“Keep calm and carry on” and “Don’t let the bastards get you down” - famous Churchill quotes I believe. Easy to say, not so easy to practice. As I fume and rant at the daily news, my husband says “Enough “ just switch it off, it’s too stressful” Let’s watch our favorite comedy again, we have to preserve our sanity.”
His version of “Let it go” thanks for your lovely writing ❤️
I really like this mantra, and think it might help me, as my mind swirls with self recrimination over what I see as awkwardness, things I should have said or done, things I shouldn’t have said or done. And yes, much fear for our country, and the amazing diverse people within it.
Wow, Karen. Pretty transparent and vulnerable sharing. We all make mistakes and have regrets. I think we can agree that right now it is a particularly stressful time in our country and I know for myself - when I am feeling fearful and angry, I can get short tempered and bitchy with others. When I look back on my behavior at those times, like you, I'm surprised at how mean I acted/or said, and wish I could take it back. Short of apologizing profusely, if that's possible, then yes, I try to let it go - but also to think about it and vow to not let my emotions get the better of me.
Also, like you, I'm trying to figure out what I can do that will make any difference - besides sending money to organizations that are filing the lawsuits to fight these atrocities. Rebecca Solnit wrote :.."The fact that we cannot save everything does not mean we cannot save anything and everything we can save is worth saving." I pray for guidance to be shown what is mine to do and the strength to do it and the humility to rest, know it is enough. (adapted from a prayer by Nadia Bolz-Weber. I draw strength from reading what others are experiencing and doing for self-care - thank you and stay strong! PJ
Such a meaningful comment PJ.. thanks so much for reading and responding. I Too subscribe to Nadia Bolz -Weber,and draw strength from things I find here.
Thanks also for your lovely card and for keeping me in your thoughts ..! 💙
Such a timely post - especially after yesterday's most recent freak show which I (regrettably) spent most of the day watching, mostly in disbelief. So thank you for this timely reminder and all that you say here. (And please DO let these things go! You mustn't be so hard on yourself).
Today I made a sticky cranberry gingerbread which made the house smell wonderful and I took my Terrier outside in the garden amidst some swirling snow, so he could frolic like a little Bronco and smile at me as he tore back and forth. I also got up early to be sure I could meditate properly and not just be dialing it in, keep checking my watch, ha! My mind is racing all the time these days.
Next week there are big tariffs coming for we Canadians - and hoping that is ALL that is coming, frankly - so honestly, truthfully, I will admit that I can only maintain this kind of upbeat mood for three days max because the stress is *constant.* It's a kind of terrorism all on its own. It helps me to be here with other likeminded, good people like you, Karen. Great writing! xo
Aww so lovely to get your message, Sue, as always. This one in particular makes me long to just drive up to Canada 🇨🇦 tomorrow to have a piece of your cranberry gingerbread and maybe to never come back to this horrid country. It is a balm to be in touch with you. Maybe someday I will come visit. F*%ck the tariffs , and this government , and the tragic situation we are now in.
I adore your little Bear terrier. I have my Ginger 🐕 who reminds me to find joy in small moments …. Xox
Especially fuming over the asshole who cut you off in traffic - not worth our energy! HA! I ask myself when I find myself revving over some issue, "Is this going to still bother me in 6 months? If the answer is "yes", than I guess I better try do something, say something. If it's "no", I can safely let it go. 🙂
The 4 Agreements come to mind 1) Be impeccable with your word, 2) Do not take anything personally, 3) Do not make assumptions, and 4) Always do your best. And.. we make mistakes! Sometimes we aren't operating from highest self.. It's not an indictment against our character if we didn't tip right, if we didn't say or domthe right thing. We just notice, let it go and endeavor to be more mindful as we go.... right? ☺️👍🏻
“Keep calm and carry on” and “Don’t let the bastards get you down” - famous Churchill quotes I believe. Easy to say, not so easy to practice. As I fume and rant at the daily news, my husband says “Enough “ just switch it off, it’s too stressful” Let’s watch our favorite comedy again, we have to preserve our sanity.”
