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What are the opportunities in a recent, challenging life experience?
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It takes a little more time to ponder, so hopefully, I will be able to reply a bit later. And later is now… The opportunity was to be together of service and of inspiration to other kindred hearts, which I guess arrived. And in it, there was also an opportunity to open up to a friend about my related fear, who then was very kindly reassuring and very helpful, for which I am so grateful also. The opportunity opened to be happily in contact with many kind and inspiring people. Wishing you a beautiful day despite the many challenging of this time. Greetings to all of you.
I can think of two challenging passages I am working through at the moment.
One involves work some global/social issues that I have been working on for some time now. While I do see the significance of the issues at hand and the work being done, I am also getting burnt out, and I realized that the people involved can have a major impact on my mood. I am going to look for some new communities and/or reconnect with old ones moving forward.
The other involves some seemingly intractable issues in close relationships. The most challenging issue for me is that I hear people express the desire for change but fail to act on that desire–at least in a way that I recognize. I have long tried to extend myself to support or accommodate these people. It is exhausting and breeds resentment. I am hopeful that, as I create some boundaries, I can relinquish the stress and anguish that comes with this.
I read a beautiful line in a book the other day – “Moving at the speed of Love”. Meaning Love has its own speed, its own patience, its own unhurried momentum. As that came into awareness, I know I move too fast, too auto-pilot, too blind. There is a conscious slowing now which opens up a panorama. Hurriedness brings a narrowing of focus. And as I revisit scriptures, I see now more than ever the importance of moving at the speed of Love.
My recent life challenging experience is one of grief. I lost my dear brother, 18 months ago & my mom 8 months ago. After taking care of my brother for 10 months he succumbed to brain cancer. During this same time I had to place my mom in a nursing home due to dementia. After 1 year in the nursing home she went to Heaven.
I was very close to both of them. They were a huge chunk of my life. So many shared life experiences, too many to enumerate.
I have been left sad, hollow, empty, vacant, unsure of what’s next & how to go forward. I am absorbing this grief, this new way forward however it is challenging. I have been working hard on “shoring myself up”, but I feel rudderless.
I am determined to keep looking for the light, for the joy in each day, for the Divine all around me. In spite of my grief I am immensely blessed.
Coming here helps a lot. Thank you to All.
Breaking my right wrist in a fall September 1 has definitely been challenging, and yet I can identify some opportunities in it (stretching the definition of “opportunities” a bit). I tend to work very intensely at my computer all day long, meaning to set a timer and go for a quick walk around our block to clear my head periodically and then not doing that. Now I have pain remind me that it’s time to step away from the computer. In my work I advocate for accessibility and thinking inclusively about the needs of people with disabilities. I do authentically mean what I say, but most of my life I haven’t had any disability other than needing to wear glasses to see. Having this disability that limits physical range of motion and the things I can do for myself has been a preview of the possible issues that will increase with age, making me appreciate what I’m usually able to do and think about what may someday shift if I really can’t do something and there’s no way back. At least with my wrist I have PT and can tell my range of motion is increasing. I was able to play the piano a bit on Saturday–haltingly, with stiff and clumsy fingers, but I can still make music. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I still have a reach of an octave plus one; hoping to get back the octave plus two ability I used to have if I really stretched, so that’s an opportunity that lies ahead.
Every moment is an opportunity for me to practice. Just using the word “practice” has made a big difference in how I view and react in all situations. It has taken much of the pressure off. I’m “just” practicing mindfulness, fearlessness, compassion, non attachment, resilience, and now I’ll practice meditation. 😌
Thank you all for being here ❤️
Indeed challenges and opportunity are two sides of the same coin – not sure it is possible to have one without the other. While no one challenging life experiences stands out in the moment, indeed there are the common many – work demands, parenting, aging parents, balancing finances, health. Each challenge reflects values, commitments, inclinations to stretch and/or deepen, visions of what could be – collectively contributing to the boundless opportunity.
Chester, Thanks for your wisdom. Indeed, challenges and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. I’m putting your words in my Quote File with the title, Boundless Opportunity. I’m one of those aging parents that my son calls a “welcome burden.” He also reminds me often that “Every day’s a good day, Mama.”
