We are in a pandemic.. Respect for others involves listening to our scientists and public health officials and following the protocols they mandate or recommend.
We are in a climate emergency. Respect for “others” – the whole of creation – means reducing consumption, stopping extraction, turning our priorities instead toward regeneration. There’s a chance we can save Mother Earth – what a gift that would be.

Embracing paradox is a key to spiritual and emotional growth, maybe even maturity, and certainly contributes to a lighter more contented me.

Seems to be a pre-condition. I notice when I fall into a cynical closed mood rather than my open-hearted grateful self I’m not very connected to others at all.

Fear of (avoidance of) conflict prevents me from expressing hurt feelings to loved ones. I need the hurt to be recognized and am afraid to say so. It’s an unhealthy tendency I acknowledge.

My Mom and Dad who passed 10 and 20 years ago continue to influence me virtually daily. The feelings and memories surrounding these two elemental and complex relationships are a potent blend of hurt and admiration, regret and gratitude, confusion and clarity, sweet and bitter.

Why does this question make me feel uncomfortable?
I’m not sure I have much to do with the narratives others create about me. I’m living authentically and gratefully.

Oh gosh, what a timely invitation as I’m feeling. a tad irritated with a certain someone. My mood needs to lift towards living the great fullness of this precious day! It is a choice – I’m on it!

Today like most days I am grateful for public parks and the magnificent outdoor pool in my neighbourhood. Public money, imagination, and expertise created and maintain them and good decisions make them available to everybody. My response is the be a cheerful and very willing taxpayer :)!. And never take them for granted.

Taking up a new activity- in the winter it was rug hooking, this summer it’s golf.

Learning more about stuff that matters to me – the preservation of old growth forests here in BC, Indigenous experiences in this land, aging well.

Tending circles of connection.

Authenticity. Integrity. Meaning.
Being a serious person while not taking myself too seriously.

Looking through a microscope at the swirl of beings on a tiny piece of kelp – so much life!

Oh my goodness., everywhere! All the time! Morning tea, the presence of my husband, yellow begonias on the patio, cry of gull. eagle, oyster catcher as I sit by the sea on a hand hewn bench, evening walk to see the sunset. swimming in the sea, the almost full moon, fresh fruit from local farms, homemade granola and so much more. Blessings all.

Participating in the inspiring and practical 6 week Wake Up Grateful course offered by the fine team behind this site.

Blessings abound, I am awash in gratefulness.

Recognizing that there’s always more to any story than I know. A posture of humility is a pretty reliable support.

Thank you Linda 😊

“And gratitude is my way of asserting my belonging”. Nice insight Howie. Thanks for that.

No kidding! Where exactly do you know? No wonder I feel an affinity to you!

That just about covers it Holly in Ohio! Well said,

“Each action we take, every thing we do, say, buy, eat, will make a better world or not.” Yes.

– from Elaine in British Columbia. 🙂

It’s one of the most life giving possibilities of “retired” life. Somebody called it Re-Fired! 🙂 Thanks for the comment Linda.