This page is an easy way to find my blog posts that are about life, philosophy, and things that bug me. You know, none of that ranch, pet, and nature stuff.
Emotional Maturity Thoughts
Ooh, scary, I’m back to my deep thoughts again. You can blame my friend Louise, who is always sharing thought-provoking content. Or you can THANK Louise, after you read this! Come to think of it, though, a lot of my “musing” posts (which you can find in the Rants and Ramblings section of this blog) … Continue reading “Emotional Maturity Thoughts”
Let’s Also Stop with the Fat Shaming
Content warning: discusses weight issues, bullying, and put-downs; also mentions diets Oh, let me tell you, I’ve had enough of this one. My fat shaming began at Day 1 of life when everyone apparently laughed and laughed when I drank two bottles of formula (not the modern stuff, either) right after birth. Well, you would … Continue reading “Let’s Also Stop with the Fat Shaming”
Let’s Talk about Disability Talk
As you may be aware, I’m on a big kick to learn about my own unconscious biases, and as a former linguist, I’m very interested in how the language I use reflects these biases. I have already been thinking a lot about issues with and labels for neuroatypical folks, since they apply to many of … Continue reading “Let’s Talk about Disability Talk”
Fascinating Feedback (and Lack Thereof)
Yesterday, I dared to propose that it is a good idea to work on not demonizing “the other side” so much. I keep proposing that, and it’s never very popular, but I’ll keep doing it, because from what I’ve read and experienced, everyone thinks their side makes sense. That, coupled with the fact that most … Continue reading “Fascinating Feedback (and Lack Thereof)”
Celebrating All Wins
Along with Lee and two other business partners, I used to be a part of a real estate organization called FortuneBuilders. While it was an investment, the classes and networking ended up being well worth it. The leaders were a very positive bunch of human beings, and they brought in good motivational speakers and topics … Continue reading “Celebrating All Wins”
Stop and Pause
I came up with a goal today that I truly want to achieve. I want to stop my frenzy at least three times a day, pause, and notice what I’m grateful for wherever I am. Here’s a thing many religious traditions get right. So many ask practitioners to pause to pray, reflect, chant or perform … Continue reading “Stop and Pause”
What if You Don’t Want to Learn?
As a fitting start to Black History Month, I’ve been thinking about all the learning I’ve been doing during the COVID year. Much of it has been about racism, the history of race, and unconscious bias. It’s really opened my eyes about a lot of areas for growth in my attitudes and actions, as well … Continue reading “What if You Don’t Want to Learn?”
Your COVID Precautions Are Perfect for You
Hey, so we’re all living through this pandemic, right? We all listen to our preferred news outlets, discuss it with family and friends, have our own experiences, and then decide how we are going to cope. I know a lot of people, in Cameron and Austin, but also around the world. They sure differ in … Continue reading “Your COVID Precautions Are Perfect for You”
Should I Step Off a Cliff?
Of course, I mean a metaphorical cliff. Something’s been mulling around in my brain for the past few weeks. It would entail a change in what I do in my work, but not leaving my job(s) or anything. They always say to follow your passion, and my passion is not necessarily technical writing. It’s more … Continue reading “Should I Step Off a Cliff?”
Not as Butch as I Am in My Mind
My mental image of myself is some tomboy wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and boots. My actual self keeps wearing a lot of jewelry, growing my nails (not at the moment), and messing with my hair. It’s been so many colors and shapes. But at least I’m now going for a color found in humans. No … Continue reading “Not as Butch as I Am in My Mind”
Not an Easy Time to Be an Empath
Oh no, not another post where someone, specifically Suna, whines about how horrible the past year’s been on those poor pitiful empaths. Not to worry, I, Suna, am also tired of that, especially when I hear it coming from the mouths of some of the least empathic human beings I know. But, who am I … Continue reading “Not an Easy Time to Be an Empath”
Logic vs. Superstition
What with all the deaths and sicknesses going on in my extended community, I’m a little shell shocked. This morning I’m awake, but feeling like a part of me is still asleep, in the two-story hammock I’d been dreaming about before I awoke. I’m usually a fairly rational person, but in my rationality, I know … Continue reading “Logic vs. Superstition”
What the Heck Is This Eggplant Altar?