With Hurricane Nicole visiting Florida, we have a flight delay. Though challenging being in an A/P for hours, it allowed me to slooow down, pray, journal and read! This was an unexpected gift.
My current challenge is an accumulation of the stress of the last three years and really a lifetime. It’s just been pushed forward in the last two or three years. I’m realizing the need to let go and not try to fix everything, especially if it is beyond my control. I need to move forward, still loving and caring for others but I need to give myself more love and care.
My current challenge is my left foot. I had been having some pain, it was effecting my sleep, and it had me limping one morning about a week and a half ago when my husband asked me what was going on. It had been over a week that I’d been dealing with it, so he told me to call the doctor. I have been known to avoid doctors, but as I age it gets a little easier, so I did and got an appointment the next day. Xray showed a bone spur and she sent me to a specialist. Turns out that not only do I have a tiny spur that is not even connected to my heel, but also tendonitis, plantars fasciitis, and a small fracture in a bone. No wonder I was in pain! Being the emotional me that I am, I cried when the doctor told me all of this. She assured me that I would heal and has me in a funny sock with an air pocket under the arch of my foot and around my ankle along with heal inserts.
I work on my feet and am worn out by the time my shift is over. I’m also very active and am really having a hard time not being able to exercise, practice yoga the way I like to practice, take the dog to the beach/park for a long walk. The lack of movement is tough, but I want to heal and not make it worse, so I’m following doctor’s orders. I have a follow-up next week and am praying she sees improvement. It doesn’t help that I also turn 50 next week, so this body stuff is making me feel old! For what it’s worth, I totally embrace aging and see it as a gift, but all of this happening at once is challenging to say the least. I tell myself every day that I’m grateful it isn’t worse – which is the truth!
Sunnypatti – I can relate to this as I have been having foot pain the past two weeks or so … I need to make an appt, thinking I have plantars faciitis. I wish you a speedy recovery:)
Good luck, and I will share with you my experience that the body has an amazing ability to heal if you listen to it (and your docs) and give it the time.
I came back because I realized I forgot the opportunities, which are listening to my body, acting on what it tells me, and trusting the medical system. Being the active person I am, I have suffered thru injuries that had me laid up for longer than the week and a half that I’m so far dealing with. A reminder that the body can and does heal so long as we do the right things for it.
Anymore, I find it a challenge to go out and about. I don’t want to be around the general public…My husband and I are so very Blessed to live in a rural area and our home and property are not near any neighbors. My life is my home, my husband and my animals (just two cats and a dog). However; I do have to do the activities of daily life- such as going to the grocery store. Yesterday, I had to go to another store…my husband had bought a pair of work boots…they cost $155. He wore them three weeks and they were coming apart. He took them back to the store- and they would not refund his money. They said that their policy is to exchange..and that there are signs all over saying that. They also have a sign reading that they will not take back worn shoes!! My husband got mad…and left the boots on the counter. He also took a photo of the boots on the counter (and a clerk was in the photo). We tried to dispute the charge…and our credit card company was great…but no go. So yesterday, I went back to the store. My husband had said to forget it…but $155 is a lot of money. The manager was curt …came out with my husband’s boots and said “We do not want to do business with you- and are not exchanging the boots”. The whole interaction shook me…I was very upset…but was not rude or nasty. I asked for the address of the manufacturer..the manager said…:you can find it online…” I tried and did not. My lesson came from Kevin…”This is not a hill that I want to die on today”. I kept saying that to myself and praying.. Perhaps this man has problems at home…maybe someone is sick. My husband learned a lesson too…he lost his temper. He wanted a refund…not another pair of boots that he may have the same problem with….BUT you can’t act that way…there is no excuse for impatience and rudeness.
I was upset and sick to my stomach for the entire day- and the day had just started. I had many errands to run. At the end…I had Kevin’s mantra..and kept saying it…and also knowing that I have to limit my time in “town”. The country is my solitude…where I need to be, I am so very grateful that I have a home surrounded by trees and birds and deer. However; I am also very grateful to have the people here. My story is perhaps not worthy of being upset- it is shallow and there are far worse things happening to people every minute…but at that time- it was important to me. Now…it is something to forget and get on with this beautiful day that God has given me. Thank you all once again for your reflections and strength.
