First off, I love your blog – your thoughts, puzzles, confusion, wanting to know what the heck to expect or be expected to do! Age-old questions of entitlement, fairness and luck. I have recently retired and, though I’m doing fine in every way, it’s not what I expected. For some reason I expected more. Or something different. I did not plan to get here alone. Friends and family are getting tired of me talking about tradeoffs – better to be single than in a bad relationship, better to live here where it doesn’t get 110 (like where my mom still lives) but we get -10 instead. I talk about perspective a lot. Most Americans right now are beyond the description of comfort when compared to someone who was just bombed out of their home. PIE – perspective is everything. So I’m trying to be grateful for whatever comfort I get, whatever luck comes my way, and do the best with what I’m dealt even if it’s not by choice.
One of my blessings is a writing friend like you. Even long distance there’s a comradery there – thank Goodness for technology! I, too, was glad to meet someone who knew the same history, events, and people of my “era.” Sadly, I haven’t figured out how to be the successful, published writer and think luck figures in there a lot, too. But I was told having a “platform”, like your insightful blog, is what publishers are wanting to help promote your talent and you’ve got that nailed! You’ll gain readers and be able to brag to some potential publisher about your following. They’ll be pleading to publish your novel!
Trade-offs and perspective--both valid topics in my opinion. PIE--I like that acrostic. I will remember that one. And yes, I find gratitude to be the key. Thank you for the camaraderie, even via tech, now that our little group has effectively dissolved. You have been such an encouragement to me this past year. Glad you are reading along. Your comments are always insightful and occasionally challenging. Just my style.
Most of the non-comforts in my life are First World problems. Just saying it out loud removes any sting, helps me let go of any animosity or annoyance. I agree with you, and the psychologists, that comfort is not what helps us grow. Yet, I can't say I wholeheartedly am thankful for the difficulties that presented me with deeper opportunities to grow: The death of my mother, a child was sharply veering off the path of following the God I love and trust my whole future to, the rape of a friend, sharp comments about the people I work with. I am not thankful for them. I am grateful for the increased depth of assurance and commitment to my God that I came to as I wrestled through the grieving, the responding, the anguish. Sometimes the ignoring went on a long time, before I chose to truly wrestle with it. Comfort wins at times, it felt like rest. So I am glad for the times I choose the way of suffering through it over the way of comfort, for I believe it matured me (one should hope at my age). Here's to hoping I mature more. The easier way, the better, but - however it needs to be.
Yes. First World problems, indeed, and acknowledgement sure helps keep things in perspective. See Cindy's comment above about PIE. I'm not completely grateful for the things that have helped me grow, either, though I am grateful for the growth. It's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? And yes, rest is vital and sometimes comes in the form of comfort, though comfort for comfort's sake--when rest is not what's needed--isn't necessarily the most ideal pursuit. "The easier way, the better, but - however it needs to be." That is maturity, and that makes me love you all the more--as if that was even possible.
I think if you are your authentic self and pray for Gods blessing it will become enjoyable again. You are an amazingly talented writer! We too many times feel pressure to conform to a certain way that we are told is effective and we struggle, are exhausted and stop enjoying it because it isn’t who we are or trying to push it to work. I guess I think of Justin Bieber; who would think he would become that famous from posting videos himself?! Susan Boyle on America’s got Talent; By the looks no one thought she would be successful. Billy Graham; a farm boy saved at an outdoor small service spoke to millions in his life.
Do not be discouraged, nor do not be dismayed for I am with you. God
He will direct you and guide you and there could be no greater success than Gods hand on your work. I will be praying for your new ventures.
As far as your post goes, I am thankful for all the valleys and trials I have encountered in my life because it has made me a stronger person. It has made me trust God more and has taught me to be less prideful in myself.
There is also a flip side too. If left too long in anxiety, stress and worry it can cause serious mental health issues if we are not mindful of our body and mind. So some stress is ok but sometimes like Elijah we need a break and God understands.
Thanks, Annette. Yes, it has become exhausting and no longer enjoyable as I strive to fulfill someone else's expectations and desires instead of just doing what I love. I have enjoyed following along with you over the years, too. You might not consider yourself a writer, but I love it when you share your heart--your honesty and humility shows through. We will swing by and see you at some point when we do a loop around the USA!
I was reading along thinking, "Wow, this is good," when my name popped out at me. How exciting! I'm famous. Or perhaps infamous. I love being a part of your "family" and especially when you were just talking about the difference between writing to gain something (platform) and writing just because you can't not. I am so with you!
We love having you in our extended family! Can't wait to come see you when we loop around in Walter. And yes, you get it--writing for the joy of it, rather than trying to gain something. I loved your book about the flood, btw. Good stuff.