Have I missed a trend? Am I incredibly out of it? Can someone kindly tell me what is going on here? Answer Below! Y’all, there’s a parade of eggplants around this stump, which, by the way, is in the middle of Walker’s Creek cemetery. What‽ Okay. I know an eggplant emoji is used to symbolize … Continue reading “What the Heck Is This Eggplant Altar?”
Thinking about Dealing with Bullies
Today’s a good day to think about bullies. We’ve been dealing with bullies as a country for a while now, and I’ve had to deal with some of it myself in the past week or two. That’s lead to a lot of introspection on my part about how the way I’ve dealt with bullying in … Continue reading “Thinking about Dealing with Bullies”
500 Things
No, this is not one of those annoying blog posts that lists a certain number of things, where the blogger just looks stuff up and cuts and pastes. Oops that an opinion, not the start of a post. Anyway, 500 always feels like it’s halfway to somewhere, and it’s popping up for me. First, I … Continue reading “500 Things”
A Dark Time. Is Light Coming?
This week, all I’ve heard is that it’s the darkest time for the country where I live, at least since 9/11. I’m not doubting that. It’s probably not been a great idea, but I’ve been reading a lot about how to help people who’ve been deceived by repeated lies, help cult members move on, etc. … Continue reading “A Dark Time. Is Light Coming?”
Imagining What to Say about the News: My Dream
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I woke up this morning to happy news about the United States and its government (from my perspective). I am relieved to see that the way our system has been set up is holding up, at least so far. I fervently hope we can … Continue reading “Imagining What to Say about the News: My Dream”
2021: Keep Slogging
This morning dawned chilly and shiny. The chickens were out running in their pen as usual, and new cows are behind us, enjoying a nice, full pond. I’m drinking New Year’s coffee and plan to read a while before cooking my black-eyed peas, so no photos of any of this. This morning, my friend and … Continue reading “2021: Keep Slogging”
End o’ Year Stats
Last year I went over the most and least popular posts of the year, but I’ll just gather a few statistics today and sum the 2020 blogging up with that. It was, at least, a good blog year. It wasn’t all that exciting, though, because I got halfway through this post last week and never … Continue reading “End o’ Year Stats”
Bring Back the Word of the Year. Enough.
For a few years, I participated in the practice of selecting a word of the year. The idea is to look at the year through the lens of the word you chose. I didn’t do it for a few years, and haven’t since I started this blog. But, through the miracle of figuring out where … Continue reading “Bring Back the Word of the Year. Enough.”
Why Not Resolutionize?
Let’s admit this right off. I stole this idea from a very talented bogger, whose writing I really enjoy. Her blog also has a beautiful design, so check out this post on the Zowiezoe blog. Zoe (how come it’s so much easier to find an umlaut on the phone than on my dang keyboard?) shared … Continue reading “Why Not Resolutionize?”
Rejoice, Yes, Now
This morning, I started the day out doing a presentation highlighting the work our Agile team has done in the past two weeks (the usual presenter is already off for the holidays, so I was the stand-in. I had on professional-looking clothing and got to enjoy looking at my little holiday decorations in what passes … Continue reading “Rejoice, Yes, Now”
I Feel Pretty – Why Not?
Lately I’ve been enjoying photos of some friends who are my age. For example, Kathy, who I know from high school, has been sharing a sweater she knitted every day this month, and it’s been so fun to see what she’s made, and I’ve envied that she lives in Colorado now and actually gets to … Continue reading “I Feel Pretty – Why Not?”
MLMs, Small Businesses, Pyramid Schemes, and Me
A few days ago, my blogger friend V wrote up her opinions of multi-level marketing companies (MLMs). I thought she made some great points, and her viewpoint helped me solidify my own thinking about these businesses. I also read the many comments on her post (how do you get people to comment? I have no … Continue reading “MLMs, Small Businesses, Pyramid Schemes, and Me”
When Is a Conspiracy Theory Not a Theory?