I get the “Going to town ” thing Nannette. I haven’t gone to town for a couple of days. Besides my wife the only beings I’ve seen are the dog, cat and the steers. I understand not wanting a replacement of the same item. Quite a few tears back I purchased a stiff garden rake, It promptly broke where the tang goes into the wood. My wife and daughter saw me fixing it by drilling a new hole for the tang. Cheryl said why don’t you take it back. I retorted “Why, so they can give me another piece of s_ _t rake? Then my wife said to my daughter “Don’t laugh at him. You only encourage him.” Jackie now has children she say’s the same thing to. I also am still using the garden rake I fixed.
Thank you so much for your reply, Joseph! After writing it…I thought…now who wants to read that…will it help anyone else? Thank you for validating my thoughts. It is so good to hear that someone else lives similarly to the way we do…it is a good life. You sound like my husband…he would fix the rake too!! You are a good person, Joseph McCann!!
Nannette, thank you for sharing your challenging experience. I don’t feel your story is shallow, it is a personal experience & one that upset you & your husband. I applaud your resolve to take the “high road” & let it go. It is hard but sometimes releasing an unpleasant experience is the only way forward.
I too do not enjoy mixing with the public.
I worked retail for many years, was laid off 2 years ago, & really have no desire to tolerate the public & often unpleasant behavior anymore. I am burned out on the masses!
Blessings to you & your husband. Enjoy your day in the country.
I can surely understand your decision not to work with the public anymore!! Thank you so very much for your reply…it sure helps me feel a bit better. Yesterday, I felt the whole aftermath of my encounter…but today although it is pouring out..I know it will be a better day! Thank you, PKR for your kindness.
Two challenging situations. One is dealing with a difficult relationship with a stepdaughter who is adopted, emotionally volatile, has severe adhd, and is the product of fetal alcohol syndrome. She’s in a place of deep antagonism, rebellion, and deceit. Learning to pause, ground myself, remember her as a child of God, and connect with Center. The second is feeling unfocused with tedium at work. I have a great job and I get to help a lot of people. But then there’s this very unorganized process of documentation and we’ve been promised help for a long time. I need to dig in and do what needs to be done until the new system is enacted. Working for healthcare I know that it may take a lot longer than we’d hoped. But I need to hang on to the gift that is service and the joy I feel in my work when I’m feeling utterly distracted by the mundane.
My challenging life experience right now is to work with a rude boss.
After all the anger, frustration and indignation she causes to me and to all my colleagues, I always try to ask myself what could be the reason of her bad behavior, what is the trauma behind her temper.
Like Michele says, I’m grateful for my job, so I’m trying to emphasize the positive aspects like my kind colleagues and the beautiful space I work in. After this reflection I think I will write down all the positive aspects of my job.
Almost three years ago, there were changes in a work situation, initiated and organized by a “think tank” followed by elected individuals implementing the plan. It’s been disastrous for me emotionally, spiritually and physically. Morale was impacted, 7 co-works left with no re-hiring. I maintained the discipline of spiritual direction, Soul Collage and talking with supportive friends. Grateful I didn’t become enmeshed with my go-to behavior of wise-cracking cynicism. Rumor has it the work place will transition back to the former organizational structure in Dec or Jan 2023. My Grateful heart & being can sing again.
My most recent challenge, eight months and three weeks past, has been more of a recurring challenge. After a 17 year span of sobriety I went back out. Since June 2009 until Feb. 17 2022 I struggled with continuous sobriety and relapse with alcohol. I began my daily practice of mindfulness, meditation and gratitude March 1 2022 with in patient treatment and therapy, then 12 weeks of IOP therapy and continued therapy 3 times a month. I was given the opportunities to be discover Brother David’s videos and this site, I think from an 8 week MBSR (Palouse Mindfulness) course. I now have been sober, continue my daily practice and enjoy a life with so much less chaos and a much calmer mind than I have ever experienced in my 65 years on the planet. I am so very grateful for the opportunity and all involved with my sober journey.
Thank you for your courage, determination, and grace each day to walk the journey of sobriety!
