I'm intrigued with long-term couples who seem to be truly happy and in love with each other.
In a society where half of the marriages fail, and the majority of the remaining half don't seem happy, I want to learn about the ones that seem truly happy. What are the ingredients that make this possible? Everyone gets married with the hope of the happily ever after, but so many of us fail in that (myself included). Thus, in the effort of fixing what is broken, I want to learn about what makes it work in those successful relationships.
By all means, I am not an expert in anything. This is merely my attempt at understanding and bettering my human experience.
Today's blog is about Maggie and Jake. They preferred for me to write an anonymous blog and as such, those are not their real names.
Maggie is larger than life. She comes from a loving, Irish Catholic family where her father, grandfather, and uncles were all in the police department. She recently retired from an impressive career in Sales. I say it is impressive, because so many of her customers truly love her. She is close with many of them, such that she has been invited to their homes and children's weddings. In fact, when she retired, one of her accounts flew her and her husband out to them for a nice dinner and weekend. It is just who she is. She always has a wonderful, positive attitude and is a very friendly person to everyone. There is not a negative bone in her body. She is chill and doesn't get worked up over many things. She encourages those around her. There is no such things as business setbacks for her since she is able to find a way around the majority of obstacles set before her. I truly enjoyed working with Maggie, as she is a mentor to me both professionally and personally, with her optimistic spirit.
Part of me thinks the key to a successful relationship lies in having at least one partner who is the chill one; one that not merely tolerates but that actually enjoys the antics of the more uptight or wild partner. This is how I see Maggie and Jake's relationship. Jake has been retired for a few years. And whenever Maggie talks about Jake, she says how lucky she is to have him. They have been together 30 years. They met through work. Maggie was a Sales Person who made routine calls at this business and Jake would make service calls at this business. Jake would find out when Maggie's visits were and would schedule his for the same time. They were engaged one year after they met; however I was so surprised to learn that they didn't get married until 18 years later! I asked what finally made her do it after all those years. She said: "He said my shelf life was expiring." They eloped on a beach since they didn't want to deal with the multitude of family and friends who would have wanted to have a say in the big event.
Jake is a truly wild and carefree spirit. In retirement, he has many weekly get-togethers, such as lunches with two different groups of retirees, shopping trips with a childhood friend, band practice in which he plays the accordion. Here are a handful of events that truly describe his essence:
1. He was the Master of Ceremonies at his 50th high school reunion. He spoke over an hour to laughter and applause.
2. Him and the lunch gang (4 men) saw an advertisement for $99 flights to Iceland, so the 4 immediately booked a 10 day trip and then informed their unsuspecting wives! (What is even more amazing to me is that all 4 wives were fine with this little impromptu trip to Iceland!).
3. One day he headed out to buy flowers and planters and instead came home with a $1600 stainless steel canoe (which you better believe they used!).
4. He bought a custom size king bed (larger than a California King!), to which she had to order custom bedding as well as a step stool. The ironic story here is that he sleeps right against her, so over half of the bed is empty!
She just laughs at his antics and says she is the luckiest woman in the world. After she tells me a story about one of his crazy adventures, she simply laughs and says she adores him. "He's so cute. Why would I get mad?" (Let's just say that I would not have the same reaction were I in her shoes.) Perhaps that's the answer to a happy and long lasting marriage: Appreciation and Acceptance. Perfectionism and control issues are the opposite of appreciation and acceptance. Isn't that the true meaning of love, to truly appreciate and accept an individual, wholly for who they are?
Maggie and Jake have such a true love for life and each other. They are constantly having friends and family over and fly out of state on a regular basis to their daughter's house. Maggie told me one day this last fall that they went to the afternoon football game downtown with 2 couples, then had dinner downtown and then met 3 other couples for the evening baseball game. They are amazing socialites with a true Joie de Vivre!
I keep telling Maggie that her and Jake should routinely write about their escapades, for they truly are hilarious; however, they are too busy to do it.
Love truly is what makes the world go round.
Live in Love,
SG
Motivational Moment:
Today's Moment is one of my Life’s Little LaughablesTM:
I have a friend at work who is always very encouraging to me. The other day we were walking down the hallway together and he asked how I was doing. I said I had a lot going on. He said: "I'm not worried. I know you can handle it." His encouraging words brought a smile to my face. I said: "You just made my heart swell." His immediate response: "We're Happy Swellers. Instead of Happy Fellers, we're Happy Swellers! You make my heart swell all the time!"