You may have read my post earlier in the week, about what to do as we move forward. In it, I talked about an article I’d read about some of the less credible conspiracy theories that are going on around the world right now. In response, my friend Marian asked me: “Your blog brings up … Continue reading “When Is a Conspiracy Theory Not a Theory?”
Moving Forward
First, thanks for your interest in my stories about my past adventures. I expected to get about twelve people to read yesterday’s post, not the actual number! It’s a Blogmas miracle! This makes me think that I may want to write up some memories every week or so. First I have to go plow through … Continue reading “Moving Forward”
Twelve Years Ago Today
Twelve years ago today was a day much like today, although a little warmer. It was cloudy and a bit gloomy. I was, as usual, a little bit stressed. But much of it was GOOD stress, because I was looking forward to the wedding of my (quirky) dreams to the quirky man of my dreams, … Continue reading “Twelve Years Ago Today”
Positive Unconscious Bias?
I got so involved with writing my previous post that I forgot to make one of my points. While thinking of types of people I might be biased against, I became very aware of some ways in which my subconscious biases me toward some people. While out on a walk with Anita and Pickle, I … Continue reading “Positive Unconscious Bias?”
Who Has Unconscious Bias?
The short answer to that question is: all of us. Bias is normal for humans, and there’s no way to eliminate it; it’s part of being human. There are, by the way, both positive and negative biases (we are biased toward the kinds of people who most resemble you or share your beliefs, while people … Continue reading “Who Has Unconscious Bias?”
Controversy? I Prefer Autumn Decorations in Autumn
Let’s talk about something less serious for once. To start of, I’m happy to say that the meal Anita and I created for ourselves yesterday was quite nice. I made a very moist and yummy turkey and am looking forward to a sandwich for lunch. I spent many hours turning the carcass into broth that … Continue reading “Controversy? I Prefer Autumn Decorations in Autumn”
I’m Not Sick, Just Tired, But I MUST Be Supportive!
Please let me first apologize for making my discomfort with plane travel over the weekend appear like I think I am sick. I have no symptoms of COVID-19, and have been taking my temperature. Still just fine, as far as I can tell. I was just really uncomfortable being around so many people in the … Continue reading “I’m Not Sick, Just Tired, But I MUST Be Supportive!”
Missing the Ranch and Keeping My Spirits Up
It’s really weird to have not been at the ranch the entire month of November, especially since that’s usually a great month to be there (good weather, frisky pets, lots of time for walking). It didn’t help at all that I spent a good bit of time wandering around the area on Google Maps trying … Continue reading “Missing the Ranch and Keeping My Spirits Up”
Do You Have a Label You Just Don’t Like?
For the past few days, I’ve been noticing that I cringe when I hear certain words used to label people or things in conversation, on social media, or on television. Some of these are words I know bother other people (like “gypsy,” for personal and business names that the Romani/Romanichal folks would not be fond … Continue reading “Do You Have a Label You Just Don’t Like?”
Feeling Lighter?
I’m talking about mentally lighter, here. True fact is that I have been feeling much lighter while I’m on my sojourn in the mountains. I have finally given myself space to breathe and permission to do nothing I “should” be doing for a few weeks. I’ve been able to read, knit, watch silly television movies … Continue reading “Feeling Lighter?”
With Friends Anything Is Fun
Today is Anita’s last day with me in Utah. I just have to say it’s been great. One of the best things about hanging out with your long-time friends is that you can enjoy yourselves without doing much at all. We did a lot of nothing this week. We did have a lot of fun, … Continue reading “With Friends Anything Is Fun”
Yes. Exercise in the Cold Is Fun. So Is Personal Growth.
Where did the real Suna go? I’ve been thoroughly enjoying getting lots and lots of exercise since it got cold way up here in the mountains. Like, I volunteer to climb up snowy hills. I pant a bit and go higher. I stand around and think about going even higher or driving to a better … Continue reading “Yes. Exercise in the Cold Is Fun. So Is Personal Growth.”
