I remember that a few weeks ago Kevin published a reflection and I agree with him.
Now I feel the same emotion and have the same opinion.
I am fortunate and I can answer that God takes me where I need to be.
But many people in this world can not answer the same way. For me no one needs to be where they are cruelly killed. When every form of humanity and justice fails, there is no answer to this question, nor gratitude.
When I am grateful and curious and look at the world wide=eyed. When I am grateful, I appreciate everything around me and sense it all as a gift. I trust the universe’s plan for me and accept that I am at where I am supposed to be at. Even when something feels unnatural or slightly uncomfortable, I know I am where I am supposed to be and am learning and growing into a stronger, more resilient person. <3
For me it was when I moved back to New England after living in northern KY area for 4 years. I missed the ocean terribly.
I fell in love with southern RI and have been here ever since.
Today we took the sailboat out for it’s first sail of the season in Narragansett Bay. It is one of my happy places to be : )
I have this feeling a lot lately. Life has had many trials the last few years and I know they aren’t going away. However, I have learned so much about myself and feel like “ the game is a foot”. That God has been helping me grow and my lessons are unfolding to the next truths/chapters.
Whenever gratefulness is present and Love is sensed. When this is not, disconnection from Love brings pain and possibly turning my face towards truth and Love again.
This concept was completely new to me 15 years ago until I was sitting at the bedside of my dying father. All my siblings had been there for weeks and I, a young workaholic with no boundaries, was in New Mexico working on a project. The first of its kind. It felt so critical that I be there I didn’t know how to extract myself. Again, so young. When I finally got there, I rushed to him and took his hand – I’m sure looking very stressed and heartbroken. He actually rolled his eyes at me which makes me laugh now. As a parent of nine children, he of course knew and understood the pressures of work. I apologized for being late and he squeezed my hand and looked me in the eye and said – You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. He knew that I was raising three kids and the breadwinner of our young family. He accepted my choice with love and understanding. Since that day I hear his words often. And to say that it has has been life changing is an understatement. Bless you all.
It seems there is always a critical bit of me
that Invades those moments of
contentment. A little voice that says “things
are good right now, but…”.
At this moment, on a rainy Saturday, with
time on my hands before work, contemplating
the Question of the Day, I am right where I
need to be. This practice is my reminder to
look around me and appreciate what I
have and where I’m at, with gratitude.
This is how I am actively attempting to
re balance my perspective. Creating and
reinforcing neural pathways that have
atrophied. This is definitely where I need
to be right now. Thank you all for being
here with me. 🙏
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have this feeling often in my work life, especially in the last dozen years. I’ve had a serendipitous career path–the kind you make by walking it, not the kind you plan out in advance with a map. My experiences have given me skills and understanding I bring to what I do now, and the opportunity to learn from amazing leaders and share what I learned with others. I’m also fortunate in the leadership of my agency; I’m empowered and supported in speaking out for equity, justice, and belonging. I’ve been able to say for quite a while that I can describe my work in six words: Always doing work I believe in.
I know others aren’t always able to feel this sense of purpose as a motivator in the work that gives them a paycheck. I’ve held jobs that didn’t give me this sense, when my motivation was simply to do my best so I’d be able to pay rent and buy food. Those are many essential jobs that don’t get attention and I honor those.
Barb, I’m glad you’re able to get to a point where you can do the job you like. Not many people are able to say that they can do something they’re good at and like at the same time. I’m one of the few. Not only that, I’m also one of the rare ones in my culture doing a few part-time piano performing jobs. The generation before like my parents, especially, had to work extra hard to provide for their families, so ty didn’t have as much of the luxury to do what they liked. Abilities and paychecks are first priorities.
Haven’t yet but it’s not here lol stuck in a rut don’t want to hear about being exactly where I need to be ’cause I don’t appreciate the rules of this game
I mean it could be much worse so it’s not all bad shouldn’t bemoan my present plot I should try to behave however despite feeling stuck where I don’t want to be I really see no need for this nonsense but it’s a reality check I am just a tiny speck in a vast ocean I cannot move mountains but gosh darn it can I move to them yet?!
Where I need to be is where I can find sanctuary in nature and any force preventing that is an unwanted obstacle as for needing to learn a lesson I dropped out of whatever is trying to teach ’em lol should I pretend to learn and act like it’s all happening for good reason
Tyler, welcome! I don’t know if this is right for you, but changing a rule or two, has helped create significant shifts in people’s lives, mine included. If I sound “preachy”, I don’t mean to. I must think I do or I would not have said that.🤣
I have a feeling that I have a few years on you, Tyler. From my perspective I can say plenty of things happened that I wouldn’t think of as happening for a good reason. They happened for whatever reason, I couldn’t control them, and I definitely wasn’t looking for a learning opportunity at the time.
