Daily Question, October 18 What experiences are offering me a new perspective? 94 Reflections Share Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Notify me when someone replies to my comment via e-mail. InvisibleRainbow9 months agoInvisibleRainbowHaving teenage boys who are working towards finding their independence, my role as a mother is changing. Having places offer to publish some of my art work and writing is rewarding yet scary and makes me feel vulnerable. It gives me pause as to what it means to be an artist and the responsibilities such a role carries! Having a mother getting dementia, my role as a daughter changes in a heartbreaking yet willing way. So many things to adjust too! My view changes everyday and I have to steady my...Having teenage boys who are working towards finding their independence, my role as a mother is changing. Having places offer to publish some of my art work and writing is rewarding yet scary and makes me feel vulnerable. It gives me pause as to what it means to be an artist and the responsibilities such a role carries! Having a mother getting dementia, my role as a daughter changes in a heartbreaking yet willing way. So many things to adjust too! My view changes everyday and I have to steady myself with things that ground me like cooking and housework. And yet there are blessings in every change too. Life is an ever flowing river. Read More12 Reply Holly in Ohio9 months agoHolly in OhioI became an "empty nester" last year, Invisible Rainbow (two boys and there is an older daughter), so I appreciate the big change you are experiencing, and probably worries, too. You can trust they are more like you than it seems right now. They will make mistakes, but have faith. Time to start finding new things for yourself to fill the space. The more we let go at this point, the sooner they come to appreciate us, and we find new footing together, more equal. Fledglings must test their wings.....I became an “empty nester” last year, Invisible Rainbow (two boys and there is an older daughter), so I appreciate the big change you are experiencing, and probably worries, too. You can trust they are more like you than it seems right now. They will make mistakes, but have faith. Time to start finding new things for yourself to fill the space. The more we let go at this point, the sooner they come to appreciate us, and we find new footing together, more equal. Fledglings must test their wings… it is natural. Best wishes to you, gentle one. 🌻 Read More4 Reply InvisibleRainbow9 months agoInvisibleRainbowThank you Holly in Ohio ❤ 3 Reply Marnie Jackson9 months agoMarnie JacksonBeing involved in decision making. Teaching to kids who have had a disrupted education. Being part of a team that is about bonding and fun and not about winning. Talking and experiencing diversity on a daily basis. Letting my children learn from their mistakes 9 Reply sunnypatti9 months agosunnypattiWork experiences are showing me new perspectives on things, particularly as I am stepping into a Team Leader role that officially starts today. Who I can trust. Who I should not. Who really gives 100% and who dumps tasks onto others because they do not want to do it, nor do they know how although they should. A lot was just a few days ago added to my plate, as they basically want me to run my old department and my new one. I'm so nice that I said yes, but I need to stand up for myself and for my...Work experiences are showing me new perspectives on things, particularly as I am stepping into a Team Leader role that officially starts today. Who I can trust. Who I should not. Who really gives 100% and who dumps tasks onto others because they do not want to do it, nor do they know how although they should. A lot was just a few days ago added to my plate, as they basically want me to run my old department and my new one. I’m so nice that I said yes, but I need to stand up for myself and for my new role. It’s not fair to me nor to either team. Read More8 Reply Mary Pat9 months agoMary PatGood for you! Yes, you are right, you do need to do that. I will light a candle for courage for you today. 5 Reply Javier Visionquest9 months agoJavier VisionquestThe electrical service was out all afternoon at the organic market along with about every other business in DelRay yesterday due to a transformer, offering a sliver of insight into what the first day of the last days of civilization might look like. Self-centered, childish behavior on display by young, educated, affluent people was unnerving and disappointing. I shudder to imagine what might happen in the event of an actual emergency. I’m done peopling. 7 Reply Mica9 months agoMicaYou and me both, Javier! I'm lucky to be at my daughter's now, hopefully nearing the end of what would be a 24-hr power outage in my extended neighborhood. Will this become the 'new normal'? I first heard that phrase when a friend became a father and told the guys at work that he was looking forward to things becoming normal again. They laughed and told him it was the 'new normal.' Ahh - you and I are seeing it - a power outage - from different directions, but it still feels to me like a shared...You and me both, Javier! I’m lucky to be at my daughter’s now, hopefully nearing the end of what would be a 24-hr power outage in my extended neighborhood. Will this become the ‘new normal’? I first heard that phrase when a friend became a father and told the guys at work that he was looking forward to things becoming normal again. They laughed and told him it was the ‘new normal.’ Ahh – you and I are seeing it – a power outage – from different directions, but it still feels to me like a shared experience. Read More5 Reply EJP9 months agoEJPMy new role as a caregiver has opened my world to many new and challenging experiences…..all pushing me out of my comfort zone and showing me my true inner strength and courage, wisdom and knowledge. 