My father was an alcoholic and struggled to stay sober. He went for long dry periods but I don’t think he really reached sobriety. I always wished for him the peace and enjoyment of life that you are endeavoring for and mentioned.
I appreciate the work you have done and continue to do each day.
Joseph, I wish I had some magic for all who are addicted to alcohol…but I think you have found a way that connects with you to continue on your sober path. This site and all who come here is really a gift. Joseph, wishing you all that is good in life. My prayers are with you. God Bless
Sometimes when work gets overwhelming and super busy, it helps to just breath and focus on one task at a time. Remembering to be grateful for a job, that not everyone is so lucky. Stay true to always maintaining a proper work-life balance and minimize stress.
It’s interesting that this particular question appears before me today. For fifteen years I have been struggling with chronic back pain that over time moved into other joints, which overall, has been getting worse with each passing year. I’ve seen countless medical specialists and other healing practitioners, which provided only temporary relief. Oftentimes the general diagnosis was arthritis. But who, at 72, doesn’t have arthritis? Finally, after my primary referred me to a rheumatologist, who, after hearing my symptoms, ordered a blood test to see if I carry a certain protein known to be present with persons who have a disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Just yesterday, the rheumatologist’s office called to tell me that I tested positive for this protein.
Though there is no cure for AS, being diagnosed with it opens up a new course of treatment and classes of medications that are known to greatly relieve the symptoms of AS. And because most of the biologics used to treat AS are relatively new, had I been diagnosed correctly years ago the meds used today were not available then. Realistically, this new journey will take time to determine which treatment modality works best for me. And there are side effects, too. But when the doctor’s officed called and said I tested positive, my wife and I were elated with the news. It’s not very often when a patient is thrilled to have tested positive for something!
It sounds like relief you and your wife felt in naming this, along with new treatment hope made you feel almost giddy!
Well wishes for this new path in your journey to less pain and wholeness!!!
Kevin, what a relief it must be to actually know what is the cause of your pain. I pray with all the others that soon a treatment will help ease this debilitating pain. Wishing you many Blessings and my prayers are with you. You are surrounded by prayer..may this help on your healthful path.
How good that something moves to hopefully relieve your pain so that you may be even pain-free. May you be guided, protected and healed, dear Kevin. Thank you for your post.
Kevin, to finally have a name for what is happening in your body and actual treatments to consider must feel like an exponential leap forward in your health journey. I hope you soon find the most effective treatment for yourself. Blessings.
Me too, Laura, though it is a slow moving process, which, as needs to be, I realize. But finally having a name…having the source named too, is most welcome, indeed. Thank you my friend for your words here and your blessings.
My half-brother has this disease along with Thalassemia. I need to catch up with him, it’s been awhile. I am glad you finally got a proper diagnosis Kevin. Good luck with you new treatment plan, I wish you pain free days:)
Thank you, Michelle.
What’s interesting is that the gene that the blood test looked for (HLA-B27), and detected in me is hereditary, though some folks with the gene never develop symptoms either. My mother, who died young at 53 in 1983, suffered terribly with bone aches and stiffness for many years, long before they had meds to treat this disease. So far our three daughters, all in their 40’s, seem okay, and hopefully you, and the rest of your family, are also. Thanks again.
Challenging life experiences have enabled me to find the strength and courage that I never knew I had, brought me closer to my faith and proved to me the power of human kindness.
Grow and confidence.
For some reason I’m always a little nervous when I’m about to do something new. Even if it’s just by car to a city I’ve never been to, or to a party where I hardly know anyone, or fix something broken. Life with my husband was easier, I didn’t have to do it alone. After his death, it seemed almost everything has become a challenge. I have always accepted the challenge, and have noticed that I am strong and quite handy. Almost everything works out in a pleasant way. I am a handywoman now😃.
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It takes a little more time to ponder, so hopefully, I will be able to reply a bit later. And later is now… The opportunity was to be together of service and of inspiration to other kindred hearts, which I guess arrived. And in it, there was also an opportunity to open up to a friend about my related fear, who then was very kindly reassuring and very helpful, for which I am so grateful also. The opportunity opened to be happily in contact with many kind and inspiring people. Wishing you a beautiful day despite the many challenging of this time. Greetings to all of you.
Learning and challenging people to be more aware of mental illness and not being so ignorant to it.