Do We Have to Hide from Each Other?
I realize I keep coming back to this topic, but I’m really concerned. While there have always been different points of view, different “teams” that we’re on, and strong feelings about them (this morning I was thinking about Tudor England and the religious issue), I never have seen that these divisions have helped societies move … Continue reading “Do We Have to Hide from Each Other?”
No One Can Take a Joke These Days: The Dark Ages Beckon
Starting to wonder here, have we all turned into assholes? It used to be that humor was the tool used in times of stress to break the tension. Nowadays, any time I, or any of my other friends who hasn’t deleted every person who votes for the “other” US party, simply can’t make jokes. There’s … Continue reading “No One Can Take a Joke These Days: The Dark Ages Beckon”
Why I Care about Blacks, Gays, and Others Not Like Me
Like the rest of the world, I have been watching events unfold after the US election. One thing I have seen over and over is people lamenting, “How could so many people have voted for the other side?” And ooh, are they serious, as I found out when I tried to post something funny that … Continue reading “Why I Care about Blacks, Gays, and Others Not Like Me”
No Advice from Me
I woke up this morning and the world was still here. I still had work to do. The sun was shining, and the moon was still up. As I read my daily email updates, checked out social media, and finally decided to listen to some news, I began to read and hear lots and lots … Continue reading “No Advice from Me”
Asking Questions to Build Community?
Lately I’ve varied the kinds of things I put on social media. Sometimes I share a thoughtful meme, sometimes I talk about how I’m feeling, sometimes I share a blog post, and other times I do a check-in, where I ask people a question. By far the most engaging posts are ones that ask questions. … Continue reading “Asking Questions to Build Community?”
Scary, but Not the Halloween Kind, the Political Kind
If I hadn’t put out decorations in my houses, I wouldn’t remember that Halloween is in a few days. All that fun spookiness and pretending to be scared has fallen by the wayside in my circles. Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY seems to have real fears right now. It doesn’t matter who you are or … Continue reading “Scary, but Not the Halloween Kind, the Political Kind”
Doing My Duty (as tumbleweeds continue to roll)
Yippee, I managed to vote today, at last. I’m registered in Austin, so I had to wait until I was there to do it. It’s the final week of early voting here in Texas, which means the anxious people already voted, and the last-minute people haven’t decided it’s the last minute yet. The process was … Continue reading “Doing My Duty (as tumbleweeds continue to roll)”
Roll with the Changes (like a tumbleweed)
True fact: every time you figure out a way to lessen one type of stress, another one comes up. Ha ha, life, you are SO FUNNY! I had gotten a handle on some of my worries about the greater angst in the planet, which has helped me see our political stuff a different way (thanks … Continue reading “Roll with the Changes (like a tumbleweed)”
Second Most Hated
I spent most of last night trying to figure out why my post from yesterday got so many hits it blew my stats out. Did someone love reading about putting one dream aside to focus on another? Of course not. Someone was upset about something peripheral. But thanks! All those hater-inspired hits make my SEO … Continue reading “Second Most Hated”
Seeking Comfort and Seeing Red
This morning I’ve been thinking so hard about what the families of my friends and acquaintances are going through, losing loved ones and dealing with the COVID-19 thing in their families. You can’t rally around people as easily as you normally would in situations like this. And you know these people could use some comfort, … Continue reading “Seeking Comfort and Seeing Red”
Reach Out to Someone Right Now
Hard day. Two woman I admired very much passed away within 24 hours of each other. Both from breast cancer complications, to simplify things. I’m glad they each had so many friends who treasured them. We have so many shared memories. I can’t tell you to go out and hug your friends. That’s because COVID … Continue reading “Reach Out to Someone Right Now”
I’m Becoming Irritating
Maybe it’s irritating; maybe it’s righteously indignant; maybe it’s newly awakened evangelism. Whatever it is, I can’t stop talking to all my friends about the Caste book I just read. I keep retelling the parts about the lynching postcards, Hitler’s use of the US as a model in how to de-humanize Jews, and the clear … Continue reading “I’m Becoming Irritating”
Being Sensitive Is NORMAL
Are you often told that you’re too sensitive? Do you get told to “just ignore” bullies and passive-aggressive people? Do you have trouble accepting criticism unless it’s kindly presented? Do you have a LONG list of books, movies, and television shows you can’t watch, because they upset you? If so, you may be a highly … Continue reading “Being Sensitive Is NORMAL”
Books I Will Never Read Again