Now years later I can recognize that I am who I am because of those things as well as the the things I welcomed and went in search of. We don’t have to look for learning or be conscious that it’s happening, we don’t have to like something unpleasant. Sometimes all we get to take away is the knowledge that we got through it. That’s quite a lot, actually. If the only way out is through, then we go through.
It took many years but the other day I was reminded that when I show up people do notice. That reinforces for me that no matter how small the act I was in the right place at the right time and I was needed there.
I once attended a meeting of some kind that I could tell was smaller than the organizer had hoped. They very cheerfully said, “The people in this room are the right ones for the conversation we’ll have today.” I’ve carried that with me ever since–the ones who show up are the right ones for that moment.
For me, a sense of feeling that I am where I need to be arises whenever I am able to accept where I am. And sometimes, where I am is not always where I want to be but presence offers me the strength I need at the time. Besides, as the character Colonel Potter in a Christmas episode the MASH television show told his medical staff, “If you ain’t where you’re at, you’re no where!” The choice then becomes NOW HERE or NO WHERE. For me, it is really that simple but is seldom very easy.
This weekend I am right where I need to be and want to be. One of my great nephews (he IS great and he is a great nephew!) is graduating from the University of South Carolina. I was there the day he was born and have been to many of the important events in his life. To be here this weekend with my family members is such a gift. We are all scattered about and I don’t get to see them often…His parents live in Massachusetts, his other aunt (my niece) lives in Michigan and my sister in law (his grandmother) also in Mass. I miss them all dearly and seeing them brings much joy. Last evening we got together at the house they have rented…the graduate had several of his friends there as well as his older brother. I cannot tell you how proud I am of these young men…each one so dedicated to learning and “doing the right thing”. Polite and thankful young men. The first thing my nephew said to me…”Thank you Aunt Nannette for taking the time to come”…and “I love you so much”…Yes…a 22 year old young man saying that. I am truly Blessed with wonderful nieces and nephews. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.
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I remember that a few weeks ago Kevin published a reflection and I agree with him.
Now I feel the same emotion and have the same opinion.
I am fortunate and I can answer that God takes me where I need to be.
But many people in this world can not answer the same way. For me no one needs to be where they are cruelly killed. When every form of humanity and justice fails, there is no answer to this question, nor gratitude.
When I am grateful and curious and look at the world wide=eyed. When I am grateful, I appreciate everything around me and sense it all as a gift. I trust the universe’s plan for me and accept that I am at where I am supposed to be at. Even when something feels unnatural or slightly uncomfortable, I know I am where I am supposed to be and am learning and growing into a stronger, more resilient person. <3
For me it was when I moved back to New England after living in northern KY area for 4 years. I missed the ocean terribly.
I fell in love with southern RI and have been here ever since.
Today we took the sailboat out for it’s first sail of the season in Narragansett Bay. It is one of my happy places to be : )
I have this feeling a lot lately. Life has had many trials the last few years and I know they aren’t going away. However, I have learned so much about myself and feel like “ the game is a foot”. That God has been helping me grow and my lessons are unfolding to the next truths/chapters.
Whenever gratefulness is present and Love is sensed. When this is not, disconnection from Love brings pain and possibly turning my face towards truth and Love again.
If I listen to the Holy Spirit/God/The Creator/whatever you call her I am always exactly where I need to be.
This concept was completely new to me 15 years ago until I was sitting at the bedside of my dying father. All my siblings had been there for weeks and I, a young workaholic with no boundaries, was in New Mexico working on a project. The first of its kind. It felt so critical that I be there I didn’t know how to extract myself. Again, so young. When I finally got there, I rushed to him and took his hand – I’m sure looking very stressed and heartbroken. He actually rolled his eyes at me which makes me laugh now. As a parent of nine children, he of course knew and understood the pressures of work. I apologized for being late and he squeezed my hand and looked me in the eye and said – You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. He knew that I was raising three kids and the breadwinner of our young family. He accepted my choice with love and understanding. Since that day I hear his words often. And to say that it has has been life changing is an understatement. Bless you all.
Such a beautiful story, Carly J, thank you.
It seems there is always a critical bit of me
that Invades those moments of
contentment. A little voice that says “things
are good right now, but…”.
At this moment, on a rainy Saturday, with
time on my hands before work, contemplating
the Question of the Day, I am right where I
need to be. This practice is my reminder to
look around me and appreciate what I
have and where I’m at, with gratitude.
This is how I am actively attempting to
re balance my perspective. Creating and
reinforcing neural pathways that have
atrophied. This is definitely where I need
to be right now. Thank you all for being
here with me. 🙏
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have this feeling often in my work life, especially in the last dozen years. I’ve had a serendipitous career path–the kind you make by walking it, not the kind you plan out in advance with a map. My experiences have given me skills and understanding I bring to what I do now, and the opportunity to learn from amazing leaders and share what I learned with others. I’m also fortunate in the leadership of my agency; I’m empowered and supported in speaking out for equity, justice, and belonging. I’ve been able to say for quite a while that I can describe my work in six words: Always doing work I believe in.