His version of “Let it go” thanks for your lovely writing ❤️
Thank you Janine! 🩵
I really like this mantra, and think it might help me, as my mind swirls with self recrimination over what I see as awkwardness, things I should have said or done, things I shouldn’t have said or done. And yes, much fear for our country, and the amazing diverse people within it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and writing!
Thank you Rose 🌹 Keep writing your truth and your delightful anecdotes!
Wow, Karen. Pretty transparent and vulnerable sharing. We all make mistakes and have regrets. I think we can agree that right now it is a particularly stressful time in our country and I know for myself - when I am feeling fearful and angry, I can get short tempered and bitchy with others. When I look back on my behavior at those times, like you, I'm surprised at how mean I acted/or said, and wish I could take it back. Short of apologizing profusely, if that's possible, then yes, I try to let it go - but also to think about it and vow to not let my emotions get the better of me.
Also, like you, I'm trying to figure out what I can do that will make any difference - besides sending money to organizations that are filing the lawsuits to fight these atrocities. Rebecca Solnit wrote :.."The fact that we cannot save everything does not mean we cannot save anything and everything we can save is worth saving." I pray for guidance to be shown what is mine to do and the strength to do it and the humility to rest, know it is enough. (adapted from a prayer by Nadia Bolz-Weber. I draw strength from reading what others are experiencing and doing for self-care - thank you and stay strong! PJ
Such a meaningful comment PJ.. thanks so much for reading and responding. I Too subscribe to Nadia Bolz -Weber,and draw strength from things I find here.
Thanks also for your lovely card and for keeping me in your thoughts ..! 💙
Amen!!
thanks for your wise and wondrous words! mike fink
Many thanks for reading and commenting !
It takes a lot of courage and practice to not go down rabbit holes. Good for you, Karen, for giving us a compassionate way forward!
Thank you Cindy... your recent posts are great. I just restocked your last one 🙂
I think do what one can to help if help is needed and then as you say, let it go.
Helping is as much about self-help in order to have the strength to help others, I'm guessing.
Agreed. Nourishing ourselves these days is what will help us stay sane...
This too shall pass!
Such a timely post - especially after yesterday's most recent freak show which I (regrettably) spent most of the day watching, mostly in disbelief. So thank you for this timely reminder and all that you say here. (And please DO let these things go! You mustn't be so hard on yourself).
Today I made a sticky cranberry gingerbread which made the house smell wonderful and I took my Terrier outside in the garden amidst some swirling snow, so he could frolic like a little Bronco and smile at me as he tore back and forth. I also got up early to be sure I could meditate properly and not just be dialing it in, keep checking my watch, ha! My mind is racing all the time these days.
Next week there are big tariffs coming for we Canadians - and hoping that is ALL that is coming, frankly - so honestly, truthfully, I will admit that I can only maintain this kind of upbeat mood for three days max because the stress is *constant.* It's a kind of terrorism all on its own. It helps me to be here with other likeminded, good people like you, Karen. Great writing! xo
Aww so lovely to get your message, Sue, as always. This one in particular makes me long to just drive up to Canada 🇨🇦 tomorrow to have a piece of your cranberry gingerbread and maybe to never come back to this horrid country. It is a balm to be in touch with you. Maybe someday I will come visit. F*%ck the tariffs , and this government , and the tragic situation we are now in.
I adore your little Bear terrier. I have my Ginger 🐕 who reminds me to find joy in small moments …. Xox
Love it Karen! Let it go!
Especially fuming over the asshole who cut you off in traffic - not worth our energy! HA! I ask myself when I find myself revving over some issue, "Is this going to still bother me in 6 months? If the answer is "yes", than I guess I better try do something, say something. If it's "no", I can safely let it go. 🙂
The 4 Agreements come to mind 1) Be impeccable with your word, 2) Do not take anything personally, 3) Do not make assumptions, and 4) Always do your best. And.. we make mistakes! Sometimes we aren't operating from highest self.. It's not an indictment against our character if we didn't tip right, if we didn't say or domthe right thing. We just notice, let it go and endeavor to be more mindful as we go.... right? ☺️👍🏻
You nailed it, Jody ! 👍
Thank you Karen! I imagine wrapping myself around the people I love and who love me and say, “ There’s so much love around me.”
🧡
🩵 yesssss. 🥰