I can think of two challenging passages I am working through at the moment.
One involves work some global/social issues that I have been working on for some time now. While I do see the significance of the issues at hand and the work being done, I am also getting burnt out, and I realized that the people involved can have a major impact on my mood. I am going to look for some new communities and/or reconnect with old ones moving forward.
The other involves some seemingly intractable issues in close relationships. The most challenging issue for me is that I hear people express the desire for change but fail to act on that desire–at least in a way that I recognize. I have long tried to extend myself to support or accommodate these people. It is exhausting and breeds resentment. I am hopeful that, as I create some boundaries, I can relinquish the stress and anguish that comes with this.
I read a beautiful line in a book the other day – “Moving at the speed of Love”. Meaning Love has its own speed, its own patience, its own unhurried momentum. As that came into awareness, I know I move too fast, too auto-pilot, too blind. There is a conscious slowing now which opens up a panorama. Hurriedness brings a narrowing of focus. And as I revisit scriptures, I see now more than ever the importance of moving at the speed of Love.
Thank you, Don
My recent life challenging experience is one of grief. I lost my dear brother, 18 months ago & my mom 8 months ago. After taking care of my brother for 10 months he succumbed to brain cancer. During this same time I had to place my mom in a nursing home due to dementia. After 1 year in the nursing home she went to Heaven.
I was very close to both of them. They were a huge chunk of my life. So many shared life experiences, too many to enumerate.
I have been left sad, hollow, empty, vacant, unsure of what’s next & how to go forward. I am absorbing this grief, this new way forward however it is challenging. I have been working hard on “shoring myself up”, but I feel rudderless.
I am determined to keep looking for the light, for the joy in each day, for the Divine all around me. In spite of my grief I am immensely blessed.
Coming here helps a lot. Thank you to All.
Breaking my right wrist in a fall September 1 has definitely been challenging, and yet I can identify some opportunities in it (stretching the definition of “opportunities” a bit). I tend to work very intensely at my computer all day long, meaning to set a timer and go for a quick walk around our block to clear my head periodically and then not doing that. Now I have pain remind me that it’s time to step away from the computer. In my work I advocate for accessibility and thinking inclusively about the needs of people with disabilities. I do authentically mean what I say, but most of my life I haven’t had any disability other than needing to wear glasses to see. Having this disability that limits physical range of motion and the things I can do for myself has been a preview of the possible issues that will increase with age, making me appreciate what I’m usually able to do and think about what may someday shift if I really can’t do something and there’s no way back. At least with my wrist I have PT and can tell my range of motion is increasing. I was able to play the piano a bit on Saturday–haltingly, with stiff and clumsy fingers, but I can still make music. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I still have a reach of an octave plus one; hoping to get back the octave plus two ability I used to have if I really stretched, so that’s an opportunity that lies ahead.
Every moment is an opportunity for me to practice. Just using the word “practice” has made a big difference in how I view and react in all situations. It has taken much of the pressure off. I’m “just” practicing mindfulness, fearlessness, compassion, non attachment, resilience, and now I’ll practice meditation. 😌
Thank you all for being here ❤️
Indeed challenges and opportunity are two sides of the same coin – not sure it is possible to have one without the other. While no one challenging life experiences stands out in the moment, indeed there are the common many – work demands, parenting, aging parents, balancing finances, health. Each challenge reflects values, commitments, inclinations to stretch and/or deepen, visions of what could be – collectively contributing to the boundless opportunity.
Chester, Thanks for your wisdom. Indeed, challenges and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. I’m putting your words in my Quote File with the title, Boundless Opportunity. I’m one of those aging parents that my son calls a “welcome burden.” He also reminds me often that “Every day’s a good day, Mama.”
With Hurricane Nicole visiting Florida, we have a flight delay. Though challenging being in an A/P for hours, it allowed me to slooow down, pray, journal and read! This was an unexpected gift.
My current challenge is an accumulation of the stress of the last three years and really a lifetime. It’s just been pushed forward in the last two or three years. I’m realizing the need to let go and not try to fix everything, especially if it is beyond my control. I need to move forward, still loving and caring for others but I need to give myself more love and care.
