Your comment about us refusing to accept what happens reminds me of a statement I heard recently that really helps me move forward, “whatever happened, happened and couldn’t have happened any other way…because it didn’t.”
Thanks Jack. Every night I say a little thank you prayer, and some of the thanks are standard, from my great friends and family, to the birds and beasts, to the roof over my head.
But I always find other small things to be thankful every day, from a neighbour giving me a piece of deer liver, to the black bear that was foraging across the street from me.
There’s always something. Sometimes, on a not such a great day, you have to search a bit harder for it, at other times, it’s right in front of you, but it’s there. Just take the time to look.
You are so right! I had to stop worrying about all the things I cannot control. I stopped doom scrolling, talking heads turned off for most part. I still stay well informed, but I seek facts and don't listen to the endless breaking news which is typically one event spun 9000 ways. I stopped yelling at the TV
I started to pay attention to my gardens again. I started a new hobby making she'll mirrors (on my 6th one!) I started reading my books again and most importantly, i stopped mentioning Trump continuously. He demands our attention 100% of the time. I give HIS ACTIONS about 5% of my attention. Enough to stay informed on a day to day. I am much happier!
A lot to think about here. Thank you, Jack. I needed this today and should probably reread it everyday.
Before I sleep I count my blessings because right now, though life is difficult in many ways, I know I have so much to be grateful for. Thanks for the reminder.
Beautiful article and oh so true when I read it and look at myself. Reread it 3 times. It’s now printed out and on my frig for daily reading. Love it. Beautiful and yet simple. An article I didn’t realize I even needed. Thanks!!!!
Excellent article!! “Gratitude is simple. Practicing it is not”. So true! Taking our thoughts captive is a discipline whatever the goal. Gratitude, joy, peace, love. If we practice that discipline, we will have taken our thoughts captive. It’s really up to each of us to capture our thoughts for the outcome we want.
Well written Jack, it is something I have tried for years to get someone very close to me to do. It reminds me to value the relationships I have, and seek to make new connections. I really appreciated reading this tonight! It fits into my "make your own miracles" philosophy.
Something to reread each day before I sign off my daily scroll!
#holdfast
Laura
Laura…great idea!
#holdfast
-Jack
Excellent!!!
Thank you, David. Much appreciated.
-Jack
Your comment about us refusing to accept what happens reminds me of a statement I heard recently that really helps me move forward, “whatever happened, happened and couldn’t have happened any other way…because it didn’t.”
Andrew…I love that.
There’s something disarming about how plainly it cuts off the spiral of “but what if”… it just points back to what actually was.
Thank you for sharing it; I’ll be sitting with this one for a while.
-Jack
Thanks Jack. Every night I say a little thank you prayer, and some of the thanks are standard, from my great friends and family, to the birds and beasts, to the roof over my head.
But I always find other small things to be thankful every day, from a neighbour giving me a piece of deer liver, to the black bear that was foraging across the street from me.
There’s always something. Sometimes, on a not such a great day, you have to search a bit harder for it, at other times, it’s right in front of you, but it’s there. Just take the time to look.
You are so right! I had to stop worrying about all the things I cannot control. I stopped doom scrolling, talking heads turned off for most part. I still stay well informed, but I seek facts and don't listen to the endless breaking news which is typically one event spun 9000 ways. I stopped yelling at the TV
I started to pay attention to my gardens again. I started a new hobby making she'll mirrors (on my 6th one!) I started reading my books again and most importantly, i stopped mentioning Trump continuously. He demands our attention 100% of the time. I give HIS ACTIONS about 5% of my attention. Enough to stay informed on a day to day. I am much happier!
Michele…this made my whole day.
Six shell mirrors! The gardens, the books…the TV finally quiet…it sounds like you got your attention back…and that’s no small thing.
I love your 5% rule too: informed enough to know what’s happening… not so much that it runs your life.
“He demands 100%, I give his actions 5%” might be the healthiest sentence I’ve read all week!
Keep going…and send me a photo of mirror number seven.
-Jack
A lot to think about here. Thank you, Jack. I needed this today and should probably reread it everyday.
Before I sleep I count my blessings because right now, though life is difficult in many ways, I know I have so much to be grateful for. Thanks for the reminder.
#Holdfast
~Susan
Beautiful article and oh so true when I read it and look at myself. Reread it 3 times. It’s now printed out and on my frig for daily reading. Love it. Beautiful and yet simple. An article I didn’t realize I even needed. Thanks!!!!
Jack this is the best thing you
have ever written that I have seen. Thank you friend. You will never know how much I needed this today.
Excellent article!! “Gratitude is simple. Practicing it is not”. So true! Taking our thoughts captive is a discipline whatever the goal. Gratitude, joy, peace, love. If we practice that discipline, we will have taken our thoughts captive. It’s really up to each of us to capture our thoughts for the outcome we want.
Well written Jack, it is something I have tried for years to get someone very close to me to do. It reminds me to value the relationships I have, and seek to make new connections. I really appreciated reading this tonight! It fits into my "make your own miracles" philosophy.
#Holdfast
Tks Jack. You’re a well rounded man who keeps our square corners smooth.
You mean doom-scrolling won't make me happy? Dang!