Wishing you all moments of giving and getting "Heart-Swelling" throughout your day!
Hugs,
SG
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Monday, October 9, 2017
Love Is The Answer
I haven't written in a long time because, well, my life has been crazy for the last two years. However, I feel it is a good sign that I am once again motivated to write my meanderings. (And a shout out to my Tina girl who is such an awesome supporter of my writing. Thank you my friend!)
After several years of surviving a life transition (aka divorce) I feel like I am finally over the devastation (most of it self-induced due to over-thinking and being too hard on myself) and on my way to enjoying some of the best years of my life as I learn to love and accept me for who I am.
I am a sensitive soul. I have anxiety and panic. I over-think and over-analyze and I worry too much. And while some day I may delve into writing about those topics or about my journey the last few years, today's post is about positivity, particularly because of all the negative world events transpiring. As human beings, it is not healthy for us to solely concentrate on - or glorify - or magnify the horror (this does not mean we don't take needed action, it just means we focus on what is good particularly in difficult times, as that is what helps us survive). We need to live each day as peacefully and happily as we can. Life is short. It goes by fast. We do not know what day will be our last. So we need to love. We need to love one another and love ourselves. We need to realize that everyone is a human being ... born into this world through no choosing of our own ... and we all need love to survive. Love truly makes the world go round. Love motivates, encourages, and heals. It makes our happy days brighter and our difficult days do-able.
The upside of being a sensitive soul, is that I am very touched by love and beauty. Lately, I have seen so much love around me and I am humbled by it. And have you ever noticed that when you think about a particular subject, you happen to notice it so much more? Such a cool phenomenon.
It melts my heart when I hear about friends who are wonderfully giving and loving to their family and friends. I am lucky to work with some of these beautiful people. One friend is 65 and offers much emotional and financial support to her daughter and grandchildren. Another friend sat up all night with her adult daughter when she was devastated over bad news. This friend also opens her house to anyone that needs it and always offers to help people. She is self-less and kind. Another friend helps her husband out with his own business after she finishes her full time job. She also makes her grandkids whatever they want for their birthday dinner, no matter how extravagant. These ladies are calm and loving and truly beautiful souls. It is a pleasure working with them and knowing them.
My heart is also touched when I see random acts of kindness from strangers, and this can be as simple as someone holding a door for a stranger or helping them pick up something they dropped or a kind smile or encouraging word. I love hearing the stories of strangers who pick up the bill for the person behind them in fast food drive-throughs or at restaurants.
Even on social media, there are outpourings of love for strangers, as witnessed during tragedies. On a large scale, we see thousands of people donating food and money for hurricane victims; on a small scale, we see individuals supporting other individuals. I have recently started following many people on Instagram who have anxiety and panic, and the inner circle of beauty and support that is shared amongst this group of strangers is inspiring and uplifting.
In Closing, I have often said that a dream job of mine would be to interview and write about loving relationships that last through the years and that truly shine with their love. I'm intrigued with these couples and how they manage to last for decades. There are so many failed marriages, whether they actually end in divorce, or they stay married but one or both parties are miserable (which I also consider a failed marriage). In the U.S., 1 out or 2 marriages end in divorce and subsequent marriages have even higher divorce rates. And if 50% end in divorce, I would say more than half of that remaining 50% are not happy. What are we doing wrong as a society that so many of us fail in marriages? Is it how we are raised? Is it the fairy tales? Is it selfishness? The fact that it is so widespread, tells me it is a society-wide issue (at least in the United States). It is the sensitive soul in me that is bothered by this. When two people get married, they are so in love and hopeful for their happily ever after. Where and why does it go wrong for so many?
People always say don't put off doing what you enjoy; you need to do it now and enjoy living. Carpe diem! I am hoping to write about relationships that are truly successful (and by successful - I distinctly mean in which both partners are happy and satisfied with their partner and their relationship). My next blog is going to be about a co-worker who truly has a relationship that works well and is full of love.
A Lover of Love,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Today's moment is a celebration of the start of Fall. Fall is such a beautiful season with all of the leaves changing. It is also a great time to enjoy bonfires and roasted marshmallows.