My current challenge is my left foot. I had been having some pain, it was effecting my sleep, and it had me limping one morning about a week and a half ago when my husband asked me what was going on. It had been over a week that I’d been dealing with it, so he told me to call the doctor. I have been known to avoid doctors, but as I age it gets a little easier, so I did and got an appointment the next day. Xray showed a bone spur and she sent me to a specialist. Turns out that not only do I have a tiny spur that is not even connected to my heel, but also tendonitis, plantars fasciitis, and a small fracture in a bone. No wonder I was in pain! Being the emotional me that I am, I cried when the doctor told me all of this. She assured me that I would heal and has me in a funny sock with an air pocket under the arch of my foot and around my ankle along with heal inserts.
I work on my feet and am worn out by the time my shift is over. I’m also very active and am really having a hard time not being able to exercise, practice yoga the way I like to practice, take the dog to the beach/park for a long walk. The lack of movement is tough, but I want to heal and not make it worse, so I’m following doctor’s orders. I have a follow-up next week and am praying she sees improvement. It doesn’t help that I also turn 50 next week, so this body stuff is making me feel old! For what it’s worth, I totally embrace aging and see it as a gift, but all of this happening at once is challenging to say the least. I tell myself every day that I’m grateful it isn’t worse – which is the truth!
Sunnypatti – I can relate to this as I have been having foot pain the past two weeks or so … I need to make an appt, thinking I have plantars faciitis. I wish you a speedy recovery:)
Good luck, and I will share with you my experience that the body has an amazing ability to heal if you listen to it (and your docs) and give it the time.
Thank you, Cathie!
I came back because I realized I forgot the opportunities, which are listening to my body, acting on what it tells me, and trusting the medical system. Being the active person I am, I have suffered thru injuries that had me laid up for longer than the week and a half that I’m so far dealing with. A reminder that the body can and does heal so long as we do the right things for it.
Anymore, I find it a challenge to go out and about. I don’t want to be around the general public…My husband and I are so very Blessed to live in a rural area and our home and property are not near any neighbors. My life is my home, my husband and my animals (just two cats and a dog). However; I do have to do the activities of daily life- such as going to the grocery store. Yesterday, I had to go to another store…my husband had bought a pair of work boots…they cost $155. He wore them three weeks and they were coming apart. He took them back to the store- and they would not refund his money. They said that their policy is to exchange..and that there are signs all over saying that. They also have a sign reading that they will not take back worn shoes!! My husband got mad…and left the boots on the counter. He also took a photo of the boots on the counter (and a clerk was in the photo). We tried to dispute the charge…and our credit card company was great…but no go. So yesterday, I went back to the store. My husband had said to forget it…but $155 is a lot of money. The manager was curt …came out with my husband’s boots and said “We do not want to do business with you- and are not exchanging the boots”. The whole interaction shook me…I was very upset…but was not rude or nasty. I asked for the address of the manufacturer..the manager said…:you can find it online…” I tried and did not. My lesson came from Kevin…”This is not a hill that I want to die on today”. I kept saying that to myself and praying.. Perhaps this man has problems at home…maybe someone is sick. My husband learned a lesson too…he lost his temper. He wanted a refund…not another pair of boots that he may have the same problem with….BUT you can’t act that way…there is no excuse for impatience and rudeness.
I was upset and sick to my stomach for the entire day- and the day had just started. I had many errands to run. At the end…I had Kevin’s mantra..and kept saying it…and also knowing that I have to limit my time in “town”. The country is my solitude…where I need to be, I am so very grateful that I have a home surrounded by trees and birds and deer. However; I am also very grateful to have the people here. My story is perhaps not worthy of being upset- it is shallow and there are far worse things happening to people every minute…but at that time- it was important to me. Now…it is something to forget and get on with this beautiful day that God has given me. Thank you all once again for your reflections and strength.
I get the “Going to town ” thing Nannette. I haven’t gone to town for a couple of days. Besides my wife the only beings I’ve seen are the dog, cat and the steers. I understand not wanting a replacement of the same item. Quite a few tears back I purchased a stiff garden rake, It promptly broke where the tang goes into the wood. My wife and daughter saw me fixing it by drilling a new hole for the tang. Cheryl said why don’t you take it back. I retorted “Why, so they can give me another piece of s_ _t rake? Then my wife said to my daughter “Don’t laugh at him. You only encourage him.” Jackie now has children she say’s the same thing to. I also am still using the garden rake I fixed.