C. Doll <ccmthome@gmail.com>
11:30 AM (51 minutes ago)
to me
First off, I love your blog – your thoughts, puzzles, confusion, wanting to know what the heck to expect or be expected to do! Age-old questions of entitlement, fairness and luck. I have recently retired and, though I’m doing fine in every way, it’s not what I expected. For some reason I expected more. Or something different. I did not plan to get here alone. Friends and family are getting tired of me talking about tradeoffs – better to be single than in a bad relationship, better to live here where it doesn’t get 110 (like where my mom still lives) but we get -10 instead. I talk about perspective a lot. Most Americans right now are beyond the description of comfort when compared to someone who was just bombed out of their home. PIE – perspective is everything. So I’m trying to be grateful for whatever comfort I get, whatever luck comes my way, and do the best with what I’m dealt even if it’s not by choice.
One of my blessings is a writing friend like you. Even long distance there’s a comradery there – thank Goodness for technology! I, too, was glad to meet someone who knew the same history, events, and people of my “era.” Sadly, I haven’t figured out how to be the successful, published writer and think luck figures in there a lot, too. But I was told having a “platform”, like your insightful blog, is what publishers are wanting to help promote your talent and you’ve got that nailed! You’ll gain readers and be able to brag to some potential publisher about your following. They’ll be pleading to publish your novel!
Trade-offs and perspective--both valid topics in my opinion. PIE--I like that acrostic. I will remember that one. And yes, I find gratitude to be the key. Thank you for the camaraderie, even via tech, now that our little group has effectively dissolved. You have been such an encouragement to me this past year. Glad you are reading along. Your comments are always insightful and occasionally challenging. Just my style.
Most of the non-comforts in my life are First World problems. Just saying it out loud removes any sting, helps me let go of any animosity or annoyance. I agree with you, and the psychologists, that comfort is not what helps us grow. Yet, I can't say I wholeheartedly am thankful for the difficulties that presented me with deeper opportunities to grow: The death of my mother, a child was sharply veering off the path of following the God I love and trust my whole future to, the rape of a friend, sharp comments about the people I work with. I am not thankful for them. I am grateful for the increased depth of assurance and commitment to my God that I came to as I wrestled through the grieving, the responding, the anguish. Sometimes the ignoring went on a long time, before I chose to truly wrestle with it. Comfort wins at times, it felt like rest. So I am glad for the times I choose the way of suffering through it over the way of comfort, for I believe it matured me (one should hope at my age). Here's to hoping I mature more. The easier way, the better, but - however it needs to be.
Yes. First World problems, indeed, and acknowledgement sure helps keep things in perspective. See Cindy's comment above about PIE. I'm not completely grateful for the things that have helped me grow, either, though I am grateful for the growth. It's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? And yes, rest is vital and sometimes comes in the form of comfort, though comfort for comfort's sake--when rest is not what's needed--isn't necessarily the most ideal pursuit. "The easier way, the better, but - however it needs to be." That is maturity, and that makes me love you all the more--as if that was even possible.
I think if you are your authentic self and pray for Gods blessing it will become enjoyable again. You are an amazingly talented writer! We too many times feel pressure to conform to a certain way that we are told is effective and we struggle, are exhausted and stop enjoying it because it isn’t who we are or trying to push it to work. I guess I think of Justin Bieber; who would think he would become that famous from posting videos himself?! Susan Boyle on America’s got Talent; By the looks no one thought she would be successful. Billy Graham; a farm boy saved at an outdoor small service spoke to millions in his life.
Do not be discouraged, nor do not be dismayed for I am with you. God
He will direct you and guide you and there could be no greater success than Gods hand on your work. I will be praying for your new ventures.
As far as your post goes, I am thankful for all the valleys and trials I have encountered in my life because it has made me a stronger person. It has made me trust God more and has taught me to be less prideful in myself.
There is also a flip side too. If left too long in anxiety, stress and worry it can cause serious mental health issues if we are not mindful of our body and mind. So some stress is ok but sometimes like Elijah we need a break and God understands.
Excuse my punctuation….lol i am not a writer
Hugs and love
Thanks, Annette. Yes, it has become exhausting and no longer enjoyable as I strive to fulfill someone else's expectations and desires instead of just doing what I love. I have enjoyed following along with you over the years, too. You might not consider yourself a writer, but I love it when you share your heart--your honesty and humility shows through. We will swing by and see you at some point when we do a loop around the USA!
Thank you Sherry ❤️We would love that! Maybe our treehouse will be open for you to stay in. 😊
I was reading along thinking, "Wow, this is good," when my name popped out at me. How exciting! I'm famous. Or perhaps infamous. I love being a part of your "family" and especially when you were just talking about the difference between writing to gain something (platform) and writing just because you can't not. I am so with you!
We love having you in our extended family! Can't wait to come see you when we loop around in Walter. And yes, you get it--writing for the joy of it, rather than trying to gain something. I loved your book about the flood, btw. Good stuff.