Are there any books, movies, or other media that you made it through once but just NEVER want to go through again? Last night my sister asked me about the handmaid costume she saw somewhere. I told her about The Handmaid’s Tale book, and that it had been made into a series. I read the … Continue reading “Books I Will Never Read Again”
That Sneaky Mass Media
Lately “the media” gets a lot of flak for trying to push its subversive agenda onto all of us innocent consumers of information. I have no argument with those claims, but I don’t necessarily see it as bad. I know that the television I watched, the books I read, and the magazines I looked at … Continue reading “That Sneaky Mass Media”
Historical Naivete
Riding along through the Texas countryside, I saw lots and lots of political flags, signs, and such. It reminded me of how divided this country is today. I began to reflect on the books I’ve been reading lately, most of which touch on the history of this country, and how there’s always been a lot … Continue reading “Historical Naivete”
Everyone Says I Was Happy
I guess the family isn’t used to me really, really enjoying myself. But I did this weekend. I didn’t have to worry about work issues, people issues, or world issues. I just hung out with nature and relaxed. I recommend that. I’m a taxonomists at heart. I like labeling things. That’s why I feel such … Continue reading “Everyone Says I Was Happy”
Can We Counteract the Negativity?
While I do spend a lot of time on Facebook and Instagram, they aren’t my only source of information. I see so much negativity everywhere these days that it gets exhausting. And I get it: there’s a lot to be negative about, and lots of it’s legit! But, I’m wondering if maybe, just maybe, we … Continue reading “Can We Counteract the Negativity?”
Solemn Lessons from RGB
This morning, I left around 8 am to go back to the Cameron office. While I was driving through early-autumn fog, NPR played the ceremony around taking Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg to lie in state in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. I’ve been listening to, watching, and reading tributes to her all week, since … Continue reading “Solemn Lessons from RGB”
Nightmare Time
Hmm, since I decided to just flow along with all the disasters and challenges of our times, my subconscious has been staging a rebellion in the form of really bad dreams and insomnia. These are things that I’m lucky enough to not suffer from, normally. I had a dream so scary about my mother disappearing … Continue reading “Nightmare Time”
It’s Always Something
People my age will remember early Saturday Night Live shows with Gilda Radner playing the irascible Roseanne Rosannadanna (not Emily Litella, as I said in my first draft). She’d end her confused monologues with the memorable phrase, “It’s always something.” She was absolutely right, once you start thinking about things. Right now a lot of … Continue reading “It’s Always Something”
Assuming Good Intentions in a Divisive World
One of the guiding principles of my life is to assume that people have good intentions in what they do and say. That means that people are doing the best the can with what they know, and given their life experiences/culture. I’ve found that doing this allows me to easily straighten out misunderstandings, to listen … Continue reading “Assuming Good Intentions in a Divisive World”
Not All Doom and Gloom
Yesterday I was talking to my therapist (a thing I do, because I think it’s good for you). I started describing all the things that are making this a rather stressful time. I went on and on. I ended up with quite a hefty list of things that combine to make me, perhaps, not at … Continue reading “Not All Doom and Gloom”
Time Is on My Side, ‘Cause I Have Clocks
I really like to know what time it is. I was monitoring myself in the background today and realized how often I check the time. In fact, I almost panicked when the time wasn’t on my arm during a meeting, when I couldn’t see the time on the computer screen. My watch was charging. The … Continue reading “Time Is on My Side, ‘Cause I Have Clocks”
You Know You’re Feeling Overwhelmed When…
I admit it. I am overwhelmed. I hit my wall and it hurt. Actually, what hurts appears to be a sinus infection on the left side of my head. I hope I can nip it in the bud without antibiotics, since I am not fond of those. But yeah, yesterday, as things kept coming in … Continue reading “You Know You’re Feeling Overwhelmed When…”
I Got Nothing of Substance
Well, here I am. It’s my designated blogging opportunity, and honest. Nothing to say. But my goal is to write every day, so I’ll write. What’s up with me? I’m in Austin, enjoying a Flash Flood Warning, listening to Anita watch Facebook (people who live alone talk to a lot of inanimate objects and pets, … Continue reading “I Got Nothing of Substance”
Labor Day Musings
Yep, it’s Labor Day here in the good ole USA, where we honor the working people who contribute so much, by giving them a day of rest. Well, we honor SOME of them, anyway. I have the day off at my “white-collar” full-time managerial position in a software company, where I get 3 weeks of … Continue reading “Labor Day Musings”
Who Are Your “Friends,” I Wonder?