Wishing you beautiful days where you get to enjoy some much needed peace and relaxation.
Hugs,
SG
Sunday, April 2, 2017
I'm All Things Chicken
A co-worker and I were having a conversation the other day about what we liked eating for dinner. She said that she loved steak and I immediately responded: "I'm all things chicken!".
This statement immediately made me laugh as I realized just how deeply true it is, not only in referring to my dietary preferences, but also in referring to who I am (and have been my entire life).
Being All Things Chicken
For my entire life, I have been a very accomplished worrier. I developed panic attacks and anxiety when I was 20, but even as a young girl in elementary school, I remember not being able to sleep over a friend's house because I was too afraid to be away from home. I am sure that there are many things that made me this way - from a genetic predisposition from both my maternal and paternal sides of the family - to the fact that my alcoholic father passed away when I was 4 years old and the chaotic life that is my mom. The purpose of this blog entry wasn't intended to dive into the many possible reasons as to how I became who I am (although I welcome all philosophical discussion as to what makes us who we are as adults), it was inspired by that spontaneous comment about dinner that just so happens to also describe me.
I am coming off of a pretty rough month due to my mom being hospitalized for a week with a bad leg infection and at the same time I also came down with a cold. And because when it rains it pours, my asthma-prone daughter then developed a fever that lasted 5 days and was pretty rough. I was exhausted and worried and stressed. And then (not surprisingly) I had an emotional outburst with my boss (and no - I wasn't sobbing, I was defending what a stellar employee I am 😏 during a conversation about seminar travel, of all things), which did not go over well whatsoever. (He was not to be disrespected like that, as he let me know the following week.) Blah, Blah, Blah, I digress.
The Dark Days of Divorce
I always thought that I was a pretty intelligent person, a quick learner per se ... however, my emotions were very slow to the table with adapting to life after divorce. (I know that I am not the quickest to adapt to change, but usually I bounce back a lot faster than a year!) I think it's the perfectionist in me. I hate that I am not the perfect mom for my girls. I hate that my failed marriage can negatively affect their current lives as well as their adult lives. I hate that I continue to worry about this and feel sad about this. I know that no one is perfect and that we all do the best we can in life. No matter who you are in this world, you are human and as such you are not perfect. You will have happy days and sad days, healthy days and sick days, days full of love and days full of sorrow. I realize that I am not saying anything that is an eye-opening breakthrough, but I am finding it cathartic to write it. I tend to get stuck in my head with my thoughts/worries and talking with someone, or writing, helps me push through the thoughts rather than letting them circle in my mind.
When you get divorced, they tell you that the current statistic for failed marriages is 50%. One out of two marriages end in divorce and that percentage is even higher for subsequent marriages. Depressing statistics. And it seems to me like the majority of that remaining 50% are not happy and shouldn't be married. Why is it that so many of us fail at the institution of marriage? How do we lose our way? Do we all have too high of expectations of our significant other or of marriage itself? Do we get lost in the busy day-to-day of raising children and working? Everyone enters into marriage with the hope and love for happily ever after, 'til death do us part; so why do so many fail? Why are so many miserable? When I see truly well-matched and successful marriages, I want to delve into why and how it worked for them. It does seem that there is always one partner in those happy-appearing marriages that are very calm and patient or at the very least are able to indulge the other.
To anyone else going through a divorce right now, or who are in the first year or two after a divorce, my advice is to be patient with your life process. Some days all you can do is survive - and that is an accomplishment. Time does heal wounds; the passing of time helps mental as well as physical wounds. Hang in there. Envision the Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Besides time helping you heal, there are some awesome people that shine during your dark days. A little shout out to just a few of the beautiful souls in my life during this difficult transition: My Tina-girl who is always so positive, supportive, and calm about life and has such good, sane advice. Trace - for your almost daily support getting me through the lows and the worry and the panic. Little Red - for being on an amazingly similar journey at the moment; I enjoy riding the roller coaster with you. And to CC, who I am not sure how I would have survived the last year without your calm, loving support and sense of humor.
My advice to anyone currently in a dark place: reach out to those lifelines that are offered to you by others in your life. We are all here together trying to survive as best as we can through life. Lean on others during your dark days and in turn, offer your shoulder or ears or arms to someone going through their dark days. The loving and healing power of hugs is a true blessing during hard times.