I know others aren’t always able to feel this sense of purpose as a motivator in the work that gives them a paycheck. I’ve held jobs that didn’t give me this sense, when my motivation was simply to do my best so I’d be able to pay rent and buy food. Those are many essential jobs that don’t get attention and I honor those.
Barb, I’m glad you’re able to get to a point where you can do the job you like. Not many people are able to say that they can do something they’re good at and like at the same time. I’m one of the few. Not only that, I’m also one of the rare ones in my culture doing a few part-time piano performing jobs. The generation before like my parents, especially, had to work extra hard to provide for their families, so ty didn’t have as much of the luxury to do what they liked. Abilities and paychecks are first priorities.
Haven’t yet but it’s not here lol stuck in a rut don’t want to hear about being exactly where I need to be ’cause I don’t appreciate the rules of this game
I mean it could be much worse so it’s not all bad shouldn’t bemoan my present plot I should try to behave however despite feeling stuck where I don’t want to be I really see no need for this nonsense but it’s a reality check I am just a tiny speck in a vast ocean I cannot move mountains but gosh darn it can I move to them yet?!
Where I need to be is where I can find sanctuary in nature and any force preventing that is an unwanted obstacle as for needing to learn a lesson I dropped out of whatever is trying to teach ’em lol should I pretend to learn and act like it’s all happening for good reason
Tyler, welcome! I don’t know if this is right for you, but changing a rule or two, has helped create significant shifts in people’s lives, mine included. If I sound “preachy”, I don’t mean to. I must think I do or I would not have said that.🤣
I hear you, Tyler.
I think there is wisdom in your line
about not being able to move
mountains, but moving towards
them.
I have a feeling that I have a few years on you, Tyler. From my perspective I can say plenty of things happened that I wouldn’t think of as happening for a good reason. They happened for whatever reason, I couldn’t control them, and I definitely wasn’t looking for a learning opportunity at the time.
Now years later I can recognize that I am who I am because of those things as well as the the things I welcomed and went in search of. We don’t have to look for learning or be conscious that it’s happening, we don’t have to like something unpleasant. Sometimes all we get to take away is the knowledge that we got through it. That’s quite a lot, actually. If the only way out is through, then we go through.
Ran across this site that gives a brief explanation of the concepts in a book I just started reading. Kinds of fits what I said above. https://constructiveliving1.weebly.com/basics.html
I feel a sense of exactly where I need to be in this present moment.
Actually I am feeling that sentiment at this very moment. I am grateful.
It took many years but the other day I was reminded that when I show up people do notice. That reinforces for me that no matter how small the act I was in the right place at the right time and I was needed there.
I once attended a meeting of some kind that I could tell was smaller than the organizer had hoped. They very cheerfully said, “The people in this room are the right ones for the conversation we’ll have today.” I’ve carried that with me ever since–the ones who show up are the right ones for that moment.
Thank you for the reminder. I do believe that wholeheartedly.
What a great perspective to remember when moments and events do t turn out the way you want/expect/hope. Thank you Barb for sharing this.
For me, a sense of feeling that I am where I need to be arises whenever I am able to accept where I am. And sometimes, where I am is not always where I want to be but presence offers me the strength I need at the time. Besides, as the character Colonel Potter in a Christmas episode the MASH television show told his medical staff, “If you ain’t where you’re at, you’re no where!” The choice then becomes NOW HERE or NO WHERE. For me, it is really that simple but is seldom very easy.
Carol, I echo the same sentiment. Acceptance opens many doors.
This weekend I am right where I need to be and want to be. One of my great nephews (he IS great and he is a great nephew!) is graduating from the University of South Carolina. I was there the day he was born and have been to many of the important events in his life. To be here this weekend with my family members is such a gift. We are all scattered about and I don’t get to see them often…His parents live in Massachusetts, his other aunt (my niece) lives in Michigan and my sister in law (his grandmother) also in Mass. I miss them all dearly and seeing them brings much joy. Last evening we got together at the house they have rented…the graduate had several of his friends there as well as his older brother. I cannot tell you how proud I am of these young men…each one so dedicated to learning and “doing the right thing”. Polite and thankful young men. The first thing my nephew said to me…”Thank you Aunt Nannette for taking the time to come”…and “I love you so much”…Yes…a 22 year old young man saying that. I am truly Blessed with wonderful nieces and nephews. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.
Sounds wonderful Nannette. Glad your family enjoys each other.
I am sure you are so proud of your nephew!, How very special your get together w/family and celebration of the graduates!
That put a smile on my face. In a time of so much division, that is a refreshing story. Continue to enjoy your time.
Thanks for sharing. Nannette. So glad you were able to make the trip and be part of your nephews big day.