I probably mean who are MY friends. I’m not talking about my inner circle of friends and family, which is a small number, like with most people. I mean the larger group of folks I care about, respect, and am interested in hearing from. Thanks to my career on the internet, I know and have … Continue reading “Who Are Your “Friends,” I Wonder?”
Sure, There’s Fun in There, Somewhere
The last few days have not been in the realm of “fun” for me, for the most part. Just because I CAN do things doesn’t mean they aren’t stressful and tiring. I knew I had to change my team and work in a different way than before, so I did, but between actually doing it, … Continue reading “Sure, There’s Fun in There, Somewhere”
The Wonder of Babies
Maybe you know this, and maybe you don’t, but back in the early days of the internet, I was a semi-famous web designer, specializing in sites for people working with breastfeeding mothers and babies. Now, THAT was a career I never would have foreseen (besides not knowing there would BE a World Wide Web, I … Continue reading “The Wonder of Babies”
Testing Our Resilience
Last night I read a good article in the current Psychology Today about resilience (this link is to their article defining resilience). Since the current issue doesn’t appear in the archives (lucky me, for being a subscriber), I can’t link you to it, but I will as soon as it’s available. But I can summarize … Continue reading “Testing Our Resilience”
What I’m NOT Doing between Now and November
Lately, a lot of my friends and other contacts have been publicly inviting people who disagree with their choice of candidates, platforms, or political parties to “unfriend me now!” I can empathize with what prompts such declarations. You get tired of being called ignorant, or sheep, or whatever, by people you thought cared for you, … Continue reading “What I’m NOT Doing between Now and November”
My Brain-o-meter Is Reading FULL
Usually, I enjoy taking a blogging break each day, because it gives me a chance to stop thinking about work and stuff, and instead focus on fun or fascinating (to me) things. This week, my mind has been so full of other things that there’s just no room for fun. Well, maybe there’s a LITTLE … Continue reading “My Brain-o-meter Is Reading FULL”
Times Are Still A-Changing
Like I talked about earlier in the week, I need time to process change. Sometimes, though, you just don’t get that luxury. This is one of those times. Yesterday, that one hour when I wasn’t in meetings wasn’t enough time to process, because then I was busy trying to get all the other work I … Continue reading “Times Are Still A-Changing”
Fun or Else
Starting today, I’m gonna have fun all day long OR ELSE. That means, even at work! So what if I had Zoom meetings at 10,11,12,1,3, and 4 today? Fun times shall occur at 2 pm. It’s 2:30. I’m blogging. Thankfully, I consider blogging fun. To start that fun off right, I made myself Zoom backgrounds … Continue reading “Fun or Else”
Accepting Change Is Not My Best Skill
Let’s see. What I’m trying to say here is that I have a hard time maintaining a poker face when my world takes a sudden shift, and I have an equally hard time rapidly processing sudden changes when I’m told about them. This isn’t a problem if I’m reading about something, all alone in my … Continue reading “Accepting Change Is Not My Best Skill”
I Misunderstand Commitments
Sometimes, when you’re walking on a hot day and trying to ignore the pain in your legs from climbing hills (you can tell I was in Austin), you get a sudden insight into how communication works and doesn’t work, and your life suddenly becomes better. Well, it happened at least once, and that was yesterday. … Continue reading “I Misunderstand Commitments”
Mask Etiquette Dilemma
I bit the bullet and got my hair cut today. The place I go made a lot of changes for safety, like a whole bunch of plexiglass, so I wasn’t too worried about going. I waited in my car until I was called in, then went over to the stylist’s station. I stated that I … Continue reading “Mask Etiquette Dilemma”
The Joy of Typos
This morning, Lee was reading over my recent posts, and he spotted a couple of typos. While I was fixing one, I found another. It’s great to have another set of eyes to look over things for you. One of the errors was pretty funny, in which I called Lee’s brother, Jim, his father. He’s … Continue reading “The Joy of Typos”
What Are You Trying to Say?
