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Gratefulness
Expectations constrain/limit me, without doubt. Life experiences have truly instructed me “not to take anything/anyone for granted”, and hopefully with honest self evaluation how to better live a life of gratefulness.
I recently sold the house where I raised my 2 children and moved into a 1 bedroom condominium. It was a difficult decision along the way, up to closings and even now, for many reasons, but I think and I hope it was the right one for all three of us moving forward, despite the uncertainty that lies ahead. The change will, with time, hopefully encourage positive healthful growth and change for each of us.
I feel possibility right now for me to get to better know and be happy with/by myself
Reducible uncertainty is a gift in that it guides/motivates us to further understand. Irreducible uncertainty is a gift in that it can provide inspiration, reverance, awe, ….
Based on observation over many years I decided to and for some time now have focused volunteer time toward providing structured regular activity directed at increasing communication and understanding across a large community of practice within my work community.
Sometimes these daily questions are truly challenging. While many thoughts float through my head as I ponder my reflection to share for today’s question, I struggle to formulate a concise general reply that I think best covers all of my immediate random thoughts — the simple saying that is popping up right now for me is “doing it right”, whatever the activity might be. The requirements to “do it right” and the outcomes achieved by “doing it right̶...
Sometimes these daily questions are truly challenging. While many thoughts float through my head as I ponder my reflection to share for today’s question, I struggle to formulate a concise general reply that I think best covers all of my immediate random thoughts — the simple saying that is popping up right now for me is “doing it right”, whatever the activity might be. The requirements to “do it right” and the outcomes achieved by “doing it right” for any something really matters to me. Thanks for the question.
Interesting question – belief might motivate (more) – everything that is happening can be/is for our learning – my experiences tell me; however, that substantive human life learning is lagged in time (the time and experience is simply necessary), with that time sometimes being significant (on the order of decades) — can that “learning” be accelerated? not sure — with committed devotion to greater self-awareness, possibly — I guess you’d b...
Interesting question – belief might motivate (more) – everything that is happening can be/is for our learning – my experiences tell me; however, that substantive human life learning is lagged in time (the time and experience is simply necessary), with that time sometimes being significant (on the order of decades) — can that “learning” be accelerated? not sure — with committed devotion to greater self-awareness, possibly — I guess you’d be wise for your age in that case… on shorter time scales, say daily — I think it’d moderate the “lows”, and the “highs”, that we all experience in our lives…..i don’t think I’ve answered the daily question as well as I’d like, but it’s been a great learning experience for me. thanks.
It is difficult to for me to compile a complete list but the exercise alone results in gratitude for the extraordinary gifts received “easily” and also via challenging circumstances and effort — I’d further add that my list from whom also includes animals, the natural world, & art. Thank you.
a nice view of the sunny morning sky, school pictures of my 2 children when they were young(er), & some indoor plants I tend to regularly
A great question – as I reflect to reply it’s clearly a call for me for more purposeful gratefulness inspired action.
Many, and I am thankful.
Today’s daily question and word for the day go well together for me for my reflective comment.
For many but not all, one’s perspective (e.g., what we “see” to constitute an extraordinary life) is a matter of choice. Unfortunately, for many complicated reasons, being able to “see” clearly can be difficult for some / at times. For me in particular, the continuous burden of (some difficult) responsibilities can warp my perspective such that I can’t clearly “see” that I do have an extraordinary life right here right now.
A more thoughtful appreciation of my past and existing connections with others might inspire me to be more inviting, approachable, and open to new connections, and in that process possibly also inspire others in a similar manner as well. Scale up, and we have at a minimum a kinder and gentler world to share together.
I’d like to broaden my capacity to be still and listen and also with whom and where. But for me, the time I spend here, at gratefulness.org, thoughtfully focusing on the daily question and also reading and reflecting on the word for the day is 1 directed “with whom and where” space to be still and listen.
Human interaction often requires diplomacy skills and a willingness to accommodate (give up/share a little bit w/r/t what you think is right) in attempts to find a best solution space among competing interests for everyone involved. Regarding truthfulness, I think you may be in opposition to operative fundamental social truths when all you want is to be right.
Seeing (my) children smile and laugh Conversation shared together at the (breakfast, lunch, dinner) table A long walk A hug Watching the sunlight on the ocean waves Watching “happy” animals be….are a few simple things that bring me joy
I easily slot into problem-solving mode – I’m an engineer/scientist by trade/profession. But, I’ve, most likely slowly, learned through time and experience that a problem-solving mode response is not what people necessarily want from you when you’re in conversation. I try to listen more and talk less in conversation, particularly when the others are sharing with me their personal struggles/problems. But what changes in so doing? – I think that listening more and ...
I easily slot into problem-solving mode – I’m an engineer/scientist by trade/profession. But, I’ve, most likely slowly, learned through time and experience that a problem-solving mode response is not what people necessarily want from you when you’re in conversation. I try to listen more and talk less in conversation, particularly when the others are sharing with me their personal struggles/problems. But what changes in so doing? – I think that listening more and problem-solving less supports a more “balanced” conversation style. Also, by not attempting to immediately problem solve, I think there is greater likelihood to learn more about a particular situation you’re approaching, conversation or otherwise, so that if there is a problem that needs to be solved, then you’re better able to help with that process.
So many pathways to more meaningfulness, I think. For me, right now, a few things that come to mind — slow down, listen more, be more present, contribute to conversation more deliberately/thoughtfully, cultivate existing (and possibly also develop new) recreational interests, share my gifts/talents, collaborate
Well said, thanks.
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