After living a life of fear and worry, how awesome would it be if I could shed those fears and worries and go live by the ocean after my youngest daughter graduates from high school?! As of now, I am thinking positively. My 5 year plan is to have my toes in the sand. I have read many accounts of people who start living their dreams after the age of 50, it inspires and motivates me. It is never too late to start living your dreams.
Surviving and Starting to Dream Again,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Today's Moment is a Life’s Little LaughablesTM:
The other day I was walking out of a doctor's appointment with my youngest daughter (who is now 11). She has had a pretty rough two years with the divorce (the first year of me and her dad living separately was the hardest, this last year she has started to come around again and it makes my heart smile). As we were walking out of a good check up with her Pulmonologist, her and I were in a light-hearted mood. As described above, we were just coming out of a rough two weeks and at the doctor appointment I found out my favorite doctor was leaving the practice. I said to my daughter: " We have had a few tough hits these last two weeks, it is time for some good wins to come our way!" To which she immediately responded: "There are good winds in the mountains."
Even though she thought I said 'winds', I truly enjoyed a light-hearted laugh with this kiddo. Definitely heals a momma's heart seeing a daughter in a better place. 💖
This statement immediately made me laugh as I realized just how deeply true it is, not only in referring to my dietary preferences, but also in referring to who I am (and have been my entire life).
Being All Things Chicken
For my entire life, I have been a very accomplished worrier. I developed panic attacks and anxiety when I was 20, but even as a young girl in elementary school, I remember not being able to sleep over a friend's house because I was too afraid to be away from home. I am sure that there are many things that made me this way - from a genetic predisposition from both my maternal and paternal sides of the family - to the fact that my alcoholic father passed away when I was 4 years old and the chaotic life that is my mom. The purpose of this blog entry wasn't intended to dive into the many possible reasons as to how I became who I am (although I welcome all philosophical discussion as to what makes us who we are as adults), it was inspired by that spontaneous comment about dinner that just so happens to also describe me.
I am coming off of a pretty rough month due to my mom being hospitalized for a week with a bad leg infection and at the same time I also came down with a cold. And because when it rains it pours, my asthma-prone daughter then developed a fever that lasted 5 days and was pretty rough. I was exhausted and worried and stressed. And then (not surprisingly) I had an emotional outburst with my boss (and no - I wasn't sobbing, I was defending what a stellar employee I am 😏 during a conversation about seminar travel, of all things), which did not go over well whatsoever. (He was not to be disrespected like that, as he let me know the following week.) Blah, Blah, Blah, I digress.
The Dark Days of Divorce
I always thought that I was a pretty intelligent person, a quick learner per se ... however, my emotions were very slow to the table with adapting to life after divorce. (I know that I am not the quickest to adapt to change, but usually I bounce back a lot faster than a year!) I think it's the perfectionist in me. I hate that I am not the perfect mom for my girls. I hate that my failed marriage can negatively affect their current lives as well as their adult lives. I hate that I continue to worry about this and feel sad about this. I know that no one is perfect and that we all do the best we can in life. No matter who you are in this world, you are human and as such you are not perfect. You will have happy days and sad days, healthy days and sick days, days full of love and days full of sorrow. I realize that I am not saying anything that is an eye-opening breakthrough, but I am finding it cathartic to write it. I tend to get stuck in my head with my thoughts/worries and talking with someone, or writing, helps me push through the thoughts rather than letting them circle in my mind.
When you get divorced, they tell you that the current statistic for failed marriages is 50%. One out of two marriages end in divorce and that percentage is even higher for subsequent marriages. Depressing statistics. And it seems to me like the majority of that remaining 50% are not happy and shouldn't be married. Why is it that so many of us fail at the institution of marriage? How do we lose our way? Do we all have too high of expectations of our significant other or of marriage itself? Do we get lost in the busy day-to-day of raising children and working? Everyone enters into marriage with the hope and love for happily ever after, 'til death do us part; so why do so many fail? Why are so many miserable? When I see truly well-matched and successful marriages, I want to delve into why and how it worked for them. It does seem that there is always one partner in those happy-appearing marriages that are very calm and patient or at the very least are able to indulge the other.