Sometimes I’m really grateful for blog comments, because they can get me thinking about things that are important to me. Recently, a comment was shared by Edith on my May 6 Toxic Negativity post. In addition to some lovely personal sharing, she made this point: I’d be interested to hear more about what you get … Continue reading “What Are You Trying to Say?”
Nontoxic Equanimity
Having written posts on toxic negativity and positivity in the past, I was really happy to hear the last part of an NPR presentation on toxic positivity this morning. I wanted to hear it, so I searched and couldn’t find it. I was bummed, because I liked the fact that the therapist being interviewed talked … Continue reading “Nontoxic Equanimity”
The Dreaded Negativity Spiral
In her newsletter today, Nataly Kogan of Happier Now, shared this tidbit that spoke to me: Here’s the question I ask myself that helps me to immediately pause my negative thought spiral when I get caught in one: Is this way of thinking helpful? The answer is always no. Every single time. It’s amazing how simple … Continue reading “The Dreaded Negativity Spiral”
Happiness Is New Life
As I was reading my morning news/opinion pieces, I was reminded by the Rev. Jim Rigby that it’s important to remember that there’s good stuff going on today. Go to his Facebook page to see his ten reasons to be grateful today. What struck me was this: What a shame it would be if we … Continue reading “Happiness Is New Life”
Zoom Zoom
Are you tired of people going on and on about their online meetings? Me, too, but I still have things to say about it. In the past few days I’ve had a number of talks with friends and colleagues (mostly on Zoom) about how the pandemic and issues around it have changed their interactions with … Continue reading “Zoom Zoom”
Balancing Your Dreams with Their Dreams
Yow, there are a lot of ways today’s post can go, because I’ve been busy trying to come up with ways to be safe, treat others well, meet my own needs, and meet the needs of others. That’s a lot, combined with concerns about work and world events. But, most of us are in the … Continue reading “Balancing Your Dreams with Their Dreams”
Lessons from Mom. Thoughts from Me.
Today I am babbling about freedom, rights and responsibilities from a personal perspective. I’m 62 years and 4 months old. That’s the age my mother died. It took her a long time to do it, but she finally left her world of pain. She died of lung cancer (spread all around), caused by a lifetime … Continue reading “Lessons from Mom. Thoughts from Me.”
Feeling Centered: An Elusive Goal
The last few weeks, I really felt like I’d lost my center. That’s one reason, I think, that I was letting things other people did or said affect me more than usual. Deep down, I wasn’t coming from my customary perspective of acceptance of my own worth, dignity, and humanity. I’d lost sight of my … Continue reading “Feeling Centered: An Elusive Goal”
What Have You Made Better?
One thing you can always count on me and my spouse, Lee, for is that we are looking to do better in the world, do better for each other, and do better for ourselves. Lately, Lee has been listening to dozens and dozens of podcasts, and is especially fond of the Daily Stoic. It applies … Continue reading “What Have You Made Better?”
I Get to…
Lee has been talking about how he’s reframing sentences that start with, “I’ve got to…” with the alternative of, “I get to.” sometimes a simple change like that works! I’m trying it right now! Earlier I’d asked Lee if he wanted to pick me up some lunch, and join me, since I didn’t see anything … Continue reading “I Get to…”
We’re Doing the Best We Can!
