Count me in on the book club!

“To abandon these shoes” I have to focus only on my own thoughts and actions and leave behind expectations for now. It is difficult to forge new neural pathways but critical for a sense of well being. All my inertia wants to cling to the familiar even though it doesn’t serve me. That is my practice and my path, and that’s why I love the poem, Gratefulness, by Dale Biron.

I need to constantly let go of my expectations without lowering my personal standards. I have no control over what others do, say, or think, but I can change my thoughts and actions – this is my focus. When I do this, the road always rises to meet me.

Through great pain and suffering, I found myself and made a promise not to lose myself again. I may swerve off course, but not lose my way. I am, in hindsight, grateful for the journey since “there are no short cuts to any place worth going” as said by Beverly Sills.

When i consider myself and others as pilgrims, i am more in touch with the transiency of this life. We pass through with an end to the journey – it’s finite. Although sobering, i am acutely aware of the importance of living now and with that change of perspective, grateful that i am part of our common journey.

Wholeheartedness shows up when I am focused on the present and involved in whatever I’m doing; it arouses aliveness, compassion, unity of spirits. Physical, mental, and emotional safety is paramount for wholeheartedness to occur and it thrives in understanding and connection with others. I want more of it in my life.

Thank you, Mary Pat, the link helped richly!

Fear and anxiety are formidable companions, hard to shake, and like you said, often beneath the surface of awareness. Thanks for sharing something we all feel to some degree or another.

Thanks, Mary Pat, I will definitely check out Doty’s book on Amazon.

Beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for this gift of sharing.

Thank you for sharing your vulnerability – what a gift for me to hear your struggle; I feel less alone and aware also of the need to embrace my needy inner child.

I love grass and the vision and smells you conjured is refreshing!