The next right action is to catch myself before I get stressed out. I work in customer service and am dealing with people all day. I would like to catch myself when I’m dealing with a challenging individual and instead of allowing my adrenaline to start flowing, take a deep breath and proceed in a more calm manner. After a stressful encounter with someone I find myself angry and upset, which I often take home with me. I want to practice this “catching” so that I don’t do this, and also so that I can possibly have a more positive exchange with the individual. I believe that these small moments of more positive interaction can spread to a more positive world.

What an amazing question! In the few minutes that I reflected on this I realized that I, and probably many in this society are constantly thinking that they don’t have enough! What a shift to think this way.
A basic response is that I have enough of all the material things that I need to survive: food, shelter. clothing. This is truly a blessing that I think I take for granted.
I do realize that I have enough love in my life. This is love that comes to me and that I give. Sometimes I think I’m lacking in this area because of being single, but I continue to see more and more the other, and often greater loves that I have such as my children, grandchildren, and friends. So I am truly, truly blessed.

Such perfect timing for this question as I am struggling with a co-worker! This individual is quite a challenge for me to work with. I know that she is suffering, so I am trying to keep this in mind and be kind and positive. I also realize that I have to take care of myself in this situation and let things that happen with her go…
When something happens that is stressful I am trying to ask myself, does this really matter? Usually the answer is no, and it is just discomfort at the time. So I think that the compassion I have to offer is really for both of us as well as the others that we work with.

I believe that those who know me best would say that I am very caring towards them. This is true. I do value my family and friendships above all else. The most important role in my life right now is that of being a grandmother. I have three small grandsons who I am fortunate to see several times a week. This is the greatest gift in my life at this time; that I am able to give my time, energy, and love to help out my son and his family. I am so grateful that I made the choice to move across the country to be with them, and to work fewer hours so that I have plenty of time with them. It has helped me tremendously to view the change I made five years ago as a very positive choice. So often I tend to look back at choices I have made and am filled with regret, which of course I am working to let go of. Continuing to remind myself of the very important choice I made to be near my kids is an empowering way to let go of the regret about other choices. Even though I had to leave behind my dearest friends, they have been so supportive of my move, and we remain as close as ever.

No, I am not. I am caught up in regret about the past. I know this is mostly due to my mother, and last parent recently dying. I know this is a process that is normal, and I am trying to respect it. It’s a hard journey for me right now. I would like to be and feel more grateful about all that I do have, now. I have three beautiful grandsons who I live very close to. They are the light in my life! I am so blessed! But when I am alone and thinking about my own life and where I am now I become so frustrated and sad. I would like to be more at peace with the way things have worked out, and appreciate all that I do have.

Yes, it is difficult. However the older I get the easier I am able to do this. I actually find it empowering to take responsibility for the choices I have made; in particular I am referring to the choices that have led to painful outcomes. Then of course the next biggest step is self forgiveness through understanding. This feels important to do with others as well when I have felt hurt by them. Holding on to anger and blame does not help one to grow! You know, it just dawned on me that taking ownership of the positive choices would be very beneficial, too! How often do we do that? I think I will add this to my gratitude; “I am grateful for the choice I have made to….”