To anyone else going through a divorce right now, or who are in the first year or two after a divorce, my advice is to be patient with your life process. Some days all you can do is survive - and that is an accomplishment. Time does heal wounds; the passing of time helps mental as well as physical wounds. Hang in there. Envision the Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Besides time helping you heal, there are some awesome people that shine during your dark days. A little shout out to just a few of the beautiful souls in my life during this difficult transition: My Tina-girl who is always so positive, supportive, and calm about life and has such good, sane advice. Trace - for your almost daily support getting me through the lows and the worry and the panic. Little Red - for being on an amazingly similar journey at the moment; I enjoy riding the roller coaster with you. And to CC, who I am not sure how I would have survived the last year without your calm, loving support and sense of humor.
My advice to anyone currently in a dark place: reach out to those lifelines that are offered to you by others in your life. We are all here together trying to survive as best as we can through life. Lean on others during your dark days and in turn, offer your shoulder or ears or arms to someone going through their dark days. The loving and healing power of hugs is a true blessing during hard times.
After living a life of fear and worry, how awesome would it be if I could shed those fears and worries and go live by the ocean after my youngest daughter graduates from high school?! As of now, I am thinking positively. My 5 year plan is to have my toes in the sand. I have read many accounts of people who start living their dreams after the age of 50, it inspires and motivates me. It is never too late to start living your dreams.
Surviving and Starting to Dream Again,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Today's Moment is a Life’s Little LaughablesTM:
The other day I was walking out of a doctor's appointment with my youngest daughter (who is now 11). She has had a pretty rough two years with the divorce (the first year of me and her dad living separately was the hardest, this last year she has started to come around again and it makes my heart smile). As we were walking out of a good check up with her Pulmonologist, her and I were in a light-hearted mood. As described above, we were just coming out of a rough two weeks and at the doctor appointment I found out my favorite doctor was leaving the practice. I said to my daughter: " We have had a few tough hits these last two weeks, it is time for some good wins to come our way!" To which she immediately responded: "There are good winds in the mountains."
Even though she thought I said 'winds', I truly enjoyed a light-hearted laugh with this kiddo. Definitely heals a momma's heart seeing a daughter in a better place. 💖
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
A Few Of My Favorite Fall Things
Today was an unbelievably beautiful Fall day - and I almost missed it. As is my typical mode, I was harried and stressed. Work was busy; my to do list after work was busy. However, luckily for me, I acted on a pure whim (in between getting dinner in the oven and picking up kids) and decided to rake the latest accumulation of leaves in the front yard.
This spontaneous decision turned my day around and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the beauty and splendor of the season. Today was an unusual gem in that it was 75 degrees in Ohio on November 1st! After spending the day stressed out in the office, it was like Heaven being outside, in the warm weather and sunshine, basking in the beauty of nature in Fall. My head cleared of all the stress that was running wild through it and I was able to breathe and enjoy my surroundings!
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| The Natural Beauty of the Season! |
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| Getting started |
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| A Creative Soul's Leaf Angel attempt |
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| Not quite the same effect as a Snow Angel, but the beauty was in the journey! |
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| C'est fini! Another beautiful moment enjoyed to the fullest! |
I have always loved raking leaves. I love the Fall weather. I love the Fall scenery. I love the well-defined sense of accomplishment. Love, Love, Love Fall!
Here are a few more Fall favorites:
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| Woolly Bear! Love these guys! |
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| Sweets from my Sweet on Sweetest Day! |
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| The Creative Soul's little creation |
And last but not least, let's not forget Daylight Savings Time. I LOVE the "Fall-Back" of the clocks! I love the extra hour of sleep! I am NOT a morning person, so this time change is a blessing compared to the "Spring-Forward" time change in Spring.
Loving Every Moment of Fall,
Me
Motivational Moment:
This Moment is one of my Life’s Little LaughablesTM. Every Halloween, we enjoy carving pumpkins from the many varied carving kits/stencils you can buy. It requires no talent, the kids can do it, and the results are always great.
We had the pumpkins lit up on the front porch for Trick-or-Treat night. A dad, who was new to the neighborhood, walked up to the porch with his daughter and was amazed at the pumpkin carvings. He said: "I LOVE your pumpkins!!" To which he then immediately said: "Oh, that sounded wrong." He made me laugh. Then he walks up to two of the pumpkins on one side of the porch and asks: "Can I take a picture of both of them?" ... "Well THAT sounded wrong too! I just need to stop talking!". Dude had me cracking up as he walked away.
