I hesitated about sharing this, because it's not meant as a guidebook for everyone. I am simply sharing. Maybe someone with a different personality might be learning very different things in their life.
Also, sometimes I might seem to be saying one thing and then seem to be saying something different. You see, I believe in nuance and balance.
And, finally, I'm not sharing to tell anyone else how to live their life. I'm sharing that maybe someone might relate with one little thing or another. "Aha, I feel that way too," and "No, I don't agree with that," but, "Yes, I get that." You know. Just enjoy.
"I don't have to
run away nor do I have to run things"
I don't have to run away from the unpleasant or imperfect,
except when there is a compelling reason.
Sometimes a change is absolutely necessary or strongly advisable, but certainly not always.
Also, it isn't necessary, or even possible, to "fix"
everything, whether for myself, my loved ones, or others. There will always be
problems. There will always be pain. I can be compassionate and empathetic, and
contribute my heart and my ears, and sometimes my voice, and sometimes my hands, but without expecting a perfect
world.
I can try to make things run well in my own affairs, but I need
to accept less than perfection, even in my own life. And beyond that, the concept
of "you can do great things" (encouraged so much in the twentieth century) may
have been overrated. Mother Teresa said to do little things with great love,
and St. Therese said something similar. Most people who have done great things
in the eyes of the world or of the Church often just did - day after day - what
to them were small things.
"I don't have to
chase adventure and excitement"
Simple everyday things can bring their own joys, a person smiling,
clouds, writing, or reading a book.
Experiences don't have to be new and different in order to
be fun or interesting. Routines and repeat experiences can be warm and
comforting in their very familiarity; and little things can be interesting, a
new library book, a new acquaintance, perhaps a new song, or someone I haven't
heard singing an old song.
"I don't always
have to overcome obstacles and fears."
If it's not in my gift zone, or it feels dangerous, or it
seems like 'too much', I can say no to an idea.
There's a difference between stepping out of my comfort zone
to do something that is new or difficult for me and stepping out of my gift
zone to do something I don't have the skill or aptitude to do reasonably well.
I can sometimes make a choice that is less stressful than
another choice. If someone asks me to do something that "feels wrong"
for me, I have the right to say no without them understanding why.
I am entitled to put my needs ahead of someone else's
desires or even their perceived needs if they are not my responsibility. But, I
want to find more ways to help at least some of those who have a genuine need, ways that fit with
both my ability to help or encourage them, as well as what they feel is best
for themselves.
"Simplify."
I can keep or acquire more of what I use more often or love,
and keep less of what I am less interested in.
What do we need for the
activities we love? For me, the activities I am most interested in at this time
in my life are travel (local, as well as the occasional long distance trip to see family and close
friends); reading and writing; recycle sewing; and I hope to learn embroidery. I
also like doing simple but wholesome cooking; and I hope to learn container gardening.
I really enjoy observing nature, and I have found that I can do that nearly anywhere that I can be outdoors or at a window, even just by looking at the ever-changing sky.
What do you like best? What have you learned in your life?
