie. Thank you. We so often need to be reminded that in our hearts is kindness and gratitude. Living here in upstate NY amidst the beautiful hills and clouds I am in awe of the natural beauty. So easy to forget that as the dark enters my soul. But the dark brings learning through challenges. Overcoming and understanding of our errors, of our stepping away from our bounty, reminds of our blessed life. Sharing that with others, like you do, is a healing balm.
That idea feels like an extension of mine. It's not only that I need to be nourished by love, beauty and so on. It's that we are all starving for that.
I have no words for that beautiful cascade of words, Susie. You are amazing and I am so with you about enjoying the simple pleasures of life without guilt - a lesson that came hard for me and continues to push me to my limits….especially with Mother’s Day around the corner. God bless you for who you are and all that you share. Have a wonderful weekend coming.
It came hard for me, too. It's only just now that I see how we can't face the pain without the sustenance of the joy. My heart beats alongside yours this Mother's Day.
This may sound selfish, but I no longer hold myself accountable for the daily pain millions suffer in this world as I used to when whatever good I did in a day was never enough.
I am lucky. I didn’t do anything extraordinary or special to end up with this good luck. I try to show my gratitude by never taking my good fortune for granted. And I try to remember to see myself in each person I encounter each day and to realize I could be them, and they could be me.
I entirely agree with this perspective. Just wanted to offer the additional idea that the blessings, rather than being something to apologize for, fortify us against the pain.
Whoa. What a thoughtful, keenly observed piece about this moment in time, in our crazy, beloved, off-the-rails country. You dive into the deep, into the meaningful, and I thank you for putting it into words. The way you attempt to make to make sense of it describes so well the struggle of being alive and caring at this time.
Thank you....Sometimes there's a pressure to put the words out there as if I can't stand having it all inside of me and I imagine other people feel that way as well. We all have to say it out loud.
Doesn't get much better than this. A beautiful piece of work.
I thank you for sticking with me and my writing.
This very, very beautiful essay should be required reading for anybody who wants to be fully alive to reality.
I had your face before me as I was writing it.
Susie- I need to send you something personally; please contact me.
Good to hear!
I’m with you—should have mentioned that I also look for blessings. The perspective I shared is actually fairly new to me, as old as I am. It’s a relief at 76 to stop holding myself responsible for fixing everything.
I can feel you breathing more freely.
Susie. Thank you. We so often need to be reminded that in our hearts is kindness and gratitude. Living here in upstate NY amidst the beautiful hills and clouds I am in awe of the natural beauty. So easy to forget that as the dark enters my soul. But the dark brings learning through challenges. Overcoming and understanding of our errors, of our stepping away from our bounty, reminds of our blessed life. Sharing that with others, like you do, is a healing balm.
I agree that we are called to take from the darkness what it has to give without getting stuck there. Good to hear from you, Barbara.
Beautiful words. What if our job as humans is to just put loveliness into the world. Consider you job done today 💜
That idea feels like an extension of mine. It's not only that I need to be nourished by love, beauty and so on. It's that we are all starving for that.
I have no words for that beautiful cascade of words, Susie. You are amazing and I am so with you about enjoying the simple pleasures of life without guilt - a lesson that came hard for me and continues to push me to my limits….especially with Mother’s Day around the corner. God bless you for who you are and all that you share. Have a wonderful weekend coming.
It came hard for me, too. It's only just now that I see how we can't face the pain without the sustenance of the joy. My heart beats alongside yours this Mother's Day.