10 Reply Pilgrim9 months agoPilgrimDownsizing … preparing to move. Going from a 3 floor place to one. All in all, this is good news. It is a lesson in creativity, having already had a lot of furniture removed/donated. Difficult and exhausting, though, with my physical limitations. So, gratitude with a huge amount of “are you kidding me? There’s more to go through?!?” I expect I will feel lighter, mentally and emotionally, when the process is over. And happier when the move is complete and can walk to the beach! 17 Reply Michele9 months agoMicheleGood luck on your move and many blessings in your new home:) 1 Reply Blossom9 months agoBlossomHi Pilgrim, I have been following the site for many years and just recently started to participate. As challenging as it will be, and it will be very challenging, your message has inspired me to unburden myself of one more unnecessary weight and set myself free. Thank you for sharing! 2 Reply pkr9 months agopkrPilgrim, sending prayers your way for peace & tranquility to return soon. Remember to breathe, 1 day at a time….Good luck..🙏❤️ 3 Reply Pilgrim9 months agoPilgrimThank you, pkr! 3 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuIt’s great when it’s done. I’m a minimalist, not extreme, and it’s such a freedom. 5 Reply Javier Visionquest9 months agoJavier VisionquestAfter the Great Housing Swindle of 2008, we moved enough times that I’ve located all the tiny images of “Sammy U” that are hidden in the graphics on the sides of every U-Haul moving van. My duct tape kingdom for a walk to the beach. I’ll throw in a horse for anything south of Hatteras along the Outer Banks. 4 Reply sunnypatti9 months agosunnypattiOh, Pilgrim, I feel you! Having moved 4 times in 4 years, I understand the exhaustion, and I can only imagine how much more so it is for your with your limitations. But… it is nice to downsize and feel that lightness come in. I wish you all the best with your upcoming move! And what a bonus that you’ll be able to walk to the beach from your new home! 4 Reply Pilgrim9 months agoPilgrimThank you, sunnypatti! I look forward to the finish line. And then the beach! Blessings to you. 3 Reply Howie Geib9 months agoHowie GeibI have been working (thank god) for the past month or so but in a new role as support as opposed to my habitual leadership role on a team. I have learned a great deal about my dedication to my work, my desire to excel (and compete…not always pretty) and lastly my continued need for humility. I get to take pleasure in the success of others. 8 Reply Kevin9 months agoKevinJust recently, having been encouraged to believe that I would be included as a presenter within an upcoming program within my wider faith community, I discovered that I have, in fact, been bypassed without even being notified individually as such. It stings. It’s insulting and disappointing. But, what I am feeling is also teaching me humility, which is good on its own merits. 14 Reply Mica9 months agoMicaOh, Kevin, I’m sorry. Things are a bit crazy still with covid. My problem is the opposite – it turns out that I Am supposed to present a poster, but no one seems to have informed me of that. The delayed conference has been kluged together quickly and imperfectly. So be it. Warm wishes – 3 Reply Kevin9 months agoKevinThanks for your gentle words here, Mica. And, don’t you just love it when people say, “You’re just the person we need for this work,” that then comes with no further guidance? 4 Reply Mica9 months agoMicaWell, I was just one of the many who submitted an abstract for a poster… Happily I kluged a poster together this morn that was better than what I would have done with more time to ponder 🙂 1 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuOuch, yes that’s painful. Well, if it’s any consolation, your supportive, wise spirit is highly valued here. 3 Reply Kevin9 months agoKevinThanks, Dusty Su. And for sure, I am indeed grateful for this site and the many souls who frequent it. I cannot think of a better way to begin my day! Be well my friend and best of luck with your country’s grand re-opening, hopefully post-pandemic! 3 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuIndeed…this site is often how I go into my evening. A wrap-up thank-you for the day and such a lovely reminder of how wonderfully supportive and kind people can be to each other. Cheers. 1 Reply Maurice Frank9 months agoMaurice FrankKevin, I admire the way you can feel your feelings while also finding a lesson from a painful experience. Still, it hurts and that’s real for you. 3 Reply Kevin9 months agoKevinIt is, it’s very real, Maurice, and thank you for know that it is! 2 Reply Mary Pat9 months agoMary PatOh, this brings back memories of when my husband retired….and as wonderful as my community at church is, sometimes we older ones become….for lack of a better word, invisible. I am not sure that is the situation, but if it is, please know you are not alone out here….. 4 Reply Kevin9 months agoKevinThank you, Mary Pat. I remain grateful always that this place is here for us to share what is close to our hearts. But you know, I have long felt that it's the "ministry of the moment," in the quietest and unspoken of ways, that is the most meaningful of all. That's always been my guiding "north star," at least, more so than programs and presentations, etc. But you are so right, too. I founded and ran a weekend retreat program for Quaker children for twenty-six years before retiring from that...Thank you, Mary Pat. I remain grateful always that this place is here for us to share what is close to our hearts. But you know, I have long felt that it’s the “ministry of the moment,” in the quietest and unspoken of ways, that is the most meaningful of all. That’s always been my guiding “north star,” at least, more so than programs and presentations, etc. But you are so right, too. I founded and ran a weekend retreat program for Quaker children for twenty-six years before retiring from that program in 2013. (And from my other professional work in 2015) Today, I continue to “staff” on these retreats, with new leadership that I trained over the years, who is doing a great job, too. And I have intentionally stepped back from putting myself out there in that same arena, preferring to focus on new horizons. The part that stings the most is that I didn’t go asking to be included in an upcoming presentation….some sought me out many months ago and I responded in the affirmative. But I know too that I speak my mind and truth within my wider faith community, and I have asked questions that some within our wider leadership might prefer not to answer. So this too, I’m guessing, is a part of the puzzle as well. Or, as you say, we “older ones,”, we know where the bodies are buried!” Read More3 Reply Mary Pat9 months agoMary PatWe do indeed…. 