Isak Dinesen wrote…the reason God made the world round was so we couldn’t see too far ahead.
I’m a person who lives in the day. I learned this lesson in 12 Step ten years ago, practicing it best I can.
Life is filled with unexpected challenges we have no control over. What we do have control of is how we handle them.
The word compartmentalize comes to mind; to divide into sections or categories. In other words, not allowing a problem to dominate one’s whole existence, blocking out the light.
If you complain you remain.
Compare and despair.
If there’s only a problem, then there’s no solution.
There are no victims, just volunteers.
Soundbites you say, bumper stickers. Something you’d find in a fortune cookie. The truth is, these pithy phrases are little jewels hiding in the sand, along with our peace of mind lost the moment trouble heads our way.
I make it a point in conversation to steer it towards a positive spin. Keeping that ball in the air I’ll admit, isn’t easy. I’ll say, tell me something good, and the person in question will look at me like I have two heads.
Good? What’s good?
You’re walking, talking, seeing and hearing, the last I can’t totally claim. You live in the land of the free unlike many who are told what they can or cannot do, and these are just generalities. On a personal level, blessings abound everywhere you look.
I, next to most on paper, have nothing. No husband or children. I haven’t thousands in the bank like some, never feeling it’s enough. I own nothing but pearls and a good watch. If I have 20 bucks in my pocket, food in the fridge with my bills all paid, I’m as content as a cat. Toss in a hot bath and a book, and loneliness doesn’t make it through the front door.
Some call it a monk’s life. I call it, living in the day grateful for what is, staying firmly where your feet are because when all is said and done, the day is truly all we have since, one never knows what’s comin’ round the mountain.
I often wonder what the people who died on September 11th thought about on September 10th.
Were they complaining, whining, spending it unfulfilled concerned about the future?
A humbling thought. Let’s hope they had a light filled last day looking towards the sun.
As for me, I’ll be staying where my feet are breathing in the beauty of this one day.
SB
You are an inspiration! Thank you for positive thoughts to begin my day.
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I think this strain of elegy is due to Easter. I used to participate in the three holy days when I was a practicing Catholic. I still feel its solemnity. Like an old wound.
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At least it’s not festering!
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Nope. It’s all on the table.
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Susannah, I’ll bet you’re more content than many millionaires striving to become billionaires. My Pookie and I are well off now, but we once lived in a small trailer and once in a ratty apartment. We often say that if we lost everything we know from experience we can be happy anywhere on the food chain. Happiness and contentment go hand in hand.
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Such a nice thing to write. Thanks Skinny, as always.
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Wow… Love this. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for writing.
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Always a good reminder to accent the blessings in our lives. Well put.
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Thanks Eilene.
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I’m not a practicing Catholic these days either but Easter always has a specialness about it. I loved the palms on Palm Sunday, the Stations of the Cross, Blessing of the Food, all leading up to Easter Sunday when I got to wear a new outfit. Maybe because it was in spring there was always a new start feel to it without all the burden of Christmas. Life is enjoying the small things. I am attending a funeral on Thursday. It’s the wife of one of my husband’s good friends. We were never close. We just never clicked. Still she’s the same age as me and up until 2 months ago was healthy. Diagnosis and death in 2 months is an eye opener. I must go hug my cats yet again today. Small pleasures.
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I read about her in your Sunday piece. I think we witness this type of eye-opener to use your word, so we do remember to hug our cats. sigh
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It’s a great attitude to have, Susannah. 🙂 As Paul says in Philippians, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Glad I’m able to get back to reading your blog. I’ve missed it.
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And I’ve missed you too. Happy you’re back, you and Paul. 🙂
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Encouraging words. Thank you.
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You often write this way unless it’s Teddy using your name. 🙂
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Wise words! You missed your vocation, Susannah. Feet firmly on the ground, whilst considering the stars. It’s got to be good.
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No, it’s called trial and error. The other way is just to painful.
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“Living in the Day” is a blog keeper. It was perfect for my day yesterday which could have been stressful but for my reading of this blog. I was able to calmly solve a problem and express my gratitude to those who helped. Thank you.
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Keeping it simple seems to be the way to go. It’s like carrying too many parcels. If you put a couple down life is much more manageable. 🙂
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This piece has perfect timing. I might have to put it on a billboard in my living room!!
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Make sure you add lights. You’re too funny.
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