Getting married, decades ago, receiving so much from that act and it has been such a treasure since and I am so lucky.

Respect and acceptance, moving beyond the transactional.

I like to think that I don’t but I do. Less so people close to me. But I can lose sight of the interconnectedness of everyone and take for granted the people who make sure I have water, heat, light, safety, food etc. From the people I never see eg electricity workers to those I see but don’t see – who served me at the till; was sweeping the road; answered the phone etc.

Currently I’m aiming to do something new every day for a month. Tomorrow is the start of a new thing. This’ll be the fifth month I think. Not sure what I’ll do yet in February!

Take a moment. Breathe. Where possible slow down. Also when I accept there are always problems and chaos is part of normality, sometimes I can take comfort from that and not take it personally.

I’m so glad I’m late enough and can read all these suggestions and add to my book list. I agree there are so many. The one that jumped into my head is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron a book that got me me open to new experiences and in touch with myself (also, then, a new experience).

I guess like everyone I’ve had some difficult times. Looking back on them I have found the gift of some interesting change that happens to me after going through a difficult patch, that is deep and worth treasuring. In my most recent hard time, going through two bereavements, what kept me going, my strength at that time, was that realisation: something wonderfully transforming will happen. And it did. I made some adjustments to my life that have worked very well for me.

With close family it is frequent enough for me and is motivated by love and it therefore feels loving. Outside of family it is pretty infrequent although I guess if you help someone that’s a gift of your time and assistance and if that’s covered in the question then the answer is two days ago and it gave some meaning to my day. Oh and I gave some company to a neighbouring cat yesterday: a cat is someone.

I’d probably eat more chocolate and other unhealthy stuff. But also I’d savour the daily moments more.

To be helpful and supportive of others.

For inspiration every day for me it must be nature. There’s rarely a day goes by that I don’t appreciate its beauty.

Yes, I can. Hopefully I will.

Yup that’s the word for me. Being able to accept that is a true gift. Work in progress for me!

That touched my heart deeply. What a wonderful thing to do.

Really appreciate this reference, Kathleen. I read up bit about Frank Ostaseki, who I hadn’t come across before, and then coincidentally (?) I was in a new podcast series I’m listening to and what was the first episode I happened to hear? Yup an interview with Frank Ostaseki. https://secularbuddhism.com/frank-ostaseski/ Must be a sign. Also got mentioned in a blog I’m following. Very interesting thoughts.

Much appreciated.

Aah sweetie, what a nice name for a dog. My mother had a dog many years ago that went blind over time. He walked into furniture but it didn’t seem to bother him. I guess that resilience and adaptability is a pretty good lesson.

Thanks I will check it out

Thanks. Timely reminder to me to explore Qi Gong. It’s been on my radar to give it a go.

Thanks. I think that’s it for me. Fighting thoughts never worked for me. The allowance to be there, yes, (step one) and you don’t have to believe them (step two). I’ve got a lot better at step one and step two is a work in progress as I guess we are all!