Thank you so much for your reply, Joseph! After writing it…I thought…now who wants to read that…will it help anyone else? Thank you for validating my thoughts. It is so good to hear that someone else lives similarly to the way we do…it is a good life. You sound like my husband…he would fix the rake too!! You are a good person, Joseph McCann!!
Nannette, thank you for sharing your challenging experience. I don’t feel your story is shallow, it is a personal experience & one that upset you & your husband. I applaud your resolve to take the “high road” & let it go. It is hard but sometimes releasing an unpleasant experience is the only way forward.
I too do not enjoy mixing with the public.
I worked retail for many years, was laid off 2 years ago, & really have no desire to tolerate the public & often unpleasant behavior anymore. I am burned out on the masses!
Blessings to you & your husband. Enjoy your day in the country.
I can surely understand your decision not to work with the public anymore!! Thank you so very much for your reply…it sure helps me feel a bit better. Yesterday, I felt the whole aftermath of my encounter…but today although it is pouring out..I know it will be a better day! Thank you, PKR for your kindness.
Two challenging situations. One is dealing with a difficult relationship with a stepdaughter who is adopted, emotionally volatile, has severe adhd, and is the product of fetal alcohol syndrome. She’s in a place of deep antagonism, rebellion, and deceit. Learning to pause, ground myself, remember her as a child of God, and connect with Center. The second is feeling unfocused with tedium at work. I have a great job and I get to help a lot of people. But then there’s this very unorganized process of documentation and we’ve been promised help for a long time. I need to dig in and do what needs to be done until the new system is enacted. Working for healthcare I know that it may take a lot longer than we’d hoped. But I need to hang on to the gift that is service and the joy I feel in my work when I’m feeling utterly distracted by the mundane.
My challenging life experience right now is to work with a rude boss.
After all the anger, frustration and indignation she causes to me and to all my colleagues, I always try to ask myself what could be the reason of her bad behavior, what is the trauma behind her temper.
Like Michele says, I’m grateful for my job, so I’m trying to emphasize the positive aspects like my kind colleagues and the beautiful space I work in. After this reflection I think I will write down all the positive aspects of my job.
Almost three years ago, there were changes in a work situation, initiated and organized by a “think tank” followed by elected individuals implementing the plan. It’s been disastrous for me emotionally, spiritually and physically. Morale was impacted, 7 co-works left with no re-hiring. I maintained the discipline of spiritual direction, Soul Collage and talking with supportive friends. Grateful I didn’t become enmeshed with my go-to behavior of wise-cracking cynicism. Rumor has it the work place will transition back to the former organizational structure in Dec or Jan 2023. My Grateful heart & being can sing again.
My most recent challenge, eight months and three weeks past, has been more of a recurring challenge. After a 17 year span of sobriety I went back out. Since June 2009 until Feb. 17 2022 I struggled with continuous sobriety and relapse with alcohol. I began my daily practice of mindfulness, meditation and gratitude March 1 2022 with in patient treatment and therapy, then 12 weeks of IOP therapy and continued therapy 3 times a month. I was given the opportunities to be discover Brother David’s videos and this site, I think from an 8 week MBSR (Palouse Mindfulness) course. I now have been sober, continue my daily practice and enjoy a life with so much less chaos and a much calmer mind than I have ever experienced in my 65 years on the planet. I am so very grateful for the opportunity and all involved with my sober journey.
Thank you for your courage, determination, and grace each day to walk the journey of sobriety!
My father was an alcoholic and struggled to stay sober. He went for long dry periods but I don’t think he really reached sobriety. I always wished for him the peace and enjoyment of life that you are endeavoring for and mentioned.
I appreciate the work you have done and continue to do each day.
Joseph, I wish I had some magic for all who are addicted to alcohol…but I think you have found a way that connects with you to continue on your sober path. This site and all who come here is really a gift. Joseph, wishing you all that is good in life. My prayers are with you. God Bless
Sometimes when work gets overwhelming and super busy, it helps to just breath and focus on one task at a time. Remembering to be grateful for a job, that not everyone is so lucky. Stay true to always maintaining a proper work-life balance and minimize stress.