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| This year's creations |
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| The joy of tallying the loot |
May you enjoy the beauty each season brings.
Peace, Love, and Hugs,
SG
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Yin and Yang
The last week of my life has been tough, to say the least. The first two days of the week contained two unexpected, tragic deaths, as well as a divorce. In addition to this, a girlfriend of mine had a tragedy in her life by losing a nephew to the current heroin epidemic. Another girlfriend is dealing with a new breast cancer diagnosis while going through a divorce.
We have so many difficult things to get through as life progresses. I would have loved to spend the week doing nothing other than holding my loved ones in my arms. But of course, that's not reality. Reality is going to work every day while life continues to happen around us. And as Murphy's Law so likes to dictate, it happened to be an extremely stressful week at work as well.
Luckily, there is a yin and yang to life. And despite all of the extremely difficult happenings of the week, thankfully there were many wonderful things as well. This week showed me the value of friendship, as I received much support from my friends. I was also surprised with flowers at work from a friend after I had a difficult day. I had the pleasure of getting my girls ready for their first high school dance. I was honored to have a friend share something with me that he has never been able to share with anyone in his life. He told me he felt freed by telling me and was very grateful. I was glad I could give him the gift of acceptance and non-judgement. I gave a hug to an overwhelmed co-worker, which she greatly appreciated (but I have always felt that a hug is a gift to both parties and she has been there much for me in the past). This week also brought my sister home for a week, before she is off for a second year as a world traveler and volunteer.
In summary, life can be devastatingly heartbreaking as well as breathtakingly beautiful ... all at the same time. And all we can do is survive it and live our best each day. Some days will bring more hardships and some days will bring more joys. Hang on for the ride, My Loves, for those good moments/days make your heart sing.
Yinning and Yanging,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Life can be hard and tragic at times, but it is during those times that you have friends and family to lean on. And then, during their rough times, you can offer your support. I urge you to reach out to your friends and/or family when you are experiencing lows in life. And above all, hang in there, for tomorrow may bring your day of unexpected, yet beautiful joy.
(On a light-hearted side note, when I was looking up the definition of 'yin and yang', I was surprised to see this on dictionary.com: yin: "negative, dark, and feminine"; yang: "positive, bright, and masculine". Wait ... what?! Why is feminine equated with negative and dark whereas masculine is equated with positive and bright??? I don't know about you, but most of the cheerleaders of life that I know of are females.)
Love and Hugs,
SG
We have so many difficult things to get through as life progresses. I would have loved to spend the week doing nothing other than holding my loved ones in my arms. But of course, that's not reality. Reality is going to work every day while life continues to happen around us. And as Murphy's Law so likes to dictate, it happened to be an extremely stressful week at work as well.
Luckily, there is a yin and yang to life. And despite all of the extremely difficult happenings of the week, thankfully there were many wonderful things as well. This week showed me the value of friendship, as I received much support from my friends. I was also surprised with flowers at work from a friend after I had a difficult day. I had the pleasure of getting my girls ready for their first high school dance. I was honored to have a friend share something with me that he has never been able to share with anyone in his life. He told me he felt freed by telling me and was very grateful. I was glad I could give him the gift of acceptance and non-judgement. I gave a hug to an overwhelmed co-worker, which she greatly appreciated (but I have always felt that a hug is a gift to both parties and she has been there much for me in the past). This week also brought my sister home for a week, before she is off for a second year as a world traveler and volunteer.
In summary, life can be devastatingly heartbreaking as well as breathtakingly beautiful ... all at the same time. And all we can do is survive it and live our best each day. Some days will bring more hardships and some days will bring more joys. Hang on for the ride, My Loves, for those good moments/days make your heart sing.
Yinning and Yanging,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Life can be hard and tragic at times, but it is during those times that you have friends and family to lean on. And then, during their rough times, you can offer your support. I urge you to reach out to your friends and/or family when you are experiencing lows in life. And above all, hang in there, for tomorrow may bring your day of unexpected, yet beautiful joy.
