Mondays are my weekly check up from the neck up. A few minutes to pause, think and write about what is happening in my mind and my moods.
Remember to take care of yourself, or you won't be here to take care of others. My focus is on making this blog a place of kindness, encouragement, and hope.
As the sun rises each morning, and in the words of Willie Nelson, I "woke up not dead again today", I have the gift of another day, to find happiness, to do a little part to make the world a better place, to seek peace on earth.
I can choose how I respond to the world. I can suppress the urge to react in instinctive ways. I can pause and reflect, sometimes for a few days before responding. A week or so, I was asked about joining another board, kind of an honor to be asked. I read through the details, and I didn't respond for several days. It would be meaningful, but also an additional obligation. Ultimately I answered, thank you for the interest, but I really don't want to add anything right now.
Something a customer service trainer 40 years ago, pounded into my head, it is better to say, "I'd rather turn you down today, than let you down later." If I am not ready to commit, I should say so upfront. The flaw in being "voluntold", being volunteered without being asked, is a lack of commitment leading to poor performance. I don't need a line on my CV for having my name on a board list, if I don't have time to do the grunt work, I need to remember to say, thanks but no thanks.
Treat each day as a gift, an opportunity.
Make wise choices.
Say, thanks, but no thanks, if that is the best answer for you.
Think twice, speak once.
Have a gentle week, take care of yourself.
I had a longer post written. That talked about the challenges in the world. And there are challenges. I don't want to spread ugliness. Bad news is easy enough to find. I love my daily blog reads, but I have to avoid some posts when I have reached the limit of how much I can let in. If I don't have something kind to say, or the post is outside my sphere, I don't comment. It does not mean that I don't care, or that I haven't read, it simply means I don't have anything positive to say.
Not instantly committing is one reason why I prefer the written word rather than a phone call. I take time to think of repercussions and will it actually suit me, and anyone else involved.
ReplyDeleteI understand your point about keeping your blog positive and avoiding bad news. This was a point argued between myself and my late partner about Facebook posts. I did eventually agree Facebook was not a place for negative images when on holidays (South African slum shacks), but generally for adults, I don't care for ignoring the obviously bad things in life. Life isn't always a skittle.
A more concrete example, I generally don't comment on domestic politics, and never on foreign politics. How can I truly understand the politics of England or Australia?
DeleteA great post. And your right, it seems at every corner of every day it's hard to escape news and bads news. And the news these days is enough to fill one with hatred.
ReplyDeleteI think the goal of some people in positions of influence, is to promote hate and division.
DeleteI, too, find myself avoiding blog posts that reshare the bad news I already know. It gets overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteTime for me to get out for a nice long walk today, I need to find beauty around every corner.
DeleteAs I said before, Carlos gave me the gift of a cold for Christmas and so every morning when I woke up and he'd ask how I was, I'd say:
ReplyDeleteTodavía no estoy muerto.
It's a good thing.
He would miss you. We would miss you.
Delete"Check up from the neck up" -- I love that phrase, LOL!
ReplyDeleteSome mornings, I wish I was Canadian.
DeleteA great way to look at life. I've been so tempted lately to say something about....well you know. I think we all feel the same way but it's nice to have this little group of people who support us in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteI so look forward to your wonderful daily photos, a glowing light of creativity each day.
DeleteI enjoyed this post very much and agree with you. Especially about being able to just say no at times. As for your comment on my blog about your friend currating a self portrait exhibit. I and I know my other readers would absolutely love for you to share it all on FFO and SITAR on my link ups. Can you tell me where the show will be? Have wonderful day today.
ReplyDelete