I relate to this, Michele. Sometimes I have to take minibreaks throughout the day to breathe and reset.
It’s interesting that this particular question appears before me today. For fifteen years I have been struggling with chronic back pain that over time moved into other joints, which overall, has been getting worse with each passing year. I’ve seen countless medical specialists and other healing practitioners, which provided only temporary relief. Oftentimes the general diagnosis was arthritis. But who, at 72, doesn’t have arthritis? Finally, after my primary referred me to a rheumatologist, who, after hearing my symptoms, ordered a blood test to see if I carry a certain protein known to be present with persons who have a disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Just yesterday, the rheumatologist’s office called to tell me that I tested positive for this protein.
Though there is no cure for AS, being diagnosed with it opens up a new course of treatment and classes of medications that are known to greatly relieve the symptoms of AS. And because most of the biologics used to treat AS are relatively new, had I been diagnosed correctly years ago the meds used today were not available then. Realistically, this new journey will take time to determine which treatment modality works best for me. And there are side effects, too. But when the doctor’s officed called and said I tested positive, my wife and I were elated with the news. It’s not very often when a patient is thrilled to have tested positive for something!
It sounds like relief you and your wife felt in naming this, along with new treatment hope made you feel almost giddy!
Well wishes for this new path in your journey to less pain and wholeness!!!
Thank you, Cathie. Prayers are said and fingers crossed!
Putting a name to it at long last, and one that opens new possibilities, is an opportunity indeed. So glad you got this new insight.
Knowing is everything! I pray that your new treatment gives you relief.
“Knowing is everything.” So true, Sunnypatti, thank you!
Kevin, what a relief it must be to actually know what is the cause of your pain. I pray with all the others that soon a treatment will help ease this debilitating pain. Wishing you many Blessings and my prayers are with you. You are surrounded by prayer..may this help on your healthful path.
Your prayers are felt,Nannette, Thank you! Is a slow moving journey, so here’s hoping!
How good that something moves to hopefully relieve your pain so that you may be even pain-free. May you be guided, protected and healed, dear Kevin. Thank you for your post.
And thank you for your words, Christina, and thank you, for you!
Kevin, May the Divine Healer continue to guide you through this, leading you to the right combination(s) of medicinal care. Blessings to you & family.
Thank you, Carla for your healing words here.
Good to hear you have a name for the root cause Kevin. From one with chronic pain to another, keep on keeping on.
Thanks Joseph, “keep on keeping on” is exactly what it is. Here’s wishing you a less-painful day as well!
Kevin, to finally have a name for what is happening in your body and actual treatments to consider must feel like an exponential leap forward in your health journey. I hope you soon find the most effective treatment for yourself. Blessings.
Me too, Laura, though it is a slow moving process, which, as needs to be, I realize. But finally having a name…having the source named too, is most welcome, indeed. Thank you my friend for your words here and your blessings.
My half-brother has this disease along with Thalassemia. I need to catch up with him, it’s been awhile. I am glad you finally got a proper diagnosis Kevin. Good luck with you new treatment plan, I wish you pain free days:)
Thank you, Michelle.
What’s interesting is that the gene that the blood test looked for (HLA-B27), and detected in me is hereditary, though some folks with the gene never develop symptoms either. My mother, who died young at 53 in 1983, suffered terribly with bone aches and stiffness for many years, long before they had meds to treat this disease. So far our three daughters, all in their 40’s, seem okay, and hopefully you, and the rest of your family, are also. Thanks again.
Challenging life experiences have enabled me to find the strength and courage that I never knew I had, brought me closer to my faith and proved to me the power of human kindness.
Grow and confidence.
For some reason I’m always a little nervous when I’m about to do something new. Even if it’s just by car to a city I’ve never been to, or to a party where I hardly know anyone, or fix something broken. Life with my husband was easier, I didn’t have to do it alone. After his death, it seemed almost everything has become a challenge. I have always accepted the challenge, and have noticed that I am strong and quite handy. Almost everything works out in a pleasant way. I am a handywoman now😃.