(On a light-hearted side note, when I was looking up the definition of 'yin and yang', I was surprised to see this on dictionary.com: yin: "negative, dark, and feminine"; yang: "positive, bright, and masculine". Wait ... what?! Why is feminine equated with negative and dark whereas masculine is equated with positive and bright??? I don't know about you, but most of the cheerleaders of life that I know of are females.)
Love and Hugs,
SG
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Friends and Chicken Soup
A Thank You to my beautiful friend Karen and her big heart. This kind soul found out I was sick and a day later she brings me this delicious, homemade, chicken soup. The little darling even bought me gluten free noodles to go with it.
Thank you my friend for your friendship, your thoughtfulness, and your healing chicken soup!
Enjoying Every Last Drop,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Karen recently talked me into going to her yoga class. I have, thus far, not had good experiences trying out yoga - let's just say I am NOT the least bit limber nor can I ever breathe how they tell me to breathe throughout the class.
I am happy to say, the instructor, Ken, is an amazing man who exudes peace and relaxation, and teaches a very stress-free yoga class (although I am not crazy about the downward dog). (I will also note here as an aside, that Ken is ridiculously limber, as in he-should-be-a-contortionist he is so freakishly limber!)
During one of these classes, Ken played a beautiful, soulful version of the song Time After Time (I know the song as it was sung by Cyndi Lauper). I had to find out the singer because I had to have this version of the song! He said the singer was Eva Cassidy. Karen then told me that Eva tragically passed away in her early 30s from cancer (melanoma).
The motivational part of this Motivational Moment is two-fold:
1. May you have good friends that not only enrich your life, but introduce you to other beautiful souls who also touch your life;
2. I encourage you to look up some songs of Eva Cassidy; even though her life was cut short by cancer, she continues to touch many with her beautiful voice.
Peace, Love, and Hugs my friends!
SG
Thank you my friend for your friendship, your thoughtfulness, and your healing chicken soup!
Enjoying Every Last Drop,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Karen recently talked me into going to her yoga class. I have, thus far, not had good experiences trying out yoga - let's just say I am NOT the least bit limber nor can I ever breathe how they tell me to breathe throughout the class.
I am happy to say, the instructor, Ken, is an amazing man who exudes peace and relaxation, and teaches a very stress-free yoga class (although I am not crazy about the downward dog). (I will also note here as an aside, that Ken is ridiculously limber, as in he-should-be-a-contortionist he is so freakishly limber!)
During one of these classes, Ken played a beautiful, soulful version of the song Time After Time (I know the song as it was sung by Cyndi Lauper). I had to find out the singer because I had to have this version of the song! He said the singer was Eva Cassidy. Karen then told me that Eva tragically passed away in her early 30s from cancer (melanoma).
The motivational part of this Motivational Moment is two-fold:
1. May you have good friends that not only enrich your life, but introduce you to other beautiful souls who also touch your life;
2. I encourage you to look up some songs of Eva Cassidy; even though her life was cut short by cancer, she continues to touch many with her beautiful voice.
Peace, Love, and Hugs my friends!
SG
Sunday, May 15, 2016
The Beauty of Connecting
This blog is a sequel to my Joys of Being Highly Sensitive blog. I think another benefit - a quite enormous benefit - of being Highly Sensitive, is experiencing so much enjoyment out of mere human connections.
The past few weeks have brought several varied occasions to my life and all touched me due to my sensitive nature - for which I feel blessed. Here are a few quick snapshots of these occasions:
- A good friend moved out of state. I will greatly miss spending time with this very calm friend of mine, but I cherish that our paths crossed at work those many years ago. Her going away get together was an evening filled with much laughter and love with a few close girlfriends, which was truly wonderful.
- End of the school year choir and orchestra concerts for my daughters. The proud joy of seeing them grow up into beautiful, intelligent teenagers. Chatting with a few families of their classmates, who we have known for nine years now, and enjoying the friendly camaraderie. Getting an unexpected hug from an acquaintance who knows I've been going through a tough year; the unexpectedness of this thoughtfulness is very appreciated.
- Connecting with a co-worker and then having him share some devastating health news. I was honored that he reached out and so glad that he and I got to know each other on a personal level.
- Having friends who offer support, laughter, kindness, hugs. Making new connections that bring so much love and light into my world.