In my recent post about core values, I mentioned the guiding principles I try to live by: Treat others how you’d like to be treated Assume good intentions Love yourself They go along with the core values I figured out that drive me: kindness and making a difference. It’s important to revisit your intentions, because … Continue reading “We’re Doing the Best We Can!”
My Poor Nails!
Just a quick funny story (to me). Historical background: I bit my nails until I was 14. Nothing could stop me; I was an anxious child, and this was one of my soothing behaviors. I really had me some ugly hands. But, a week before high school started, I got it in my head that … Continue reading “My Poor Nails!”
What Are Your Core Values?
You just get to pick TWO! I’ve been reading Dare to Lead, a book by my favorite self-help author, Brené Brown (it’s the book I reviewed the horrible workbook for back in March). It was my suggestion for our work book club at Planview. What’s annoying is that I keep leaving the book in Austin, … Continue reading “What Are Your Core Values?”
Asking for Input in Troubled Times
While I do try to remain upbeat, some days are easier than other. And the daily grind is challenging. I don’t know anyone who disagrees with that right now! Every day I hear grim statistics about COVID-19. Every day I read about people who “don’t believe in” the virus. Every day I see people scurrying … Continue reading “Asking for Input in Troubled Times”
Getting Over Things
[Edited to be calmer, July 2020.] I learned a thing from screwing up yesterday. One is that the alleged thing I did wrong wasn’t what bothered me. I’m over that, and have apologized and moved on. What aggravates me is that people didn’t let me know there was an issue; rather they told my family … Continue reading “Getting Over Things”
Screwing Up
It happens. Happened to me. I was trying to be a good friend, but didn’t use good judgment. Did it go unnoticed? Nothing goes unnoticed today, and by the end of the day, numerous people had reported to my spouse that I had made a mistake. Small town living at its finest. That kind of … Continue reading “Screwing Up”
Quick Enneagram Update
As I talked about recently, I have been looking into the Enneagram to see what insights it could give me into how I could function better as a person and interact with others. Two of the types came close to describing me, 2 (helper) and 9 (peacemaker). I eventually decided I was a 9 after … Continue reading “Quick Enneagram Update”
Can You Learn to Be Positive during a Pandemic?
Some people say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and I am definitely an old[er]…person. I’ve always thought of myself as a realist, in that I see the beauty and good in the world, but I don’t deny the sadness, sorrow, injustice and pain that’s around me, either. Life is suffering, after all, … Continue reading “Can You Learn to Be Positive during a Pandemic?”
Anxiety, You Are My Weird Friend
Goodness knows, we are living in unprecedented times of stress. But, they are also times of opportunity for positive change. I’ve actually been feeling encouraged by some events in the past week or two. Even my most pessimistic coworker had to grudgingly admit that that there ARE positive trends (though he stuck firmly to his … Continue reading “Anxiety, You Are My Weird Friend”
Are We OK? Okay? Heading Down a Path to Okay-hood
It’s fascinating when things happen in different parts of your life that coalesce into one collection of insights. Right now it’s been “okay-hood” and how to cope when advice overwhelms me. One area in which this happens for me is the issues I’d been having with Apache and his sudden backsliding in behavior. I’ve appreciated … Continue reading “Are We OK? Okay? Heading Down a Path to Okay-hood”
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t
Subititle: ME ME ME ME ME but not ME Yeesh. Thing number one is that I am acutely aware that the deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement is not all about me and my problems with it. So skip that lecture; I already read it here. I want to say I’m … Continue reading “Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t”
Brave Suna, Part 2B: Public Bravery
Since we’ve added a very appropriate new focus of concern for the people of the country where I live, I’ve found it harder and harder to concentrate and more and more difficult to see the positive in things. This is the other area where I need to be brave. Let’s hope the horse stuff helps … Continue reading “Brave Suna, Part 2B: Public Bravery”
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