Okay, in terms of posting Ten Things of Thankful, last week was a write-off (right-off? rite-off?). I got rather introspective and philosophical and depressive (nihilistic?). I forgot the small smiles that slipped in between the frowns and grimaces.
Such as:
Dancing with mating butterflies and migrating monarchs.
Being reminded of “will wonders never cease” (I hope not).
Feeling supportive virtual hugs (and some real world ones, too).
Practicing mudita (joy in the joy of others) rather than feeling envious/jealous.
Embracing as my mantra: “You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” (Cormac McCarthy).
So, I survived last week. That is a thankful in itself.
This week had it’s own set of challenges and rewards. Not sure just where the scales balance out, but I do have a thankful list:
Listening to the enjoyable quiz show, “Ask Me Another,” on NPR. This week’s guest was Jenn Colella from the Broadway musical, “Come From Away” based on the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland (Canada) played host to the passengers and crew of grounded planes in the days of closed skies after 9/11. Yes, as the host of the show said, “Imagining pitching a musical about 9/11.” But it is a story of caring, kindness and welcome. Something all can be thankful for. Especially in dark times.
Creating my own set of coping cards, with reminders for anxiety attacks such as: “calm as a koi pool” or self-doubt/self-criticism : “These voices are not mine. Those are their words.”
An unplanned lunch and a well-planned supper out with two different friends. Food (wine) and conversation. Hugs as dessert; sweet enough for me (til I got home – smile).
Autumnal Equinox; yes, the start of that wonderous, splendiferous season I’ve mentioned before. Of apple crisp air burnished russet.
Starting soon: puck-watching and birdfeeder-watching season.
Five things of thankful, and it’s only early Sunday morning . . .
image (via Bing images)
September 28, 2018 at 2:41 pm
I found myself feeling rather envious lately, I was forgetting the practice of mudita, I think I found it again. and that brings me joy.
always love your lists. and you.
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September 24, 2018 at 1:56 am
I love the Cormac McCarthy quotation!
Did you print off the coping cards, or did you come up with your own and perhaps write them with calligraphy pens? Either way it is a wonderful idea. I’m going to share that site with a friend.
At first I thought puck-watching was meant to be duck-watching to go along with bird-feeder watching. LOL
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September 23, 2018 at 10:48 pm
excellant post. Lots of stuff there. Very thought-provoking*
(Good items, though)
will return (trying to recover from a computer crash that is threatening to make be believe I have to cower in a corner just because everything about the computer I’ve been using for the past 8 years has changed… at least the appearance and convenience of settings and shortcuts…. funny thing, fear.
ha
ha
lol
*why, yes, I do fancy myself something and a literate observer….lol
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September 23, 2018 at 8:12 pm
Oh, I would love to see “Come From Away”. I had no idea there even was such a musical. I do remember, however, stories of passengers diverted to and lovingly hosted by Canandians at the time. I saw a series of interviews with people who felt their lives were forever changed by the warm welcome they had received.
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September 23, 2018 at 7:13 pm
I wasn’t familiar with the word nudity, but I like it. It is direct opposition to envy. I like this thought about envy: “. . . envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is–downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment!’ (Jeffrey R. Holland.)
I’m sorry you had a challenging week, but glad you survived. That’s worth 10 thankfuls right there!
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September 24, 2018 at 1:47 am
Spell check got you Kristi. You are going to laugh when you read your post. LOL
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September 26, 2018 at 12:21 am
YIKES! That was not the word I was trying to type! Autocorrect got me for sure! I actually highly favor clothing.
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September 23, 2018 at 1:14 pm
“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.”
Now that – is a most excellent quote. No doubt it also makes for a good mantra. I have only read 1 book by him, The Road.
I enjoyed your post and glad that this week you did not “write” it off but found those smiles, those positives that are somewhere but for our vision at any given moment.
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September 23, 2018 at 10:45 am
I like the idea of practicing mudita, but it’s not easy. Best wishes for your next week.
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September 23, 2018 at 2:22 am
May you have a blessed new week 😚
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September 23, 2018 at 4:21 am
Thanks, Bee.
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September 23, 2018 at 7:31 am
You are very welcome!
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September 23, 2018 at 2:29 pm
I wish you a good week, as well.
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