- Hugs! Being Highly Sensitive, I cannot express enough the re-assuring and life-affirming benefits of hugs. They offer peace to the soul. They give to both parties at the same time. There is so much stress and sadness and tragedy in life. Lean on your fellow beings; we are all sharing the same time on earth for our life's journeys; we all go through stress and hardship. Laughter and love, smiles and hugs, these are what help everyone get through life.
I often get my feelings hurt being Highly Sensitive; I often feel slighted. But Oh Baby - the joy and peace and happiness and exhilaration I get from connecting with others. It is beautiful and I would not trade it for anything in the world.
I originally titled this blog "The Beauty of Human Connections" but then a girlfriend of mine reached out to me this morning telling me her beloved dog had passed away during the night. She made me realize that pets also offer us humans much comfort in our lives. She said it best, "There is nothing in this world that can give you the unconditional love that you get from your dog." What an impactful statement. Dogs are always so thrilled to see their owners when they get home. Always. Day after day, year after year, dogs are always happy to see you - no human relation gives you that. So while my original intent was human connections, I absolutely honor those who have had their lives greatly improved by the relationship with their beloved pets.
Today, I wish you beautiful connections that soothe your soul - whether that be laughing with friends, hugging your loved ones, or chilling with your pets.
After all, we are all human, and as such, we thrive on love.
Sending you all love,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Today's moment is dedicated to my mom, who is such a wonderful grandma to my three daughters. My lovely momma bought my three daughters these orchids for their end of school year concerts. I adore, cherish, and love you momma!
Enjoy beauty and love today, my friends, for we are not promised tomorrow.
Peace, Hugs, and Love,
SG
The past few weeks have brought several varied occasions to my life and all touched me due to my sensitive nature - for which I feel blessed. Here are a few quick snapshots of these occasions:
- A good friend moved out of state. I will greatly miss spending time with this very calm friend of mine, but I cherish that our paths crossed at work those many years ago. Her going away get together was an evening filled with much laughter and love with a few close girlfriends, which was truly wonderful.
- End of the school year choir and orchestra concerts for my daughters. The proud joy of seeing them grow up into beautiful, intelligent teenagers. Chatting with a few families of their classmates, who we have known for nine years now, and enjoying the friendly camaraderie. Getting an unexpected hug from an acquaintance who knows I've been going through a tough year; the unexpectedness of this thoughtfulness is very appreciated.
- Connecting with a co-worker and then having him share some devastating health news. I was honored that he reached out and so glad that he and I got to know each other on a personal level.
- Having friends who offer support, laughter, kindness, hugs. Making new connections that bring so much love and light into my world.
- Hugs! Being Highly Sensitive, I cannot express enough the re-assuring and life-affirming benefits of hugs. They offer peace to the soul. They give to both parties at the same time. There is so much stress and sadness and tragedy in life. Lean on your fellow beings; we are all sharing the same time on earth for our life's journeys; we all go through stress and hardship. Laughter and love, smiles and hugs, these are what help everyone get through life.
I often get my feelings hurt being Highly Sensitive; I often feel slighted. But Oh Baby - the joy and peace and happiness and exhilaration I get from connecting with others. It is beautiful and I would not trade it for anything in the world.
I originally titled this blog "The Beauty of Human Connections" but then a girlfriend of mine reached out to me this morning telling me her beloved dog had passed away during the night. She made me realize that pets also offer us humans much comfort in our lives. She said it best, "There is nothing in this world that can give you the unconditional love that you get from your dog." What an impactful statement. Dogs are always so thrilled to see their owners when they get home. Always. Day after day, year after year, dogs are always happy to see you - no human relation gives you that. So while my original intent was human connections, I absolutely honor those who have had their lives greatly improved by the relationship with their beloved pets.
Today, I wish you beautiful connections that soothe your soul - whether that be laughing with friends, hugging your loved ones, or chilling with your pets.
After all, we are all human, and as such, we thrive on love.
Sending you all love,
Me
Motivational Moment:
Today's moment is dedicated to my mom, who is such a wonderful grandma to my three daughters. My lovely momma bought my three daughters these orchids for their end of school year concerts. I adore, cherish, and love you momma!
Enjoy beauty and love today, my friends, for we are not promised tomorrow.
Peace, Hugs, and Love,
SG
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