2 Reply Michele9 months agoMicheleHaving a nasty cold at the moment offers me appreciation of the human body when it is functioning properly. Switching from coffee to tea with honey is a different morning routine – hoping the honey helps my sore throat. 11 Reply Michele9 months agoMicheleThank you everyone for your warm wishes, much appreciated:) 1 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuOoh, hope you get well soon. Never fun. 4 Reply Mary Pat9 months agoMary PatI don’t want to be an alarmist, but be very aware of that cold….that is exactly how my covid symptoms started. And I had a craving for honey, because I now believe my body knew before I did…. Here is hoping it is a cold and nothing more. May you be filled with much healing. 5 Reply sunnypatti9 months agosunnypattifeel better, Michele! 4 Reply Kevin9 months agoKevinAnd hope that you feel better, soon, Michele! 6 Reply Antoinette9 months agoAntoinetteThe experience of letting go over and over allows me a new perspective. Even letting go of making new perspectives is wonderful. I’m so grateful. Thank you ! 8 Reply Sandra9 months agoSandraI love this idea, Antoinette! Thank you! ❤️️ (I also love the message in your avatar. So wise. So true 🙏) 5 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuI don't even know how long we've been in lockdown, but it is well and truly the world's longest. Melbourne, Australia, champions. This Friday, we are coming out of it and the government promised to never have one again. I am looking forward to it, but dreading it too. I have been very busy during lockdown with hosting online programs and was longing to take a bit of a break, but now I have to enter society again. The freedom I longed for is strangely burdensome. It really is a one step at a time...I don’t even know how long we’ve been in lockdown, but it is well and truly the world’s longest. Melbourne, Australia, champions. This Friday, we are coming out of it and the government promised to never have one again. I am looking forward to it, but dreading it too. I have been very busy during lockdown with hosting online programs and was longing to take a bit of a break, but now I have to enter society again. The freedom I longed for is strangely burdensome. It really is a one step at a time try to keep a balance in a whole new way of operating. Ha, just writing it out has calmed me, given me answers. I am in control of how much I do or don’t do, and also brought a jolt of excitement at the possibilities that await. Read More11 Reply Mary Pat9 months agoMary PatI can relate to that feeling. You are wise….doing it your way will make it safe, and balanced. I have been wondering how the new living arrangement is going…hope all is well there. 5 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuThanks, Mary Pat. Agreed, will hopefully do it all in a helpful manner. The new place is great. Over a month now and so much happier, safer, relaxed and a homey sense. Just need to take a break as well. 4 Reply Kevin9 months agoKevinI have friends here in the US, Dusty Su, who feel the same way as you describe regarding the world opening back up and what that means for them, health safety-wise, and forcing them to yet again alter their daily routines. 6 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuBTW, I hope your friends are okay. Health in the US particularly is a concern for sure for those vulnerable by age, pre-existing conditions, etc. Plus, stress not a good thing. 4 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuYes, I think this is a side effect of loss of regular supports and lifestyle. Huge upheavals. Ambiguous grief. Now go back to not normal, yet again. I must say that a year makes a huge difference. I’m better now than a year ago, and a year from now will be better yet no doubt. I do believe that. 4 Reply Sandra9 months agoSandraWriting it out helps me too, Dusty Su 😊 Enjoy being out in the world again when lockdown finally lifts. Enjoy all those possibilities at your own pace ❤️️ 6 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuShall do, thank you Sandra. 6 Reply Christine9 months agoChristineYesterday a friend told me he has trouble concentrating. He said he had devised an exercise program of his own; stare at the door, and think of nothing else. I thought that was so boring. When he went back home, I thought “how would I do that”. I would go outside, breathe fresh air, follow the breath and enjoy it. I immediately took the bull by the horns and went outside to concentrate on the breath. It felt very nice. I have no idea if I answered the question.😊 12 Reply Sandra9 months agoSandraI think you have, Christine 😊 Your friend’s perspective enabled you to think more deeply about your own. I am finding that is happening to me all the time in the short while I have been in this community and reading the wisdom and experiences of others here! 🙏 6 Reply Dusty Su9 months agoDusty SuA good answer anyway though… 5 Reply « Previous 1 2 My Private Gratitude Journal Write an entry in your private gratefulness journal Get Started This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A. DONATE https://gratefulness.org/content/uploads/2015/03/GX-Gold-Participant-L.png Community Engagement Guidelines Privacy Policy [email protected] Connect with us on Social Media: © 2000 - 2022, A Network for Grateful Living Website by Briteweb